“The Quiet Heart”

Quiet heart
by Dona Hake
Sometimes we need to command our hearts to be quiet, and get our peace back! In the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I encourage you to hold fast to the precious peace that the Lord has given us to live by.    If we do not purpose to keep our hearts quiet and at peace, we will surely be open to anxious thoughts.   Once during the Christmas season I can  remember hearing on the news someone quote a person saying “Just knowing I am going to be with my family over the holidays makes me feel like I am gonna have an anxiety attack.” Sad isn’t it? Yet, there are a lot of people that feel this way especially over the holidays. Then there are those that wish they could sit with their loved ones during the holidays but they are no longer here.   Anxiety is such a robber of the soul.

I recently had a gentleman sitting behind me at a stop light, and he was in a convertible.   He was angered because I did not make a left on a yellow light.   Since this is a dangerous intersection, I decided to wait for the next light.  He yelled nasty things at me and sat there and mumbled under his breath till the light changed.   It was so sad to me to see someone that allowed such a small thing make him so angry.   Yet anyone of us could fall prey to such a thing if we do not make a decision to hold fast to the peace of God, and maintain a quieted heart.

I don’t know about you but I am bound and determined to embrace peace in my heart and allow nothing or no one to snatch it away from me.


Proverbs 14:30 Amplified Bible
“A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life

and health of the body…”

I pray that you too will think about pursuing living one moment at a time and enjoy the stillness of His perfect peace each and every day.



“What God Will Not Give”

for god has not given
by Dona Hake

2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of
craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit]
of power and of love and of calm
and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”

Many times my heart cringes when I hear people think that when bad things are going on in their life that it is sent from God. It is as though God has some split personality, and we are on the end of whatever mood He may be in. This is not true for our God is the giver of ONLY good gifts, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Today I want to declare to you that there is something that God will NEVER give to you, and that is fear!  The truth is  that He is not the author of fear, but instead He has given us the spirit of power, love, and a calm well balanced mind. We can keep our mind focused, disciplined and have self control with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Let us be reminded today to stay focused on all that He has given us through His love for this very special journey on earth. It is Him that can help us to remain disciplined and self controlled for the God given work He has for us. I want to leave you with this precious quote:

“If the Lord be with us,
we have no cause to fear,
His eye is upon us,
His arm over us,
His ear open to our prayer.”
Andrew Murray



“God Sees the Big Picture”

BIG PICTURE Second
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
I have always admired the patience of those that like to put jigsaw puzzles together. Especially the ones with hundreds of pieces. I see the jigsaw puzzle as a great analogy of our life being put together day by day by the loving hand of God. There are times we can get so focused on a particular area just having to fit because in our minds we just want to see that part of our life worked out. Yet God is wanting to work on some other area of the “puzzle” or tapestry of His will for us.
 
 

Today I am hoping that we be reminded to allow God to search the “pieces” of His specific will for our life that He may work through us. As we live each day may we remain humble and allow Him to work and fit the pieces together that are in His plan, not our custom made ideas. It is a comfort to know that God is the Master Planner and within His plan will always be perfect timing. Young or old, we can all get a bit impatient with God’s timing, and we need to be cautious of this. I always love when my Granddaughters ask how long something may take and if I say it will be in about five minutes, and I get this…”Grandma, that will be forever!” Makes me grin every time. How many times do we react to God the same way.

 
 

God wants you to know that He has a plan for your life and He works in your life as you permit Him to. As we stay humble, He will work out all things according to His plans and purposes.

Romans 8:28 (DRA)
“And we know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good…”



“God Is Able”

god is able to make all grace abound
by Dona Hake

 

2 Corinthians 9:8 (HCSB)

“And God is able to make every grace overflow

to you, so that in every way, always having

everything you need, you may excel in every good work.”
 
 
 
 
This scripture just really blesses me. I love meditating on the fact that God is desiring to shower us with His all sufficient grace as we set out to do His will. I want to share three words that may help you in your meditations about grace. Desire, draw and demonstrate.
 
 
 
 
Let us DESIRE to be living examples of excellence in all we put our hands to, and may we always recognize that we need His grace to do anything in this life. Let us pray each day in faith and DRAW upon that grace which is sufficient for all that we need and do. It is as we do this that we will DEMONSTRATE that He is the God that is more than enough.
 
 
 
 
I thank God today that I am what I am by the grace of God. I want to encourage your heart to look to Him with great expectations of the work of grace in your life. May our hope be in knowing that as His grace overflows to us that we will have all that we need that we can excel in every good work He has assigned to us!
 
 
 
 

Ephesians 1:2 (Amplified)

May grace (God’s unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

 
 


“Wisdom From Above”

Wisdom from above
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
 
 
James 3:17 (The Voice)

“Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy.”
 

 

God’ wisdom will always be full of  these fruits. Wisdom’s fruits are pure, peaceful, and gentle.God’s wisdom will always be respectful and merciful. It will never be touched with hypocrisy for it is pure, real, and it has been tested. God’s wisdom or ways do  change due to circumstance because it is not consistent with His character.

 
 

 

When we ask God for His wisdom He desires to bless us with His pure thoughts and how He sees to do  a task or speak a word to someone. He desires to bless us with His good judgments. I encourage you today to seek wisdom before every task. Get God’s mind in all you put your hand to. As you ask God for His precious wisdom, believe by faith that it is going to flow into you, and flow forth from you as pure fresh living water.

 
 
 
When people ask you for an opinion on something, stop and purpose to seek His wisdom before you speak. This is what people need, and this is what we need in our personal life…not our opinions, not our experiences, but rather the pure wisdom that comes from God above.
 


“Iron Sharpens Iron”

Iron Sharpens Iron Image
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
 

As I was driving the other morning my heart was inspired by hearing a gentleman share how he wanted to continue contributing to his country after he returned from serving our country in battle.    I want to share his story with you, and what it spoke to my heart.

 
 
 
 
This young man served in Afghanistan, and lost both of his legs. He spent 60 months at Walter Reed Hospital.    One of the things he shared was that one of his greatest inspirations was watching other brothers and sisters that came back from combat that had injuries such as his. Some lost both legs, some lost both legs in both arms, and  some were blind,  etc.     His desire is to carry on his fight for the cause, and run for Congressman now. This is such a story of courage and perseverance. This is all about refusing to quit  but rather looking into the future with a purpose no matter what is trying to hold you back.  
 
 
 
Today I want to share how this story hit me.   You know you can hear about someone’s trials, and if you permit the Lord to do so, He can cause your heart to be enlarged by them.    He can cause you to see something totally different than before because now you have a new perspective.    The scripture I want to share with you is from Proverbs.
 
 
 
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance
of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].
 
 
 
This scripture is so fitting.   You see, life can bring us circumstances, and those circumstances bring us a choice…be bitter or be better.   This gentleman made the choice to be better, and go forth in his life continuing the fight for his country.  His brothers and sisters in combat that he was inspired by were those that also chose to keep fighting and not quit.  They understood that they were home from a battle in another country but still another battle continues in their bodies and in their minds.
 
 
 
 
If one has unfortunate things and tragedy come into their life  such as this young man did, one can give up.   What is even more sad is when an individual like this would chooses to surround himself with people that are hopeless, angry, and possibly show rage from within their hearts in some way or another.
 
 
 
 
 

 As we love and stay in fellowship with one another, we will surely grow as we watch one another grow in our faith.  We must make a decision that no matter what we walk through that we are going to continue to fight the good fight.   Look forward to hearing the testimonies from your brothers and sisters in Christ that are fighting  the good fight, and you will be sharpened by their victory.  Today let us look forward with courage in  our hearts, purpose and be deliberate in continuing to serve our Lord with great determination that we can inspire others to live a life of worthy purpose.

 


“The Water Only He Can Give”

but the water
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
 
This world can try to pull and tug at our hearts. The devil tries to deceive us and tempt us, but we must purpose to live with guarded hearts. If we do not keep our eyes on Jesus we can be lured into seeking our satisfaction in things other than Him.  Remember….the devil will come in the form of light and good things.  When we are not drawing upon the grace of God and seeking Him with our whole heart, we can be deceived.    Even our blessings can become a distraction, so let us beware that as our soul thirsts that we are going to Him for every need.
 
 

Only Jesus can satisfy the thirst of our souls. Jesus explained to the woman at the well the meaning of the true spring of water that only He gives.

John 4:13-14
Amplified Bible

“Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again.
But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.”

When you feel life problems and this world draining you of your strength and peace, stop and drink of His water that will strengthen and refresh your soul. Know that it will continue to nourish you,and it has no end. As this scripture translation says, His water “shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling, continually…” This gives such a beautiful image of His living water within us. It truly is the life flow from which we can draw upon whenever we meet uncertainty and overwhelming problems. God is gracious and He ever lives to pour forth that living water onto us!



“…A Time To Every Purpose…”

 
 
season and time
 
 

As we commit our lives to the Lord, and seek Him first in all that we do, we will find His loving hand in every area of our life. His Word proclaims that He will perfect ALL that concerns us so we need to be able to understand the time in which we live as individuals. I encourage you to seek Him today for His plan for you.     Today is a new day, it is like no other, and He wants to use you like never before!
 
 
 
There may be specific things that you know the Lord is desiring to do in you, and they may not been totally fulfilled. Remember…even as you walk in His paths you are still a work in progress. Have you ever been tempted to be impatient with God’s timing as He works in and around you?
 
 
 
 
I think it is vital that we remind ourselves that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts. If ever there are times you find yourself impatient with His timing or how and when He is bringing things to pass, you will surely be tempted to do things in your own ability. It is in those times that we do not understand how to walk the way that He is leading us that we look up and cry out for His wisdom on the matter. The first chapter of James says that if we lack wisdom, we need to just ask Him for it, and then be patient in order that God’s perfect work be done in us.
 
 
 
 

James 1:4-6(ERV)

“If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good.

You will be mature and complete.
You will be all that God wants you to be.
Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys
giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom.
But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him.”
 
 
 
 

Today I want to encourage your heart that every day that you live, and as long as you have breath in your, God has a purpose for you. He has desires, and His planning and timing are perfect. As we purpose to seek His purposes, He promises to fulfill them!

 


“May We Never Tire””

let us not tire
 
by Dona Hake 
 
 
 
 Galatians 6:7-9 The Voice
“Make no mistake: God can’t be mocked. What you give is what you get.
What you sow, you harvest. Those who sow seeds into their flesh will only
harvest destruction from their sinful nature. But those who sow seeds into
the Spirit shall harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. May we never tire
of doing what is good and right before our Lord because in His season we
shall bring in a great harvest if we can just persist.”
 
 
 

As this scripture says, “May we never tire of doing what is good and right.” The Lord knew that we would be tempted to grow weary or the Spirit would not have led Paul to write such powerful words.
Many times we may purpose in our heart to do the right thing and we make a decision that we are going to keep on doing that good thing, and then it happens. It seems that the devil knows how to bring discouragement our way in what ever manner he can. Unfortunately many times it could come through the words of others.
 
 
 
 
It does not take long living hear on this earth to realize that discouragement is one of the greatest tools against us.  Make no mistake: God cannot be mocked!!!! People and circumstances may wear us down but as we renew our strength in Him and keep doing good, we will reap! You may be in a situation in your work place where the strife among fellow workers is at an all time high. You purpose to do that which is right and perhaps you are experiencing rejection as a reaction to you sowing good.  You may have someone that has treated you unkindly and you have made a decision to be kind to them and reach out  whatever way you can, and they just continue to ignore your gestures.   God has promised that as we persist in doing good in the face of bad and evil doings that we WILL reap a harvest. When and how that harvest comes  is totally up to Him, His ways, and His timing. Our part is to just do the Word no matter if people or situations change or not.
 
 

Today I want you to meditate and confess,
 
 
“May I never tire of doing and saying the right things that are pleasing and in accordance with His Word. I will persist because He has promised that the harvest is coming! I believe He will
strengthen my heart as I look to Him in my moments of discouragement. In Jesus Name.”
 
 

God bless you as you continue to do that which is good for His glory and His kingdom.
 


“Rooted and Grounded In the Love of God”

rooted and grounded in the love of god
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
 
 
 
In a garden, in a forest etc…whatever is  above the ground reveals the strength of what is under the ground. If a root system is strong and deep, the tree or flower will be great and beautiful and withstand just about anything. If it be weak and not cared for, it  will not do well in the heat, and other elements the weather is capable of bringing.
 
 
 

Presently my gardens at home are just being established.   The flowers are taking root, and they all look so pretty, yet their enemy lurks to rob them of their life and blooming potential.   There are weeds that grow and spread with absolutely no assistance.   Without the diligent observance of the condition of my flowers and pulling of the weeds those pretty  flowers will not thrive and bloom where they have been planted.   I am reminded everyday that I must be diligent or the weeds will rob the life from my flowers that are trying to grow.
 
 
 
 

Our lives speak and reveal what is rooted in our hearts. As we tend to our hearts in all the areas that the Lord commands, we will value the fruit of the deeply rooted good things He desires to work and produce in us. We have got to watch over the condition of our hearts just as we do a garden. I can remember a few years ago when I bought this one particular flower for my garden and I never dreamed of it’s potential. One little flower probably about 7 inches high ended up so huge! As I cared for it and it took root, and it turned into a bush with tons of beautiful flowers!
 
 
 

Today I want you to think about the love of God in your heart. How well do you  tend it? Can you see that you are growing in the love of God or are you at a standstill? Quite honestly no matter how old you are in the Lord, this is a question we should ask ourselves on a regular basis.  We have heard the quote “Bloom where you are planted.”     It is important to know in your heart that you are staying connected with the Living God, and permitting Him to prune you when He sees fit.    As you seek Him, you are watering and drawing upon His strength alone, and you will be rooted and grounded in His love and all that He is.
 
 
 
 
 
Ephesians 3:17-20 The Living Bible

“And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living
within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of
God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all
God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his
love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so
great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it.
And so at last you will be filled up with God himself.
Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to
do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely
beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.”
 
 
 

May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love! Seek to know Him more, to love Him more, and to serve Him in a greater way today.



6 Responses to “Devotional”

  1. Lisa Viands says:

    This is a good way of teaching the kids to forgive each other(Matt. 5:7). I like the power of this gentle scripture and lesson… Thanks!!

  2. Selena Neely says:

    Ralph &I are really enjoying your devotional together.

  3. Selena Neely says:

    Oh, what a wonderful reminder! I want to break the magnifing glass of worry and trust God for each step I take.

  4. Dona Hake says:

    It is interesting Selena how the more we worry the bigger and more magnified things get in our minds. Oh how important it is to trust our God for the smallest of things! Thank you for sharing!