Posted on Oct 6, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Thursday, October 6, 2016
“Be Prayerful, Be Watchful…”
by Dona Hake
Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger.
Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil.”
Let us look closer at what the word opportunity. The dictionary defines it as
a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal
One of the ways to provide an opportunity for the devil to attack our life is to go to bed with anger in our heart. The following scripture from First Peter tells us that the devil roams about seeking a way to devour us. The devil is driven by a fierce hunger to destroy us, and he desires to “eat up” the life of God that we have been so abundantly blessed with. He seeks to rob all good things from us, so he watches for those opportunities. Let us look a scripture now that will help deepen our revelation of this fact.
1 Peter 5:8 (Amplified)
” 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.”
We need to take seriously that when we permit our hearts to be unguarded we are providing the perfect conditions for the devil to work in our lives. We are providing perfect opportunities for him to devour our life, our time, our relationships, and God’s perfect will being accomplished. The devil loves nothing more than robbing us that we cannot move forward and live victoriously for the Lord. As we purpose to walk in God’s love, and hide His holy Word in our hearts, we will be wise and discerning. Let us thank our Lord that He has promised to walk by our side and lead us and guide us into all truth that causes us to triumph in victory over the work of the enemy!
Lord we ask that you would help us to live for You with clean hearts. Help us to be watchful and vigilant over Your precious Word and will for our lives. We ask that Your Holy Spirit would remind us to never permit our hearts to be cluttered with anger, sin or anything that would create an opportunity for the devil to devour the life You have given us. We seek to serve you with our whole hearts that we may do Your will all the days of our lives. In Jesus Name, amen!
Posted on Oct 5, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Wednesday, October 5, 2016
“Waiting In Silence”
by Dona Hake
Psalm 62:5
American Standard Version
“My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from Him.”
We are blessed to live in such a time in which so many things have been invented for our convenience. Many of these inventions have helped us to save a lot of time, and they truly are a blessing. The down side of some advancements and inventions though have caused us to be impatient. I am sure you have pulled up to that fast food window and had to wait way too long. We are expecting things to be fast there, and we do not want to wait but some times we are forced to so. There are many things in this life that can cause us to lose our patience and peace.
Today I want us to look at times in which we need to command our souls to just be at peace and wait. We must always be patient as we wait upon the Lord for His timing and His ways are not always predictable nor can we figure them out. His understanding and wisdom is great and above our understanding. For this reason we need to command our souls to be silent for our expectation should be from Him and Him alone.
Let our hearts be content in the waiting not matter how long we have to wait for it.
I would like to also share from Psalm 116. The psalmist begins the chapter by exclaiming, “I love the Lord, for He heard my voice…” He proceeded to say that he knew God’s ear was toward him and then he said, “I will call on Him as long as I live!”
You see this psalmist understood that death was staring him in the face and he had no where to turn. I am sure that what the writer went through was terrifying and he stops and reminds himself of who and what his God is all about. Once again he tells his soul to return to it’s rest. This is what Psalm 116:7-9 says.
“Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.”
I believe this chapter in Psalms can also serve to remind us that in trying circumstances we absolutely must call on the Lord for our help and we must purpose to meditate upon His love and care over us. May we call our soul to rest as we remember His works in our life. Let us be diligent to think upon these truths that our souls may be calmed. As we walk before the Lord in the land of the living, let us rejoice in His mighty works He has done in our lives!
Father, remind us that we can truly expect from You, for You are true to your Word. Help us Lord in those times in which our souls are lacking Your peace. Remind us to call our souls to the sweet rest that You have blessed us with. Amen
Posted on Oct 4, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Tuesday, October 4, 2016
“The Lord Our Guide”
by Dona Hake
Psalm 32:8 (ERV)
” The Lord says, “I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide.”
The Lord desires that we have Him guide us in every aspect of our lives. Today our focus is going to be on how we treat people around us. God loves to help us with the everyday things of this life. The tiniest concerns of our lives is big to Him, and He has proclaimed that He is our Guide and He is our Helper!
Many times it can be easy to fall into the trap of focusing on people’s faults rather than the good things about them. God desires we LIVE to LOVE!!!! Criticizing is not showing His love in any way. The more we focus on anything negative in others the bigger it is going to become to us. Jesus admonished us with the following words from the book of Matthew:
Matthew 7:3-5 (ERV)
“Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own? Why do you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that piece of dust out of your eye’? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye.”
I think the Lord clearly understands that we will encounter the faults and shortcomings of others but He desires that we handle ourselves in His love. Again, as we submit our will and heart to Him, He is well able to transform us by His wonderful and unconditional love.
Today let us focus on Jesus’ last words of these verses, “Look at yourself first!” As we continually give our hearts and minds to Him, He has promised to teach us about all that we need in this life. Instead of focusing on the weakness and faults of another, begin to focus on how you need more of God to deal properly with that individual. Many times He may begin to lead us to pray for that individual that really needs help. As we are obedient to His process, He will take care of everything that pertains to us and He will lovingly deal with those around us. Let us also remember that the Holy Spirit is a complete gentleman and He will not impose Himself on anyone. The more we pray for others, the more our heart will be enlarged to love and carry people in prayer rather than be critical toward them.
Help us this day Lord to first of all see others as You see them. Help us to draw upon You for each and every need in our lives no matter how small the need may be. We thank You that You have promised to lead and guide us in this life. In Jesus Name, amen!
Posted on Oct 3, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Monday, October 3, 2016
“Do You Love His Word?”
by Dona Hake
What does it mean to be passionate about something? Here is one of the definitions that I found.
It is a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for something. I want to share with you a portion of Psalm 119 in which the psalmist expresses his passion about the Word.
Psalm 119:130-142 The Voice
“When Your words are unveiled, light shines forth;
they bring understanding to the simple.
My desire for Your commands
left me waiting, open-mouthed and panting.
Acknowledge me and show me Your grace
as is Your habit toward all those who love Your name.
Guide my steps in the ways of Your word,
and do not let any sin control me.
Rescue me from the torment of my human oppressors
so that I may live according Your decrees.
Let Your face shine upon Your servant,
and help me to learn what You require.
My eyes shed rivers of tears
whenever people fail to keep Your teaching.
You are good and just, O Eternal One,
and Your rulings are right.
You have set out Your decrees in justice,
and they can be trusted.
I AM OVERWHELMED BY MY PASSION
because my enemies have forgotten Your words.”
Do you have such a passion in your heart today for God’s Word? Have you ever thought how you would live without it? I remember the movie about the precious saint Corrie Ten Boom entitled “The Hiding Place.” They had such love for the Word of God that they were determined to take the risk and sneak their little Bible in with them to the concentration camp that they were being taken to. It was amazing to see them pray before they hid it under her coat, and miraculously the beautiful little Bible made its way past the darkness and evil of that place. You see, she and her sister were passionate about a loving God and His Word. They well understood that all they needed would come from His love and provision of His holy Word.
I pray that today you too are even more passionate about His Word and trusting Him to guide your steps. What a blessing it is to live under the light and love of His Word that gives us everything that we need!
Posted on Oct 2, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Sunday, October 2, 2016
“God’s Love Is Real and Inexhaustible”
by Dona Hake
God is looking for us to put feet to His love, and walk out His ways. He is desiring that we put action to that which we know we should do. There is a scripture that says, “In Him I live and move and have my being.” Acts 17:28 He so desires that we act according to His Word and walk away from our ways that do not exhibit His love and character. There are those that need His love and we need to avail ourselves to Him that He can flow through us. God’s love is real and it is inexhaustible!
We must remember that there will be times that He may call upon us to help people and it may just make us have to go one more mile than what we had intended. Many times His love will stretch us and that is a very good thing. It is in those times that His love will be shown and we too will grow as we give of ourselves. I think it is a good thing for all of us to be pulled away from our comfort zone and put in a place we have to rely on Him to help us to do things we never thought were possible! Today may we be encouraged that God can enable us to show His real love by the things that we do for Him and for others.
1 John 3:18-19 (ERV)
“My children, our love should not be only words and talk.
No, our love must be real.
We must show our love by the things we do.
That’s how we know we belong to the way of truth.”
Posted on Sep 30, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Friday, September 30, 2016
“Facing Our Fears With God’s Strength”
by Dona Hake
I shared this with you before relative to fear and I want to share the story again. In this movie I was watching there was this young lady that had never ridden a horse before yet she desired to do so. She shared her fear with the young man with her, and he assured her that he totally understood. He said he too at a young age shared that same fear but his Daddy helped him overcome it. He said, “My Daddy sat me on his lap and said courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway!” I just loved this because it was an inspiration of how to face fear with a true heart of courage.
Psalm 27:14
“… Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you!
Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you.”
Maybe you could testify of a time that fear had gripped your heart and rendered you unable to move forward. How terrible it is to be held back by a fear. Fear has the capability of robbing one’s dreams, but God desires to release us into our dreams. He understands our every fear and the things that intimidate us, yet He promises to help us overcome any fear that would hold us back. His Word says that the righteous will be bold as a lion!
Sometimes in life we just simply have to “saddle up and face our fears” believing that He will give us the courage and strength that we need for that moment and situation. His grace will always be sufficient and complete no matter what! Thank you Lord for the courage and strength that can fill our hearts as we call upon you. Only You can grant us courage from above! In Jesus Name, amen.
Posted on Sep 29, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Thursday, September 29, 2016
“Discipline By the Power of the Holy Spirit”
by Dona Hake
No matter what we need to change in this life, it will take discipline and self control. Some people may want to lose some weight or maybe one would desire to start an exercise program. Maybe you just want to stop biting your nails or you may hate the fact that you worry way too much over the littlest things. A person may have an anger problem, and it is so far gone that they fear where their anger could take them.
No matter what it is that we as individuals need to overcome, God has promised to give us a spirit of love, discipline and self-control. This is a powerful force from the living God to help us become disciplined and able to do His will in a greater degree. We must make a quality decision though that we are going to press into receiving that power from Him and Him alone. May we not be fools to things that we can overcome habits simply by our own efforts and ability. God desires that we walk by faith in every area of our life, and as we grow let us look up and give Him all the glory! Some things that we may wish to change may be easier than others, and some things will take patience and time.
2 Timothy 1:7
“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.”
Isn’t it wonderful that God has made it possible that we tap into the power of self control and discipline? He is also able to help us accomplish our goals as we purpose our heart to be disciplined for Him in every area of your life. God is able to help us do above and beyond all we dare ask or think! By His power, we can do that which may seem impossible. Let us praise Him today that with Him ALL things are made possible!
Posted on Sep 28, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Wednesday, September 28, 2016
“The Admonishment of the Lord”
by Dona Hake
Proverbs 4:26 (TLB)
“Watch your step. Stick to the path and be safe.”
The other day I jumped in my jeep and I saw a new warning light pop up. It got my attention but I could not figure out what it was trying to tell me. I knew I needed to get out my user manual and search out what this warning was telling me. Finally I located it in the manual, and it was telling me that one of my tires was low. This reminds me of times in my life in which I feel certain that the Holy Spirit is warning me of something but in order to see things more clearly and understand, I need to get the best ever User Manual out, and that is the Word of God. He has given His Spirit and His Word to lead and guide us into all truth. He gives us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness. We must remember that His warnings are toward us because of His great love and care over our lives.
Today, I want to share with you about those times that God calls out to us through His Word, His Spirit, or people in our lives. I know we can all relate to those times in which we feel we are being warned. We must always be careful to judge the warnings that come our way to make sure they are truly of Him, and not fear motivated. God’s Word clearly has accounts where men and women of God were admonished by the Lord.
Colossians 1:28 ( Amp.)
“Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).”
Today I encourage your heart to respect the voice of the Lord as He speaks to you through His Word, the inward witness, and those God given people that have been placed in your life. May we all continue to grow deeper in the comprehensive insight in His ways and purposes.
Posted on Sep 27, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Tuesday, September 27, 2016
“We Never Walk Alone”
by Dona Hake
Have you ever walked through a very hard time in your life, and after you came to the end of it you wondered how you ever got through it. As for myself I can recount times in my life that without the help of my Lord I would never have been able to get through them. Oh what a caring Heavenly Father we have for He has promised that He would never leave us. Today I want to share this poem to cause you to reflect upon His unfailing love and work in your life. This is an old poem and it continues to minister peace and strength to the weary heart, and it reminds us that He never leaves us.
Footprints in the Sand
“One night I had a dream…
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life
This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”
Author Anonymous
I praise God for those times in my life that He carried me through hardships that I had no more strength to walk. Many times when I see people walk through things without Jesus my heart goes out to them because I know it must be so horrible to feel so alone and weak and no one to turn to because they have not allowed Him to be Lord of their life. When one decides that they have no need for God they surely have a rough road ahead of them. Their life truly does reflect that they only have one set of footprints but those footprints represent them doing life in their own ability.
Let us reflect on times in our lives where we felt there was no more strength yet somehow we carried on and we just knew it was a supernatural strength. God is so good and so faithful. Let us praise Him for the wonderful works of His mighty hand in our lives.
Posted on Sep 26, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Monday, September 26, 2016
“God Is Great and He Is Good!”
by Dona Hake
Matthew 6:27-29Amplified Bible (AMP)
27 And who of you by worrying can add one [a]hour to [the length of] his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these.
This scripture reminds us of God’s loving care and how He watches over us. When Jesus spoke these words to this crowd His parable was delivering the truth that everything they needed could be provided as long as they asked God for it. Today let us meditate on our Lord’s goodness and greatness! He is the great provider, and He notices the smallest of needs. He is there to provide for us all that we need in any particular time. I encourage you to ponder His blessings and all the wonderful provisions in your life. He has so faithfully provides for us every day. Maybe it is not in ways you expected, but we can count on it….He is faithful and He will provide!
Think about it…. When you need wisdom…The Lord will provide. When you need strength…The Lord will provide. When you need direction…The Lord will provide. Think of the many times He provided before you even took the time to ask. God is good all the time…all the time God is good, and He knows all that you need!
