Dona Hake, Author at The Abundant Life Center

“Thankful For His Angels”

Posted on Nov 17, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I am devoting this month to reflect on the many things that we need to be thankful for. Today I want us to reflect on the fact that we have angels watching over us. I am thinking we will never know how many times our angels spared us from disaster and we did not even have a clue. Did you ever just feel you were to take a different route home, and you were just obedient? I believe in those times that the gentle hand of our Lord could be steering us away from potential danger. Let us be mindful to praise Him and thank Him each day for His guiding loving Spirit and His angels that take care of us and our loved ones.

I can remember a few years ago driving through a heavy construction area, and I was spared being in an accident. Had I not looked into my rear view mirror I would not have realized what I was spared from. I did not notice that there was a man literally on the tail of my car. I was driving around a bend in the road and was unable to see that there was a line of traffic sitting still, which forced me to an abrupt stop. I tried my best to stop as safely and quickly as I could even though the traffic in front of me was slowly beginning to move. I was able to stop and then slowly move with the traffic, but because the man behind me was too close, he almost hit me. I just happened to look into my mirror and saw this gentlemen completely go off the road to avoid hitting me. The car behind him had to also steer off abruptly to avoid hitting him. Behind that car was a Mack truck, and I could see that the driver of the truck was fully aware of what was going on. Thank God he was able to stop in a safe manner. Do you get the picture of the accident that could have occurred?

As I continued on the road I had to laugh to myself because the gentleman that almost hit me stayed about ten car lengths behind me the rest of the way on this road. Yes, I was thanking God, but had I not glanced into my rear view mirror in that split second, I would not even had known what I was spared from. I was thanking the Lord that He had my back in what could have been a bad accident.

Today I encourage you to think about the times that you know His angels were there to protect you. God is so good and He is ever so faithful to take care of us! Let us be thankful that He has set His angels to watch over us!

Psalm 91:11 (EXB)
” He has put his angels in charge of [commanded his angels/messengers concerning] you
to watch over [keep; guard] you wherever you go [ all your ways].

“Thankful For His Light and His Direction”

Posted on Nov 17, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I have had a few conversations lately about the changing weather with people as I am exchanging small talk. It is funny when seasons start to change how people make it quite clear what they love and what they hate. I was delighted to find an older woman sharing with me the other day how she absolutely loved the snow. She lives on a hill which overlooks a lot of beauty. It was such a joy to hear her share her love for the snow. On the other hand I have to admit that it seems there are so many that do not like winter. I know driving in snow can be hazardous, and I think this is why people do not like it.

I can remember a gentleman sharing his dreadful experience in a snow storm. He said he was driving down the road and without warning he encountered a “white out.” This occurs when the light reflected off the snow equals the light coming through the clouds. He said what was most frightening was that he had no recollection of what was behind him so he feared stopping. He was completely blinded with absolutely no visibility in front of him. As I listened to him I could see how unnerving that had to have been.

Today let us consider those times in which we are blindsided by life’s unannounced difficult circumstances that render us helpless. There are those times that we are going about our business and out of no where we are hit with having to make a difficult decision. It may be so difficult that our mind and heart are in total confusion. You cannot see in front of you nor can you see what is behind you.

God’s Word tells us in Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
It is vitally important that we take seriously that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are connected with the light of His Word that we can know exactly what to do in such situations. It is in those times that it seems like everything around has become dark. It is all so common that one’s heart can be gripped with fear in these times. Again, as we are walking along side of Him, we know all too well that He is faithful to show us exactly what to do. Sometimes we just need to calm ourselves, and remind our hearts and minds that He is able to get us through the unexpected storm that we are encountering.

“The psalmist proclaims in Psalm 119:112 I have resolved to obey your laws forever, at every step.” I believe this kind of resolve in one’s heart will always cause us to hold fast to God no matter what we see or cannot see. This is the man that will not be moved by circumstance but in faith in God alone. We can be assured that our faith will be met by a God of total light because in Him is NO darkness at all.

Lord, we thank you for Your light and divine direction in those times in which nothing makes sense for us. Thank you Lord for being our Great Compass as You guide us with Your light. In Jesus Name! Amen.

“Thankful For God’s Extreme Love”

Posted on Nov 16, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Easy to Read Version

19 “You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit that you received from God and that lives in you. You don’t own yourselves. 20 God paid a very high price to make you his. So honor God with your body.”

Isn’t it precious that God went to the extremes of His love, and purchased you with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe the Lord does not want us to lose sight of that high price. Let us give thanks today for the extremes of God’s love. In this verse we see that the Lord God desires that we honor Him with our bodies since we were purchased by His great love. Here is a definition of what the word honor means. You may think to yourself that you know what this means, but it is always good to just meditate on the depth of a word to bring greater understanding to your heart.

honor: integrity in one’s beliefs and actions…to be a man of honor

Oh that all of our beliefs, actions, and words would speak of all that God is. May they be consistent and in no way be compromised. I also wanted to share these verses from Colossians for you to meditate along with your body being a temple that will honor Him.

Colossians 3:15, 17 Easy to Read Version

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.

Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.”

These scriptures are showing us the importance of the peace of God controlling our thoughts, it should control all that we do. Here also is another definition, and that is for word control.

control: to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command

Today, as we give thanks to God for His extreme love, I encourage you to think about the price He paid for you. Let us purpose in all that we do to honor Him with our bodies, words, thoughts and actions. May we allow peace to control every thought, and may we be quick to dismiss any thoughts that are not of Him. It is as we live by this rule that we will be permeated by His precious peace and we will be honoring Him with our life.

“Thank Him For His Grace At Work In You”

Posted on Nov 15, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

We are presently in the beauty of the season of fall, and winter is right around the corner. We no longer have to concern ourselves with weeds interfering with our pursuit of a beautiful, thriving flower garden for our gardens will now be dormant for many months. I love my gardens, but I must admit they are a lot of work. It always amazes me how weeds just grow. They need no help at all. They will thrive, take over and eventually choke the life out of your beautiful flowers. It is interesting how some things just grow all by themselves. I have to laugh when I here someone say to a child, “You are growing like a weed!!!!” Funny expression, yet true. A child growing up is a good and positive thing yet there are certain things like weeds you wished would not grow so fast!

The truth of the matter is that there are many negative things in life if left to themselves that will grow and thrive without any help at all. Think about the sin of bitterness and hate and how it can grow and take root and ultimately destroy one’s soul.

2 Peter 3:18

“Be careful that you do not fall from your strong faith. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him, now and forever! Amen.”

We must purpose to feed on His Word that we remain strong. We must look to Him each day, and receive His grace and live by it. How silly it would be if we ate a good dinner this evening and think we could survive off of that meal for the rest of the year. No, we would become weak. Our body would become depleted in it’s much needed nutrition that we need for strength to live. As we ponder that thought let us also be diligent to ask Him for His grace and live by it. Let us purpose to thank Him for His grace and knowledge, and grow in it. God bless you!

“Thankful For HIS Opportunities”

Posted on Nov 14, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

A few years ago I was blessed to be able to take painting lessons from an extremely talented woman. Her paintings amazed me, and I would sit in awe as she would skillfully paint in front of us for illustration sake. I can remember the times that she would show a different painting technique, and she would sense my frustration as I was trying. She would come to me, and she would stand behind me and embrace my hand showing me how to angle my brush, etc. I loved this experience of learning especially the art of learning to work through struggles or what I perceived as my inability.

I can remember once I had almost completed a painting and I made a big mistake. Well…in my eyes it was a big mistake, but in the teacher’s eyes it was an opportunity. She would always encourage us that these so called “mistakes” are our opportunities to create. She would tell us to have fun with it and see what comes of it. I was amazed that many of my paintings had my “mistakes” hidden under what only the eye could see. It was only me that knew that there was originally a mistake but it was turned around as a result of reaching into those creative abilities God blessed me with.

I learned from her also a life lesson. Many times people trash whatever they are trying to do because of a mistake. We need to see hindrances, hurdles, or mistakes as opportunities. It is in those times if we allow the Master Painter to work on the canvas of our heart that we may see some pretty amazing outcomes. Along with those amazing outcomes we can walk away with knowledge and wisdom for future application in our life. Today, let us give thanks to the One that is able to take our mistakes and our failures, and seize them as opportunities to work for the good for His glory!!!

Romans 8:28

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God “

“Be Thankful For His Peace”

Posted on Nov 13, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

“Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank.”

Author Unknown

Today we are going to look at being thankful for the peace that only God can bring to our souls. I can remember the warm summer evening that I shot this image. My day was hectic and I was totally exhausted. As I laid in the grass and photographed these beautiful horses, I felt so much peace in my soul. The exhaustion was present in my body, and my mind was still racing somewhat, but gradually I was being permeated by His wonderful peace that passes all understanding. This is our God that we serve! He does things differently than anything we can dream up.

When you are in the midst of a storm, stop and believe that the same Jesus that calmed the storm can calm the disturbed waters in your soul. He is well able to bring chaos to a halt, and bring order back to your thoughts as you simply stop and pray. Today, I encourage you to ponder His peace and be thankful for it!

Mark 4:39 Expanded Bible

“Jesus stood up and ·commanded [reprimanded; rebuked] the wind and said to the ·waves [sea], “Quiet! [ Peace!] Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm. “

“Thankful For His Direction”

Posted on Nov 12, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Today we will look at remembering to be thankful for His divine direction. Things have changed so much as technology has aided us in helping us find our way as we travel to new locations. I can remember how when I first had my photography business that clients would have a hard time finding our home. Once more and more had their GPS’s rarely did they get lost for it guided them straight to my home. It’s technology is a blessing and did you know these letters stand for Global Positioning System? Today I can say the GPS has been a tremendous help to me but I am extremely thankful for JPS or our Jesus Positioning System!!! I thank Him today that He has promised to lead and guide me in His paths. May we praise Him that He loves to position us that we be receiving His blessings, wisdom, grace, etc….!!!!! When we need to get direction and proper positioning, and all we have to do is ask!

Proverbs 3:6

KJ21

in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

AMP

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

I am also thankful that God’s direction in our lives need not be vague but rather clear and decisive. When we come to “forks” in the road, we need to simply be ever conscious that He desires to point us in the exact direction that we are to go. He does not want to see any time wasted in our lives so He promises to stay with us, leading and guiding us to our destinations.

Isaiah 30:21 (Douay-Rheims American translation)

“And thy ears shall hear the word of one admonishing thee behind thy back: This is the way, walk ye in it: and go not aside neither to the right hand, nor to the left.”

I was drawn to this translation over all the others simply because it used the word *admonishing*. Praise God for the times that His tender voice admonishes us in the ways not to go. He understands how our human nature can many times make decisions based on the “easy way” rather than His way. Today I encourage you to listen for that quiet voice that desires to be your Compass in life! God bless you.

“Thanking Our Veterans”

Posted on Nov 11, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Today let us give thanks for our Veterans that fought for our freedom. Several years ago I had contacted some Veterans and asked them to share the thoughts of their heart relative to serving their country. I felt to share these again with you today. I purposely kept them anonymous as I had promised them. I pray that each one of these comments will touch your heart, and cause an even greater appreciation for those that paused their life to serve this great Country, America the beautiful!

A young Veteran shared with me…

“So many citizens really have no idea the sacrifices required for a person to serve. The hard training. The risk of being placed in harms way. the time away from your family. The sacrifices the family makes. Children missing their parent and not having them around for so many of there special childhood events.”

This young man’s words caused me to be reminded to pray for families and those presently serving especially during the holidays because they are separated. I remember being an Army mom and having that empty chair at the table during a holiday meal because our son was serving his country. Let me tell you, it was not easy. Thank you son for the time in which you served our country. We are so proud of you!

A couple of the other correspondences with me from veterans expressed deep concern over the well being of our veterans, their mental and physical health. There was grave concern over them being able to secure jobs to provide for their families. Let us pray for them that they will not be forgotten for this simply is wrong. May we provide opportunities to them that they may get on with with their lives…they deserve to be respected, honored, and helped.

In closing there was one correspondence in which the Veteran’s remark was simple yet profound…”So many people can not understand what it means that these young men and women are serving our country. ” There was emphasis on the word ~ serving ~. Let us think about those words…there are men and women serving our country right now. I started to think about how this individual served me by serving my country before I ever met him. Then I started to think about all the young men and women that have served to keep our country free that I will never be able to say thank you to. We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

If you have the opportunity today to say “thank you!” please do so. We salute you veterans for the time you paused your life, and committed to a cause as you served our country. God bless you, and thank you for serving us! Lord, we thank you today for those that have set their hearts to serve our country. We never want to take our freedom for granted. We ask that You bless them and keep them, in Jesus Name we pray! Amen.

“Thankful For Our Friendships”

Posted on Nov 10, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

This is the month in which I desire to stir your heart to give thanks. We have so much to be thankful for don’t we? Today I want you to think about friends in your life. Even if you only have a few or maybe you are thinking you only have one, let us give thanks for that one! Now, I want you to think about the people in your life that have earned your trust and respect. These friends are truly jewels and blessings, and they are gifts from God that we need too appreciate!

It is a wonderful thing to have a friend that you can trust. It is precious to have someone that you can bear your heart to and know that your words will go not farther. A true friend will be there for you through thick and thin. The friend that can be trusted sees your every side, your ups and downs, your strengths and weaknesses, and they simply accept you. These are the qualities that will help you to trust. A friend you can trust in is one that you can rely upon their integrity and strength. Simply put you can have confidence in them. Now let us look up and give thanks to the Greatest Friend of all, and that is our loving Lord Jesus!

Jeremiah 17:7 (AMP)

“Most blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.”

The Lord wants us to trust Him as that good Friend. As we see Him as a friend, He will give us every reason to put our total trust in Him. As we trust Him with our all, we will see and be able to testify that He is with us in every thing we walk through. When the “heat” of trials is on we will remain strong and vibrant in our faith. No…I did not say it would be easy, but knowing He remains by our side is what will get us through. I love how the Message translation puts it…

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (MSG)

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,

the woman who sticks with God.

They’re like trees replanted in Eden,

putting down roots near the rivers—

Never a worry through the hottest of summers,

never dropping a leaf,

Serene and calm through droughts,

bearing fresh fruit every season.”

Enduring trust brings enduring fruit. I like the idea of remaining serene and calm when everything around me seems to be destitute. As we continue to trust Him as our Faithful Friend, He WILL show Himself faithful! Today Lord we thank you for the blessing of good friends You have called along side of us. We especially give thanks for the Greatest Friend of all, and that is Your Son Jesus!!!!

“Thankful For the Cross”

Posted on Nov 9, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I recently saw an interview and reading about a precious woman named Clara Gantt. Oh my it was so powerful! She had experienced being in the flood that recently hit in South Carolina. She and her Grandson were stranded for five hours, and it looked so hopeless to them, yet there was hope! During her interview she read aloud, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.”

The South Carolina woman was heading to church near Blythewood in the pouring rain around 6am Sunday when a hidden sheet of floodwater swept her car into the current. As she waited for help, all sorts of thoughts went through her head. “I said, ‘Dear Lord, are you taking me home right now?’” Her grandson, Travis Catchings, finally got to the scene where his grandmother’s car had floated into a church yard.

That’s when Clara said divine intervention kicked in. With a harness and rope, her Grandson managed to push the car door open despite the rushing water. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” he said. Right in front of Clara’s car was a giant red cross, and that’s what the two clung to for the frightening five hours until rescuers came. Travis called his wife from their perch, thinking it was the last time he’d speak to her. “It was the hardest phone call I’ve ever made, and I just told her that I loved her.” Clara, who suffered a broken ankle and hypothermia, doesn’t think the cross was an accident. “Jesus is my savior,” she said. “This story is not about me, it’s about what He did to save me. And He set my feet on higher ground.”

The thing that was so precious was Clara said, ” I cling to the person of the cross!” As they both held onto the cross for five hours they prayed for safety and strength. Travis also mentioned that he prayed that God would help him calm down and get his wits. This precious woman said this is all about God, and how he saved her. She shared how we have to live by faith and not by sight.

I thought this was such a powerful and moving story. This woman and her Grandson went through such a horrible experience yet their eyes were on Him, and they were eager to give thanks and glorify His Name! Today let us reflect on being thankful for what Jesus did for us on the cross. Think about it…we were without hope, our life was being swept away with sin, and our life came to a halt at the foot of the cross. It was there that we made a decision for Him! It was at the cross of Jesus that the total work was completed that we might be forgiven, have eternal life, and be blessed as we live and serve Him as we live upon this earth.

Do you remember the day you accepted Jesus into your heart? For me, I can remember every detail about it, and I will never forget what I felt happen on the inside of me. It was the most miraculous feeling, and it was so tangible as well. I just knew that what seemed to be a ton of weight was shed from my heart. Today I encourage you to remember and be thankful for that precious day He came into your life. In our time of trouble, and in those times when all is well, let us remember to cling to the Person of the cross!