Posted on Mar 2, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
I once heard someone say, “Don’t believe everything you think.” Simple yet profound isn’t it? You know, if you begin to think about something too much, it begins to take residence in your mind, and before long it will rule your thoughts.
Yesterday I shared with you about keeping your mind in a state of peace as you allows the peace of God to rule over you. Of course we all have the right to our own thoughts and opinions but let us be careful to permit those thoughts be examined against the Word of God. If we do not keep ourselves humble, we can think that all that goes on between our ears is right. If we do not keep our thoughts in check with what the Word of God says, it will not be long that our thoughts will become opinions that cannot be challenged or or they will become actions that could cause us some big trouble.
We would keep ourselves guarded well if we would vow to live by what the Word says about maintaining our thought realm. In 2 Corinthians, Paul said if our thoughts exalt themselves against the knowledge of God…get rid of them! Such words are not worthy to keep residence in our mind and you clearly cannot trust them nor believe them.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ERV)
“…and we tear down every proud idea that raises
itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture
every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”
The secret to tearing down proud ideas and thoughts that are bad are knowing what God’s Word says about our situation. As we stay full of His Word we can look to the Lord and ask Him to help us to rightly discern our thoughts. Those thoughts that are not worthy of residing in our mind will quickly leave as we replace our thoughts with His. This reminds me of how it is so vitally important that we be in tune with Him and know that we are totally immersed in His Word and His peace. The mind that is full of His Word and peace is the guarded mind.
Posted on Mar 1, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Colossians 3:15-Amplified version
“And let the peace soul harmony which comes from Christ
rule act as umpire continually in your hearts deciding
and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds,
in that peaceful state to which as members of Christ’s
one body you were also called to live…”
Many times you may hear someone say, “I am in the wrong state of mind right now,” When someone uses the word ~state~ in this way they are referring to the condition of their thoughts and their mind in respect to their circumstances. I know I have had times already in which I was walking through a tough time or I was tired, and the smallest of decisions seemed to rob my peace. When one lacks rest or they are walking through a trial, their judgments and emotions can be greatly affected. I appreciate the many times that while I was in that wrong state of mind that my husband would lovingly exhort me to not try to make a decision while I was tired or emotionally affected by a situation. He will always emphasize the importance of me getting my peace back before any decisions or judgments on a situation are made.
In this scripture Paul spoke of Christ’s peace being like an umpire or referee in our hearts. His peace will settle all unrest and arguments that go on in our minds. Our hearts and minds are the center of all conflict because this is where our feelings and desires clash, our hopes and fears meet , jealousy battles with love, etc… Ask Him to help you listen to the umpire of your heart. He will instruct you in a way that peace will rule and reign no matter what. It is God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Most importantly we have been called to live in this peaceful state of mind, and for that we can give Him thanks! Blessings to you this day!
Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
The other evening I went to a Christian bookstore in my area. It was on my heart to purchase some little story books for my Granddaughters that were godly. It was one of those “I’ll know it when I see it” type of search. I was able to find three storybooks that I was extremely excited about. I was heading to the cash register, and I felt drawn to this huge table. There was nothing exciting about this table at all in fact it was somewhat drab looking. All that lay on the table were about three unwanted items that were not selling. I immediately felt drawn to pick up one of the items that was a book specific to devotions for children. As I paged through it I was so excited. It’s childlike simplicity yet beautiful spiritual depth made me just know that I had to have it. Here is the funny thing about this book. It was laying on the table basically because they were trying to get rid of it. A book that originally sold for $15.99 was now 90% off. I bet you are wondering why…the reason was that it was damaged in shipment. The top corner of the book took a beating on it’s way from the publisher. The first thing I said to myself after I thought about it….”I am glad I did not judge this book by it’s cover!” I was so sold on what was inside the book before I even noticed the damaged cover! To me it was nothing a good piece of clear shipping tape could not mend. So I walked out of the store with a book that cost me only $1.59!!!
My experience that evening at the bookstore reminded me of human nature and how we want things to be all so perfect….especially if we are buying it brand new. Things like this can teach us little lessons with big spiritual significance. It reminded me that many times we miss seeing the truth about a situation because we permit other things such as imperfections and weaknesses to cloud our judgments, and we do not see things for what they really are. It reminds me that sometimes we may prejudge people by the outward appearance, and we do not even give them a chance to show us their heart. May we be reminded that God is always looking at hearts. Let us look at people’s hearts through the love of Jesus and love them with His love.
“God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart…”
Posted on Feb 28, 2016 in Devotions |
Devotional for Sunday, February 28, 2016
“But What Does God Think?”
Psalm 54:4-5 (VOICE)
“But see now! God comes to rescue me;
the Lord is my valiant supporter.”
Yesterday I shared with you about God using our frailty. If we permit Him, in our weakness, He can make us strong. Let us think about our times of weakness especially when we are in a “life storm”. Many times when the raging winds of doubt and unbelief try to torment us we can turn quickly to our own thoughts and ways of dealing with a problem. May we stop ourselves and look to God and ask Him what His thoughts are on the matter that we are dealing with. Let us look to Him in those times of weakness and draw upon His strength.
God desires to help us strategically win, and He promises supernatural strength to us as we lean upon Him in our day of battle. Thank God that in our time of trouble He desires to rescue us for as this scripture says, He is the valiant supporter. The word valiant means: boldly courageous;brave; and stout-hearted. Even if one is alone in the natural they really are never alone if God is on their side! It is so wonderful to know that the Ultimate Strength is standing with us, and He is on our side.
May our only concern be in knowing that we are standing on the side of God in all matters. Here is a powerful quote by Abraham Lincoln that fits perfectly with our devotion today. In the time of battle and the concerns of it, he spoke these words….
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side;
my greatest concern is to be on God’s side,
for God is always right.”
Father, help us to stay aware that we are always abiding in Your truth. We know that You are all truth, and that brings us strength in our day of trouble. Help us as well to have the courage to speak the truth even when it may not be the most popular thing to do. Help us to be mindful to stay on Your side, the side of truth, and cause us to speak truth in Your Spirit of love.
Posted on Feb 26, 2016 in Devotions |
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 they are above figuring out. 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. This can cause us to not step out for fear of failing and looking foolish. 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 in my life. My testimony was His strength flowing into my life and enabling me to look away from my inabilities and draw upon His ability.
Now let us look at how the world views us at times. Have you ever been obedient to the Lord in an area that in the natural may have looked a bit foolish. You know the world sees us the way they do because they are blinded, and they are trying to figure us out with their human understanding. Many times we will be regarded as foolish in the eyes of the well educated in this world. Today I leave you with a quote by the late Justice Scalia. May it touch your heart as it did mine….
“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
Posted on Feb 26, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Psalm 85:10-13 (CEB)
Faithful love and truth have met;righteousness and peace have kissed.
Truth springs up from the ground;righteousness gazes down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord gives what is good,and our land yields its produce.
Righteousness walks before God, making a road for his steps.
God desires that we live and walk by His truth and His truth alone. Our walk with Him must be led by the light of His righteousness. Many times the way of the Lord will be narrow, and sometimes even unpopular. I remember a quote that I used to have hanging on a poster in my high school classroom. It’s said “What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular.” Many time popular trends can lead and pull and tug at our hearts. May we determine that the way of the world will not dictate the paths that we choose to walk on. Also, may we seek Him for the courage and strength to walk on right paths that are not popular. God blesses the paths that He desires that we walk in.
He desires to perfect all things that concern us. As we turn our hearts toward him I believe He will cause us to see and discern when we are not on the right path. The secret to knowing we are always walking in the Lord’s foot steps, is staying aware that we are not walking in our own ability nor thinking our own thoughts. We must draw upon His grace for everything we do, We must purpose to draw upon the mind of Christ in our prayers, our words, and our actions. I remember many years ago the popular saying “What would Jesus do?” The bracelets that had imprinted upon them WWJD were worn as a constant reminder of this truth. I loved this because it really did make you stop and ask yourself that question.
Today may we look to Him for His loving guidance, and His loving kindness in our lives. May we release our faith that He will speak to us and cause others to see His love in our lives. Help us to hear with expectant hope what He desires to speak to our hearts.
Psalm 85:7
“He will speak peace to his people.”
Posted on Feb 25, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Today I would like to share with you about how our mouths can get us into trouble. Have you ever made a statement about something or expressed an opinion before thinking it through. After it is spoken, you might say to yourself…”Oh my why did I just say that?” or “Oh my I did not mean for it to come out like that.” Once our words are spoken, it is too late to take those words back. Sadly, if wrong words are spoken and others hear, we may end up offending someone or hurting someone’s feelings. Many times when our souls are troubled, and we lack peace we can end up speaking things that are not edifying and needful to be spoken. I remember hearing once a quote “Just because a thought is in your head does not mean it has to come out of your mouth.” Simple, (funny), and yet profound!
May we tend to our hearts and be all so diligent in the guarding of our words. Understand that our mouth and our tongue must work together to create a word. This scripture I am sharing clearly says guard your mouth and guard your tongue. One without the other cannot cannot work.
Proverbs 21:23 (God’s Word Translation)
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
I just want to share the importance of your soul being kept at total peace. When the soul is not at peace and rest, this is when our minds will work overtime and many times this is when our mouth will get us into trouble. Many times we say things out of frustration, anger, and even to try control a situation. Sometimes it can be the hardest thing to just keep our mouth shut. There is a scripture in Proverbs that I also want to share in light of this devotional. Today may we choose right words that will edify the listeners of our words. May we speak wise words that proceed from God’s wisdom.
Proverbs 21:23 (God’s Word Translation)
The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver ·bowl setting.
A wise ·warning correction to ·someone who will listen ( a listening ear) is as valuable as gold earrings or fine gold jewelry.
Posted on Feb 24, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
It is hard to believe that the blessed celebration of Easter is only weeks away. I think that we should always ponder in our hearts what Jesus did on the cross, but this is a time of the year where we will think more about it and reflect upon that great work. I have been thinking a lot lately about the precious gift of peace that we have been given by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is vitally important that this precious peace be guarded with all diligence. No one can guard your heart for you, only you can do that. A soul that is at rest is a soul that is guarded.
Have you ever seen someone receive a gift, and you can tell they really do not appreciate it as they should or they might not understand it’s value? I believe that many times we can be guilty of forgetting with Jesus did for us. Our hearts can easily forget or take fore-granted the freedom that was purchased for us. As we purpose in our hearts to remember and thank Him each day for the price He paid in His death we will continue to value within us all that was purchased by His blood.
We thank You today Lord for going to the cross. You were punished for us, and the work of Your blood is precious to our hearts. May we be mindful that you were crushed because of our guilt and You took the punishment that we deserved. You brought us the blessed gift of salvation,forgiveness, healing, and and peace that surpasses our human understanding. In Jesus Name, we thank You for that. Amen.
Isaiah 53:5 (EXB)
But he was wounded for ·the wrong we did (our transgressions) ;he was crushed for ·the evil we did (our iniquities.)The punishment, which ·made us well brought us wholeness/peace, was given to him,and we are healed because of his ·wounds lacerations; stripes; .
Posted on Feb 23, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
It is the desire of my heart that these devotionals are encouraging those that take time to read them each day. I want these few words I share to build up your heart, and give you words to ponder throughout your day. There are times in which I hear stories, testimonies, or simply things that cause my ears to listen more closely. Many times it is those things that bring inspiration to me for my devotionals that I create for you. Listening to people share their heart can truly inspire us to press in and try harder to do our very best at whatever we are putting our hands and hearts to. It is a blessing to pass on to you the things that I am pondering in my heart.
This morning as I was preparing my breakfast I heard a gentleman sharing in an interview how he found his passion at a very young age. He was gifted in discovering musical talent, developing it, and has made quite a few people famous. I appreciated the words that he shared and he also reflected and shared the words of wisdom of his mother. It seemed the one thing he really was strong in was purposing to live a life of determination.
These words he spoke stood out to me…”I do not look at obstacles, I focus on my destination and I charge toward it.” I was impressed with his winning attitude. He was not denying that obstacles can arise, but the strong one does not permit the eyes of his soul to be distracted by such things. At the end of his interview he said, “My mom used to tell me that when I walk into a room the room is a better room because you are in it.” What encouraging words!
Today I encourage you to charge toward the destination that the Lord has set before you. When obstacles position themselves in your path, determine in your heart that they will not stop you from reaching your destination for Him. We have a race to run, and if we run it with diligence and determination, we know we shall live victoriously! Do not quit, and know that God wants to use you to make a difference and change the world around you!
Hebrews 12:1-3 (ERV)
We Also Should Follow Jesus’ Example
“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.”
Posted on Feb 21, 2016 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Isaiah 66:2 (AMP)
“For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands.”
As God in Heaven proclaims what He did with the work of His hands He goes on to say, “but here is where I look…” I do not know about you but I want to know what God is looking for. After all the beauty and wonder of His creation He is still looking? I love this because it is reminding us that God’s eyes are moving to and fro watching for the one that will ALWAYS put Him and His Word first and reverently respond to what He says. He is looking for those that even when they mess up they admit they are wrong and receive His forgiveness. He is watching for the man and woman that desires to be humble and respect His Word above their own opinions and thoughts. He is watching you and your heart.
Let us be reminded that God is well pleased with the humble heart. Know that He is waiting to use that humble heart for His special purposes to bring forth His glory. Think about it…He made it all and in all it’s grand beauty He is still watching for those who desire to be willing and obedient above all else. I encourage you today to think about how He desires to use you as you purpose to remain humble and reverent to His Word.
