Monday, September 24, 2018
Devotional for Monday, September 24, 2018
“No One But You”
by Dona Hake
“The corruption that was in us from birth was expressed through the deeds and desires of our self – life. We lived by whatever natural cravings and thoughts our minds dictated, living as rebellious children subject to God’s wrath like everyone else. But God still loved us with such great love. He is so rich in compassion and mercy. Even when we were dead and doomed in our many sins, he united us into the very life of Christ and saved us by his wonderful grace! He raised us up with Christ the exalted One, and we ascended with him into the glorious perfection and authority of the heavenly realm, for we are now co-seated as one with Christ!” Ephesians 2:3-6 TPT
What a wonderful scripture that should keep us mindful of where we came from, what we have been redeemed from, and where we sit and stand in Christ. He raised us up, and we are seated, and because of that we can be victorious! This is who and where we are but beware of those times that lies from the devil will try to convince us to think differently. I saw this quote the other day and it’s stirred my heart to meditate on how we can experience times in which we feel inferior either by lies directly from the devil or our own wrong thinking.
“No one can make you feel
inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Yes, there may be times that the devil will try to deceive us and make us feel inferior. He accuses, he condemns, but our God has issued the final verdict… we are free, and we are more than conquerors, and seated with Him in that victorious place!
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Devotional for Thursday, September 20, 2018
“Be Still They He Is Able to Lead You”
by Dona Hake
“Jesus answered, “I am ·the way, and the truth, and the life [or the one true way to have life]. ·The only way to the Father is through me [L No one comes to the Father except through me] .” John 14:6 -EXB
When we walk close to our Lord, stay on His paths, remain obedient to His Word…WE ARE in His will! Oh praise God that the Holy Spirit has promised to be our God and gently lead us. Will it always be easy? Will it always feel comfortable to our flesh? Of course not! I know we can all testify to the fact that sometimes we have been moved out of our comfort zone as we are walking in His will. His plans are perfect, and all He asks is that we simply trust, be still, walk beside Him and listen to His voice.
“Your ears will hear sweet words behind you: “ Go this way. There is your path; this is how you should go” whenever you must decide whether to turn to the right or the left.” Isaiah 30:21 – The Voice
When we feel like we are uncertain about His will, and questions seem to throw confusion into the mix He promises to speak sweet words of comfort and direction to our hearts. His words are always decisive and they are always sure. In this we can be confident! He has promised to gently lead us in the way that is perfect before Him. What a blessing that we can count on Him and His guidance. Even when His words challenge our hearts to step out of our boats, and walk toward Him, all He asks is that we not permit the wind and the waves of this life to move our hearts off of our faith in Him. He wants simple trust in His guidance. May we continue to press in and sit in the stillness of the presence of our Lord that He may speak to our hearts continually about His will for us.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Devotional for Wednesday, September 19, 2018
“Listen, Open Your Ears…”
by Dona Hake
James 1:19 (VOICE)
“Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak,
and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily,
my brothers and sisters.”
A particular word in this translation of James 1:19 (the Voice) gives a wonderful analogy for us, and it in the word ~harness~. Many times I have heard it said, “I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something that would get me in trouble.” God desires that we keep our mouths guarded by the power of His Holy Spirit for our words can hurt and destroy. These words can be vessels used by the devil to do his destructive work.
Once I remember being in a pet store and this young woman had a sweet dog which was a Golden Retriever. I was puzzled why she had him muzzled. Yet I understand because I have a German Shepherd that is the sweetest baby ever, but if she perceives fear or if someone would attempt to harm me it would a very bad outcome for them.
This young lady and I continued talking and she mentioned how sweet he was, and she invited me to feel free to pet him. She saw that I understood how to approach a dog properly and I had no fear. Dogs are keen to sense possible danger and fear, and they know when you are safe. You see this pet owner understood what her dog was capable of if he ended up in a situation that he perceived possible danger or he did not like other dogs. She knew what the outcome could be. We too need to keep not only our mouths harnessed but also our thoughts. We need to remind ourselves of what we are capable if our minds are not under control and renewed by God’s Word. Bad thoughts can become hurtful and destructive words. We need to stay aware of the situations in which our mouths get us into trouble. God desires that we seek Him to walk in His self control, and grow in discernment in understanding our weaknesses.
Today I encourage you to listen carefully before you speak, and guard your heart from the temptation to think about things that are not worthy to occupy your mind. Remember that your mind is a breeding ground for good things but it can also be a place that can become the devil’s place that he will render you weak,helpless, and out of control. He understands how our uncontrolled thoughts can lead us into anger’s uncontrolled behavior. Let us be careful, thoughtful listeners, speaking carefully chosen words, and live patient with others, and willing to forgive. May we bless others with a kind listening ear, spread His sweet grace as we speak, and be peacemakers for Him.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Devotional for Wednesday, September 12, 2018
“Being Confident of This Very Thing”
by Dona Hake
Philippians 1:6 (JUB)
“…being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun
a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Today I leave you with a confession for you to speak and edify yourself!
His mercies are new to me every morning , His grace is sufficient for me, His joy is my strength, His love keeps my heart, The fruit of His patience promises to help me to be longsuffering. My youth is renewed as the eagles as I wait upon Him, He promises to never leave me, and in His presence I stand in abounding joy. From the windows of Heaven comes an abundance so big that I cannot even begin to contain it. Any sin, no matter how big or small is forgiven as I humble myself to Him with a truly repentant heart.
In this I am confident...a good work has begun in
me and He promises to complete it!
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Devotional for Tuesday, September 11, 2018
“When Your Faith Is Tested”
by Dona Hake
“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” James 1:2-4 The Passion Translation
I love how John Mason addresses the trials of this life…
“You are like a teabag… not worth much till you’ve been through some hot water.”
One thing for sure, we must be resolute in doing the will of our Lord. No matter what comes against us, we MUST press in! In Psalm 37:23, 24 it says “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with his hand.“
As we run the race set before us and purpose to please our Lord we can believe that even mistakes and failures can be steppingstones in learning, and they will cause us to gain godly wisdom. Paul said we are more than conquerors, and we well know that to be a conqueror there must be a battle. Thank God that in any battle we can be overcomers as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, and dare to do great works for our Lord. Let us never fear failure, or making mistakes in our attempt to try.
Theodore Roosevelt said this, “Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the great twilight that knows not victory or defeat.“
Let us run life’s race with passion and determination no matter what may dare to hinder us for the path has been already marked out before us!
Monday, September 10, 2018
Devotional for Monday, September 10, 2018
“So We Fix Our Eyes…”
by Dona Hake
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on
what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
I have been wanting to share this scripture for I have been thinking about how our eyes need to be fixed and intent upon Him… upon the things that are eternal and the unseen things that really matter. This morning the Lord used my German Shepherd Aasha to teach me about fixed eyes. Aasha showed me hows she lives with expectations and her very own special hopes. I love how things in our everyday life can be perfect analogies that deepen our spiritual understanding of God’s Word.
This morning it was pouring down raining. For Aasha, all routines stay in place… rain, hail, sleet or snow, she loves her morning walk and she expects it. So with raincoat and umbrella we set out to do our walk. She takes her time sniffing for the perfect place, munching on grass, etc…the weather does not phase her at all. After we returned she sat with fixed eyes and expectancy as she watched my daily routine. First my breakfast and 2 cups of coffee. Again with fixed eyes on me she patiently anticipated me asking her the question, “You ready to go out in the yard?!!!” I have to confess that this morning I gave thought to breaking the routine because of how it was pouring down raining. Surely I thought she would just forget about it. The mere thought of standing out in the dampness and cold rain was not an exciting one. But then I could not help but notice those beautiful brown eyes fixed on my every move. Waiting…waiting… patiently waiting. Her eyes were fixed, she was expecting to hear the question. She was thinking about what she expected to happen, and she did not doubt for a moment that it was not going to happen.
I saw so much hope and expectancy in that dog’s eyes that I could not bring myself to letting her down. So yes! I popped the question, she sprang to her feet, and out in the pouring down rain we went. Aasha was is in her glory (and all wet!!) as she chased her favorite toy around in the pouring rain! Before we headed back in she stood and peered into the distance and scanned the yard to make sure all the bunny rabbits and squirrels were out of the yard before she was ready to come back in the house. One of her favorite backyard activities is a good bunny or squirrel chase!!
The Lord used my dog to remind me about keeping my eyes fixed, my heart unwavering and expecting no matter how bad things may be…no matter what storms are going on in my life. I can never give thought to taking my eyes off of Him but must always live in expectation of the work He has planned for me. May we have fixed eyes and hearts on the eternal things of our Living God, the things that are unseen.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Devotional for Thursday, September 6, 2018
“But God …”
by Dona Hake
“But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish
things of the world to shame the wise
[revealing their ignorance], and God
has selected [for His purpose] the weak
things of the world to shame the things
which are strong [revealing their frailty]. ”
1 Corinthians 1:27 Amp
When I read this scripture I am reminded once again that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and His ways surpass our understanding . Many times we may think that God is going to use what we perceive to be our strengths, yet He may chose to touch our heart, and ask us to step out in an area in which we feel totally inadequate.
I can remember a specific time in which the Lord was tugging at my heart to step out in something, and I did not feel that I was qualified to do what He was asking. I resisted for a while, and after I finally gave in I experienced His grace flowing toward me, and filling me with all I needed for the task that He asked me to do. I was able to testify of His strength flowing into my life, and enabling me to look away from my inabilities and draw upon His ability.
Many times God will call upon those that may not have an ability or they may even be weak or uneducated in the eyes of the world. The Lord knows exactly which vessels He desires to use, and I am thankful that He is not interested in how smart we are or our endless abilities but rather He is looking for the humble in heart. When we remain humble He can take our strengths and abilities and use them for His glory. Sometimes He will pick those that you would least expect. Let us settle in our hearts that our Lord knows exactly what He is doing. I have shared this quote in the past but I bring it to you again this day for your heart to ponder…
“God assumed from the beginning that the wise of the
world would view Christians as fools…and He has
not been disappointed. Devout Christians are destined
to be regarded as fools in modern society. We are
fools for Christ’s sake. We must pray for
courage to endure the scorn of the sophisticated world.
If I have brought any message today, it is this:
Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded
as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage
to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.”
Supreme Court Justice
Antonin Scalia 1936-2016
Friday, August 31, 2018
Devotional for Friday, August 31, 2018
“Wisdom Untainted By Hypocrisy”
by Dona Hake
James 3:17 (The Voice) “Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy.”
God’ wisdom…this is the wisdom that you can count on that will not be touched by man’s hypocrisy. His wisdom is totally centered on His goodness and all that He is. Wisdom’s fruits are pure, peaceful, and gentle. It will always be respectful and merciful. The reason it will never be touched with hypocrisy is because it is pure, real, and it has been tested. God’s wisdom does not change nor is it affected by how bad your situation is for He always has wisdom that will guide and instruct us in the way to go. James exhorted us that when we do not know what to do, just ask God for the wisdom we need…He will not withhold this good thing from any of us.
When we ask God for His wisdom He desires to bless us with His pure thoughts and how He sees to do something. He desires to bless us with His good judgments. His wisdom will help us to discern the thoughts within our mind that rage battle within us and hinder our peace.
I encourage you today to seek wisdom before every task. Get God’s mind in all you put your hand to. As you ask God for His precious wisdom, believe by faith that it is going to flow into you, and flow forth from you as pure fresh living water. When people ask you for an opinion on something, stop and purpose to seek His wisdom before you speak. This is what people need, and this is what we need in our personal life…not our opinions, not our experiences, but rather the pure wisdom that comes from above.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Devotional for Tuesday, August 28, 2018
“May Our Words Be Gifts”
by Dona Hake
Here in Ephesians 4:29 (The Passion Translation) spells out very clearly that if we are in a carnal state of mind we are all very capable of giving the devil bait, and he will use that as an opportunity to manipulate us to do his destructive will. Yes…everyone of us is capable of saying ugly or hateful words. These unfit, ugly words can be fuel to the fire that will start an argument, destroy a relationship, etc.As we purpose to live and move and have our being in Him, we will be the giver of good and beautiful gifts as we speak.
The Holy Spirit will teach us and help us to control our tongues. Just think how our words are well able to edify the hearer. Oh what a blessing to know that our words can carry His grace to the heart of the one hearing the words we speak. I think of the many times that my heart was so filled with joy when someone took the time to encourage me. You just never know what an encouraging word will do in a needy heart or the heart of one that is feeling hopeless. Today let our words be beautiful gifts!
Monday, August 27, 2018
Devotional for Monday, August 27, 2018
“It Is Only the Lord’s Mercies…”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (TLB)
“His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day.”
As you begin your day, do you remember to thank Him for His mercies? His loving mercies are His compassionate or kind forbearance shown toward us even when we mess up. Everyday we awaken, and our day is as a fresh canvas. Praise God for those moments in which we can ask Him for His loving forgiveness that our hearts would remain pure. Let us rejoice that His mercies are specifically new to each of us each morning! Oh that we would remind ourselves of how He rescued us from a life a destruction…it was all because of His mercy toward us before we even knew Him. I think at times and wonder where I would be without Him for I know that He rescued me from a life of confusion, wrong choices, and deception. How about you?
“Since God has mercies to give, and He intends
to give them to us, those mercies are not broken
pieces or someone else’s leftovers….God has bags
that were never untied, never opened up, but set
aside through a thousand generations
for those who hope in His mercy.”
John Bunyan
Let us meditate upon His mercies that are there for us now, and will be yours to find and hope for every day you live on this earth!
Psalm 89:1
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever:
with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
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!