Tag: courage

August 19, 2026

August 19th, 2026

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Corinthians 31-33

Highlight Verses:

““Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭32‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hezekiah had a real problem on his hands.

A huge army waited outside the walls in siege.

Everything pointed to impending doom.

Except his faith.

And what he did with his faith is what stands out to me.

He didn’t hide in a bunker and pray.

He did pray but he didn’t leave it at that.

He was incensed by Sennacherib’s insults against the Lord.

He fought words with words.

He used his words to extol the Lord and encourage his people.

And when the people saw the solid faith of their king, they were encouraged.

Their faith and courage were well founded.

Read the rest of the chapter to find out how it turned out.

How can you be encouraging to people around you?
What leaders have imparted courage to you?
August 15, 2026

August 15th, 2026

August 15, 2026

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Psalm 119:105-112

Highlight Verse:

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse along with 1 John 1:7 are the inspirations for the name of this Bible study group.

Okay, the fact that I already had a gmail account by the name of rswalkinthelight played into it as well.

Growing up, I was a city boy. I was rarely out of the range of a streetlight or house lights.

At 16 I moved to the countryside of southwest Virginia. One dark night I experienced what it was like to try to walk a path with no light. You can read about it here.

It wasn’t easy.

Imagine walking the path in this photo at night with no moon and clouds covering the stars.

Not so easy.

One wrong step and you could have a twisted ankle. There are narrow steep parts that could result in worse injury.

This miles-long rocky path at high elevation with no cell service is tough enough in the daytime.

In the dark it would be close to impossible.

If you are a normal human, your life’s path has had some rocks. Probably some steep treacherous spots too.

I’m sure there have been times when you have felt like you were miles from help in a place where it is hard to catch a breath.

That’s when you need light the most.

The light of God’s Word will help guide your steps.

The light of the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to keep walking.

The light of God’s presence will give you comfort when it feels like you are all alone on a rough path with no end.

And the light of a godly perspective will help you see the beauty along the way.

May the light of God and His Word shine brightly on your life.

Have you ever felt lost and had the light of God’s Word help you find your way?
How has God’s Word guided you lately?
August 3, 2026

August 3rd, 2026

Monday – Gospels and Acts

Reading – Acts 7

Highlight Verse:

“Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭7‬:‭57‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s easy to think that refusing to listen to opposing views is a modern issue.

It is.

But it has been going on for thousands of years.

In Stephen’s case, it resulted in his death.

One could argue that, if Stephen had not preached at his accusers, things may have turned out differently.

I assure you that, at this moment, Stephen is in the same place he would have been if he had lived a longer life on earth.

But would he have lived out his purpose? Would his message have been preserved as it has been? Would Saul have become Paul and had as effective of a ministry if he had not participated in Stephen’s death?

I cannot answer those questions with certainty, but I can say that

Stephen spoke the message the Holy Spirit gave him with a boldness that arose from great faith.

I’m not saying that we should provoke those who oppose us.

In fact, we should always listen to those who oppose us and be sure to reply with the grace of God rather than our own anger.

But we should also always be ready to proclaim what the Holy Spirit gives us to say with boldness that can only come from deep faith.

Do you have the depth of faith that Stephen possessed?
Have you had the opportunity to speak the truth of God in the midst of opposition? How did it turn out?
July 29, 2026

July 29th, 2026

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Chronicles 22-24

“And all the people went over to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They demolished the altars and smashed the idols, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jehoiada was a wise man.

He was politically savvy too.

He made all the arrangements for 7-year-old Joash to become king in place of Athaliah, who had seized power improperly.

Jehoiada had obviously been making alliances well in advance.

And when he got Joash onto the throne, one of the first things he did was to get rid of one of Israel’s biggest distractions, the temple of Baal.

You could say that it was a terribly violent act, but sometimes standing for the truth requires violence.

I am not calling for the same kind of violence today.

I am calling for a different kind of violence.

If there is something in our lives that is seriously distracting you or I from following Jesus wholeheartedly, we would be wise to remove it.

Such a removal may even seem violent in the midst of it.

But if something is keeping us from God, it would be unwise to keep it around.

I don’t know what that looks like for you.

It could be removing access to a sinful activity from your life. It could be forming a new habit of setting aside an unproductive habit to make time for others and for God.

But if you have something that you know is in the way of your relationship with God, remove it. You won’t be sorry.

What distraction have you had to remove from your life?
What is there that still needs to be removed?
July 22, 2026

July 22nd, 2026

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Chronicles 19-21

Highlight Verse:

“Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s easy to say, don’t be afraid or, to be more biblical sounding, “fear not.”

But there comes a time in every person’s life when fear will rear its ugly head.

What do you do then?

I remember a moment many years ago when my pickup was spinning out of control on a wet freeway with a truck sliding toward it.

For a moment I was completely frozen with fear.

Then there was the time when I was moving to Colorado and my van blew an engine with all my worldly goods aboard.

I can’t say I fasted and asked those around me to fast in those times.

But I did pray.

Granted, the first situation was a frantic, “Lord save me!”

In the second, I had more time to place my situation completely in God’s hands.

Obviously, I survived both.

My pickup ended up rolling backwards down the freeway when I realized I had control again and was able to back safely into the median.

And in the second situation, God provided the right tow truck driver who knew the right mechanic, who found the right engine to get me the rest of the way to Colorado.

It may not have been as dramatic as Jehoshaphat’s situation, but God still provided.

And He will continue to provide for you and me every time we need it.

Have you ever been afraid that life as you know it was over?
How has God provided in unusual ways for you?
July 18, 2026

July 18th, 2026

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Mark 3:20-35

Highlight Verses:

“One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I taught the elementary kids last Sunday so I missed the sermon.

I just now got around to watching it.

When our pastor talked about this verse it jumped out at me – for good reason.

In my favorite verse, Paul tells us that if we seem to be crazy (out of our mind) it is for God’s sake. (2 Corinthians 5:13a paraphrased)

Now I know where Paul got that.

In this context, Jesus’ family did not understand the truth that Jesus preached.

They tried to make him be normal.

Jesus stood firm making it clear that He needed to follow the Father’s will and if that disagreed with their’s, so be it.

Don’t feel too bad for Jesus’ family.

They came to see the truth.

They are listed among the early Christians in Acts chapter 1.

Jesus stood firm in the truth and they eventually saw it.

We might not always see eye to eye with our families or friends, but

we need to prioritize the truth.

Of course, verify the truth with the Bible.

And always treat others with respect.

But when it is needed, always stand up for the truth.

Have you ever had to disagree with family or friends by taking a stand for the truth of the Gospel?
Were you able to stay respectful?
How did it turn out?
July 13, 2026

July 13th, 2026

Monday – Gospels and Acts

Reading – Acts 4

Highlight Verse:

“Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?””
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are those names familiar?

This was the same group that Jesus was brought before. (John 18)

The last time Peter was here, he denied Jesus three times.

If you read the whole chapter, you know that Peter reacted differently this time. Even though he and John were the ones in the hot seat this time and he must have suspected that his life was on the line, there was no trace of the fear that once stopped Peter cold.

What happened?

Two things.

In John 21, Jesus restored his relationship with Peter after breakfast on the beach. When Peter reaffirmed his love for Jesus, Jesus challenged him with a leadership role (“feed my sheep”).

Then, in Acts 2, Peter and the rest of the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.

I know there are differing views on the way the Holy Spirit works today but one thing that cannot be denied is the Holy Spirit supplies boldness when it is needed to deliver the good news of Jesus.

Peter experienced that boldness here.

If you let Him, the same Holy Spirit can give you power to spread the good news too.

Have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit working through you?
In what way would you want to experience that power today?
May 23, 2026

May 23rd, 2026

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – John 15

Highlight Verse:

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My great uncle Howell signed up for the US Navy as early as he could.

Despite World War II being in full swing he never went overseas. By the time he completed boot camp the war was thankfully winding down.

He continued his training as a tail gunner in a torpedo bomber.

On December 5, 1945, he was called in to take the place of a sick fellow tail gunner on a training flight off the coast of Florida.

He and 13 other crewmen never came back.

While he never saw combat, he ended up giving his life to protect our country.

He signed up knowing the risk. In the end he laid down his life for his fellow Americans.

Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifice of lives lost in defense of the United States.

In World War II, nearly 300,000 Americans gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend their land.

Over the past 250 years, some estimates put the number at over a million lives lost fighting for American freedom and defense.

Whatever your opinion of war may be, there is no denying that these people believed it was worth risking their lives to defend America.

Jesus said there was no greater love than this.

Of course, He was speaking prophetically as He was soon to give His life for His friends – for all who would trust Him.

We do well to take time this weekend to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Let’s also not forget the sacrifice that Jesus gave to grant us true freedom.

Who would you like to memorialize for giving their lives for our freedom?
What is a good way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice this weekend?
May 11, 2026

May 11th, 2026

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 19

Highlight Verse:

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This was one of my favorite Bible stories as a child in Sunday School.

I always pictured Zacchaeus as being a dwarf sized person, but this was not likely the case.

He was just short and felt the need to see Jesus.

It is likely that his lifestyle and chosen occupation left him longing for something more real.

He wanted to see if Jesus was the answer to that longing and was willing to act like a child and climb a tree to see Him.

Notice what Jesus said.

First, He called Zacchaeus by name.

We don’t know if Zacchaeus was well known, so Jesus already knew his name or if it was divine knowledge.

What is important is that Jesus called him out by name. The call was specifically for Zacchaeus.

Then Jesus told him hurry.

Why the haste?

I believe it Zacchaeus needed to make his decision to follow Jesus before the temptations of his lifestyle popped back up to pull him away.

Regardless of the reason, why waste another minute away from Jesus?

Zacchaeus’ new life began the moment he trusted Jesus.

If Jesus is calling you to move forward in your faith, whether it is to trust Him in the first place or to move forward in the calling He has for you, why waste another minute resisting Him?

What is Jesus calling you to do right now?
What is in the way of saying yes to that calling?
April 26, 2026

April 26th, 2026

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Proverbs 24-25

Highlight Verses:

“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In my sophomore year of college, I applied for a summer job as a camp counselor.

I had worked at that camp the previous summer on the maintenance team. I figured I would have no problem moving up to counselor.

I was wrong.

When I got the rejection letter, I went to the director’s home (I went to college about 15 miles away). I asked him politely what I needed to do to be a counselor the following year.

We sat at his table while he spelled out what he saw in me that needed to change.

It was eye opening.

I got to work on his advice, and I took another summer job at the conference center associated with the camp.

Halfway through our summer staff training week, my boss pulled me into his office and told me to go talk to the camp director.

I ran the half mile down to the camp.

The director told me of a counselor who decided he couldn’t handle the responsibility. Because of our conversation and the changes he saw in me, I was the first person he thought of to fill the position.

That was the most fulfilling (and exhausting) summer of my life.

I ended up working full-time for that conference center for the first few years of my career.

If I had just gotten mad and rejected that employer, I would have missed out on that summer and the following years.

But that director gave me wise advice at the right time and I listened.

Have you heeded timely advice and experienced great results?
Have you ignored advice and reaped the consequences?
Share your stories!

Tag: courage

Hezekiah had a real problem on his hands.

He fought words with words.

And when the people saw the solid faith of their king, they were encouraged.

It wasn’t easy.

If you are a normal human, your life’s path has had some rocks. Probably some steep treacherous spots too.

That’s when you need light the most.

May the light of God and His Word shine brightly on your life.

In Stephen’s case, it resulted in his death.

Stephen spoke the message the Holy Spirit gave him with a boldness that arose from great faith.

But we should also always be ready to proclaim what the Holy Spirit gives us to say with boldness that can only come from deep faith.

And when he got Joash onto the throne, one of the first things he did was to get rid of one of Israel’s biggest distractions, the temple of Baal.

Such a removal may even seem violent in the midst of it.

But if you have something that you know is in the way of your relationship with God, remove it. You won’t be sorry.

But there comes a time in every person’s life when fear will rear its ugly head.

But I did pray.

And He will continue to provide for you and me every time we need it.

They tried to make him be normal.

Jesus stood firm in the truth and they eventually saw it.

we need to prioritize the truth.

The last time Peter was here, he denied Jesus three times.

Then, in Acts 2, Peter and the rest of the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.

If you let Him, the same Holy Spirit can give you power to spread the good news too.

He signed up knowing the risk. In the end he laid down his life for his fellow Americans.

Jesus said there was no greater love than this.

We do well to take time this weekend to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Let’s also not forget the sacrifice that Jesus gave to grant us true freedom.

He wanted to see if Jesus was the answer to that longing and was willing to act like a child and climb a tree to see Him.

Then Jesus told him hurry.

If Jesus is calling you to move forward in your faith, whether it is to trust Him in the first place or to move forward in the calling He has for you, why waste another minute resisting Him?

I was wrong.

It was eye opening.