“The Humble and Contrite Spirit”

Posted on Oct 14, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Psalm 51:15-17Amplified Bible

“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; You find no pleasure in burnt offering.
My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.”

These particular scriptures are David’s heart as he cried out to God after he majorly messed up and committed sin . He had sinned with Bathsheba, and he knew he was wrong and he was humbling himself to the Lord. David understood God’s steadfast love and His tender mercies. As He cried out to God, and he proclaimed his understanding that God desired him to have truth in his inner being, and to know wisdom. His prayer was his cry for a cleansed heart, and a renewed and persevering spirit.

These scriptures can serve to remind us that when we find ourselves ensnared by the devil or our own weakness that we have access to God’s forgiveness. God is looking for the contrite in spirit, and that is the state of knowing we are sincerely remorse for what we have done wrong. God does not want excuses, He wants us to look to Him with an honest and repentant heart.

Let us remember that we cannot put “bandages” on our mistakes, and hurts that we have caused ourselves or others. We cannot do good works to make it up either. Remember when we humble ourselves and confess our sin that God forgives and He forgets it. It has been thrown into the sea of forgetfulness to be remembered no more. Praise be to God for His tender mercies and the blessing of being forgiven.

Isaiah 66:2 (GNT)

“I myself created the whole universe! I am pleased with

those who are humble and repentant, who fear me and obey me.”

“Spiritual Selective Hearing”

Posted on Oct 13, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Have you ever heard when someone jokingly or not so jokingly says that an individual has selective hearing? Selective hearing is the capability to block out sounds and noise. It is the notion of ignoring certain things in one’s surrounding environment. Many times you can see this in small children. They may tend to hear only the fun and exciting things, but things such as “It’s time to clean up your toys, and get ready for your nap.” may not be one of those things that is eagerly heard. The question is are there times that we have selective hearing with the Lord, and we are unaware of it?

There are times we can all identify where we are reading the Word or hearing the Word of God, and your spirit has been pricked by the power of the spoken Word of God. We just know it was God specifically dealing with our heart yet we walk away and do not take heed. You can go home from church and proclaim what a good word your Pastor shared yet not take heed to it, and apply it to your life. This too is selective hearing, and we need to be very careful and cautious over our hearts that we are not guilty of this. I found several translations of John 10:27 enlightening so I will share them with you for your meditation.

“The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (AMP)

My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me…” (GW)

” My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (TLB)

“My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me.” (The Voice)

The word *know* defined is to be able to distinguish, as one from another. The Lord wants that we KNOW Him and we KNOW His voice! Today I desire to encourage your heart to be listening closely for His voice. Many times His voice is loud and clear and many times it is a mere whisper. Be quick to recognize it and respond. God truly desires this intimacy with us as we heed to His Words and walk willingly along side of Him as He gently leads us.

“Whatever Your Task…”

Posted on Oct 12, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

The other morning when I began my day I was tempted to feel a bit overwhelmed with all that needed to be done. I always try to order my day in a way that no time is wasted yet some days I feel like I wished our days were longer than twenty four hours. I proceeded to think about everything that needed to be done and up from my spirit I heard, “You are only one person.” I really began to think over and over how I need to just take my time and do my best with ONE THING AT A TIME. I began to think, “Yes, I am only one person, and God wants me to do my very best at everything I put my hand to.” I am one person that has been created by Him and He desires for me to do His will and purposes in this life. He is well able to help me accomplish all that really needs done today.

I have found that we often overdo ourselves and spread ourselves too thin. This can only go on for so long and we will soon find out that we are lacking joy in doing that which we are responsible for. The simple things that we are meant to enjoy will bypass us because we are too busy to see them. It is when you spread yourself too thin that your will find yourself lacking in enthusiasm in what you are putting your hand to. Let us look at the scripture from Colossians 3:23…

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…”

I want to encourage you today that God desires that your heart be full of joy and energy in each and every task you put your hand to. If you are weary in doing well I encourage you to stop what you are doing, and draw upon His strength, and ask Him to order your day. He will cause His grace to flow toward everything you put your hand to as you work heartily as something done for Him. Whatever your task, remember you are only one person, and He desires to use you in a special way!

“Fix Your Eyes Upon Him”

Posted on Oct 11, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

It was last Sunday morning, and I was doing my best to accomplish many things. I was taking care of my son’s two dogs and I switched things up a bit to make things go faster, and save time. I did not want to be late for church. I strategically tried to feed three doggies, one parrot, and forty some pond children aka big gold fishies. Well, I thought I had totally accomplished all the feedings, or did I?

I was finally sitting down to eat my oatmeal and coffee, and our German Shepherd quietly laid on the chair and just kept her gaze on me. I thought it strange because she usually heads into the bedroom to sleep right after she has her run in the yard. I finished eating, and was cleaning up, and I turned around to find her positioning herself that I could not walk around her. She sat there and lovingly stared into my eyes. She was determined not to get out of my way until I got her quiet message. I said, “Aasha what’s wrong?” Her eyes spoke loud and clear! “You forgot to feed me!” Oh my gosh…here she was trying to tell me something, and I was not getting it. I felt so bad when I realized that I had fed everyone but her. The poor thing was not going to give up, and her strategy was to stay in my presence, and stare me down till I realized she had not eaten yet!

How many times do we have needs, and we get impatient with the Lord, and just walk away from His presence, and get into our own ability. Oh how important it is that we just stay in the Lord’s presence, and keep our eyes fixed on Him because He is our provision, and all of our needs are met by Him. Thank God He never forgets us! Today I encourage you to set your gaze upon Him, and do not look to anything but Him for each and every need you have.

^“O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast, in the confidence of faith)…”

Psalm 108:1

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord.”

Psalm 112:7

“Restored”

Posted on Oct 10, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I shot a wedding a couple years ago, and I can remember like yesterday what happened with a brand new flash card I used to shoot with. I went to download my images and my computer quickly exhibited a message that put me in shock…”your data has failed and cannot be recovered.” I sat in front of my computer and literally in seconds became sick to my stomach. I felt like I was going to throw up because I could not believe it was happening. There were about 300 images on this particular card, and all were very iconic moments.

I immediately contacted someone knowledgeable about the issue and he felt there was the possibility of them being restored. I had to wait two very long days to find out. I can still remember sitting at the photo lab waiting to see if their program could restore all of the images. Even though there was hope I still felt sickened over the whole thing. My thoughts were going round and round. “How am I going to tell this bride and groom that the memories of their special day were gone?” As the program was doing the restoration process, I began to see all of my images one by one appear and I cannot begin to tell you the relief I experienced. May I say that I gained a very new appreciation for the word RESTORED!

Things like this can just really take it out of you. There are times in life in which we have all experienced very upsetting trials and problems. Maybe you have also experienced one thing hitting you right after the other. It seems like no sooner you deal with one problem another one pops up it’s ugly head. Many times you can become weary in what this life throws at you and you feel that there is no rest. Life can feel like ocean waves knocking you down one right after the other but you just know that if you are able to stand long enough you will be able catch your breath again. Sometimes life can make us feel this way. Today let this scripture remind you that the restoring and refreshing touch from our Lord will help us catch our breath and invigorate our souls.

Psalm 23:3 (The Message)
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Even thought this is a modern day translation of “He restoreth my soul”, I love what this translation speaks as well. Today I encourage you to look to Him to bring fresh direction when there seems to be no direction. Allow Him to pick up back up and bring restoration to your total being and new strength to you as you walk with Him!

“The Countenance of the Lord”

Posted on Oct 9, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

One’s countenance is his or her appearance, especially the look or expression of the face. I love this scripture because is shows us that we are able to shine the light and love of the Lord from our countenance as we permit Him to do so.

If someone knows you very well, they are able to discern quickly if something is wrong just by your countenance. Many times our countenance is a give away of what is going on inside of
us even when we think we are hiding it. When one loses hope or they experience disappointment, they can feel sadness and gloom flood their soul. In the Psalms David understood that no matter what happened that his hope had to be in God.

Psalm 42:11 Jubilee Bible 2000
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?
Wait thou for God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the saving health of my
countenance and my God.”

When one has good health in their body and mind they are experiencing soundness and vigor, freedom from disease or ailment. When someone loses hope they may also begin to fear their future and feel as if they are a failure.

2 Timothy 1:7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
” For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and
cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love
and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”

God is well able to keep our minds sound and our countenance full of health and vigor as He radiates His total being through us. Today I pray that you receive this blessing in Numbers, May He bless and keep you. Look to Him and gaze on His radiant face and receive His grace for your day and your life. As you do so you will find your inward man lifted up as His countenance rests upon you with His great peace!

“Possess the Blessing of Peace”

Posted on Oct 8, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Psalm 119:165 (HCSB)
“Abundant peace belongs to those
who love Your instruction;
nothing makes them stumble.”

When you purchase something brand new, it is a very wise idea to pull out the instructions and follow them closely so your product works as you wished for it to. The person that tries to figure things out on their own apart from the instruction manual usually ends up frustrated. I thank the Lord that He has provided us with the Ultimate Manual and that is the Word of God. When we love His Word and instructions, He promises that our peace will be abundant. On top of abundant peace we receive the promise that we will be spared from messing up and “tripping” over things that could potentially hinder us.

I thought it would be interesting to share some definitions I found on the word stumble.

* to strike the foot against something, as in walking or running, so as to stagger or fall; trip, to walk or go unsteadily: to stumble down a dark passage.

* to make a slip, mistake, or blunder, especially a sinful one: to stumble over a question; to stumble and fall from grace.

* to proceed in a hesitating or blundering manner, as in action or speech.

I am thanking God today that He has made provision that we do not stumble. Have you ever walked into a place of business to find a “Wet floor” sign or “Caution Ahead” signs on the road? Those words are there to warn us of possible danger, and as we heed to them we can proceed in safety, and confidence. The Word of God also provides words of caution, admonishment, and great instruction for us to walk in. I do not know about you, but I find great peace in knowing that God has provided every answer I need in His Word. His Spirit is here to guide me into all of His truth, and He will teach me things that I do not understand. As we abide in this great instruction,our peace will be great, and we will be kept from stumbling. The tricks of the devil will clearly be exposed, and you will remain guarded with His abundant peace.

I encourage you today that He has provided everything you need in His Word that your life can be permeated with great peace. I thank God for those times that He has reached down and lifted me back up when I have stumbled in my way. Great is His forgiveness and faithfulness. Great is His peace. Purpose to seek these things, enjoy them , and possess them as you serve Him everyday!

“Worry Often Gives…”

Posted on Oct 7, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

There is a quote that says “Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.” It is so true. We can get preoccupied with things, begin to worry, and all of a sudden it is as if a gigantic magnifying glass is on our problem. What is even worse is if we are magnifying something that has not even transpired. We begin to imagine the strangest and most fearful scenarios. It is in those times that we need to stop ourselves and remember Who takes care of us and it is Him that lovingly watches over our every move.

Psalm 139 (The Living Bible)

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.”

When we meditate upon the fact that God knows the moment in which we live, the moments we are about to walk into, and the tomorrow that we will face, we can be assured of His care. Let us live in the abundant provisions of His Word and not allow ourselves to robbed of living one day at a time in His presence and in His joy! Let us draw upon His amazing grace and strength for every moment that we live for He is good and He is faithful.

“Healing In a Kind Word”

Posted on Oct 6, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Words can heal and words can hurt. Let us purpose to work at speaking words that are kind and uplifting. It is amazing the power that a word can carry. I have had times where one negative word has been spoken to me, and even in the midst of positive, that one word was able to tempt my mind to be side tracked. If we entertain the thoughts that go hand in hand with a negative word, you will surely be brought down by it.

David wrote in the Psalms about the power of hate and contempt in words. David understood the conspiracy and plots against him, and the power of hateful, negative words.

Psalm 64

“Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;
protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
from the plots of evildoers.
They sharpen their tongues like swords
and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.”

The Word of God also speaks of the healing power within a kind word. Not only is it healing to the hearer but I believe that the individual that speaks kind, loving words is built up in their spirit and soul as well. I was recently shopping and waiting for the clerk to take care of me. She was a young woman and she had the saddest, and somewhat grumpy look on her face. I stood and observed how she would not even look into the customer’s eyes, and barely speak to them as she was ringing them up. When I stepped up for her to take care of me I asked her how she was and she said, “Okay…I am just taking one day at a time.” I said, “Honey, that is all we can do. I do hope your day is much better.” She looked into my eyes and smiled real big. She said, “Thank you! Have a good day too!” I wished so badly that there would not have been so many customers behind me so I could have engaged a deeper conversation with her. I walked away and lifted her up in prayer.

You just never know what a kind word and simple prayer can do for someone. Let us be ready to share a kind word that brings healing to a hurting heart.

Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey—

sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

“Reaping A Harvest Of Righteousness”

Posted on Oct 5, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

James 3:18Amplified Bible (AMP)
“And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].”

If I ask you if you desired a harvest of righteousness in your life, I just know you would most certainly answer “Yes!” In order to experience this harvest of righteousness we must be diligent to sow peace. If our heart is not full of peace, it is not likely that we can sow it into other’s lives, and situations around us..

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. It is as we allow this peace to rule that we will indeed be sowing to those around us.

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…”

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!