admin, Author at The Abundant Life Center

Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

Posted on Jun 19, 2018 in Devotions |

DEVOTIONAL FOR Tuesday, June 19, 2018

“For That Is Just the Time”

by Dona Hake

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against

you until it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never

give up then, for that is just the time and place that the tide

will turn.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

I love this quote. It makes me wonder how many times that I have given up on something or someone just when the tide was ready to turn. I cannot help but think of Peter as he stepped out of the boat upon the Lord’s command. “Come Peter!” I can only imagine what was going through Peter’s mind as he looked down, and saw himself walking on the water. His faith was at work and he was defying the impossible. Yet when his mind became focused on the wind, waves and the all the storm brought, he began to sink. Jesus reached out His hand to Peter, took a firm hold and kept him above water. The thing that always hit me the hardest with this account was that Peter was only an arm’s reach away from Jesus.

How many times are we just an arm’s reach away from the finish line of success and the goal we have set before us. How many times is the tide ready to turn and we throw up our hands and give up.

We must apply diligence and persistence to all we set ourselves to do. It is as we do this that we can pass on the torch of what we learned in our accomplishment to those that need this same word of encouragement!

“And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for

after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing

if we don’t get discouraged and give up.”

Galatians 6:9 TLB

Monday, June 18TH DEVOTIONAL

Posted on Jun 18, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Monday, June 18th, 2018

“Pray Simply and Simply Pray”

by Dona Hake

There is so much power in simplicity. I believe this truth can be applied to every area of our life especially prayer. Many times may think that because our problem is so complicated that our prayers require complicated wording and thoughts. May we never judge another’s prayer to be ineffective simply because they did not pray the words you might have said. God sees the heart and that is the most important thing of all. He desires that we keep our hearts clean, and humble before Him in order that we may serve Him without inward distractions. Oh the power of the simple cry for help to our Lord!

I would like to share a precious prayer that is in one of my favorite books on prayer. I want you to take note of how simple yet profound it really is.

“Help me to live this day quietly and easily,

To lean upon Thy great strength trustfully and restfully,

To wait for the unfolding of thy will patiently and serenely,

To meet others peacefully, and joyfully,

And to face tomorrow confidently and courageously.”

Anonymous

The beginning of this prayer is asking to live the day quietly and easily. I love this. I do not see this as a request for the easy way but rather that one’s heart would remain quiet in the midst of any confusion or difficulties that may be encountered. How beautiful it is to wait patiently as His hand directs His will in our life and on that path we will seek to be at peace and maintain joy as we live and work with those around us. How powerful this simple prayer is yet it will help us see our tomorrow with confidence and courage rather than dread and fear. Remember to simply pray and pray simply. God bless you!

Devotional for Friday, June 15, 2018

Posted on Jun 14, 2018 in Devotions |

“

Devotional for Friday, June 15, 2018

“We Are Just Clay”

by Dona Hake

We are just clay, and You are the potter.

We are the product of Your creative action, shaped and formed …”

Isaiah 68:8 (the Voice)

We are just clay but praise God He is the Potter!! He knows how to skillfully take the ordinary and make in EXTRAordinary. He knows how to turn the impossible in to the possible. Let us remain pliable that He is able to work and form us for great and wonderful works. One of the very first things a potter will do with a clump of clay is center in on his wheel. For us to be worked and formed for His purposes we could look at it this way…

Stay centered on His “wheel”

and you will be in the

center of His will.

What positions us that we start and stay in the center of His will? There be be many but here is three for you to ponder:

*stay humble before God.

*stay humble before others

*see yourself humbly for this will guard you from

self deception, which is the worst of all deceptions.

Let us humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord that He may continue to work and form us for His purposes, and we will be in the center of His perfect will.

Devotional for Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Posted on Jun 13, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Wednesday, June 13, 2018

“The Sneaky Little Foxes”

by Dona Hake

“Catch the foxes for us, those little foxes that menace the vineyards, For our vineyards are so vulnerable when they are in full bloom.”
Song of Solomon 2:15 – The Voice

It is a little foxes that spoil the vines especially when they are in full bloom. They are harder to see…they sneak in and steal, and get away without being seen. Oh how the subtlety of pride can sneak into our hearts and minds. I see subtle things as being little foxes. Maybe it could be that when we are in “full bloom” we are less attentive to the little things. Let’s look at a few little foxes…I think of two especially, and they are our exalted opinions of ourselves and critical hearts towards others which can be a fertile ground for the sin of pride. Oh there are many little foxes out there and we must beware!

The watchful, prayerful, and diligent heart will be quick to discern those little foxes that the devil is sending after the life of God that is in full bloom within us. May a determination rise up within our hearts that we will stand against pride, and that humility would have its place in our heart that we may honor our Lord.

“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.”
1 Peter 5:8 -Amplified

Devotional for Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Posted on Jun 12, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Tuesday, June 12, 2018

“The Ways of Pride”

Here is the voice of wisdom from the book of Proverbs:

“If you respect the Eternal, you will grow to despise evil.

I despise wretched, vile talk and ways of pride and arrogance.”
Proverbs 8:13 The Voice

“The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord

includes the hatred of evil; Pride and arrogance

and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate.”
Proverbs 8:13 – Amplified

“If my image is to be conformed to Christ,

it must take a death blow. God is after my pride.“
Arthur Burt

Yes, God is after our pride and anything evil that would keep us from conforming to Him. As we grow in the fear and respect for our Lord we will continue to grow in despising all evil that would cause us to dishonor Him with the sin of pride or any other sin. It is not a matter of trying to do right in our own ability but rather as we do what is right in His sight that we will grow in respect and honor for Him and His will. As we cry out to Him to keep our hearts pure any pride will begin to stand out to us like a “sore thumb” and we will welcome the discipline of our Lord that we can be conformed to His image.

“A man’s pride and sense of self-importance

will bring him down, But he who has a

humble spirit will obtain honor.”
Proverbs 29:23 AMP

Devotional for Monday, June 11, 2018

Posted on Jun 11, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Monday, June 11, 2018

“Choices”

by Dona Hake

Everyday we have choices before us. It would be interesting to take note of all the choices that we make everyday. Choices both good and bad bear fruit, and we must always seek His wisdom in our decision making. Some choices may not be as important such as 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. On the other hand there are choices we may make that could bring us heartache and cause us to bear painful consequences that we must bear the rest of our lives. It is sad to see an individual’s life completely altered due to one poor choice or decision.

God has given us the choice to make wise decisions based on His Word and instruction for our lives.

Proverbs 8:10-11 (NIV)

“Choose my instruction instead of silver,

knowledge rather than choice gold,

for wisdom is more precious than rubies,

and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

In this scripture God is showing us that even the jewels that we could ever possess that 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 !! Today may we choose His instruction as we pursue to do His perfect will!

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Posted on Jun 9, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Saturday, June 9, 2018

“Understand This…”

by Dona Hake

James 1:19 (AMP)

“Understand [this], my beloved brethren.

Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener],

slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”

James started his exhortation here with two words and they are very important…”Understand this…” Sometimes it is hard for our minds to grasp God’s ways, and we just need to simply seek understanding of their importance. I think of how many arguments and misunderstandings that would be avoided if this simple truth were taken heed to. The exhortation is to be a ready listener, slow to speak, and slow to take offense that could lead us to anger.

If one does not give their full attention to the one speaking to them, there will more than likely words that are spoken which could be inappropriate, hurtful or misunderstood. This verse has a wealth of wisdom in it for us. It also shows us that it is just as important to listen to another’s heart for the unspoken words and feelings they may be feeling. Many times we may feel that we have the right answer for someone yet it is not the appropriate time for that word to be spoken. As we take care to listen, our words spoken will be appropriate and edifying to the listener. We shall also be careful to speak, and not be quick to take the offense that could cause us to be angry.

Let us ask the Lord to have sensitive hearts that we will listen more closely to those around us. Many times we may indeed know what that individual may need to hear but we need to ask the Lord for the proper season to share it.

Proverbs 25:11 (AMP)
“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

Listening to someone may be the greatest gift you could give them. Choice words are even a greater gift to one that is in need. After you have listened carefully you will find they will be much more apt to hear your heartfelt and choice response. They will be more likely to take heed to the wisdom that you feel you are to share too. I believe the Lord can help us to guard our tongues that our words will be as choice silver and gold.

Friday, June 8, 2018

Posted on Jun 7, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Friday, June 8, 2018

“Patience and It’s Perfect Work”

by Dona Hake

How do you define patience? I talk to my Granddaughters often about this wonderful virtue. Do you remember when you were a child, and the fun things you had to wait for seemed to take an eternity to happen. I once shared with them my definition of patience and they have never forgotten it. 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 favorite donuts, and oh my….did 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 us 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!”

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Posted on Jun 7, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Thursday, June 7, 2018

“I Can…Because He Strengthens Me!”

by Dona Hake

Philippians 4:13 (CEB)

” I can endure all these things through

the power of the one who gives me strength.”

Many times when we are faced with adversity or we are feeling weak, the words that we may be tempted to entertain in our minds are “I can’t do this, or “I want this to go away!” Today I want to encourage you to seek daily to find your strength in God.

Now let us read from John 10:10 (AMP)

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill

and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy

life, and have it in abundance

(to the full, till it overflows).”

In this life we all face this thief that desires to zap the very life of God out of us. All that the Lord has equipped us with is a threat to his ability to rob from us. Yet he diligently seeks to steal and rob from us from the abundance our Lord desires for us to live in . He will try to kill your dreams, weaken your faith, and more than anything try to convince you that “you can’t” be an overcomer. He seems to sometimes have the mysterious ability to make the smallest of things look gigantic, yet we serve the one that can bring all problems down to size if only we keep our eyes on Him.

Paul spoke of when he was his weakest is when he truly experienced God’s strength. As we look to live in God’s strength we can know that no matter how things are going in the natural, He is with us, and He will always show Himself strong on our behalf. Today I pray that His abundance is full and overflowing in you, and you are walking in the strength of God!

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Posted on Jun 6, 2018 in Devotions |

Devotional for Wednesday, June 6, 2018

“But the Lord Weighs the Heart…”

“Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed].”
Proverbs 21:2-3. Amplified Version

This scripture reminds my heart of the extreme importance of seeking my God diligently. Our fellowship with Him is so vital and important. When we stray from our time with Him many times we will fall into the trap of justifying our words and actions. In other words we can easily put our own stamp of approval on that which our Lord does not approve of. Our hearts will lack the precious discernment that He desires that we walk in. God is not interested in us just doing our own thing, and expecting His blessings upon us. It is our Lord that weighs all things that are in our hearts . He desires that we seek to please Him, and walk uprightly all the days of our life.

May we seek to do right in His eyes. May our hearts be tender and humble, and our eyes be open to the working of the Holy Spirit within us as He carefully inspects and examines our hearts. Oh the joy of walking uprightly before our Lord!