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It’s not about me…. (devo reflection)

Proverbs 22:4 Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. (NIV)
Far too many people confuse humility and humiliation. They are vastly different. And the connotation of fear in this context does not mean being afraid, it means showing respect and reverence. Commentary succinctly encapsulates this truth as: “Humility is a proper view of self; fear of the Lord is a proper view of God.”
Proverbs 22:4 The reward of humility [that is, having a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD Is riches, honor, and life. (AB)
It’s not about me. It’s about God. It’s not about my achievements or my work or my reputation. It’s about my precious Savior. It is about living out the embodiment of Gal 2:20 “…not I, but Christ…” in my daily life, dying to self and living for Christ alone. It is beautiful and painful and liberating, and I’m not sure I’ll ever get it completely right on this side of the veil, but I’ll keep trying.
Proverbs 22:4 The pursuers of humility: the awe of LORD JEHOVAH, wealth, honor and Life. (ABiPE)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that it’s not about me—never has been, never will be. Help me to check my ego and my pride. Help me to die to self so that I can live solely for You. Draw me closer. Amen.
Proverbs 22:4 Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor. (CEV)
Have a blessed day.
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Choices…. (devo reflection)

Joshua 24:14 “Now fear the LORD and serve Him with all faithfulness….”
Serving God is a choice, and in my mind, it is a choice that must be made continually. Human beings can be selfish, but following Christ means dying to self, putting aside selfish ways and tendencies, so that we can live for Christ. It means living, as Gal 2:20 puts it, “not I, but Christ.”
Joshua 24:15a “But is serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….”
But it IS a choice. Every moment of every day I am allowed to choose for whom I live. Choosing Christ means putting aside my pride, my anger, my agenda, and living FOR Him-with Him and in Him and through Him. It is in no way a light commitment, but the rewards are eternal.
Joshua 24:15b “…But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that following You is a continual choice. Forgive me when I revert to my selfish ways. Help me to see immediately when I take my eyes off of You. Help me to correct my course and live my life for You. Always. Draw me closer. Amen.
Joshua 24:18b “…We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God.”
Have a blessed day.

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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.

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A sacrifice of praise…. (devo reflection)

Numbers 28:4 “Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight….”
This chapter brought to mind Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.” While we do not offer sacrifices in the manner of the Old Testament, sacrifices of praise can definitely be offered. But what does that look like in today’s climate?
Numbers 28:9 “On the Sabbath day, make an offering….”
The fruit of the Spirit, according to Galatians 6:22-23, is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I think any time we respond with one of these traits instead of giving in to fear, selfishness, anger, bitterness, then we are offering a sacrifice of praise. 
Numbers 28:11 “On the first of every month, present to the LORD a burnt offering….”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the reminder that we can offer a sacrifice of praise to Your holy name so easily in today’s time. Thank You that so many are so cognizant of the need to focus on You instead of giving in to despair during this uncertain time. Thank You for Your deep, fierce love for us, for Your sovereignty, for Your grace and mercy. Draw us closer with every breath. Help us to shine Your light. Amen.
Numbers 28:16 “On the fourteenth day of the first month the LORD’s Passover is to be held.”
Have a blessed day.