Dona Hake, Author at The Abundant Life Center

“Bringing Comfort”

Posted on Jan 6, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I can remember a few years ago when I was out Christmas shopping. I walked to the counter and laid my things down and a clerk that I speak with often began to ring me up. I asked her how she has been doing. She dropped her head and said, “Not well at all. I am really having a hard time getting through this…” I immediately knew what she was referring to for I knew from previous conversations that she had lost someone very special in her life. She began to share that it has been five years and she has done well for the past five Christmas holidays yet this year she could not figure out why this one was so hard. The depression that enveloped her touched me in my heart. I began to try to console her for I too know what it is like to lose someone over the holidays. Sometimes words seem so inadequate yet I know they do more than what we realize at times. I walked out the door and prayed that God would comfort her heart and He has continued to remind me to pray for her.

I know that I have shared this in the past but it bothers me seeing how the hustle and bustle especially over the holidays can pull us into our own little “worlds”. We can become oblivious to the pain of those that are reaching into the past and their memories have caused them to struggle. Even after the holidays one can carry the pain of loss right into a fresh new year. It may not even be a death, but a broken relationship that has caused division in an one’s family.

I encourage you to be sensitive to those around you. Ask the Lord to give you an awareness of those that may be hurting. Maybe you are reading this and you are walking through the pain of remembering someone you love and have lost or you are enduring a trial that has robbed you of the joy of life. I pray that God’s comfort would permeate you and keep your heart and that His joy would well up within you. I pray also that great strength would arise within you that you may in turn share that same comfort with someone else. God bless you.

2 Corinthians 1:3 (The Message)
“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.”

“God Is…”

Posted on Jan 5, 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, 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 inability.

I can remember once I had almost completed a painting and I made a big mistake. I mean everything was perfect, and I went and ruined the whole painting. 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.

Romans 8:28

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

“A Word Fitly Spoken”

Posted on Jan 4, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

What do you think of when you hear ~~ a word fitly spoken ~~?? When I think of a word fitly spoken, I think of expressing words from my heart to someone, and you just know in your heart of hearts that you have spoken exactly what they needed to hear. Yet, those same words spoken at the wrong time could possibly not be good. Just because you know something to be true does not mean it is the moment to speak it. Today let us ponder and meditate on desiring that our words are spoken in due season. James also had some excellent advice about listening, speaking, and handling offense…

James 1:19 (AMP) “Understand [this], my beloved brethren.

Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener],

slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”

I think of how many arguments would be avoided if this simple and profound verse was mastered by us. If one does not give their full attention to the one speaking to them, there will more than likely words that are spoken which could be inappropriate or hurtful. This verse has a wealth of wisdom in it for us. I think it is just as important to listen to another’s heart as well as the words that proceed from their mouth. After you have listened, then think thoroughly before you open your mouth. Many times you may feel that you have the right answer for someone’s problem yet it is not the appropriate time for that word to be spoken.

Let us ask the Lord to have sensitive hearts that we will listen more sensitively to those around us. Many times we may indeed know what that individual may need but we need to ask the Lord for the proper season to share it. I would also venture to say that the one that has mastered being a good listener also understands the value of giving their full attention and making eye contact with the one speaking.

Proverbs 25:11 (AMP) “A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

Listening to someone may be the greatest gift you could give them. Choice words are even a greater gift to one that is in need. After you have listened carefully you will find they will be much more apt to hear your heartfelt and choice response. I believe the Lord can help us to guard our tongues that our words will be as choice silver and gold, and spoken at the proper time.

” Are You On God’s Side?”

Posted on Jan 3, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Psalm 54:4-5 (VOICE)

“But see now! God comes to rescue me;
the Lord is my valiant supporter.”

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 you, and He is on your side.

Today, we are not only looking at God being faithful to rescue but we must always be sure that we are in deed on God’s side. Let us always be careful in the midst of a situation or life’s battle that we are thinking like God and acting according to His Word. It is all too common for people to look for opinions from others in their time of trouble. People can be well meaning with good intentions but that by no means is an indication that their opinion should lead you in your decision making. May we know that we are listening for the still small voice, the RIGHT voice in our time of trouble. We need to concern ourselves with the 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.”

I want to encourage you today with the truth that it is always important that you are totally loyal to the truth in every area of your life. When we are dwelling and remaining loyal to the truth, this is where we will always find an abundance of strength, help, and wisdom from the Lord our God. There may be times as well that people, especially in friendships can be more loyal to the friendship or relationship than to God’s Word. What do I mean by this? Well, in those times that someone you love dearly asks you for your opinion, are you afraid to state the truth or are you afraid it will upset them? Any relationship that is truly God ordained should be able to withstand and grow from their friend or spouse speaking firmly and lovingly to them.

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.

“As I Look To Him”

Posted on Jan 2, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Sometimes the eyes of our heart and mind are thinking about things that are nothing more than distractions or things we have no business thinking about. As a little girl I can remember our family sitting down to the dinner table in the evening. My father would not put any food on his plate until my mother, sister and I were served. We understood that we were there to eat, and not to be talking. Every once in a while I would glance to see if my sister was eating all of her food or God forbid she got a bit more than me if it was my favorite. It seemed like my daddy had eyes not only on the front of his face but a pair on each side of his head. Nothing got by him! If he noticed my sister or eye minding each others plate, he would take his fork and gently tap my plate and firmly say, “Mind you own plate!!”

Have you ever found yourself thinking about something that was not your business thinking about, and the Holy Spirit gently tugged your heart? Sometimes we are simply minding others business or their affairs, and we do not even realize how much it is consuming our minds. The older I get the more I realize how important, and liberating it is to just pray if I see something that troubles my heart. If the Lord desires to make it my business, He will kindly speak to me by His Holy Spirit. He always instructs us in the way that we are supposed to walk, not the way we think we should walk. Many times we may be trying to be walking in a place that we have no business. An excellent scripture I would like to share with you on this matter comes from the Psalms.

Psalm 131:1 (ESV)
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.”

and another translation brings even more light to the truth…

Psalm 131:1 (GW)

“O Lord, my heart is not conceited.
My eyes do not look down on others.
I am not involved in things too big or too difficult for me.”

I believe as we understand this scripture that it will cause us to guard our heart against the pride of thinking we have all the answers. It will also remind us to be thinking about only that which we are supposed to be thinking. Let us not look down on others when we see faults and weaknesses. May we rather try to help them with a kind word of wisdom and our prayers. If the Lord sees that you are to be put in the path to help an individual, believe me, He is well able to arrange that! Next time you may feel that someone else’s business is preoccupying your mind too much , just maybe your loving Heavenly Father is gently but firmly tapping the “plate” of your life saying, “Mind your own plate!”

“Your Life Can Make a Difference”

Posted on Jan 1, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

No matter how young or old you are, I want you to listen. Today you can make a difference in someone’s life. I encourage you today as you walk into a fresh new year to take hold of new hopes and dreams of how your life can touch people around you. Never underestimate as well the power of one encouraging word you speak or a deed that you do for someone.

Many times people can be discouraged and depressed about their lives simply because they are comparing themselves to everyone around them. If you feel you have not succeeded in something, then take hold of God, and ask Him for strength to stand up and try again. May I encourage you today to look at yourself and know that God made you in such a special way for special reasons and purposes.

Psalm 139:14 CJB version

“I thank you because I am awesomely made,
wonderfully; your works are wonders —
I know this very well.”

The psalmist is proclaiming how awesomely made he was. Oh that we can do the same, and see ourselves as awesomely made and fashioned by the Master’s hand. As He made you, He had special things in mind, and it is up to you to believe how special you are, and seek how He desires to use you in this life. Trust Him to fulfill those plans and purposes. Seek to express all those God given qualities that may be at rest within your soul. Do not permit fear of failure to hold you back. I want to leave you with one of my favorite motivational quotes. This quote challenges my heart every time I read it.

“Creativity has been built into every one of us; it is part of our design.

Each of us lives less of the life God intended for us when we

choose not to live out the creative powers we possess.” Ted Engstrom

Remember you are uniquely made and within you there may be something that needs awakened for His plan in your life!

“Look Up!! For He Is Your God”

Posted on Dec 31, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Today I want to exhort you to keep looking up, let go of anxiety if you have any for He is your God! Today is a new day, and tomorrow we begin a fresh new year. Let us meet each day with a knowing that every mercy and strength we need is there because that is who God is! He is all about going before us and providing all that we need to do all that He is requiring of us.

If you fear what lies ahead of you, know that He knows all that lies ahead of you. Trust Him, do not be anxious for He is your God. Please ponder and be blessed with the scripture I have for you today.

Isaiah 41:10
King James Version (KJV)
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right
hand of my righteousness.”

The significance of His right hand being mentioned is because it represents strength and skill. When we feel tempted to fearful or weary in our hearts, He will lift us up and carry us with His strength. We can rest in His arms knowing that He will hold us tightly until life’s storms are over. There are many times in my life that I can testify that do not know how I would have made it apart from Him carrying me. I thank Him today for His strong right arm that upheld me in my troubles!

As you look to walking into a fresh New Year, I encourage to keep close to your heart that you do not walk alone. In those times of needing direction, seek Him and He will show you the way. In those times that fear tries to grip your heart, look up and remind your soul that your are resting in His arms. He promises to uphold you and keep you in all of your ways.

“Peace Is Not the Absence of Trouble”

Posted on Dec 30, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

“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 it with you. Not only does it go with you, but it continues to rage on in your heart. We will find the only true peace is 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 up and get 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.”

“How Well Do You Listen?”

Posted on Dec 29, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Today I want to share with you about how important is that our hearts and spiritual ears be heeding when the voice of our Lord is speaking. Sometimes we probably have all been guilty of selective hearing. Selective hearing is the tendency to ignore something you don’t want to hear. The truth is that when we read God’s Word or hear it in a sermon, the power is there to convict our hearts. The power and grace is also there to help us to do that which is being required of us. We would be very wise children of our Lord to be quick to obey, and put action to truth as we put our faith in Him.

James 1:22-25 (Amplified)

“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 may also have been a time that you have heard the Word of God and your heart seemed encouraged and lifted up. At that moment you may feel you have seen an area of your life in which your are lacking or need growth and change. If you do not act on the challenge of God’s Word, you will be tempted to back burner the living Word of God and thus go unchanged in that area. It is the same as seeing yourself in a mirror. The reflections of your spirit and soul are speaking where they are and you walk away and act as if you did not see it. Hearing the Word without obedience following will never change you. Action by faith in Him must follow!

As we look into the glorious mirror of the living Word of God and it reveals what we need let us ask God to help us receive the wisdom, understanding and direction to deal with our own hearts. He who has shown this great light of His Word will be faithful to accomplish the change you need and you will be blessed as you obey Him.

“The Unfailing Love of the Lord”

Posted on Dec 28, 2014 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Jesus said, ” I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.” Oh the power of His unfailing love. He has promised to be with us no matter what. Mother Teresa said is to beautifully,

“What is important is that you are

holding on,

that you have a grip on Christ and

He will not let your hand go.”

May we have such a determination to hold fast to our faith in Him and His unfailing love. The scripture I want to share with you today is from 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 from the Easy-to-Read Version.

“We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.”

Today let us meditate upon we have been molded for the use of the Master. We are as clay jars that hold the treasure which is to show amazing and wonderful things to all around us. Let us not be discouraged when all hell seems to be coming against us but rather let us determine that we will hold on to Jesus’ hand for He and His unfailing love has promised to never let go! We are more than conquerors!