1 Peter 4:11a If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
If we believe that we are Christ’s hands and feet in this weary world, then our words and actions are an extension of His love. That is a beautiful thought until I stumble upon unChristlike words and actions in my own daily life. Jesus, Help me always to shine Your light, to reflect Your love, even when I’m tired, grumpy, or discouraged. I want to always point others to You. I want others to see Your light and Your love reflected through me, not just when I’m in a good space, but all the time.
1 Peter 4:11b If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Lord, I’m awfully bad about trying to function in my own strength. The desire to be self-sufficient and self-reliant is so strong, but I don’t want people to see me and think, “Look how strong she is.” I want them to see Your strength in my actions. I know I can’t do life without You, Lord, and I don’t want to. Help me to lean in to Your strength always.
2 Cor 13:5 …Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you…?
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the truth of Your words, Your love, and Your strength. Thank You for Your presence in my life, Your fierce love, and Your amazing grace. Draw me closer, Lord. Help me to glorify You in all I say and do. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11c …To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Have a blessed day.
A Life in Progress…. (devo reflection)
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1 Peter 5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.
In my head, I hear a fragment of song from my childhood about the difficulty of humility in the midst of perfection. (Any Mac Davis fans out there?) My instinct is to laugh at the idea of perfection. I am the ultimate work in progress, trying every day to be a little better than the day before. What I want is to live a life that allows my Savior to say to me when we meet face-to-face, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But I know that some days I get a little too big for my britches. Jesus, help me.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
Part of humbling myself is casting all my anxieties on Him because He cares for me. Sadly, handing my cares to God, putting them at His feet and leaving them there, is an area where I continue to struggle—not because I think I can handle my own anxieties, but because I tend to be incredibly stingy when it comes to handing them over to my Savior AND LEAVING THEM THERE. I tend to keep a white-knuckled death grip on them, thinking that somehow that allows me to remain in control of them instead of them controlling me. Jesus, help me.
1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder that I am a work in progress, Your masterpiece in the making. Thank You for the reminder to humble myself, to give my worries and fears to You. Thank You for cautioning me to look out for anything that separates me from You, including my ego, my anxieties, and my fears. Help me to live a life pleasing to You. Help me to remember that You are always fighting for me. Draw me closer. Amen.
Exodus 14:14 The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Have a blessed day.