8.23.16

 
Devotional for Tuesday, August 23, 2016
“We Are the Children of Light”
 
 
walk as children of light
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
 

Genesis 1 :1-3    (DARBY) 

 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

And the earth was waste and empty, and darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light. And there was light.

And God saw the light that it was good; and God divided between the light and the darkness. “
 
 
One of the first things the living God did  during creation was separate the light from the dark.    He saw it to be a good thing that light stood out from the darkness. We wake up to our mornings and at night the sky grows dark  yet in this world we can see that spiritual darkness still hovers over the lives of people that do not know Him.      This darkness serves to create confusion and lack of direction to those that are lost.  Darkness in one’s life can bring great depression and lack of hope to a soul.   For such a time as this, we are called to be lights in the midst of darkness.  He is watching for those that desire to shine like a light because He has been given the light that never grows dim.   He desires to be a light in our path when there is no light.   Oh that our testimony of living for Him would cause those that are lost to believe there really is light at the end of their hopeless tunnel!
 
 
 
 
Psalm 112:4 The Voice 
 
 “When life is dark, a light will shine for those who live rightly— those  who are merciful, compassionate, and strive for justice.”
 
 
 
 

 

Luke 11:22 (CEB)
 
“People don’t light a lamp and then put it in a closet or under a basket. Rather, they place the lamp on a lampstand so that those who enter the house can see the light.”
 
 

 

 I encourage you today that if you know the Lord Jesus to carry His light that burns within you to those that have no hope.    God is looking for a people that will place their lamp before those that need to see in the midst of their darkness.  We live in a time of great opportunity to be used by Him…seize the opportunity!


8.22.16

 
 
Devotional for Monday, August 22, 2016
“Teach Us How We Should Walk”
 
 
 
cause me to hear you
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
Have you ever at the end of your day wished that you could go back and do it over again?   Perhaps you spoke words you wished you would have not.   Maybe you realize that there was a particular time in your day that you were not in God’s wisdom but in your own thinking.   Truth is we have all probably thought this and we all have had those days. But the real truth of the matter is that we cannot make a day happen all over again.
 
When we wake in the morning we need to consciously make an effort to remind ourselves that God’s mercies are new and fresh every morning! He awaits for you to seek His face and bring everything to Him that concerns your heart. There is not a one of us that were created to carry the burdens this life brings to us.  God greets us each morning with His mercies and our day is a fresh clean slate for Him to write upon with His works in our lives.

 

 

Psalm 143:8 The Voice
 
 Make me hear of Your faithful love in the
morning, for I trust in You. Teach me how I should walk, for I offer my soul up to
You.
 
 
 As we greet our day let us ask Him to cause us to hear that which He desires to speak to us. He is faithful to show us the right paths. He is faithful to make the crooked places straight. It is as we lift our souls to Him that He will begin to speak to us that which we need to hear to meet the challenges of our day.
 
 
I once heard this quote and I love it.   “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” How true these few words are. We can use problems or difficulties that arise in our day as an opportunity to grow or we can allow them to bring us down.  We have so much power in the choices we make.  Let us choose each day to greet Him with a willingness to hear of His faithful love.  Permit Him to teach you today how you should walk and turn any difficulties into divine opportunities for Him!


8.21.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
Devotional for Sunday, August 21, 2016
“The Power of Forgiveness”
 
forgiveness July 2014
by Dona Hake
 
I don’t know about you but I thank God that He is a God of second chances. The giving of forgiveness is that second chance. It is a wonderful blessing to receive God’s forgiveness when we mess up but it is also vital that our hearts offer forgiveness to those that have hurt or offended us. When someone offends us, we can let it go or hold on to it.It is only by the power of God’s love at work within us that we can give someone a second chance by releasing them of the offense they have caused us.
 
 
One day the subject of forgiveness came up between the Lord and His disciples and Peter popped a question.   I guess in Peter’s mind maybe he was willing to give even more than a second chance but when Jesus responded with the equation of 70×7!!!!    I am sure Peter was taken back by the Jesus’ answer to his question.
 
 
 
 
Matthew 18:21-22    The Voice
 
Peter:” Lord, when someone has sinned against me, how many times ought I forgive him? Once? Twice? As many as seven times?”
Jesus: “You must forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
 
 
 
Many times we are just like Peter. We want to feel as if we are so full of love, but you see our love has limitations. We all have our limits. God’s love has NO limitations. Today I encourage you to draw upon the love of the God in the midst of your day. Know that if you are that God desires you to draw upon His heart that you can freely forgive as many times as you have to. Continue to draw on and grow in God’s love that you may be able to freely give that which He has given you.
 
 
 

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and
within the reach of every hand.”
Mother Teresa



8.20.16

 
 
 
 
 
Devotional for Saturday, August 20, 2016
“The Pursuit of Peace”
 
Peace Jesus' way
 
 
by Dona Hake
 

 We live in a time in which there is  such a pursuit among people to stay healthy, look younger, be stress free, etc…   Goals toward good health are important to have because it causes us to discipline ourselves,  and the end result is rewarding.  May we be as diligent to pursue and hold fast to God’s peace in our life for there is much power in the spirit of the one that maintains his or her peace that only the Lord can give.

 
 
I bet if I asked a handful of people if they would love to have peace ruling in their heart and mind that they would absolutely exclaim, “Yes!” I love when I feel like my heart is full of His peace no matter what is going on about me. I have yet to meet anyone that says they would do any thing to keep  turmoil, stress, and anxiety in their minds and bodies. God did not design us to live in worry, stress, and fears, therefore it is not good for us to allow these things to dwell within us.   Doctors will tell us the harmful physical effects that fear and worry has on our body and emotional well being. I want to share a great scripture with you today that reinforces how we should have peace dwelling within us.
 
 

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…”
 
 

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…

 

 

Today I want to encourage your heart to 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.   Jesus indeed gives us peace that the world cannot give.  Blessings to you this day!



8.19.16

 

 

 

Devotional for Friday, June 19, 2016
“Just Ask!”

 

all you have to do is ask

 

by Dona Hake

 

God desires that we ask of Him that which we need. Today we will meditate on how valuable it is to have God’s wisdom.   It is rich and full as it unfolds to us the direction of what to do in troubling situations.  All we have to do is ask.

 

James 1:5  (AMP)
“If any of you is deficient in wisdom,

let him ask of the giving God [Who gives]

to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without

reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”

 

I praise God that He so willingly opens His gracious hand and touches my heart and mind with the direction that I need.  I love this translation and how it says “If any of you is deficient in wisdom…”  I can remember a time when I ran out of a particular vitamin that I know was important for me.   Time did not permit me to get to the health food store to purchase more.  After about two weeks of being without them, I could feel that there was a deficiency going on in my body.

 

There are times we may get along for so long doing things out of our own ability, but the time will come that we will recognize that there is a deficiency of  God’s wisdom, and we are lacking as a result of it. It is in those times that He simply says, “Ask!!”  He will not fault find but instead He will liberally give us all the wisdom we need. 

 

His wisdom is more precious and valuable than we will ever know.  I leave you with this scripture from Job that beautifully speaks of the value of God’s wisdom.

 

 

Job 28:13-18
 “Job: No human perceives wisdom’s true value,
nor has she been found in the land of the living.
The deep says, “She is not to be seen within me.”
“Nor within me,” says the voice of the raging sea.
 No gold can be given in trade for wisdom,
nor a sum of silver weighed out as her price.
 She cannot be bought with all the gold of Ophir,
neither with onyx nor sapphire.
The shimmer of gold and brightness of glass cannot compare,
and no refined gold jewelry is worth her in trade.
Perish the mention of coral and crystal;
even more than pearls is the value of wisdom.”

 



8.18.16

 

 

 Devotional for Thursday, August 18, 2016

“Living, Loving, and Releasing” 

life loving growing releasing

 

by Dona Hake
 
 
Our Lord has given us all that we need pertaining to life and godliness.   Everything that we need to stand strong in spirit is within His Holy Word.   He desires that we continue to grow, prosper, and move forth with spiritual vitality.   When we come to those dark valleys He has promised to walk through them with us.   Even in the darkest of times He is right there instructing our way.   
 

 

Today I will share with you about a particular time of my life in which I saw the Lord strengthen my heart in a great way.   I can still remember the day I stood watching my two little next door neighbor girls playing in their backyard.   They were like three and five years old.  A  few tears streamed down my face as I began to reminisce when my sons were that little. The “empty nest” thing was trying to get me down. One of my sons was now married and the other was serving our country. It seemed like yesterday that they were only little boys and people would walk up to me in a store and say “Enjoy them, because they grow up all too fast!” Wow! was that ever true.
 
 

 

I can also remember the day that God helped me see that we all have chapters in our life, and as one chapter ends another exciting one begins, and He desires that we  walk into it with joy in our hearts. The joy that touched my heart upon seeking His help made me  determined that the “empty nest” syndrome was having no place in my heart or mind! As for myself I can say life is about first of all loving and serving God. He desires that we enjoy each moment, love those around us, and also release them to be all that God wants them to be. I am so thankful for the young men that I proudly call my sons!
 
 

 

When we realize that God has a plan for us and all those that we love, we can rest and enjoy our lives as He intended. It is so awesome to know that God has a special and unique plan for each of us. He is not finished until we take our last breath either. Yes, life has it’s pain that we all have to walk through, yet He has promised to be there and keep us strong if we trust in Him. Let us think about how we can love, grow and continue to release in this life. God is ever preparing us for growth and new chapters.

 

Philippians 1:6 (TLB)
“And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will

keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within

you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.”

 



8.17.16

 

 

Devotional for Wednesday, August 17, 2016“He Washed Us and Made Us Pure”

 

 

purified

by Dona Hake

 

There is much torment in feeling guilty.  It kind of feels like a prison because you are no longer clean and pure on the inside.  Memories and thoughts of the wrong you may have done seem to have voices, and they continue to haunt and remind you of what you think is irreparable.  If you have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, you can partake of His wonderful forgiveness.  Let us treasure within us how wonderful it is that the Lord will forgive us when we mess up and He will always cleanse our hearts.  As we humble ourselves to Him admitting our wrongs and shortcomings, He is desiring so much to bring us back to that place of feeling clean again.  Our Lord is all about restoration!    What a glorious gift we have to partake of as believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Let us look at David in the Psalms.   His plea to God was for restoration of his heart in a time in which he majorly messed up, and  his heart was heavy with guilt and anguish.

 

Psalm 51:7, 8, 10

“Remove my sin and make me pure.” 
    Wash me until I am whiter than snow!
Let me hear sounds of joy and happiness again.
    God, create a pure heart in me,
    and make my spirit strong again.”

 

Today let us treasure the power of forgiveness from the One who is able to cleanse.  I love how verse eight says “Let me hear sounds of joy and happiness again.”   This is what restoration  is about.  When we experience freedom from guilt we are able to experience the joy that was robbed by our sin and guilt.  Only God is able to create within us a pure heart, pick us back up, and cause us to continue on in His will.  Thank God for the power of forgiveness!



8.16.26

Devotional for Tuesday, August 16, 2016
“Seeking Answers With the Lord Our Shepherd”

    wisdom look for me

by Dona Hake

 

My oldest Granddaughter used to love to play hide and seek in our backyard.   She would call our yard “the forest” because of all the trees, and hiding places.   She would pretend that she was hiding from the “dragon” which was my German Shepherd Aasha.   There were a few times that she found some pretty clever spots and I was unable to find her.    I would say loudly enough so Rissa could hear me, “Oh my Aasha, I cannot find Rissa, can you help me find her?   It never ceased to amaze me the keen senses that my German Shepherd has (aka…”the dragon”)    So  she would seek diligently, her nose was totally tuned in to my Granddaughter’s scent, and in not time at all, she would find her in the most clever  hiding places.      Needless to say there was frustration on my Granddaughter’s part at times because there was no hiding place too clever for my German Shepherd!  

 

 

 

Sometimes in life we need answers and we need help finding them.   When we need answers we too need to position ourselves to be seeking and trusting God for the answer. We know the answer is right there under our fingertips yet we just need some direction to it.  Sometimes it seems that some answers take a little more digging and seeking for but the Lord our Shepherd will lead us and guide us into all truth. He will help us find the exact answers that we need, and He promises to lead us into the right places!   The Lord has hidden wonderful things in His Word for us, and He desires that we diligently seek out that which we need.

 

 

 

Proverbs 8:17-18  ERV)

I love those who love me, and those who look for me will find me. With me there are riches and honor. I have lasting wealth to give to you.”
 
 

 

Today I encourage you to look for His wisdom in the small things as well as the big.   He loves when you seek out what He has for you.

 

Proverbs 8:11
“Wisdom is better than pearls, and

nothing you desire compares with her.”

 

 

Proverbs 3:18

“Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.”

 



8.15.16

 

 

Devotional for Monday, August 15, 2016
“In God Alone”

 

in God alone I rest

by Dona Hake

 

We overwork our bodies at times and more than likely our minds are overworked  at times. Daily responsibilities and cares can  take it out of us. Where do we run when this happens? Are we supposed to run when this happens? Of course God wants us to run to Him when we are in trouble. May I humbly submit to you that if you run from your problems that you are going the wrong way?
 
 God desires that we stay in a place of rest for it is there that we are able to live refreshed and drawing upon Him. It is there that our hearts, minds and bodies are kept in check. It is there that there is strength and peace beyond any comprehension exists.
 

 

I believe that God wants us to live in a place called rest that ONLY He provides. So what is this rest? Here is one definition that I loved… relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs.
 
 
 

Let us abide under the shadow of His wings, may we live there and stay there and enjoy the rest that only our Lord can give.   God wants us to remain before Him. He does not desire we come and go as we please.  It is as we rest in this place that we really do experience the sweet restoration that only He can bring to our souls!

 
 

“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him,”
Psalm 62:5 HCSB



8.14.16

 

 

 

Devotional for Sunday, August 14, 2016
“Look Up and Remember…We Win!!!!”

 

look up

by Dona Hake

 

We all need to be reminded of things.  Sometimes even the most important things can be forgotten.  We get too busy, our minds are full, and we just forget.  Today I want to remind you to keep looking up.  This is something you have to do and no one else can do it for you.  I want to share several scriptures to cause your eyes to stop focusing on that which is not important and focus on Him.

 

 Psalm 143:8

“Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I LIFT UP MY INNER SELF TO YOU.”
 
 
Psalm 63:4
“So will I bless You while I live;  I WILL LIFT UP MY HANDS in Your name…”
 
 

 

Psalm 121:1-3
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES to the hills  —From whence shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
 
 

 

 
 
 

 

I want you to take note that in all of these scriptures “I Will” proceeds the lifting up of our inner self, our hands, and our eyes.  You see, it is an act of our will to look up and lift up.  He promises that as we make a decision to look away from all that is trying to hold us back and hold us down that He WILL lift us up!!

 




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!