Numbers 15:37-41 
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’ ” (NIV)

“When you look at these tassels you’ll remember and keep all the commandments of GOD, and not get distracted by everything you feel or see that seduces you into infidelities.” 
(The Message)

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God graciously provides reminders to lead us away from sin and all its harms.  

Our son is in the military. I carry a Marine Dad challenge coin in my front right pocket. 

Our natural-born daughter is an attorney. One of my most-used computer passwords is related to her law degree. 

Our unofficially-adopted-but-just-as-much-loved daughter figures into another of my most-used passwords. 

These reminders lead me to pray for our children and their families several times a day. 

My evening prayers are saturated with expressions of pride and joy, love and affection for these relatives I love so much. 

I seek God’s highest and best blessings for my family morning, noon, and night. 

These are not the only people I regularly pray for, but they are at the top of my list. 

What reminders do you have that turn your heart toward God, his will, and his ways?

What signs do you see that automatically place your focus on God?

Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO and a number of other excellent leadership books, talks about how God sends her ladybugs as reminders of his presence and purpose in her life. This may sound strange, but when you read her story, you will agree that God speaks his words of grace and kindness through the most unexpected means in moments when we need it most. 

I remembered this as I found a ladybug in our kitchen yesterday morning. How did she (or he) get there? Why did he appear at just that moment? I pondered this as I helped him find his way outside. I was reminded of Laurie Beth’s story. I was reminded of Kimberly and the nickels she finds everywhere, including a driveway in Russia, that remind her of God’s presence and purpose. 

Within an hour of the ladybug’s appearance yesterday, God answered a prayer I thought might have been denied. I love it when that happens. 

Fill your life with reminders of God’s grace and truth, love and forgiveness, and his strength for every challenge that comes your way. Remind yourself that he loves you with an everlasting love. Remind yourself that he never fails, even when you do. Remind yourself to choose his way, knowing obedience leads to the unbelievably delightful goodness of God.

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I will set reminders for myself of God’s better plan for my life.

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Our Father, thank you for coins, passwords, and mementos galore that remind me to turn to you in prayer for those I love most. Remind me as well to seek your highest and best rather than the emptiness and loss of sinful temptations. Empower me to remember you when sin would turn my attention away from your highest and best gifts. Amen.