Deut 19:2-3 …then set aside for yourselves three cities…so that a person who kills someone may flee for refuge to one of these cities.
Of course it was the commentary that helped me see the connection between the cities of refuge and Jesus this morning. I was being incredibly literal as I read today’s text. But Jesus IS our refuge and strength, and I am eternally grateful for that fact.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
The crucial difference between the cities of refuge and Jesus, again brought to my attention by commentary this morning, is that the cities were only refuge for the innocent. Jesus is a refuge for all of us, no matter our circumstances.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for Your steadfast love and presence. Thank You that You are our refuge and strength, no matter what we’ve done or what we face. Thank You for providing refuge and strength when life overwhelms us. Draw us closer. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7 …casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Have a blessed day.
His own special treasure…. (devo reflection)
Deut 14:2 …the LORD has chosen you to be His treasured possession.
Lord, As someone who often struggles with self-esteem, this scripture is a beautiful gift. Thank You for considering me Your treasure. Help me to live confidently as Your daughter.
Deut 7:6 …the LORD your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure.
Lord, Be with all those who struggle, who see themselves as less than, who see the perfection of social media imagery and feel they can’t ever live up. Help them to see themselves—help us to see each other—as You see us: Your own special treasure, fiercely loved exactly as we are.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people…God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for calling us out of our darkness and into Your glorious light. Help us to live as sons and daughters of the one true King. Help us never to forget who we are and Whose we are. Thank You that we are Yours. Amen.
Eph 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you….
Have a blessed day.
An aroma pleasing to the LORD…. (devo reflection)
Numbers 29:2 As an aroma pleasing to the LORD….
The word aroma has a positive connotation. When I think of aromas, I think of the yeasty scent of bread baking, the spicy scent of cinnamon and apples, the sweet floral scent of spring. The word odor has a negative connotation: body odor, nasty socks, flatulence, poop. Both aromas and odors are pervasive. They are not easily contained to a specified area.
Numbers 29:8 Present as an aroma pleasing to the LORD….
If our actions were scents, I can easily divide several into odors and aromas, negative and positive. Ephesians 4:31 and 1 Peter 2:1 give a long list of offensive odors: bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy. Meanwhile, Galatians 5:22-23 and Colossians 3:12-13 provide an extensive list of pleasing aromas: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, compassion, humility, meekness, forgiveness.
Numbers 29:13 Present as an aroma pleasing to the LORD….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that our actions carry with them a scent that reaches all the way to You. Help us to always act in such a way that provides an aroma pleasing to You and not an offensive odor. Help us to root out and eliminate offensive odors from our behavior. Draw us closer to You. Amen.
Numbers 29:36 Present as an aroma pleasing to the LORD….
Have a blessed day.
The hope that I have…. (devo reflection)
1 Peter 3:15a …Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have….
Interestingly, this scripture has always filled me with trepidation. It makes me think of the call to evangelism, which puts me in mind of folks going door to door, talking to strangers, uninvited, about faith, which is such a personal topic. I also think, “Well, I can’t possibly do that because 1. I am such a strong introvert, and 2. I am not going to defend my faith to anyone, and 3. What if they ask me questions that I can’t answer because there are just so many things I don’t know.” Jesus, Help me.
1 Peter 3:15b …But do this with gentleness and respect.
It occurred to me this morning, though, that Jesus calls us all to minister in such a way that fits the strengths He’s given us. My default is not to call these daily devos—where I wrestle with issues He has placed on my heart—“ministry,” but I would also say that I know He uses my words, which can only come from Him, to encourage and uplift His people, to point others to Him. And isn’t that what ministry is? Thank You, Jesus.
1 Peter 1:8a Though you have not seen Him, you love Him….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the mystery of Your love and mercy. Thank You for my rock-solid faith in You, based on a rich history of seeing You, feeling Your presence, trusting You, through the good times and the bad. Thank You for calling me to minister through these daily devotionals, for Your presence and grace as I write and share them. Thank You for Your perfect plan for my life. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Peter 1:8b …And even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy….
Have a blessed day.
A beautiful world…. (devo reflection)
1 Peter 3:8a Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic….
I used to have a poster by my door which said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” While the poster has been swapped out for another, the sentiment is one I still fully believe in. What if we were all like-minded in our desire to lift people up and encourage them? What if we went through every day trying to outdo each other in honor (Romans 12:10)? What a beautiful world it could be.
1 Peter 3:8b …love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Another sign, which has had a place of honor in my room for years, reads, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Such wise words, that are sometimes incredibly hard to follow, especially if you are the one in mid-battle. Someone said to me the other day, “Hurt people hurt people,” and I find that so very true, but what if our mission in life was to try to bring comfort and kindness, to show God’s love to a weary world? What a beautiful world it could be.
1 Peter 3:9a Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for these things that I ponder in my heart. Thank You that lifting up and encouraging others lifts me up as well. Thank You that we have a choice to reach outside our circumstances, our frustrations and pains, in order to shine Your light. Help me, always, to choose joy, kindness, compassion. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Peter 3:9b …On the contrary, repay evil with blessings, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Have a blessed day.
The present moment…. (devo reflection)
Matt 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
I am an admitted worrier. I tend to stress and fret about all manner of things that 1. tend to work out fine anyway, 2. don’t amount to much, and 3. rob me of joy in the present moment. This morning my precious Savior is showing me another tendency that needs adjusting. It is my tendency to get stuck in “if only,” as in “If only I had another week of vacation instead of going back to work tomorrow.” or “If only this thing had happened (could happen) instead of this one.” Jesus, help me.
Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Just like with worrying, the trap of “If only” robs me of the joy of what is. And just like with worrying, the solution is to trust my Savior for His daily provision and to trust the truth of Romans 8:28, “…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Thank You, Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder to trust You daily, that You will provide what I need, give me strength for what I need to handle, that where You have me is exactly where I need to be right this moment. Thank You for showing me how living in the mindset of “If only” is robbing me of the joy and beauty You have for me today. Help me to place my burdens at Your feet, to live fully in this moment, and to love what is. Draw me closer. Amen.
Matt 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life….”
Have a blessed day.
The message of Christ…. (devo reflection)
John 13:34 A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused widespread devastation to the southeastern US. My oldest was 4 months old, and I vividly remember holding him, sobbing, as I watched the destruction unfold on tv. Eventually, interspersed with the horror and destruction, were scenes of hope—people donating water, cleaning supplies, food, money, man-hours to help those suffering. There was no lengthy interview before helping, there was no assurance that the ones helped voted, loved, worshiped, believed in the same manner as the ones helping. People needed help, and people helped. End of story.
1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he sees cannot love God whom he has not seen.
In many ways, that experience shaped my active expression of faith. Repeatedly, the Bible tells us to love one another. As God loved us, we should love one another. To me, that means recognizing the divinely authored life in each person (even if they don’t), treating them with love, respect, kindness (even if they don’t)—not because they deserve it but because my Savior does that for me even though I don’t deserve. I take to heart the internet meme “Love everybody. I’ll sort them out later. ~God” To me, that embodies the message of Christ.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this deep conviction that You call us to love and serve Your people. Help me to love others as You love me—deeply, fiercely, unconditionally. Draw us closer. Amen.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Have a blessed day.
Christ died for all…. (devo reflection)
Romans 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
The magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice for me is astounding. The fact that, as He was being crucified, He was praying for the soldiers casting lots for His clothing, is beyond humbling. Christ died for us, not because WE are worthy but because HE is worthy. And He died for ALL of us, so that all of us have an opportunity to know Him, know His love for us, for ALL of us.
Romans 5:7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly die.
Christ died for all—even those still in the midst of sin, those casting lots for His cloths. He died for all—even Peter, who denied Him three times, whom He KNEW would deny Him. He died for all. So why are we so quick to say who is worthy of His love and forgiveness? Jesus, Help us.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy, which surpass all human understanding. You tell us repeatedly in scripture to love one another as You love us, yet we insist on judging, qualifying, categorizing. Help us to truly love each other as You love us. Help us to serve each other as an extension of Your hands and feet, Your heart. Draw us all closer—to each other and to You. Amen.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Have a blessed day.
External trappings…. (devo reflection)
1 Peter 3:3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
Sometimes I think we might all be better off if we could not see others before we interacted with them. We make so many snap judgements based on appearance alone. I wonder, if we spent time just talking, listening, without seeing and judging, would we be able to more clearly see into the heart? Would we be less likely to be tripped up by external trappings?
1 Peter 3:4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
These two verses from 1 Peter are specifically aimed at women, but I think the idea behind them transcends gender. God doesn’t want us so caught up in physical appearance that we neglect the heart. Sadly, so much of our culture seems focused solely on appearance and in such a destructive way—You aren’t pretty enough, skinny enough. You aren’t handsome enough, muscular enough. Jesus, Help us.
Psalm 139:14 I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder that it’s what’s on the inside that is most important. Help us not to get caught up in external trappings. Help us not to make snap judgments. Help us to see each other through Your eyes. Help us to recognize the internal beauty that can only come from You. Draw us closer. Amen.
Eph 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Have a blessed day.
Circle of control…. (devo reflection)
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
Today has me looking at images of Stephen Covey’s circle of control. God is once again reminding me that I cannot do His job, and I’m not supposed to. (Truthfully, I don’t want to do His job, but I keep fretting over things that definitely fall in His jurisdiction.) I control myself, my thoughts, words, and actions, but I have no control over anything or anyone else. I have to lift those situations and people up to God. Jesus, Help me.
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
You would think by now I’d have that idea down pat, but I’m still worrying and fretting over situations that are completely out of my control. The result of my trying to control situations outside of my control is a boatload of anxiety along with a short temper. It is miserable. God doesn’t want that for me, either. He wants His peace to flow through me like a river. Jesus, Help me.
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder that You are in control and that when I try to control situations outside of my control, it does not go well. I know You love my loved ones even more than I am capable of loving. I know that You can be trusted to work ALL things for our good and Your glory. Help me stop trying to control things outside of my control. Help me to bring it to You and leave it Your sovereign hands. Draw me closer. Grant me Your peace like a river. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Have a blessed day.