“Walk As Children Of Light”

Posted on Jul 24, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Genesis 1 :1-3 (DARBY)

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

And the earth was waste and empty, and darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light. And there was light.

And God saw the light that it was good; and God divided between the light and the darkness. “

One of the first things the living God did during creation was separate the light from the dark. He saw it to be a good thing that light stood out from the darkness. We wake up to our mornings and at night the sky grows dark yet in this world we can see that spiritual darkness still hovers over the lives of people that do not know Him. This darkness serves to create confusion and lack of direction to those that are lost. Darkness in one’s life can bring great depression and lack of hope to a soul. For such a time as this, we are called to be lights in the midst of darkness. He is watching for those that desire to shine like a light because He has been given the light that never grows dim.

Psalm 112:4 The Voice

“When life is dark, a light will shine for those who live rightly— those
who are merciful, compassionate, and strive for justice.”

It is interesting that even as I am trying to create this devotional, the electric has gone out three times. Total darkness surrounded me and I could not see anything in front of me. This serves to remind me how important even a little light is in the midst of total darkness. Never underestimate how God is using you as a light in someone’s life.

Luke 11:33 (CEB)

“People don’t light a lamp and then put it in a closet or under a basket. Rather, they place the lamp on a lampstand so that those who enter the house can see the light.”

I encourage you today that if you know the Lord Jesus to carry His light that burns within you to those that have no hope. God is looking for a people that will place their lamp before those that need to see in the midst of their darkness. We live in a time of great opportunity to be used by Him…seize the opportunity!

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Posted on Jul 23, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I can remember singing this song as a little girl. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” was written by Helen H. Lemmel in 1922. Such a beautiful hymn with beautiful words to ponder and meditate upon.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace…”

I think these words are particularly powerful … “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim…” It is interesting to think about the fact that as we become more heavenly minded as our gaze is upon Jesus, that the earth has less of a grip on our hearts. May we keep reminding ourselves and each other that we are just passing through and our eyes need to be looking upward.

What does it take to distract us and look away from the Heavenly goal? Much of the time, it is the cares of this world that can shift our attention and it can happen so easily. The Word of God says in Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)”Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

As we look to Him in the light of His glory and grace, the things that once seemed to matter, do not seem to hold the weight they once did. You rest in the knowing that God’s love lifts you up and the things of this earth are not as clear as your Heavenly vision. You just know that you serve such a big God and He is well able to cause everything to work for the good and His purposes. This most surely is the peace that passes all understanding!

I encourage you today to look into His face, look into His Word, listen to Him when He speaks to you. As we place our eyes in His direction, He will cause us to see things from a heavenly perspective.

“But God Sees the Heart”

Posted on Jul 22, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

1 Samuel 16:7(ERV)
“… God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the
outside, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7 (VOICE)
“… for the Eternal One does not pay attention to what humans value.
Humans only care about the external appearance, but the Eternal considers
the inner character.”

Today I want you to consider seeing yourself and others as God sees. Many times we can be guilty of judging a person or situation by the outward appearance. We stop at that and this is so very wrong. The old saying, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” is so very true. Many times we do not give people a chance simply because we are not looking closely and deeply into their heart.

I believe as we pray diligently and ask God for His wisdom into every matter He will begin to open our eyes and impart His sight to us. I find it so sad that many times we fall short of being merciful and forgiving because we are just being wise in our own eyes in our judgments of people and situations. Let us be cautious in this matter as we encounter people. Let us seek to see as God sees.

I pray today that you will look to Him and let His eyesight become yours. I believe as we do this we will begin to see ourselves grow in God’s mercy and His forgiveness like never before.

~~~~~♥~~~~~

“Put Your Life In His Hands”

Posted on Jul 21, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

As the Word of God tells us… “To everything there is a season.” Some seasons are longer than others. Some come with laughter, growth and your heart is sure that you are in the right place. Yet there are some seasons in life that bring pain and even fear if we feel uncertainty about what is going on in our todays and tomorrows. We must see our future in faith and not allow our hearts to be robbed of the joy of today because we worry about our tomorrows.

I can remember a particular time in my life when as a mother my heart was being tempted to fear and worry.The day came when our youngest son came to us and shared that he felt it to be the will of God that he serve his country. I wanted to support his decision, after all he was an adult and he was feeling a change of direction in his life. As time passed and it drew closer to him leaving for boot camp, my husband and I both experienced a peace and I thank God for that. I must admit though I still would be tempted to worry.

Whenever we ever encounter things for the first time it can be very challenging to our minds yet we must remind ourselves that it is God that knows our future and He desires that we put all our trust in Him. I knew in a matter of weeks our son would be done boot camp and from there he would be deployed to Iraq. There would be times I would battle with lack of focus because of the worry that was trying to grip my heart.

One day when I was somewhat preoccupied, I decided to go to the mall and pick up a few things. On my way into one store I passed some wall hangings and there were all of these pictures with encouraging words. One of them seemed to jump right off the shelf and catch my eye.

“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”

These words spoke volumes to my heart and I just had to have it. I brought it home and hung it and read it often. I cannot tell you how many days I would read that and it would remind me to concern myself only with the day I was living in. I was reminded not to wonder what was in my tomorrow but to let it in the hands of God. I am still amazed how quickly his time serving his country went.

To this day that sign hangs in our home and it continues to minister to my heart. I can testify that God’s hand was on our son everyday that he has been gone whether he was on American soil, Iraq or Afghanistan. Living by faith is truly entrusting ourselves to Him and entrusting our future to Him. Don’t worry about tomorrow but place tomorrow into His hands. I encourage you today that if your heart is fretting about your future…just stop…and give it to Jesus. God bless you as you serve Him today and know that He has all of your tomorrows in His hands.

“The Power of Forgiveness”

Posted on Jul 20, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I don’t know about you but I thank God that He is a God of second chances. The giving of forgiveness is that second chance. It is a wonderful blessing to receive God’s forgiveness when we mess up but it is also vital that our hearts offer forgiveness to those that have hurt or offended us. When someone offends us, we can let it go or hold on to it.It is only by the power of God’s love at work within us that we can give someone a second chance by releasing them of the offense they have caused us.

One day the subject of forgiveness came up between the Lord and His disciples and Peter popped a question. I guess in Peter’s mind maybe he was willing to give even more than a second chance but a seventh chance. I am sure Peter was taken back by the Jesus’ answer to his question.

Matthew 18:21-22
The Voice
Peter:” Lord, when someone has sinned against me, how many times ought I
forgive him? Once? Twice? As many as seven times?”
Jesus: “You must forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven.”

Many times we are just like Peter. We want to feel as if we are so full of love, but you see our love has limitations. We all have our limits. God’s love has NO limitations. Today I encourage you to draw upon the love of the God in the midst of your day. Know that if you are that God desires you to draw upon His heart that you can freely forgive as many times as you have to. Continue to draw on and grow in God’s love that you may be able to freely give that which He has given you.

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and
within the reach of every hand.”
Mother Teresa

~~~~~♥~~~~~

“The Umpire Of Your Heart”

Posted on Jul 19, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I would venture to say that maybe you have already had a good breakfast to get your day started, and it is because you know how important it is. There are certain things you purpose to eat and do to keep and maintain a healthy body. I see such a pursuit among people to stay healthy, look younger, be stress free, etc… Goals toward good health are important to have because it causes you to discipline yourself and the end result is rewarding.

I bet if I asked a handful of people if they would love to have peace ruling in their heart and mind that they would absolutely exclaim, “Yes!” I love when I feel like my heart is full of His peace no matter what is going on about me. I have yet to meet anyone that says they would do any thing to keep turmoil, stress, and anxiety in their minds and bodies. God did not design us to live in worry, stress, and fears, therefore it is not good for us to allow these things to dwell within us. Doctors will tell you the harmful physical effects that fear and worry has on our body and emotional well being. I want to share a great scripture with you today.

Colossians 3:15-Amplified version

“And let the peace soul harmony which comes from Christ

rule act as umpire continually in your hearts deciding

and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds,

in that peaceful state to which as members of Christ’s

one body you were also called to live…”

In this scripture Paul spoke of Christ’s peace being like an umpire or referee in our hearts. His peace will settle all unrest and arguments that go on in your mind. Our hearts and minds are the center of all conflict because this is where our feelings and desires clash, our hopes and fears meet , jealousy battles with love, etc… Ask Him to help you listen to the umpire of your heart. He will instruct you in a way that peace will rule and reign no matter what. It is God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus indeed gives us peace that the world cannot give. Blessings to you this day!

“The Most Valuable Choice”

Posted on Jul 18, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Everyday we have choices before us. It would be interesting to take note of all the choices that we make everyday. What shall I eat?…what shall I wear?…what words should I speak or not speak?…who should I associate with?…etc… In life there are so many choices that must be made. Sometimes you may make a wrong choice that may bring inconvenience into your day. It may not matter if you choose one route over another to travel to work but today the route you chose was full of construction, and it made you late. These types type choices may disrupt your day but these days will happen. But then there are choices in this life that are “heart” choices. These choices God desires to be a total part of. He desires that His hand of blessing to be at work in our life that our lives are rich and full. The Word that I share from Proverbs is admonishing us to choose God’s instruction and disciplines over whatever you deem as valuable.

Proverbs 8:10-11
Expanded Bible (EXB)

“Choose [Take] my ·teachings [instructions; discipline] instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than ·the finest [choice] gold.
Wisdom is more precious than ·rubies [or pearls].
Nothing ·you could want is equal to [is more delightful than] it.”

In this scripture God is showing us that even the jewels that we could ever possess and are incredibly expensive do not measure in value to His instruction, His wisdom and knowledge. Think about it…NOTHING we could ever desire no matter how wonderful can compare to the worth of His great riches !! Let us ponder this scripture and allow our hearts to be challenged. May we know that we value His Word above anything this world has to offer.

~~~~~~♥~~~~~

“Working Heartily As Unto the Lord”

Posted on Jul 17, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I absolutely hate if I am trying to do something and I just know that my heart is not in it. When you are trying to do your job or do something and your heart is not connected it simply feels like you are going through the motions. I also hate when I know I have to do something and my attitude is not correct. God desires to work in our everyday things that we have to do. He certainly can see the maintenance adjustments that are much needed on our heart, mind and soul. He sees our struggles and He knows well what you dread relative to your job or other responsibilities.

I believe 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 the Lord. We need to work as if we are doing it for Him. As I think about this 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 and our jobs. No matter what it is that is your responsibility just simply do the best you can and do it as if you are doing it for Him. As you pursue to make this a habit of your heart, I guarantee you that He will prosper all that you put your hand to.

~~~~~♥~~~~~

The Power Of An Encouraging Word”

Posted on Jul 16, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Like two little cheerleaders my granddaughters were shouting out words of encouragement to me. It was the most precious thing ever. While they were water coloring at Great Grandma’s in her kitchen they were taking notice to my struggle as I was trying to figure out my mother in law’s new phone. The oldest Granddaughter would shout an encouraging word to me and the youngest one would repeat and echo what her big sister was saying. I was getting a double dose of encouragement that I really needed for the moment.

Frustration was indeed finding a place in my head as I felt I was following the directions carefully to change a particular setting in the phone but it was not working. It was interesting that even though the girls seemed engrossed in their painting, they found it important to do some shout outs to Grandma. These were the words I was hearing coming from the both of them…

“It’s okay, Grandma!”
“Yes Grandma, it’s okay!”
“Keep trying!”
“Keep trying Grandma!!”
“Don’t get frustrated Grandma!”
“Frustrated is not good.”

You see the day before I was teaching my oldest Granddaughter to do something and frustration was all over her. I would make her look me straight in the eye and listen to my words, “Do not say you can’t do this, because I KNOW you can!!” As she saw her self master what she thought she could not do, her face and countenance changed and she shined like a star! My point here is that those spoken words of encouragement stuck in her mind. She remembered how those words urged her on and now it was her turn to encourage me. It was so sweet and those spoken words helped me press in and realize that my frustration that I excepted was the very thing hindering me and I was simply missing one part of the directions. Finally I got the phone working.

The Word of God says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) Today I want to encourage you to think about the power of encouraging words to those around you. Encouraging words are capable of inspiring someone to do something they think may be impossible, and I think that is awesome!! Do you remember a time when someone told you that you could do something you thought was impossible? …and then you did the impossible!! Bring that encouraging word to someone you know may be struggling with lack of confidence or a hopeless heart. God will surely bless you when you see hope spark in their eyes!

“Cast ALL Your Care On Him”

Posted on Jul 14, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Sometimes it can be tempting to carry the “little” burdens on our own. I think the more we get into the habit of taking it all to the Lord the better off we will be. The more we take it ALL the more we will grow in seeking to do everything by His strength and wisdom. It is those little things, those little cares that we carry that will soon having us trying to figure things out in our own ability. Worry will become the habit of our minds and Jesus told us not to be concerned about the cares of this world and what tomorrow will bring.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”

Corrie Ten Boom

Philippians 4:6-7 (ERV)

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.”

When I read this scripture and I ponder what Corrie ten Boom said it reminds me of how tenderly the Lord desires to watch over me. It causes me to think more about how He knows what I need before I am even aware of the need. I think the deeper we understand this love the more we will run to Him with everything no matter how small it may be in our eyes. God is so good.

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!