“When You Don’t Know…”

Posted on Oct 14, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Recently my sister and niece and I went to an Apple Harvest Festival. The crowd was so overwhelming, and we were trying to find one of our favorite places to eat. We ask for help at the information booth, yet the directions we got really did not help us out at all. We had a map of the whole place, but we just had the worst time finding what we were looking for. The map was hard to figure out, and we just gave up at one point and ate at a different place. Things such as this can really be frustrating. When I used to shoot weddings I depended greatly on my GPS to guide me where I was going. A few times it would tell me to make turns onto one way streets, and I would have been going the wrong way! These are the times where all you want is someone or something to get you where you want to be!

I am so thankful that God’s direction in our lives need not be vague but rather clear and decisive. When we come to “forks” in the road, we need to simply be ever conscious that He desires to point us in the exact direction that we are to go. He does not want to see any time wasted in our lives so He promises to stay with us, leading and guiding us to our destinations.

Isaiah 30:21 (Douay-Rheims American translation)

“And thy ears shall hear the word of one admonishing thee behind thy back:

This is the way, walk ye in it: and go not aside neither to the right hand, nor to the left.”

I was drawn to this translation over all the others simply because it used the word *admonishing*. He understands how our human nature can be at times when we make decisions based on the “easy way” rather than His way. Today I encourage you to listen for that quiet voice that desires to be your Compass in life! In those times that you to not know what to do or where to turn…know this…. God will always get you the right answers and direction that you need. Praise God for that!

“It’s Just That Simple!”

Posted on Oct 13, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

There is so much power in simplicity. I believe this truth can be applied to every area of our life, especially prayer. Many times we can seem to think that because our problem is so complicated that the problem must be prayed with complicated wording and thoughts. Let us consider the prayer of a child. They speak with honesty and simplicity, and usually the prayers are quite short. They just have this sweet childlike faith that should challenge our hearts God sees our heart and that is the most important thing of all. He desires that we keep our hearts clean, and humble before Him in order that we may serve Him without inward distractions. He also loves when our hearts and faith are like that of a a child.

I would like to share a precious prayer that I found in a book of prayers that I have. I want you to take note of how simple yet profound it really is.

“Help me to live this day quietly and easily,

To lean upon Thy great strength trustfully and restfully,

To wait for the unfolding of thy will patiently and serenely,

To meet others peacefully, and joyfully,

And to face tomorrow confidently and courageously.”

Anonymous

The beginning of the prayer asking God for help to live the day quietly and easily. I love this. I do not see this as a request for the easy way but rather that one’s heart would remain quiet in the midst of any confusion or difficulties that may be encountered. How beautiful it is to wait patiently as His hand directs His will in our life and on that path we can seek to be at peace and maintain joy as we live and work with those around us. How powerful this simple prayer is yet it will help us see our tomorrow with confidence and courage rather than dread and fear. Remember to simply pray and pray simply. It’s just that simple! God bless you!

“Anything”

Posted on Oct 12, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Philippians 4:6 exhorts us to not be anxious or worried about anything. Today I want to put emphasis on the word ~anything~. I have been sitting here during my prayer time reading this scripture, and this is the word that stands out to me in the scripture. Think about it, Paul is exhorting us to think about ~anything~ within us or around us that may be causing us anxiety or worry. Is there ~anything~ troubling your heart today? The word ~anything~ encompasses the big and the small, and I I am sure Paul understood that the smallest of cares are significant enough to hinder our walk in the Lord.

As I have been meditating on this, it makes me realize the importance of having my mind totally clear and free of any anxious thoughts or worries, for it is then that I can totally think upon my Lord, and experience the peace that only He can bring. The Word tells us that it is the little foxes that spoil the vines, and so it is true. Paul goes on to say in Philippians to make our requests known or in other words, ask God for ~anything~ and everything you need.

Today, I encourage your heart to think about this, what do you need from God? If you do not know what you need, ask Him to show you. Many times we are sensing within our hearts and in our minds that something is wrong or we feel that we are spiritually void of something. It is frustrating when we are having a hard time putting our finger on what the problem is. Know this…God is well able to show you exactly what you need. Many times the small things that hinder us may also be cares that we are not even aware that we are carrying. The Word exhorts us to cast all our care upon Him for He cares for us. Many times there are things in life that we may have absolutely no control over, and we simply need to take that care and give it to Him as we pray. It is as we do all these things that we will experience the wonderful peace of our Lord that surpasses our understanding.

Philippians 4:7
And God’s peace, which ·is so great we cannot understand it transcends/surpasses all comprehension, will ·keep guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

“Great Blessings Belong To the Merciful”

Posted on Oct 11, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

“Yesterday is gone,

Tomorrow has not yet come.

We have only today.

Let us begin.”

Mother Theresa

I love how each day of our life is as a fresh canvas. Our words, decisions, actions, etc…are what speak of our lives each day. As we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, we can awake each morning knowing that it is indeed a new day. On this new day we can start with fresh vision, and with His help and guidance we can release our faith that it is going to be a good day! The beautiful quote by Mother Theresa is simple yet profound. What happened yesterday is done. Think about your yesterday…was it good? or was it a bad one? Maybe it was just another day. No matter what kind of day it was…if it was good, praise God! If it was not, may I encourage your heart that maybe you can learn from what happened in your day. God can take our bad experiences, and turn them into stepping stones that enhance our wisdom and understanding. No matter what, let us be grateful for His tender mercies that He brings to us each day. So we are blessed to wake up to this new day…let us begin!!!

I am so thankful for God’s mercy toward me. It reminds me to be mindful about how I need to always be merciful to others as well. It is so easy at times to fall short of patience and mercy with those around us especially those we are closest to. After all, there is always the tempting thought that they love you so much that they will just put up with you no matter what. Let us desire to be reminded to be merciful to everyone around us just as our Lord is so faithfully merciful to us.

Matthew 5:7 (ERV)

“Great blessings belong to those who show mercy to others.

Mercy will be given to them.”

When those around us fall short of what we expect, let’s remind ourselves to show mercy to them. Maybe they are dealing with stress that you are not aware of, and it is causing them to behave in a wrong way. It is in those times that wrong words are spoken and wrong actions may be exhibited that I am reminded of the one verse in 1 Corinthians 13 that says “Love believes the best…” Today, I encourage you to ponder the fruit of a heart that is merciful. Be merciful for great blessings belong to those that show mercy.

“When I Am Weak…”

Posted on Oct 10, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

2 Corinthians 12:8-10Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

“I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong.”

In the scriptures (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) Paul spoke of calling out to God to help him. Paul had enough of dealing with problems for he was in his own ability, and weariness was upon him. He begged God that the whole issue would depart from him. God’s response…”My grace which is my favor, my lovingkindness, and my mercy are all that you need. My grace is sufficient against any danger and it enables you to bear this trouble manfully. My strength and power are made perfect and show themselves MOST effective in your weakness.”

Paul’s heart was totally toward God, and he realized his need to just allow God’s strength to arise in his situation. Even though he was weak, the revelation came to him through this experience that in his weakness, God was able to show Himself strong and mighty. One translation of this portion of scripture implies to allow God’s grace to rest as a tent pitched upon us. What an awesome way of looking at dwelling and drawing upon His wonderful grace.

In another translation Paul said, “when I am weak in my own human strength, then I am truly strong, able and powerful in God’s strength.” Paul saw that God’s grace was all that he needed. He saw that it was sufficient. God’s grace is adequate for any purpose and it is always more than enough.

Today we ask you Lord to reveal to us areas in which we still try to live in our own strength. Cause us to see your grace and strength in everything we do no matter how big or small it may be. We praise you for your abundant grace that you have made available for us to draw upon. You are so good to us Lord!

“Do You Ask For His Grace?”

Posted on Oct 9, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Who is it that asks for His grace? I will answer that question right here in the devotional. First, I will share with you again the definition of grace that I shared yesterday.

“Grace: the freely given, unmerited favor of God;
the Spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.”

Here is another definition that blessed me…

“God’s grace is immeasurable,
eternal, overflowing, perfect,
and lavish, yet free. Undeserved,
enlightening, incomprehensible,
glorious, and divine, yet available.
It is abounding and astounding.
God’s grace is amazing!

This is what John Newton said…
“I am not what I ought to be.
I am not what I want to be.
I am not what I hope to be.
But still, I am not what I used to be,
And by the grace of God,
I am what I am.”

These are words from a truly humbled heart before God. So who is it that asks for His grace? It is the man or woman that seeks to have a humble heart, and resist any form of pride whatsoever. It is the heart that truly understands where all strength, ability, and power come from. It is the heart that totally understands where true change comes from.

When I read what John Newton wrote, I see a heart that is longing to be in the “present moment” with a loving God. I encourage you to read this again and ask God to reveal to your heart all that He has done in you, yet there is still so much more that needs accomplished. I encourage you to start your day by asking Him and thanking Him for His grace in your life! Praise Him for who He has made you to be today, and where He has brought you from! Yet always keep in your focus the fact that God still has a great work He desires to do in you and it will only be brought about as you continue to ask for His grace.

“The Leading of the Lord”

Posted on Oct 7, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Isaiah 58:11 (ERV)
“The Lord will always lead you and satisfy your needs in dry lands.
He will give strength to your bones.
You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring that never goes dry.”

When I read this scripture I am reminded that in this world there will be times that we will have needs and in particular we will have need of strength. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we can look to Him with joyful expectation? We serve a living God that understands everything we need, and He knows our need before we even ask. In addition to taking care of our needs, He desires to flow through us as an endless spring to the needy around us. He wants to make you and I a place where His springs of life can flow freely.

Let us be thankful that the water He gives is the only water that will quench the thirst of the human soul. I love how this scripture in Isaiah says that we will be “like a garden that has plenty of water, a spring that never goes dry.” No matter how much we draw upon it, those waters will continue to flow toward us to meet our every need! The only requirement is that we continue to seek Him and draw upon that river of life that proceeds from Him.

God desires to see us active in doing good for others from a heart of faith and love.I encourage you to think about the abundance in your life, and how He would have you be a blessing today. Think about the many times He has rescued you from a problem that seemed unsolvable. Thank Him for those times that your anxiety tormented you and His peace permeated you beyond your understanding. We have so much to be thankful for and as we focus on those blessings, we will be in a position to refresh and bless those around us.

“Peace Is Not…”

Posted on Oct 7, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

“Peace is not the absence

of trouble. Peace is the

presence of God.”

Unknown

How tempting it can be for one to think that if all is going their way that this is what brings peace. One can also think that if you just go to a place where it is quiet, and you leave your problems behind, that this is peace. The truth is that you could run to the quietest place in the world, but if there is turmoil and frustration in your heart and mind, you will take that turmoil with you. Not only does it go with you, but it continues to rage on in your heart. True peace can only be found in the presence of our loving God.

Today I am talking about how easy it is to just enjoy God and fellowship with Him as you go about your day. He desires that we enjoy the joy and peace that His presence brings. If Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us, then we should take Him at His Word. That clearly means He is at our side at all times. He is not just there when we decide for Him to be…He has promised to stick by us and never leave. He is like no other friend that you will ever have. He does not grow tired of you or bored with you, He is the Faithful Friend!

Along with His presence, He has promised us the ultimate peace. Let us look at the following scripture, and I encourage you to read this translation slowly, and let it touch your heart.

John 14:27 (AMP) | In Context | Whole Chapter

“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”

I love how it says, “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves…” It sounds to me like we have some effort to be made on our part doesn’t it? Today I encourage you to discipline your heart and mind to look and purpose yourself to stay aware that Jesus is always in your presence. He is our Faithful Friend!

Psalm 16:11 (CEB)

” You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.”

“Peace Is Not…”

Posted on Oct 7, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

“Peace is not the absence
of trouble. Peace is the
presence of God.”
Unknown

How tempting it can be for one to think that if all is going their way that this is what brings peace. One can also think that if you just go to a place where it is quiet, and you leave your problems behind, that this is peace. The truth is that you could run to the quietest place in the world, but if there is turmoil and frustration in your heart and mind, you will take that turmoil with you. Not only does it go with you, but it continues to rage on in your heart. We only find true peacein the presence of the living God!

Today I am talking about how easy it is to just enjoy God and fellowship with Him as you go about your day. He desires that we enjoy the joy and peace that His presence brings. If Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us, then we should take Him at His Word. That clearly means He is at our side at all times. He is not just there when we decide for Him to be…He has promised to stick by us and never leave. He is like no other friend that you will ever have. He does grow tired of you nor will He grow bored with you, He is the Faithful Friend!

Along with His presence, He has promised us the ultimate peace. Let us look at the following scripture, and I encourage you to read this translation slowly, and let it touch your heart.

John 14:27 (AMP) | In Context | Whole Chapter

Psalm 16:11 (CEB)

” You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.”

“Putting Your Whole Heart In All You Do”

Posted on Oct 6, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

It is wonderful to know when we are doing something, and we are doing it with all of our heart and strength. When we are trying to do our job or a daily task, and our heart is not connected it simply feels like we are going through the motions. May we remind ourselves to put our whole heart in all that we do for He desires to bless the work of our hands as we do His will!

Our Lord knows us inside and out, and know this…He always knows when we are not giving our whole heart in a task. God sees deep within our souls, and He knows what course corrections are needed. May we humble ourselves to Him, and seek to hear His voice in these times. He sees our struggles and He knows well what we dread relative to our job or other responsibilities. The Lord desires that we work wholeheartedly in all that we set our hand to.

Colossians 3:23 (AMP)

” Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul),

as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…”

In this scripture we can see that as we do anything, our focus needs to stay on Him as though we are doing it for Him. As I think about doing all things as for Him I cannot help but to think about how our hearts would definitely be more willing even if the job is not pleasant. Another translations says, in ALL the work you are given, do the best you can. I think that is a great attitude to carry with us as we face each day’s demands no matter how big or small. No matter what it is that is our responsibility, we must simply do the best we can, and do it as if we are doing it for Him. As we pursue to make this a habit of our heart, He will prosper all that we put our hand to.

Devotional Archives

6 Responses to “Devotional”

Lisa Viands says:

November 8, 2013 at 5:05 pm

This is a good way of teaching the kids to forgive each other(Matt. 5:7). I like the power of this gentle scripture and lesson… Thanks!!
- Dona Hake says:
  
  November 8, 2013 at 11:15 pm
  
  thank you Lisa for sharing. I am blessed that this was a blessing to you!
Selena Neely says:

November 18, 2013 at 3:07 pm

Ralph &I are really enjoying your devotional together.
- Dona Hake says:
  
  November 18, 2013 at 3:29 pm
  
  So glad this is blessing you both!
Selena Neely says:

November 19, 2013 at 12:50 pm

Oh, what a wonderful reminder! I want to break the magnifing glass of worry and trust God for each step I take.
Dona Hake says:

November 20, 2013 at 2:41 am

It is interesting Selena how the more we worry the bigger and more magnified things get in our minds. Oh how important it is to trust our God for the smallest of things! Thank you for sharing!