“Let Patience Have It’s Perfect Work”

Posted on Nov 13, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

How do you define patience? If you were to ask my oldest Granddaughter she would tell you that patience is waiting with a happy heart. I have been sharing this definition for about two years with them. Every so often one of the Granddaughters will bring up what patience means and it so precious.

I have shared this with you before but I love this little story because it ministers to my heart. One day in particular we were hitting a lot of traffic and it seemed like forever till we were reaching the donut shop for their donuts, and oh my….do they ever look forward to their donuts! I began to say, “Remember! we need to be patient!…and what does patience mean?” My Granddaughter said, “I know, I know Grandma, it’s waiting with a happy heart but sometimes I don’t do patience !” I have to be honest with you that when she said that I almost cracked up laughing. I love how children are just so bluntly honest at times. I just had to chuckle and I replied, “You know what sweetie? Some days I don’t do patience either.”

Let’s all be honest with ourselves…we all have those days that we do not do patience and it ends up causing us to be annoyed, upset, etc… In the book of James he wrote and exhorted us in the importance of allowing patience to have it’s perfect work. I used to wonder how James could write and tell us to “Count it all joy when you fall into various tests and trials…”

James 1:2-4 The Voice

“Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. “

This scripture reminds me to thank God that our faith can blossom even under the pressures that may seem unpleasant. He will be faithful to teach us true patience that we can cross the finish line! So today I encourage you to be patient in all things or may I say “Wait with a happy heart!”

~~~~~♥~~~~~

“All He Asks Is…”

Posted on Nov 12, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

He sees and totally understands our hearts even when others don’t always quite get it right. You know…those times when people read into things or do not perceive your intentions as you meant them to be. He sees your tears. Not the tears you wipe away but the ones that flow within your heart while you wear a smile on your face so everyone thinks it is okay.We need to just believe this and this in itself will cause you to move toward Him in your time of trouble. He sees you and He hears you.

Psalm 34:17 (NASB)
“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.”

I remember chatting with someone and this precious woman was sharing how an individual she knew was going through a hard time. This person was asking, “Where is God in all of this?” This woman exclaimed, “He’s right there beside you, wanting to help you!” I find it so sad and it somewhat upsets me when I hear people say such a thing. “Where is God?” when it is all going down bad, and yet when all is good they do not ever give it a thought to acknowledge God either. It really makes no sense at all.
I encourage you today to just believe. Plain and simple…just know that He is always there for you, if only you call upon Him. He loves you…He knows you better than anyone. All He asks is that you just believe!

“Don’t Let Go!!” Devotional for Tues. 11/11/14

Posted on Nov 11, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Have you ever determined yourself to do something and then “bottomed out” and given up? I am sure we have all experienced this. After the decision is made an obstacle or opposition stands before you and you could be tempted to weaken, give up and feel guilty that you did not stick it out.

Any decision you make whether it be to do something or stop doing something must be coupled with determination and perseverance. In this life I guarantee you that there will always be obstacles in our paths. Obstacles can serve to discourage us or they can cause determination to rise up from our innermost being. If we seek His wisdom we can begin to see that many times obstacles can just be those “pauses” in which we learn and grow from. They can become strong stepping stops full of wisdom from life’s experience. The beauty of these stepping stones is that we can pass that wisdom on to those struggling around us.

So today I encourage you to hold fast. Even when you feel that so much is going on that you have no time for a breather, just hold on! Winston Churchhill said it this way, “The nose of the bulldog is slanted backwards so he can continue to breathe without letting go.” I love this because many times it is just a matter of not letting go. Dig in, hold fast, and don’t let go!!! Do what you have decided to do no matter how tough the fight. Draw upon the strength and wisdom of the Lord for He is well able to help you accomplish that thing you have determined yourself in. God bless you!

“Living By Truth” – Mon. 11/10/14

Posted on Nov 10, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

This morning I was having my breakfast and coffee while watching the news. My jaw dropped as the woman being interviewed was condoning and encouraging that it is okay when people tell little “white lies.” She exclaimed that some types of lies are just simply a polite way of dealing with people. I am not going to apologize to anyone for proclaiming that I feel any kind of lie, no matter how small or white is wrong. I can remember thinking as a teenager that is was okay to lie about certain things. I can remember as well how troubled it would make me feel inside. I did it because my friends did it and I gathered it was okay. May I add that I can remember the day that the Lord totally liberated me to His truth!

So what is a white lie? This is what the definition was: a minor or unimportant lie, esp one uttered in the interests of tact or politeness. In those times we do not know how to react to people it is best just to keep our mouths shut rather than be dishonest with them.

I have heard it said before that the thing about telling lies is that you better remember exactly how you told it or you will get caught. There is so much freedom in being truthful to others and most importantly being true to yourself. One of my most favorite quotes that I feel is an excellent one to live by was by William Shakespeare.

“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow,
as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

Today I encourage you to embrace truth in your heart. You know…God in heaven has promised to keep His Word and He never lies. He never changes and He is dependable. TRUTH is such a liberating way to live! Let us look to Him to teach us to walk in truth in every area of our life.

“The Lord will keep all His promises (is faithful/true in all His words.”
Psalm 145:13

“Shining For Jesus”

Posted on Nov 9, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Today I am desiring to cause you to ponder that His light lives within you, and for that we should feel honored and thank Him. We live in a world in which there is darkness and confusion among those that do not know Him. How else will they know there is light if we do not allow Him to shine through us.

Matthew 5:14-16 ( Amplified )

^“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”

I think God is calling each and everyone of us as believers to shine and bloom where we are planted. Let me mention at this point also that He is going to use each one of us differently and uniquely. We should never compare how God chooses to use us to how He works through others. This is not a competition, it is command….we are lights and we are to shine! Today I encourage you to shine for Him through every word and deed you do. As He continues to mold and make you into His image He will be faithful to show Himself through you that others may see how awesome He is.

“Captivated With God”

Posted on Nov 8, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Today I want to point you toward thinking about the rich goodness, and greatness of God. God is full of goodness and mercy, and He desires that all know Him to be a good God. The Psalmist exclaims in the scripture below that he is captivated with God’s majesty and glorious splendor! Let us read it…

Psalm 145:5-7 (The Voice)

“Your majesty and glorious splendor have captivated me;
I will meditate on Your wonders, sing songs of Your worth.
We confess—there is nothing greater than You, God, nothing mightier than Your awesome works.
I will tell of Your greatness as long as I have breath.
The news of Your rich goodness is no secret—
Your people love to recall it
and sing songs of joy to celebrate Your righteousness.”

I can remember one particular time that I took one of my sons to the movies to see “The Prince of Egypt”. My favorite part of that movie was when Moses parted the sea. The creators of the movie made it so visually awesome, and quite captivating. I can still remember glancing at my son and his little friend and both of them looked like their eyes were as big as saucers! They sat motionless and totally captivated as Moses and the people crossed through the parted sea.

Maybe you can remember a spectacular moment like that where your heart was captivated by something or someone. Now, let us think about how we need to be captivated with our God just because He is who He is. He is good. He is great and is adorned in glorious splendor. He loves us unconditionally, and He wants to pour out unlimited grace to us today. On and on I could go, but I encourage you to ponder all that He is to you and all that He has done for you in your life.

The more we stay captivated with Him the more we will recall the works He has done for us and share it with those around us. One last thought that should really bless you, and that is that God is captivated with you. His eyes are on you and He loves us so much. God was so captivated with you that He sent His only Son to die for you and redeem you from your sin. He loves you so much and just desires to pour forth all that He is that you live this life in abundance!

God, there is nothing greater than You! Your rich goodness is no secret, let us be mindful to proclaim it as we keep our hearts captivated with You and Your love.

“Seek To Be Transformed”

Posted on Nov 7, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Yesterday I heard a US Senator being interviewed on the news. The subject was on the mud slinging of the recent campaigns and truth that was being twisted. As this Senator was being interviewed the subject of people just needing to just be honest and real. The Senator exclaimed at one point, “Don’t fit in…just be you!!!” I just loved this because there is so much truth in this statement. God made us all very special and unique. We are called for a specific purpose, yet we can fall prey to what the world and others say we should be or what we should be doing.

Sometimes people can feel frustrated because they really do not know who they are or what their purpose it. As believers, our identity absolutely needs to be in the Lord Jesus Christ. May we ever be reminded that all that we are and all that we do is only by the grace of God in our lives. It is Him that has begun a wonderful work in us, and as we remain humble He will mold and make us vessels that are wonderfully used by Him.

God has a perfect will for each of us and He treasures when you seek to know it. I believe He loves when we seek Him in the little details as well as the big ones. I wonder if we could ever comprehend how much it delights God’s heart when we seek Him in all things that pertain to life and godliness.

It is a wonderful thing to have direction in our life but even more important we need to know that we are always renewing our minds to the Word and will of our Lord, therefore being transformed! Today I encourage you to seek to be transformed and renewed in your mind on a daily basis. The world has such a strong current that serves to pull and tug at our hearts. The devil loves nothing more than to see us being side tracked or walking on the proverbial fence. God desires that our lives are proving out what the His perfect will is for us. Let us make it a practice to renew our minds and be refreshed by the Word of God. It is then that we will walk in that which is good and acceptable unto Him.

Romans 12:2 (AMP) | In Context | Whole Chapter

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].”

“…and He Shall Strengthen Your Heart”

Posted on Nov 6, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Let us continue to give thanks to the Lord for the many things that He does for us. Have you ever been weary? I think we can all acknowledge that some time in our lives we have experienced being weary and have been tempted to lose heart in a matter. Our God is the faithful one that says, “I SHALL strengthen your heart!” What a beautiful promise to rejoice and be thankful for!

Psalm 27:14(KJV)

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,

and he shall

strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Let us ponder the three words “AND HE SHALL”. The scripture does not say “wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and it is likely he will strengthen your heart.” Nor did it say “wait on the the Lord: be of good courage and perhaps he will strengthen your heart.” NO! it says, “He shall.” If He said He shall, then He will! Today let us meditate of having hearts that are determined to wait and be of good courage because the faithful One has promised to strengthen us.

“Speak Of His Wonderful Works”

Posted on Nov 5, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I am continuing to focus of having a heart of thanks and proclamation of God’s goodness in our lives. Today let us look at announcing His wonderful and powerful deeds.

It seems like only yesterday that I burned my left hand and was diagnosed with third degree burns. It was pain like I have ever experienced. Both my Granddaughters were with me, and my oldest sat with me on the sofa immediately after it happened. I was about half out of it because of the pain, it hurt so badly, I could not hold back my tears. I was so stunned, and disoriented from that pain that I just did not even know what to do as far as caring for it. A soft Quietly my Granddaughter said, “Grandma, I want to go to the Doctor with you. Can I?”

My husband came home and prayed for me immediately. I had decided to go to a Patient Care because I wanted to know how to care for the burn properly. The attending physician was shocked to see how bad it was and proceeded to immediately get my ring off because my circulation was being cut off. She had told me that it would take at least three weeks for the burn to heal, and she prescribed a heavy duty pain killer just so I could sleep. She carefully bandaged it and sent me home.

I will try to make this somewhat long story short. My progress was absolutely phenomenal. The first night’s sleep was without any pain, and I used NO pain medication at all. I was using my hand almost immediately with no pain or hindrance from the burn. I just could not believe it. Within a five day period, the blisters came off, and there was absolutely no scaring at all.

I can remember my Granddaughter’s face when she saw how Tuesday of that week, my hands were with pure white blisters and on Thursday the blisters were gone and my hand was totally normal. Her little jaw dropped and she inquired how it happened. She could not understand how the blisters were gone and my hand looked normal again. I said, “Honey, Jesus healed Grandma’s hand!”

“Each generation will announce
to the next
your wonderful
and powerful deeds.
I will keep thinking about
your marvelous glory
and your mighty miracles.”

Psalm 145: 4-5

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my Granddaughter will never forget sitting with me as I cried in pain when my hand was burned. She still tells me how she remembers how I screamed in pain when it happened. I also know that she will never forget seeing my hand totally whole and healed! Let us proclaim to our children and our children’s children the wonderful works of the Lord. Give thanks to the loving, living God! Our testimonies will surely point people to look to Jesus Christ.

“No One Can Comprehend His Magnificence”

Posted on Nov 4, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Throughout the month of November I intend to focus on giving thanks to our God. Today’s devotional is from Psalm 145:1-3.

Psalm 145:1-3

“I will lift my praise above everything to You, my God and King!
    I will continually bless Your name forever and always.
My praise will never cease—
    I will praise You every day;
    I will lift up Your name forever.
The Eternal is great and deserves endless praise;
    His greatness knows no limit, recognizes no boundary.
    No one can measure or comprehend His magnificence.”

It is so easy to take things and people for granted, and we must be mindful that we live with hearts that are full of thanks especially to our loving God and the loved ones and friends in our life. Today I am encouraging you to think about how wonderful and good the Lord has been to you. Day in and day out He faithfully meets us as we open our eyes each morning. He is always there for us throughout our day. Even when we fall and mess up, again He is faithful. As the psalmist writes in verse three, God is much greater than anyone can understand!

Have you ever tried to figure out the word “eternity.” I have, and it never ceases to leave me speechless and in awe. This is just one of the many wondrous things about God that are far above and beyond our comprehension. Have you pondered how great His love is toward you today? Is it not the most wonderful thing to know that He loved you enough to send His Son to die for you? Have you stopped and thanked Him today for His forgiveness and paused to try to figure out the depth of His compassion that forgiveness brings to you? I marvel as I think about how He not only forgives us but He totally washes us clean and restores our souls.

Let us think about more of His divine attributes…His grace and mercy recognizes no boundaries and they are new each morning as we face new challenges. No, we will never be able to totally comprehend His greatness, but we can always continue to offer thanks and worship to Him for all that He is to us! Give thanks to the Lord for there is no measure of His magnificence!

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!