Posted on Oct 9, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Who is it that asks for His grace? I will answer that question right here in the devotional. First, I will share with you again the definition of grace that I shared yesterday.
“Grace: the freely given, unmerited favor of God;
the Spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.”
Here is another definition that blessed me…
“God’s grace is immeasurable,eternal, overflowing, perfect,and lavish, yet free. Undeserved,enlightening, incomprehensible,glorious, and divine, yet available.It is abounding and astounding.God’s grace is amazing!
This is what John Newton said…
“I am not what I ought to be.
I am not what I want to be.
I am not what I hope to be.
But still, I am not what I used to be,
And by the grace of God,
I am what I am.”
These are words from a truly humbled heart before God. So who is it that asks for His grace? It is the man or woman that seeks to have a humble heart, and resist any form of pride whatsoever. It is the heart that truly understands where all strength, ability, and power come from. It is the heart that totally understands where true change comes from.
When I read what John Newton wrote, I see a heart that is longing to be in the “present moment” with a loving God. I encourage you to read this again and ask God to reveal to your heart all that He has done in you, yet there is still so much more that needs accomplished. I encourage you to start your day by asking Him and thanking Him for His grace in your life! Praise Him for who He has made you to be today, and where He has brought you from! Yet always keep in your focus the fact that God still has a great work He desires to do in you and it will only be brought about as you continue to ask for His grace.
Posted on Oct 7, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Isaiah 58:11 (ERV)“The Lord will always lead you and satisfy your needs in dry lands. He will give strength to your bones.You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring that never goes dry.”
When I read this scripture I am reminded that in this world there will be times that we will have needs and in particular we will have need of strength. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we can look to Him with joyful expectation? We serve a living God that understands everything we need, and He knows our need before we even ask. In addition to taking care of our needs, He desires to flow through us as an endless spring to the needy around us. He wants to make you and I a place where His springs of life can flow freely.
Let us be thankful that the water He gives is the only water that will quench the thirst of the human soul. I love how this scripture in Isaiah says that we will be “like a garden that has plenty of water, a spring that never goes dry.” No matter how much we draw upon it, those waters will continue to flow toward us to meet our every need! The only requirement is that we continue to seek Him and draw upon that river of life that proceeds from Him.
God desires to see us active in doing good for others from a heart of faith and love.I encourage you to think about the abundance in your life, and how He would have you be a blessing today. Think about the many times He has rescued you from a problem that seemed unsolvable. Thank Him for those times that your anxiety tormented you and His peace permeated you beyond your understanding. We have so much to be thankful for and as we focus on those blessings, we will be in a position to refresh and bless those around us.
Posted on Oct 7, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
“Peace is not the absenceof trouble. Peace is the presence of God.”Unknown
How tempting it can be for one to think that if all is going their way that this is what brings peace. One can also think that if you just go to a place where it is quiet, and you leave your problems behind, that this is peace. The truth is that you could run to the quietest place in the world, but if there is turmoil and frustration in your heart and mind, you will take that turmoil with you. Not only does it go with you, but it continues to rage on in your heart. We only find true peacein the presence of the living God!
Today I am talking about how easy it is to just enjoy God and fellowship with Him as you go about your day. He desires that we enjoy the joy and peace that His presence brings. If Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us, then we should take Him at His Word. That clearly means He is at our side at all times. He is not just there when we decide for Him to be…He has promised to stick by us and never leave. He is like no other friend that you will ever have. He does grow tired of you nor will He grow bored with you, He is the Faithful Friend!
Along with His presence, He has promised us the ultimate peace. Let us look at the following scripture, and I encourage you to read this translation slowly, and let it touch your heart.
John 14:27 (AMP) | In Context | Whole Chapter
“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”
I love how it says, “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves…” It sounds to me like we have some effort to be made on our part doesn’t it? Today I encourage you to discipline your heart and mind to look and purpose yourself to stay aware that Jesus is always in your presence. He is our Faithful Friend!
Psalm 16:11 (CEB)
” You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.”
Posted on Oct 7, 2015 in Devotions |
“Peace is not the absence
of trouble. Peace is the
presence of God.”
Unknown
How tempting it can be for one to think that if all is going their way that this is what brings peace. One can also think that if you just go to a place where it is quiet, and you leave your problems behind, that this is peace. The truth is that you could run to the quietest place in the world, but if there is turmoil and frustration in your heart and mind, you will take that turmoil with you. Not only does it go with you, but it continues to rage on in your heart. True peace can only be found in the presence of our loving God.
Today I am talking about how easy it is to just enjoy God and fellowship with Him as you go about your day. He desires that we enjoy the joy and peace that His presence brings. If Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us, then we should take Him at His Word. That clearly means He is at our side at all times. He is not just there when we decide for Him to be…He has promised to stick by us and never leave. He is like no other friend that you will ever have. He does not grow tired of you or bored with you, He is the Faithful Friend!
Along with His presence, He has promised us the ultimate peace. Let us look at the following scripture, and I encourage you to read this translation slowly, and let it touch your heart.
John 14:27 (AMP) | In Context | Whole Chapter
“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”
I love how it says, “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves…” It sounds to me like we have some effort to be made on our part doesn’t it? Today I encourage you to discipline your heart and mind to look and purpose yourself to stay aware that Jesus is always in your presence. He is our Faithful Friend!
Psalm 16:11 (CEB)
” You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.”
Posted on Oct 6, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
It is wonderful to know when we are doing something, and we are doing it with all of our heart and strength. When we are trying to do our job or a daily task, and our heart is not connected it simply feels like we are going through the motions. May we remind ourselves to put our whole heart in all that we do for He desires to bless the work of our hands as we do His will!
Our Lord knows us inside and out, and know this…He always knows when we are not giving our whole heart in a task. God sees deep within our souls, and He knows what course corrections are needed. May we humble ourselves to Him, and seek to hear His voice in these times. He sees our struggles and He knows well what we dread relative to our job or other responsibilities. The Lord desires that we work wholeheartedly in all that we set our hand to.
” Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul),
as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…”
In this scripture we can see that as we do anything, our focus needs to stay on Him as though we are doing it for Him. As I think about doing all things as for Him I cannot help but to think about how our hearts would definitely be more willing even if the job is not pleasant. Another translations says, in ALL the work you are given, do the best you can. I think that is a great attitude to carry with us as we face each day’s demands no matter how big or small. No matter what it is that is our responsibility, we must simply do the best we can, and do it as if we are doing it for Him. As we pursue to make this a habit of our heart, He will prosper all that we put our hand to.
Posted on Oct 5, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
1 Samuel 16:7 (VOICE)
“… for the Eternal One does not pay attention to what humans value.
Humans only care about the external appearance, but the Eternal considers
the inner character.”
Today I want you to consider seeing yourself and others as God sees. Many times we can be guilty of judging a person or situation by the outward appearance. We stop at that and this is so very wrong. The old saying, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” is so very true. Many times we do not give people a chance simply because we are not looking closely and deeply into their heart.
I believe as we pray diligently and ask God for His wisdom into every matter He will begin to open our eyes and impart His sight to us. I find it so sad that many times we fall short of being merciful and forgiving because we are just being wise in our own eyes in our judgments of people and situations. Let us be cautious in this matter as we encounter people. Let us seek to see as God sees.
I pray today that you will look to Him and let His eyesight become yours. I believe as we do this we will begin to see ourselves grow in God’s mercy and His forgiveness like never before.
Lord, we ask for Your help to see others through Your eyes. We humble ourselves and
admit that many times we are judging by outward appearances, and this is not
the way You see things. We ask that You would enlarge our hearts that Your love
within us would look past the obvious, and see the hearts of people around us. We
know that we need Your help everyday to do all things that You require of us, and
we believe that You will do great things in and through us. In Jesus Name we ask, Amen!
Posted on Oct 4, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Proverbs 3:5 (AMP)
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart
and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.”
Some days it can be tempting to just see things through how you are perceiving them. We can tend to view things from the “glasses” of our formed opinions and thoughts and we can fall short of seeing things as God sees them. If we are leaning on our own understanding we are seeing things as we have concluded them to be. We are forming opinions on our past experience. We need to remember that God is always seeing the bigger picture and He sees how all is working together for the good if we trust in Him.
Now if we are leaning on God and trusting in Him, it is truly a wonderful thing. Leaning upon God will bring rest to our souls. Sometimes in the midst of life’s hard blows it can cause us to be weary and tired. I was so blessed as I read the following scripture this morning.
Psalm 37:-7 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
“Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.”
Have you ever been so tired and you stopped to just lean against something, and once you felt strength to go again you then proceeded. The psalmist was encouraging the reader to stop and lean on God and do it with patience. It seems like I am constantly reminding my little granddaughters of what this word means. To be patient is to wait with a happy heart! Today I encourage you that if you are needing rest and refreshment in your soul to STOP, BE STILL, AND PATIENTLY LEAN YOURSELF UPON HIM! Wait patiently and as you do so, expect for Him to refresh you and cause new strength to rise up from within you. God is good!
Posted on Oct 2, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me
[I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”
I love this! He infuses my inner being with His strength, and that equips me for exactly what I need to walk through a situation or complete a task that seems impossible. Today let us meditate on God being the God that can strengthen us to do anything that is in accordance to His Will. We must believe that He is well able to do what He says He can do.
Here is an interesting quote that goes along with what I am sharing:
“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Henry Ford
What we think will set our course. If we think negative, we will believe negative, and if we think positive especially as we meditate upon His Word, our faith will be strong, and He can accomplish great things on our behalf. It is important that we do believe all that God says about us because if we do not, God will be hindered to work on our behalf. It troubles me to hear someone say in most definite terms…”I can’t do this!” Let us be careful not to proclaim our inability but rather let us declare, “I can do this with the help of my Lord!” Today I encourage you to allow Him to infuse you with great strength, and look to Him for all that you ever need to do the task before you!
Posted on Oct 1, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
“But still, You long to enthrone truth throughout my being;
in unseen places deep within me, You show me wisdom.”
Psalm 51:6 (The Voice)
I love Watchman Nee’s analogy of our souls that have not yet been touched with the light of our Lord. He speaks of our souls and likens them to virgin caverns within our souls that God has not yet touched with His light. He was likening the caverns of our soul as veins in which God’s light and life desire to flow freely. The virgin caverns are those that have not yet been discovered by the light of His truth.
These words could serve us with some real enlightenment regarding the truth that is within us. Every time I think about this statement it reminds me that there is truth that I still need deeper understanding of and there is truth that God has not yet touched my soul with yet. Lord, help us to remain humble that we may receive ALL that You desire for us to know regarding Your truth! Oh that we would meditate upon humility in greater depths for it truly prepares us for a greater depth
of God, and His life to flow through us.
God desires that we cry out for the wisdom and truth in those areas of our soul that have not yet been touched. He also desires that the truth we know of to have a place in our heart that is protected and honored. In Psalms 51:6 the psalmist is saying,
“But still, You long to enthrone truth throughout my being…”
Let us be reminded that the truth that we know should be guarded and NOT compromised by what we feel or do not feel like doing. Truth must reign above our feelings, emotions, and it is not moved by what is going on around us. Let us ask Him today for His wisdom on how to keep the truth we have embraced to be enthroned within us.
Posted on Sep 30, 2015 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
The present and the future could cause one to worry and fear but the God we serve desires that we just believe. “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want…” Psalm 23:1 There is probably none of us that have not heard this, and I would venture to say that it is one of the most favorite Psalms of many. While He promises tender loving care and provision, may we determine in our hearts to believe that He is willing and able to do what He says. I would like to share a quote with you from one of my favorite authors Francois deFenelon.
“Faith discerns God behind all the circumstances that try to hide Him.
Faith also holds you in a state of uncertainty.”
We serve a God that sees any circumstance, situation or hardship as His opportunity to show Himself strong on our behalf. He desires that we see in the Spirit those things that He sees. This is when our spiritual eyesight will cause our words to speak of things as though THEY ARE by faith no matter what they look like in the natural. Many times we can find our hearts in unbelief simply because our eyes are too focused on our circumstances. The more we look at our circumstance the more real and powerful that circumstance seems. It is our human nature that hates to be in a place of uncertainty. We want to get through a trial and get back into our comfort zones.
May we consider that there are times even in the midst of a trial, God is looking to work a new thing in our heart by His love and tender instruction. Behind the circumstance God is seeing an opportunity for His hand to graciously move in our lives.The God that asks us to live by faith is so ready to perform that which He said He would do, all we need to do is believe!
