Walk in the Light

May 29, 2026

May 29th, 2026

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Hosea 13-14

Highlight Verse:

“The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.”
‭‭Hosea‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you read all the way through today’s reading, you know chapter 13 was a tough one.

You come out of that chapter thinking that there’s no hope for Israel.

But hope was not lost.

Chapter 14 is the redemption story to chapter 13.

Chapter 13 is the tough-love story.
Chapter 14 is the prodigal returning home.

Chapter 13 is being stuck in the bottom of a deep dark hole.
Chapter 14 is the rescue ladder being lowered to pull you out of the hole.

Chapter 13 is falling into the grave.
Chapter 14 is resurrection.

No matter how deep we fall into sin, deception, and fear,

Jesus is right there to pull us back from the brink of destruction into glorious life.

Whether it is for you or for someone you love –

never give up hope!

Is there someone you know who seems like they are so far away from God that there is no hope for them? Let the hope of Hosea 14 renew your prayers for that person.
Have you ever been so far down the road to destruction that you felt there was no hope for you? How did you return to hope?

If you need that hope right now, let us pray for you!
May 28, 2026

May 28th, 2026
Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Peter 1-3

Highlight Verse:

“But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I don’t always get things right.

On occasion, I may misunderstand a passage I am trying to present.

That’s not what this passage is talking about.

This chapter presents a good guide to detect a false teacher.
A false teacher may:
- Twist scriptures to cleverly get you to believe that their unique (heretical) teaching is the only way. ( v. 1)
- Deny the deity of Christ. ( v. 1)
- Practice immorality and draw others to it. ( v. 2, 14, 18)
- Find clever ways to get your money. ( v. 3)
- Despise authority. ( v. 10)
- Express disdain or arrogance toward others and supernatural beings. ( v. 10)
- Scoff at what they don’t understand. ( v. 12)
- Promise freedom though they are slaves to sin. ( v. 19)
As I wrote those things down, I realized that today’s world is much like Peter’s.

False teachers abound.

Many teach the false gospel of pride and tolerance.

Some hide their immorality while teaching a false gospel of greed.

Still others feed on pride while teaching a false gospel of exclusive knowledge.

By the grace of God, most churches (at least here in the US) still preach the Gospel of salvation by grace alone by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.

If the teacher you listen to can be found described in this chapter, find another teacher.

Have you ever been exposed to a false teacher as described in this chapter? How did you discover that they were false?
What good traits do you see in your teachers/pastors that convince you that they are worth following?
May 27, 2026

May 27th, 2026

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 25-27

Highlight Verse:

“There were 2,700 capable men among the relatives of Jeriah. King David sent them to the east side of the Jordan River and put them in charge of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were responsible for all matters related to God and to the king.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭26‬:‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I just read an article on Facebook about the history of Commerce City, CO (Thanks for posting Jim).

I am fascinated by the stories of how different communities developed and changed over the decades.

Maybe too much so.

I’ve always been a history nerd.

I was a history major in college and intended to be a history teacher (until the college money ran out).

I especially love reading books about local history (of various places – not just here).

The Bible is not a history book in the traditional sense of the term.

It is not intended to chronicle exact dates and precise stories.

It is intended to show how God has worked throughout history.

Armed with the knowledge of how God works in history,

we can position ourselves to have a greater impact for good in our own histories.

In today’s reading, David showed how to manage the skills and callings of the Levites and the military leaders.

He was deliberate in his selections.

And today’s highlight verse shows why.

The purpose was to manage matters related to God and the King.

In other words, they were to help people in their relationship with God and the King.

How have you seen the hand of God in history?
What influence on history do you think you have?
May 26, 2026

May 26th, 2026

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 7-8

Highlight Verse:

““Now set the Levites apart from the rest of the people of Israel and make them ceremonially clean.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Want a little peek at how I write these? (It’s coming anyway).

A couple years ago, I put together a spreadsheet that attempted to get us through the Bible in two years reading 6 days a week.

Early each morning I read through the next day’s reading and pray that the Lord would point out to me a verse or two to highlight and grant some insight into it.

Then I wait until the evening to revisit it.

Each evening, I again pray for a verse and for insight.

I often consult commentaries for the insight of others.

This evening, the above verse stood out to me.

My mind immediately went to how those in ministry need to be set apart and anointed for the ministry set before then.

One of the commentaries I consulted agreed with that idea.

I started to write.

My fingers rebelled.

Something wasn’t right about that.

Then I realized.

We are all called to ministry.

Yes, people are called to be pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. And they should be anointed for their callings.

But we should never forget that we who have trusted Jesus are all cleansed and consecrated by His sacrifice on the cross.

The work of ministry is no longer just for the Levites, or professional ministers.

It is for the entire body of Christ.

If we have been cleansed by Jesus, He has called us to represent Him.

It is through people like you and I that others find and follow Jesus.

What is your role in the ministry?
How have you been consecrated for that role?
May 25, 2026

May 25th, 2026

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 21

Highlight Verses:

“Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today is Memorial Day here in the United States. (I mention this as the website version of this gets visitors from all over the globe).

Quite a few years ago, I lived in Virginia and decided to spend Memorial Day in Washington, DC.

Lincoln Memorial

After touring the Lincoln Memorial, I found myself wandering across the Potomac River and walking through Arlington Cemetery.

Being Memorial Day, people were streaming toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Curious, I followed.

Given the day and the place, it should not have surprised me that the President of the United States was to give a speech there.

I stayed and listened.

While his words were certainly not as profound as those of Jesus, he agreed with Jesus on an important point.

Those who gave their lives for freedom, left this temporary world for an eternal one.

Washington, DC is an amazing place full of many grand monuments and museums dedicated to the people and history of this world.

United States Capitol Building

But Washington’s place in eternity is as the blink of an eye.

I don’t know exactly what heaven will be like, but I know one important characteristic of it.

It will be permanent.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the grand sites of this world.

But let’s always keep them in perspective in the light of eternity.

What is your favorite grand site here on earth?
What sights do you hope to see in Heaven?
May 24, 2026

May 24th, 2026

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Proverbs 31

Highlight Verse:

“The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Momma always used to say…”

That’s the way I often prefaced “wise” sayings like “Normal is just a city in Illinois.”

She didn’t actually say those things, but it sounded better when I started the sayings like that.

She did pass on a lot of wisdom to me, like mothers tend to do.

So did King Lemuel’s mom.

Who is King Lemuel?

There are different opinions. The most popular opinion is that it is a pen name for King Solomon.

Lemuel literally means “for God” or “devoted to God.”

Bathsheba may have referred to Solomon this way.

Or it may have been a literary term like “Theophilus” may have been in Luke and Acts.

Either way, the introduction to this chapter promises some epic advice.

And it delivers (taken in context).

What is your favorite piece of advice from this chapter?
How would you convey the spirit of this advice into advice specific to our culture?
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 22, 2026

May 22nd, 2026

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Hosea 11-12

Highlight Verse:

“For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me.”
‭‭Hosea‬ ‭11‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe that there is a nationwide and possibly world-wide revival going on right now.

I also know that this revival could die out if people who truly trust Jesus don’t take advantage of the move of the Holy Spirit.

The problem I see is this – a big part of this revival is a cultural shift.

That is to say, many are getting on the new Christian bandwagon because it is trendy and feels good.

That in itself is not a bad thing.

It becomes bad when people attend the “cool” churches or events to look cool, but they do not trust in Jesus.

For many, being part of the Christian crowd is a cultural thing or even a political thing.

But it is about faith!

It is about trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice to take away sin and then trusting Him to lead.

It is about a real relationship with our Heavenly Father.

If you are in it for the culture, because all your friends or family are Christian, or because your moral values align with what Jesus taught, but you haven’t trusted God to forgive and guide you,

I urge you to take that step.

Take a moment right now and pray the kind of prayer I pray every day.

It goes something like this – Lord Jesus, Thank You for another new day. I trust You. I trust in the sacrifice that You made for me to take away my sin and I trust that You know what is best for me. Thank You for your sacrifice for me and for every good thing You provide for me. Help me to always bring You glory and to be honest when I don’t. Show me what You want me to do today and help me to walk that path. Amen.

Do you have a real relationship with Jesus?
What are you doing today to trust Him?
May 21, 2026

May 21st, 2026

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 Peter 3-5

Highlight Verses:

“But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This passage reminds me of the first female licensed watchmaker in the Netherlands.

Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s she and her family became well known for their quality work and generosity.

By their faith in Jesus, they knew that all were created equal and that God loved even the poorest people around them.

In the 40’s their generosity extended to helping Jews escape the Nazi occupied Netherlands.

Her family shop and home were eventually raided, and all 30 of them arrested.

Her father died after 10 days in custody.

Months later, her sister got sick and died at a work camp.

The watchmaker, Corrie ten Boom was released on a clerical error shortly before the rest of the women from that camp were sent to the gas chambers.

Throughout her life, Corrie ten Boom acted sacrificially to God and to those in need around her.

Even in the Nazi prison, she and her sister led many women to Jesus before they went to their deaths.

After the war, she was given opportunities to share about her experiences to all who would listen.

She eventually told her story in a book which was made into a movie (The Hiding Place).

Millions have been touched by her life because she was willing to put God first even when it meant suffering.

I pray that I could have such a selfless attitude.

What bold opportunities for self sacrifice have been placed before you?
Are you willing to suffer, if need be, to step into those opportunities?
Do you know anyone that has truly lived this out?
May 20, 2026

May 20th, 2026

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 22-24

Highlight Verse:

“For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭22‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I like to say that I can relate to King David.

The Bible calls him a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22).

He was not perfect, but he continued to seek God and God continued to use him despite his shortfalls.

Okay, the similarities probably end there.

I’m no king.

Nor have I had over 20 kids, or multiple wives and concubines. Oh, and I haven’t had anyone murdered so I could steal his wife either.

I could go on.

But this verse highlights one strong similarity I have with David.

I truly want my children to make a positive difference in this world and in the next.

David encouraged Solomon to do the Lord’s work with wisdom, obedience, and courage.

I admit that I do not do that enough.

I do encourage and try my best not to sow discouragement, but I fall short.

If course, it is not just up to me. They have to find the initiative to step forth into their callings.

It is also not my place to try to control their lives.

But I pray that I would take advantage of every opportunity to encourage my children to live in God’s calling and to make a difference.

While I’m at it, I pray that I may positively influence others around me as they follow the path God has set for them.

Have you been an encouragement, discouragement, or controller in your children’s lives?
What can you do today to positively influence the lives of your children or others in your sphere of influence?

But hope was not lost.

Jesus is right there to pull us back from the brink of destruction into glorious life.

never give up hope!

I don’t always get things right.

False teachers abound.

If the teacher you listen to can be found described in this chapter, find another teacher.

I’ve always been a history nerd.

It is intended to show how God has worked throughout history.

we can position ourselves to have a greater impact for good in our own histories.

I started to write.

The work of ministry is no longer just for the Levites, or professional ministers.

It is through people like you and I that others find and follow Jesus.

Those who gave their lives for freedom, left this temporary world for an eternal one.

It will be permanent.

But let’s always keep them in perspective in the light of eternity.

“Momma always used to say…”

Lemuel literally means “for God” or “devoted to God.”

Either way, the introduction to this chapter promises some epic advice.

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.

The problem I see is this – a big part of this revival is a cultural shift.

But it is about faith!

I urge you to take that step.

This passage reminds me of the first female licensed watchmaker in the Netherlands.

In the 40’s their generosity extended to helping Jews escape the Nazi occupied Netherlands.

Throughout her life, Corrie ten Boom acted sacrificially to God and to those in need around her.

Millions have been touched by her life because she was willing to put God first even when it meant suffering.

I like to say that I can relate to King David.

I truly want my children to make a positive difference in this world and in the next.

But I pray that I would take advantage of every opportunity to encourage my children to live in God’s calling and to make a difference.