Dona Hake, Author at The Abundant Life Center

6.3.16

Posted on Jun 3, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Friday, June 3, 2016

“Are You Cumbered With Care?”

by Dona Hake

Today I would like to share some words from verse three of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”. This song was written in 1855 by Joseph M. Scriven. He wrote it to comfort his mother while she was ill. Let us look closely and ponder these precious words that were put to music so very long ago.

“Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.”

The word ~Cumbered ~ is not one of those words you hear today. Defined it means

to hinder; hamper..
to overload; burden.
to inconvenience; trouble.

We can all identify those times when our hearts have been heavy, and cumbered with care.Our thoughts are hindered, and we cannot think straight. When we are weak from carrying care, our hearts and minds will go into overload, and it is going to affect us in many ways. It seems that the writer of this hymn appeared to have a revelation that his good Friend Jesus did not want him to try to bear the cares and burdens of this world nor did he want his mother, therefore this song was birthed. As I read this verse I thought it’s enough to deal with resisting carrying cares at times, but then he throws into the mix the thought of friends not only walking away, but being despised by them. Terrible thought isn’t it?

When you have what you thought was a friendship with someone, and something comes between you, it can be hurtful and devastating. So in this verse he asks, “Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?” Today I just want to encourage those of you that have deep hurt from broken relationships. Jesus with open arms wants to hold you and heal your heart. He promises that you will find solace in His embrace. Many times broken relationships are restored but sadly there are some that are not. Jesus still promises to be there, and be all that you need Him to be. Our Savior, still our refuge!

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

6.2.16

Posted on Jun 2, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Thursday, June 2, 2016

“How Is Your Hearing?

by Dona Hake

Yesterday while driving with my Granddaughters in the backseat there seemed to be a dispute in the brew. Both were tired, and this is always a set up for them to get irritated with each other. My oldest was trying to explain something to the younger, and what it came down to it my youngest thought she was “pulling the wool” over her sister’s eyes. My oldest Granddaughter said, (and it took all I could to keep from laughing) “Listen! I have good eyes and I don’t miss seeing anything, and I have good ears too…I am smart, and I know what’s going on…” Well, after this proclamation from my Granddaughter along with the eyes in the back of my head….most assuredly things would be kept right between them!!!!

Today I want to talk about our spiritual hearing…so do you have good ears, and if so….are you listening? The Lord desires that we too be keen and discerning to all that is going on around us.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 our spirit has been pricked by the power of the spoken Word. We just know it was God specifically dealing with our heart yet we walk away, and do not take heed. We can go home from church and proclaim what a good Word our Pastor shared yet not take heed to it, and apply it to our 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. May our hearts and spiritual ears be open to Him, and willing to do all He asks.

6.1.16

Posted on Jun 1, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Wednesday, June 1,, 2016

“My Lord! The Health of My Countenance”

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 6:24-26One’s countenance is his or her appearance that is reflecting what is going on inside of them. 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, and that He alone would bring health back to his countenance. 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.”

Lord, we thank you this day for being able to live this life in your joy, peace, and strength. You are the One that is the saving health of our countenance! As we look up to You this day we rejoice that Your countenance is shining down upon us. May we walk in the joy and peace and all the good things that You are. We thank You as well that there are many lives that can be touched this day as we permit Your love to shine through us. In Jesus Name! Amen!

5.31.16

Posted on May 31, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Tuesday, May 31, 2016

“Keep Your Eyes Fixed On Him”

by Dona Hake

This is an image of my sweet Aasha watching my Granddaughters or may I say she has her eyes fixed on them. She is amazing how she watches and studies everything around her. She misses not one thing, and yes she speaks a lot with those beautiful, brown, soulful eyes! I can remember a few years ago while I was also tending my son and daughter in law’s two dogs. Having three fur babies to care for can be a bit challenging but I love it. I thought I had completed their feedings so I went to make my own breakfast.

I was finally sitting down to eat my oatmeal and coffee, and Aasha 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, and remained positioned to receive 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

5.30.16

Posted on May 30, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Monday, May 31, 2016

“This Will Keep Us From Stumbling!”

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 recently purchased a new water purification system for our kitchen sink. It was very simple to install, although there were specific instructions of things to do and things to never do with it. As long as I adhere to those recommended instructions, it will work well. So it is with the instructions that the Lord has given us to live our life by. We must follow His rules and instructions, and purpose to live by them that our life would be well.

Today we will look at Psalm 119:165. The Psalmist tells us that if we love His instruction that nothing will make us stumble or be offended, and we will have great peace. To love God’s Word is to esteem it above your own thoughts and will. As we love Him and His Word with all of our heart we are promised a peace that will keep us in even the most difficult storms in life.

Along with this great blessing of abundant peace we can be assured 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;

I am thanking God today that He has made provision to keep us from stumbling. 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 we need in His Word. His Spirit is here to guide us into all of His truth, and He will teach us things that we 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 we will remain guarded with His abundant peace.

I encourage you today that He has provided everything you need in His Word in order 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!

5.29.16

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Sunday, May 29, 2016

“Looking At God’s Wisdom”

by Dona Hake

Today let us look closely at the beauty in God’s wisdom that proceeds only from His heart. His wisdom is pure and untainted. God wants to bestow upon us His pure wisdom as we humbly desire and ask for it. You know we really do need it for every area of our life.

James 3:17 (The Voice)

“Heavenly wisdom centers on purity,

peace, gentleness, deference, mercy,

and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy.”

The dictionary says that wisdom is knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. We all well know that there is worldly wisdom, and many times this wisdom is not good, in fact James speaks of worldly wisdom as being evil and devilish at times. God desires that we look to walk in His wisdom, but we must understand what it is. When we ask God for His wisdom He desires to bless us with pure thoughts and good judgement. His wisdom is full of mercy, peace, and gentleness. His ways and answers are not harsh or hypocritical.

There will be times in this life that we may be encountered with questions that are too difficult to give answers to. As believers we can feel that we always have to have answers for people’s questions and problems, and there will be those times in which we could find ourselves at loss for words. In those times that we lack knowing the answers to questions to humbly admit that we do not know. In saying that we do not know the answer, we can proclaim that we KNOW the One who does have every answer we need, and He is faithful to answer the prayer of a righteous man or woman. It is in those times that we can believe the Lord with that individual in need that God will grant them the wisdom and guidance that they need in their situation.

As you ask God for His precious wisdom for those difficult situations, believe by faith that it is going to flow toward you, and flow forth from you as pure fresh living water. This is what we need and this is what people around us need…not our opinions, not our experiences, but rather the pure, life giving wisdom that comes only from above. Today we thank You Lord for giving us Your sweet wisdom that flows from Your heart to us that we may live and walk closer to You!

5.28.16

Posted on May 28, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Saturday, May 28, 2016

Good day my friends!!! Today I am sharing an archive to commemorate the holiday that we are in. Memorial Day to so many is just picnics, getting away for a vacation, etc… I encourage to take time over the next few days as you celebrate, and remember that it is more than picnics and going away. It is a time to reflect on the precious freedoms that we enjoy. Reflect on the price that was given for that freedom both here in our nation and the spiritual freedom that we enjoy as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are a rich and blessed people…may we never forget!!!

Here is a devotional from 2014.

♥~~~~~~♥~~~~~~♥

“Trust Him In the Little Things”

by Dona Hake

I just went threw my husband’s container where he keeps his change. My mission was to find one shiny penny, and two older ones. I grabbed my primitive flag and created this image for you. I thought it would be an excellent visual for this devotional.

I can remember reading a story once of a man that never walked by a penny if it was laying on the street. He provoked me to do the same. I used to walk by pennies and leave them lay. After all, it is just a penny…the smallest sum of money there is. This man said that he would deliberately pick up the penny and hold it on the side of Abraham Lincoln’s head and read the words out loud “In God We Trust.” He shared how this little moment would remind him to just trust in God even in the smallest of things.

As I laid these pennies on my flag I also want to remind you to be thankful for your freedoms that you enjoy every day. This is NOT a little thing, for many have sacrificed their life for your freedoms. Many have paused their life and walked away from their family for a period of time just to serve their country. Today and everyday, pause and thank God for your freedoms.

Now back to the penny….I encourage you the next time you have opportunity and you see one little penny laying on the ground, purposely reach down and pick it up, and allow it to remind you to trust in God for the smallest of things in your life. He cares about the smallest of details. He knows of the smallest details in your life that you are not even aware of. To this day when I see a penny I will now pick it up and say out loud, “In God I will trust!” Whether the penny is bright and shiny or old and dull, it still stirs me to remember a really big thing.

♥~IN GOD WE TRUST~♥

5.27.16

Posted on May 27, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Friday, May 27, 2016

“The Faithfulness of Our Lord”

by Dona Hake

It matters not if one believes in God or not, for He exists, and He is faithful ! I can not fathom being one that insists on thinking there is no God. When I look around at this beautiful world and it’s wonders I know that all was planned and created by a loving and faithful God. I know that those of you reading this are believers, and I know you know you acknowledge Him to be a faithful and loving God. Therefore, He desires that our whole heart be toward Him, and that we would not have any double mindedness as we release our faith. In those times in which our feelings and emotions try to lead us away from that which we know is true, may we stop and remind ourselves that our Lord is faithful. He is never changing, and He does not plan to change!

I can remember hearing a coach being interviewed, and it was such an awesome interview. He was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and he stated, “I’m not interested in being politically correct, I’m interested in being spiritually correct!” Later in the interview it was mentioned that someone twittered the following comment relative to his comment and the tweet was, “It is no wonder our youth have no moral compass.” Again may I mention that because our Lord is faithful, we also know that His Word and standards to live by do not change. They are rock solid. His Word is our moral compass.

This politically correct thing has gotten so out of hand, it is unbelievable. Here it is defined:

Politically correct is marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ecology.

Can you see that we are in a time where such corrupt thinking is affecting all of us but more so our youth and little ones? Again, as we continue to keep our minds renewed to the truth that our God is faithful, He NEVER changes, we therefore know that His Words and all His statutes we are to live by NEVER change. Let us never altar what the Word of God is saying to fit a lifestyle that we know does not align with His Word. When we start to accept other standards as truth, we and our children will begin to be confused about what is really true. I believe the Lord is holding us responsible to live and speak His truth and let it be in our behavior in every aspect of our living.

Let us not be suppressed by the lies of the enemy, and be tempted the keep our light under a bushel, but rather sit it on a lampstand that all may see the faithful Light of an ever living God! Let us stand against political correct speech, and let our speech and behavior be spiritually correct!

Matthew 5:14-16 (DARBY)

14 *Ye* are the light of the world: a city situated on the top of a mountain cannot be hid.
15 Nor do [men] light a lamp and put it under the bushel, but upon the lamp-stand, and it shines for all who are in the house.

16 Let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your upright works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.

I just want to encourage you to hold fast, do not be moved, for if you are a believer, you serve a God that is faithful. This faithfulness has extended from the moment His hand created the sun and the moon. As He placed the stars in the sky, and created every beautiful thing you enjoy today, remember He is faithful. In the present moment that you are living, He is ever so faithful and desires to be a part of your world. Nothing ever changes with God.

Psalm 119:90-91 Living Bible
“Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
like the earth you created;
it endures by your decree,
for everything serves your plans.”

Ecclesiastes 3:14 (CEV)
“Everything God has done will last forever;
nothing he does can ever be changed. God has done all this,

so that we will worship him.”

5.27.16

Posted on May 25, 2016 in Devotions |

Devotional for Thursday, May 26, 2016

“The Heart Full of Joy”

by Dona Hake

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

The scriptures teach us in Psalm 16:11 that as we abide in the Lord’s presence there will be fullness of joy, and we know that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We must continue to renew our minds, and not permit anything to pull us out of His presence or pull us away from what the Word of God says about the situations that we are dealing with. Have you ever had a day in which you thought it would be wonderful to just go back to bed and do it all over again. I know that I have? But you know what?….we cannot. May we learn from our days. If we did not continue in His Word as we know how, then all we need to do is humble our self before Him. From there, God grants us wisdom from our mistakes if we permit Him to.

If we do not deal with those days that went wrong correctly we will have ourselves wide open to having our joy and peace robbed. It is when those thoughts tempt us to think thoughts of defeat that we must remember that some things may be beyond my control, but one thing for sure…we can make a quality decision to stay in His presence, hold fast and guard our peace, and continue to walk in His unconditional peace and joy.

Today, I encourage you to stay mindful to do that which you know in your heart, and that which is right in His sight. They say “Hind sight is always 20/20 vision.” This is true for in those times in which I look back on my yesterdays, We must continue to renew our minds, and not permit anything to pull us out of His presence or pull us away from what the Word of God says about the situations that we are dealing with. Thank God that He speaks to us even when we miss the mark. God is so good, and His mercies are abundant!

5.24.16

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Uncategorized |

Devotional for Tuesday, May 24, 2016

“When the Lord Shows Us Our Hearts”

by Dona Hake

Proverbs 27:19 (ERV)
“Just as you can see your
own face reflected in water,
so your heart reflects the
kind of person you are.”

This scriptures provokes me to think about the true spiritual condition of my heart. If I were to stand over a crystal clear pond and look in, my reflection would answer back at me or in other words I see myself. I would see myself for exactly what I am because the reflection does not lie. When we stand in front of a mirror we can not stand there and say, “this is not me!” or “I do not look like that!” Our reflections are speaking to us and telling us exactly what we look like. So it is when we look into God’s Word, He will reveal to us our need for Him and all that He wants us to be.

James 1:22-25
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].

For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror;

For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.

But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).”

There will be those times in which we hear the Word and we may feel a bit convicted and we need to give heed, and be an active doer as this scripture tells us to do. This tugging at our heart is the Holy Spirit speaking to us to make changes, and this kind of change really is a good thing. This scripture is clear that we need to give heed to the Word we hear and read, and the living water of the Word will truly reveal to us the condition of our heart if we permit it to. The Lord is loving, and He will help you to make the adjustments you need to be molded into His image. Let us look carefully at ourselves in light of God’s Word and allow Him to work in us.

Lord we ask that you convict our hearts today by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us to be honest with ourselves when we see the condition of our hearts as we read and hear Your Word. Help us to be mindful to remain humble under Your loving hand. Help us to grow in the area of hearing You as You speak to our hearts this day. In Jesus Name! Amen.