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.
The how and not the what…. (devo reflection)
1 Cor 10:30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
I am thankful for the people God has placed in my life. They love and encourage me in more ways than they understand. Their thoughts and questions help me dig deeper into God’s word. This morning, on the subject of being vs doing, which I’ve been wrestling with of late, a dear friend shared this gem: “Maybe living wisely is in the how and not the what.”
1 Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
She referenced dear Martha and Mary to illustrate this idea. The WHAT of both women was the same. They were both preparing to spend time with Jesus. The HOW was incredibly different. Martha, so much like me in so many ways, was caught up in physical preparation—preparing the house, preparing the food. She was frustrated that help was available, Mary, but not forthcoming. This scene describes nearly every gathering I’ve ever hosted. I get so caught up in the physical preparation that I lose sight of the point—to spend time with those I love and care about. Help me, Jesus.
Col 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for beautiful friendships that draw me closer to You. Thank You for the idea that “Maybe living wisely is in the how and not the what.” I think You can teach me much about the life You wish for me by pondering that idea. Help me, in all that I do, to focus on loving You, praising You, drawing closer to You. Amen.
Eph 5:20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed day.
Because of His mercy…. (devo reflection)
Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and thus is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God—not by works, so no one can boast.
I have a hard time relaxing. For me, it feels selfish, unproductive, wasteful. The irony is that I would tell everyone else about the importance of relaxing and nourishing your soul, but somehow that advice doesn’t apply to me. I truly don’t think it has always been that way.
Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy….
It occurred to me yesterday that perhaps I have tied my own worth to my productivity. Therefore, if I am not being productive, I have no value, no worth. The controller in me can totally see that scenario as it is one more way for me to take control. If I am working, producing, doing, then I have value. Help me, Jesus.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for opening my eyes to yet one more stronghold of control I have built. Thank You that my value, my worth comes from You and not from anything I could ever do. Help me to take an honest look at my inability to relax. Help me to see my worth, always, lies in the fact that I am Your deeply loved child and not in anything that I could ever do or produce. Draw me closer. Amen.
Romans 9:16 So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
Have a blessed day.
Living wisely…. (devo reflection)
Eph 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise….
I will admit that I squander time. I don’t always make the most of every opportunity, and it is something I definitely want to work on. But what does it mean to live wisely? I think, in part, it means recognizing that time and opportunities are both finite, so you have to seize them when they present themselves.
Eph 5:16 …making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
The first step, I think, is becoming more intentional about my time and actions. I am a “sit back and study the situation” type. What are the pros and cons? What can be gained? What will it cost (physically, financially, emotionally)? It is not unheard of for the opportunity to have passed before I’ve studied it from all angles.
Eph 5:1-2a Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the opportunity to think about how I use my time and resources for You. Help me to be discerning, Lord. Help me to live wisely, but help me not to miss opportunities that are of You or from You. Help me to walk in the way of Your love. Always. Draw me closer. Amen.
Eph 5:2b …just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Have a blessed day.
Now is the only moment I’ve got…. (devo reflection)
Eph 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise….
I think that one way to be careful and wise about how we live is to always be on the lookout for ways we can be God’s hands and feet, in all situations to ask, “How can I love God, glorify His name, and love His people in this situation?” Help me, Jesus.
Eph 5:16 …making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
I know I don’t treat time and opportunity the way I should. I’m guilty of squandering time, of “just not feeling it,” of thinking I will do something “later,” when now is the best time of all, now is when the opportunity presents itself, now is the only moment I’ve got. Help me, Jesus.
Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the time, ability, and opportunity to live wisely and carefully. Help me to actively seek Your will and opportunities to accomplish Your will for my life. Help me not to be foolish, Lord, but to love You, to glorify You, and to help Your people at every opportunity. Draw me closer. Amen.
Eph 5:20 …always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed day.