Saturday, March 2, 2019
Devotional for Saturday, March 2, 2019
“Blessing Others As You Desire To Be Blessed”
by Dona Hake
Matthew 7:12 (MSG)
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior:
Ask yourself what you want people to do for you,
then grab the initiative and do it for them.”
I love this translation…in a nutshell it is challenging us to examine our heart and ask ourselves the question, What do we desire that people do to or for us, and then grab the initiative and do it for them. Have you ever been guilty of feeling you were to say or do something for someone and you dismissed it because it would have been an interruption to your plans? Or have you ever been prompted to do or say something encouraging, and you experience lack of courage? Are there times that a potentially hurtful word has been spoken to you, and the Holy Spirit prompts you to just let it go…but you dwell on it instead? This is all about not taking initiative to just do the right thing in a situation for this is what you would desire for someone to do to you.
I have walked away from complete strangers that I encountered in conversation feeling like I was to speak an encouraging word to them but I missed it because I was concerned they may have been offended with my words. We just never know when the Lord is positioning us to speak blessing and encouragement to a person or even a complete stranger that is in real need. After all…if we were in a place of being discouraged, and a timely word of encouragement came, isn’t that what we would desire.
May this remind us to stop and take initiative to just do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing to someone is being a blessing even when we feel they do not deserve it. Sometimes speaking words of encouragement out of obedience is when we struggle with the thought, “Is this just my thoughts or is this You Lord?” Oh that we do not reason and talk ourselves out of doing good things in the Name of our Lord. Our Lord is all about getting into the tiny details of every one of our thoughts and actions.
We just need to stay aware of what our Lord is seeing, for too many times we miss the hurts and needs around us because we are too consumed by our own needs. Let’s make this scripture a prayer over our lives. In everything, in every circumstance, do to others as we would have them do to us. I believe these words spoken by Jesus are those of power and they are meant keep our hearts challenged in the love walk and live by this godly principle.
Friday, March 1, 2019
Devotional for Friday, March 1, 2019
“Filling Your Thoughts With Heaven”
by Dona Hake
“Let heaven fill your thoughts
don’t spend your time
worrying about things down here.”
Colossians 3:2 TLB
What a refreshing yet challenging scripture. “Let heaven fill your thoughts…” Does heaven fill your thoughts today? I think Philippians 4: clearly instructs us how to do this…
Philippians 4:8-9 The Passion Translation 8 “So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God,[b] praising him always. 9 Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things.”
Sometimes it can be very hard to keep our minds full of heavenly thoughts because we are hit hard at times with the trials, sorrows, and challenges of this earth. God desires that we fasten our thoughts on His glorious works. I have found myself praying more relative to this truth, and reminding myself that I must keep myself permeated in His peace NO MATTER WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND ME. I find that all that is going on in the world can make my heart feel heavy at times, and I must purpose to keep my eyes on the One that said, “In this world there will be trials and tribulations.” He also said that He will not forsake us, and day by day He proves to be faithful to those that He loves!
Today I encourage you to keep looking up as you keep an eye on your heart and the thoughts that you permit to remain. Let us make the decision that worry has no place to dwell in our minds. May we be quick to cast down thoughts and imaginations that try to seem bigger than the glorious works of our Lord.Pray diligently, and guard that precious peace that is within you. Keep check on your heart with the help of the Holy Spirit and be diligent to do the things that really matter, and count as a good and profitable for His kingdom.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Devotional for Tuesday, February 26, 2019
“…and This Is What God Is Looking For”
by Dona Hake
“My hand made all these things and
brought them into being, says the Lord.
But here is where I will look: to the humble and contrite in spirit, those who tremble at my word.”
Isaiah 66:2
I do not know about you but I want to know what God is looking for. Just think about it…after all the beauty and wonder of His creation He is still looking? I love this because it is reminding us that God’s eyes are constantly moving about and seeking intently for the one that will ALWAYS put Him and His Word first. He is looking for the man or woman that falls yet looks up to Him with a humble heart and asks for forgiveness. He is diligently watching for that man and woman that desires to put His Word above their own opinions and thoughts.
Lord, help us be mindful of how awesome You are, and how the work of Your hands is beyond what we can comprehend. Oh God, You created the heavens and the earth. You created us, and before we were even born You knew every one of our days. You carefully formed us within our mother’s womb, and You have a wonderful plan for us. As we look at all the beautiful things that You have created, our hearts are in awe of Your amazing works! Help us this day to be that man or woman Your eyes are watching for, help us be ones that possess a humble and contrite heart before you. In Jesus Name, amen!
Monday, February 25, 2019
Devotional for Monday, January 22, 2018
“Those Clever Entanglements..”
by Dona Hake
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud
of witnesses who by faith have testified
to the truth
of God’s absolute faithfulness,
stripping off every
unnecessary weight and
the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us,
let us run with endurance and
active persistence the race that is set before us,”
One time I saw a video of a deer that was tangled up in netting in the woods, and it laid helplessly and unable to move. Two gentlemen saw this poor deer’s dilemma and approached it but the deer began to frantically and fearfully try to escape the trap it was in. The closer they got they spoke softly to it, and the deer soon seemed to understand that they were trying to help. They carefully cut away that which was entangling it and finally the deer went free. It was precious to see it set free from all the entanglements that would of surely caused it harm or death in due time.
This story caused me to think about how we need to be careful and watchful over our souls that there is not a sin that is cleverly trying to put us in a position in which the enemy can entangle us and consume us. Oh thank God for those times when we are in a state of being helpless that the Lord can calm us with His loving hand, and undo all those things that have our hearts and souls tangled and bound up. As we watch over our hearts and minds through prayer and fellowship with our Lord, He will help us to discern those clever attempts that the evil one tries to deceive us with. Let us run with endurance and active persistence that race that is set before us in Jesus Name!
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Devotional for Saturday, February 23, 2019
“The Treasure of Your Heart”
by Dona Hake
Matthew 6:19-20 (AMP)
“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal…”
When we purpose to store the beautiful treasures that are only birthed by Him, we will know and understand that they cannot be taken from us. Material things come and go because they wear out or their worth may fade. Material things are just not enough to satisfy the yearning of man’s heart. The heavenly treasures most assuredly cannot be touched. Right now as I am writing this devotional my heart is thinking about what a treasure it is when we receive light and revelation from His Word. The more we meditate upon it the stronger and richer that truth becomes to us. His Word is such a precious treasure, and we need to guard it with all diligence.
Proverbs 4:23 (Amplified)
Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance
and above all that you guard, for out of it
flow the springs of life.
Today I encourage you to look up! Look up and remind yourself of all the wonderful things that He has touched your heart and life with. These ARE the treasures of our life. These treasures cannot be bought but only received with humble hearts. There are treasures and blessings all around you, and He desires that we embrace them with a heart of thankfulness, and that we would never take any good thing for granted. It is God that is the giver of all good things and today we can praise Him for that!
Friday, February 22, 2019
Devotional for Friday, February 22, 2019
“Do Not Lose Heart”
by Dona Hake
Galatians 6:9 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
“And let us not lose heart and grow weary
and faint in acting nobly and doing right,
for in due time and at the appointed season
we shall reap, if we do not loosen and
relax our courage and faint.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Today we meditate upon resisting weakening as we sow in spirit and wait for the season of reaping. The season of reaping is is the due time or appointed season of seeing reward and blessing for that which we have put our hearts and hands to as we sow to the Spirit. This “appointed season” is different than the seasons we experience on this earth such as winter, spring, summer or fall. The seasons in which the weather changes are somewhat predictable, and we kind of know when to expect seasons to come and change. The seasons with God are different for sometimes we can see change is coming, and sometimes change happens without warning. No matter what, our Lord promises that if we sow to the Spirit that we will reap reward, IF we do not lose heart and grow weary.
We will experience that “appointed season” at the time in which the Lord says it is time to reap. Let us hold fast to the secret of reaping in that appointed season. As we act nobly and walk in that which is right and good, IF we do not lose heart, grow weary or faint, we will reap a bountiful harvest for that which we have put our hearts and hands to.
Lord help us to stay strong as we sow to the Spirit. Let us not grow in weariness as we act nobly and purpose to do the right thing. May our courage and diligence not relax, and may be resist anything that would keep us from pressing on. God has promised to be with us my friends, and in Him we are more than conquerors!
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Devotional for Thursday, February 21, 2019
“The Life That Wins!”
by Dona Hake
The following scriptures lead us into meditating upon how vital it is that we feed upon the Word of our Lord. The Lord has ordained that we thrive and grow by it…
John 6:58 (TPT)
” I am the living Bread that comes from heaven. Eat this Bread and you will live forever!”
“Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is. Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted.” Psalm 34:8 -VOICE
“How sweet the taste of your promise is! It tastes sweeter than honey. From your guiding principles I gain understanding.” Psalm 119:103-104 – =GW
“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 – AMP
“How sweet the taste of your promise is! It tastes sweeter than honey. From your guiding principles I gain understanding.” Psalm 119:103-104 – =GW
“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 – AMP
On the other hand the scriptures warn us of our enemy the devil that seeks to devour our life in Christ for he is out to steal, kill and destroy. He has a fierce hunger that drives him to destroy.
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable]…” 1 Peter 5:8-9 -AMP
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable]…” 1 Peter 5:8-9 -AMP
Now I want to share this short story that carries a profound thought,
An old Cherokee told his grandson,
My son, there is a battle
between two wolves inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy,
greed, resentment, inferiority,
lies and ego. The other is Good.
It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility,
kindness, empathy, and truth.”
The boy thought about it, and
asked, “Grandfather, which wolf
wins?”
The old man quietly replied,
“The one you feed.”
~author unknown~
I found this little story to be interesting and stirred my thoughts to ponder the scriptures that I just shared with you. It must be a priority that we feed our faith that we are strong in our battles. Our mind is a battleground and we must take this so seriously that we press in to grow and flourish in our faith. Think about how a negative thing or circumstance can blindside us and it is capable of tilting our world. If we are not standing strong in our faith the devil will take advantage especially if we are feeding the situation with negative words and actions. Even while the battle rages we can feed upon our Lord’s provision and remain strong in our faith and we will declare that we are MORE than overcomers through Christ Jesus our Lord!
Living in a place of reverence of the Lord our God will keep us in pursuit of strong vigorous faith. That faith requires spiritual nourishment which is fellowship with Him, the reading of His Word, and prayer. We must keep an awareness that the devil’s mission is to seek to eat up the life of God in us. He seeks to eat up our strength, and our peace. He loves to stand in the way of our drawing upon God’s grace. He seeks ways to trick us into trusting in our own understanding. But praise the Lord!….as we live a life of drawing upon His mercies that are new every morning, partaking of His grace, and trusting in Him…we win!
Monday, February 18, 2019
Devotional for Monday, February 18, 2019
“If We Hold Grudges”
by Dona Hake
“When you hold grudges your hands
are not free to catch blessings“
A grudge is a feeling of ill will or resentment. It is a result of not wanting to forgive even the smallest of an offense. It is so sad when I hear someone that refuses to forgive and let go of hurt and offense. It it is extremely sad when it comes out of the mouth of a believer. When we refuse to let go of hurt and pain that someone has done to us we are tying a ball and chain around us in spirit . This will only serve to hinder our walk with the Lord and slow us down in the race that is set before us.
God has made provision through the blood of His Son to forgive our sins. Therefore, we in turn can give that same forgiveness from our hearts to another. I encourage anyone that may be holding a grudge to ask God to be your Helper. First, be obedient and simply forgive. Then, ask God to help heal your heart and mind of the hurt that you are experiencing. I promise He will help you, and your heart and mind will be free again to open your hands and catch the blessings!
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Devotional for Tuesday, February 12, 2019
“The Bible That Did Not Burn”
by Dona Hake
The Word of God has been given to us to work in our lives in wondrous ways, and it happens through a divine process that the Lord God above has ordained.One thing for sure… It never fails! It always works, it produces, and it will stand forever!
It is written in the book of Isaiah about the process of His Word.
“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground. Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do.” Isaiah 55:10-11 ERV
The King James version says God’s Word will accomplish what His hand is pleased to do.
”… but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” KJV
Today I want you to think about, and give thanks to God for the written Word of God…our Lord’s hand is upon it!! Praise God that we can read it, meditate upon it’s life giving words, speak them, and stand upon them. God’s eyes on on His Word! Let me share a precious story I just heard about God’s hand upon His written word.
A Veteran recently lost his home to a tragic fire. It was so heartbreaking to watch this on the news yet something very unique and miraculous happened. One of the firemen came out of the house weeping as he carried a big Bible. Everything inside was completely burned to ashes yet the Bible had not been touched by the fiery flames that totally destroyed his home. I don’t know about you, but these testimonies touch my heart deeply, and speak to me once again that God is so real, and His hand will cause people to stop and take notice of His miracle working power for this pleases His heart. I believe He loves to challenge the realm of our comprehension with such miraculous works.
Praise Him for His Word stands forever. God‘s Word puts us in a place where we can be unmovable. Whether we think upon God’s Word, stand upon God‘s Word, or as we pray God‘s Word, IT WILL cause us to to stand in the midst of the fiery trials of this life!
Friday, February 8, 2019
Devotional for Friday, February 8, 2019
“Freedom From Anxiety!”
“Fear not, do not look anxiously about you for I AM your God…”
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Looking anxiously about gives implication of fear, panic or uneasiness in one’s heart and soul. Anxiety can be such a tormenting thing to our soul, and our Lord desires that when we are tempted to be anxious about anything to turn our backs on anxious thoughts and look upon Him. It is good to know that our loving Heavenly Father is there for us in those times to lift us up and hold us closely. He is the One that can calm our anxious thoughts. He will sit us on the solid rock where we will not be moved and He is able to keep us.
So here is a little memory of mine of an experience I had with my parrot one day. It is a great little story and analogy to help you see our God coming to our rescue when we are in trouble. My parrot was roaming about on the outside of her cage. I permit her to do this at times, I have to watch her closely. She loves to explore and that can get her in trouble. She usually is very happy just to sit on top of her “little world” and watch me and my husband. One day she decided she was going to try to get on the pie safe which is about six inches from her cage. I happened to be watching her, and I was curious what she was going to do. As she went to carefully go from her cage to the piece of furniture she slipped on the slippery finish of the wood and began to panic, squawk loudly, and flutter her wings really fast, and she landed on the floor. I calmly walked over to her and spoke softly and put my hand under her so she could rest in the palm of my hand and feel safe again. She was so sweet as she looked at me with such a sense of safety and relief. After I felt she calmed down, I put her back on her cage.
This reminded me how sometimes we can get ourselves in trouble and we lose our “footing.” You know…those times when we get a little over confident and get into our own ability, and from there we get ourselves in trouble. There are also those times that we are stepping out on faith and we realize we are really out on the “limb” and it can cause fear to grip our heart. In this life there are many opportunities to panic, get in anxiety, and be fearful.
Isn’t it good to know that our loving Heavenly Father is right there ready to hold out His mighty right hand to calm us, and His loving voice speaks to our heart and we feel safe again.
Psalm 91:4 (TheVoice) “Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you.”
I pray that you will see Him today as the One that is always nearby you and only an arm’s reach away to rescue you in your time of need or trouble. Only He can calm your heart when you are in anxiety and fear. We serve a loving and caring God. He is so good. I pray you will have a day that is prosperous and blessed!
I pray that you will see Him today as the One that is always nearby you and only an arm’s reach away to rescue you in your time of need or trouble. Only He can calm your heart when you are in anxiety and fear. We serve a loving and caring God. He is so good. I pray you will have a day that is prosperous and blessed!
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!!
thank you Lisa for sharing. I am blessed that this was a blessing to you!
Ralph &I are really enjoying your devotional together.
So glad this is blessing you both!
Oh, what a wonderful reminder! I want to break the magnifing glass of worry and trust God for each step I take.
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!