A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge #1)

by Connilyn Cossette

but I fear that unless you stop hiding yourself away, in body and mind, Yahweh will not be able to use such gifts for his glory.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it’s that one can either endure hardship or thrive within it.”

Hear, O Israel. The Lord your God, the Lord is One. And You should love the Lord with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength . . . these words which I command you today shall be on your heart. If I loved Yahweh, I would obey, no matter the cost.

Laying my palms on my lap, I opened them toward the sky. He is yours, Yahweh. I release him to you.

They are yours, Yahweh. I release them to you.

This is all we can ultimately do with ANY of our loved ones, and the BEST thing that we can do.

I release my own life to you, Yahweh. It is yours to do as you will.

“Mercy is not earned,” I said, pulling the words from the center of my soul, where I knew Yahweh had placed them. “It is gifted.”

I vowed once again to never assume the worst of those around me and to guard against the seeds of bitterness and self-pity ever taking root in my heart.

I’d given Darek to Yahweh, and astonishingly, Yahweh had brought him back to me. How could I do anything but trust an Almighty God who somehow seemed to care for even a branded, convicted manslayer like me?

When we give our lives and our loved ones to God, nothing is impossible.

The cities of refuge are a beautiful picture of the perfect balance between God’s justice and mercy,