Walk in the Light

March 30, 2023

March 30th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 13

Highlight Verse:

“For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

There is so much in this chapter I could talk about.

Before you ask, I’m not trying to avoid talking about obeying the governing authorities or paying taxes. I just find that this verse both sums up the rest of the chapter and provides the basis for it.

Our neighbors pay taxes. Our neighbors both obey the government and, at least in theory, are the government.

If we love them as we are commanded, we will live in cooperation with them.

We will do our share for our community, state, and country.

While we’re at it, we probably shouldn’t cheat, kill, steal, lie, or covet. Those are still commandments – made to help us love one another with the love that God gave us.

Of course, if you’re really serious about loving your neighbor, you’ll stay away from the wild parties and the rest of that stuff at the end of the chapter.

Imagine a world where everyone followed the teaching of this chapter! That would be amazing.

Of course, that world didn’t exist back then and it certainly doesn’t exist now. But we can do our part to bring that to our little corners of the globe.

Have you ever thought about the Ten Commandments in the light of them being the tools to show God’s love to the world?
What difference can we make through the commandments listed here?
March 29th, 2023

March 29, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 9

“When Jotham heard about this, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted, “Listen to me, citizens of Shechem! Listen to me if you want God to listen to you!”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Abimelech, the illegitimate son of of Gideon, killed 70 of the sons of Gideon to seal his power in Shechem.

Jotham, whose name mean orphan – ironically or intentionally, I don’t know – was the only legitimate son left.

If it were me, I would have been out of there – as far away as possible.

Jotham decided it was worth the risk to warn the citizens of Shechem. He goes on from this verse to warn them Jesus style, with a parable.

Then he took off and found refuge in Beer – the town, not the drink.

The people of Shechem did not listen. They continued their slide into idolatry and lawlessness.

So, why did Jotham warn them and why does the Bible report it?

The Bible does not specifically tell us why. But I believe it is simply another way to honor Gideon and Jotham as well for staying faithful and speaking up.

Is there something you feel compelled to proclaim to try to move people into faithfulness?
Are your motives pure and selfless?
What’s keeping you from saying it?
March 28, 2023

March 28th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 21

Highlight Verse:

“About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. “God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,” Abimelech said.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭21‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

That would be something I would love to hear – “God is obviously with you.”

In Abraham’s case, it was partly because of his wealth. God had blessed his endeavors with increase.

Abraham also did not hide the fact that he worshipped God and he acted (mostly) with wisdom and generosity.

You might ask how I could say that after he just sent Hagar and Isaac into the wilderness. Keep in mind that in doing so, he was granting freedom to a slave. Even then he was hesitant but God assured him they would be okay.

True to his word, God provided for them.

So, how do we get to the point where acquaintances would say that God is obviously with us?

I believe that comes with acting openly in the grace, wisdom, and compassion of Christ.

How do your acquaintances see you?
What have you done to get there?
What would you like to do to shine as one whom God is with?
March 27, 2023

March 27th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 14

Highlight Verse:

“When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We had to wait a while for our lunch order to come today. I didn’t mind so much since we had good friends to talk with.

When it finally came, I was all the more hungry so it tasted even better than it might have.

Sometimes I want to ask Jesus, “when will everything be ready? This world seems ripe for your return.”

Then I realize that people have been asking the same thing for centuries. If He had said “now” more than 59 years ago, I wouldn’t be among those who get to enjoy His Father’s house for always.

How much longer will it be?

I don’t know, but I know that every day of delay will make the time more sweet. I also know that for every day of delay, more people join the party. At our church alone, dozens made decisions to join the family of God today (Sunday as I write this). In middle school alone we saw 7 join the family tonight.

The heavenly celebration gets sweeter with each day.

When it’s time, I’m ready. Until then, I will anticipate the party and invite as many as I can.

Are you hungry for heaven?
Are you bringing people with you?

Easter is one of the most likely times for people to accept invitations to church. I challenge you to ask at least one person to church for Easter. See you there.
March 26, 2023

March 26th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 37-39

Highlight Verse:

“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Maybe it was the exclamation points. Maybe it was the three direct commands in a row.

Either way, this verse practically leapt from the page to my eyes.

Maybe it’s because it is so important. Anger is so common in our society. From the rages of dissatisfied customers and road rage to full on assaults and murders – anger is a plague that affects everyone.

Civility is increasingly hard to find.

What if we stopped and thought it through before we acted rudely? What if we realized that driving from one place to another is not a race or a conquest? What if we used calming words instead of words that added fuel to the fire of rage?

Today’s verse makes it sound simple but, if we’re honest,

it takes planning and effort to calm the rages in ourselves and others.

But, it’s an effort well worth it.

Do you have anger that you need to make an effort to calm?
Do you need to learn what words will calm others?
(Me too).
March 25, 2023

March 25th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Song of Songs 2:11-13

“Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!””
‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I noticed bird song the other morning as I was scraping ice and snow off my work truck.

But today I will be grilling – in 40 degree weather.

Yup, this is early spring in Colorado. But, the seasons are changing.

Today’s passage reminds us of the new life that abounds in spring.

As you see the flowers bloom and hear the birds sing, remember that God brings new life every day. Whether that means renewed romance with your spouse, a deeper joy as you see life spring up, or a renewed walk with God as you are reminded of all the renewal around you, let this spring season bring you new life.

What signs of spring have you noticed so far?
What is it that you appreciate the most about spring?
March 24, 2023

March 24th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 34-36

Highlight Verse:

“And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon seems almost miraculous. Instead of demolishing the amazing cliff faces to notch a roadway through, the builders raised the road from the canyon floor in a nearly continuous line of bridges and tunnels to provide a smooth, efficient ride through incredible scenery.

The term “highway” in today’s reading literally means a raised path.

In this chapter about the coming of the Messiah,

God provides a raised path of salvation

through the Messiah’s sacrifice. The redeemed are those who are able to walk that highway that rises above this life and gives us a clear path ahead to eternity.

Toward the end of chapter 35 we find the redeemed of the Lord rejoicing!

If you have found redemption from your sin, you know that rejoicing. When you see others join the road, the rejoicing multiplies!

There may be curves on your road, but if you are on the redemption highway, you can rejoice that you don’t have to live in the condemnation of sin but travel a path raised free of the barriers of sin.

How has God raised your path?
Have you found the joy of the redemption road?
March 23, 2023

March 23rd, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Romans 12

Highlight Verse:

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

There’s so many verses I could have chosen today! This one stands out as one I need to hear over and over again.

The Roman believers lived at the center of civilization at that time. It would have been easy for them to think of the rest of the world as backwards. Paul writes to them before he even visited Rome so they are pioneering believers.

They had reason to be proud.

I was raised going to church. I’ve never been away from the church in one way or another for more than a couple weeks in my life. I have to fight against religious pride in me.

Notice Paul doesn’t say to think of yourselves as worms. Just be honest.

If we’re honest and we trust Christ for our salvation, we are pure and righteous. But we owe all that to Jesus alone. We cannot take any credit no matter how good of a life we live.

We are not lowly, but we cannot take pride in that.

That’s a pretty sweet spot but one that’s hard to remember.

Do you have a low opinion of yourself?
Are you, like me, a bit too prideful?
Have you looked at yourself through Jesus’ eyes?
March 22, 2023

March 22nd, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 7-8

Highlight Verse:

“Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭7‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Over half of the soldiers in Gideon’s army chickened out.

Way over half.

I know, God wanted a smaller army. Even smaller than the ten thousand remaining.

But – over half?

This might be why the Israelites were so oppressed. There seemed to be quite a lack of courage.

But, do we have any more courage?

I’m not talking about our military. I don’t doubt their courage.

Do we have the courage to defend our faith?

Do we back down when attacked by those who would suppress us?

I am struggling not to sound political here. Politics could use a little faith and courage. But I’m talking about not being shy about our faith.

It’s worth noting that Gideon’s brave warriors who went into the battle did so be specifically following God’s peculiar instructions.

We can defend and advance our faith by following God’s instructions in a loving and bold manner.

What does it mean to be courageous in the context of your faith?
What are ways that you have been loving and bold about your faith?
What is your next step in living your faith out loud?
March 21, 2023

March 21st, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 19-20

Highlight Verses:

““My Lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.” “Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square.” But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What if Lot hadn’t insisted that the two stay at his house?

I honestly believe the angels would have been fine. They’re angels. They protected Lot when the townspeople came to abuse them.

I don’t think Lot and his family would have survived.

Lot demonstrated righteousness when he tried to protect the angels. Had he not done that, I think the angels would have let him die with the rest of Sodom.

Think about that. With unselfish motives, Lot actually saved himself and his family.

Here’s the catch for us. Selfless acts aren’t really selfless if we do them with the selfish motive of winning God’s favor. In other words, the selfless act cannot make up for the selfish act.

Here’s how I would sum it up.

Do selfless acts out of love for God and your fellow humans, not because of some side benefit you would get from the act.

Besides, salvation for us is not dependent upon what we do but on what God already did for us and our acceptance of that.

What motivates you to perform selfless acts?
What do you do to make sure they are truly selfless?

There is so much in this chapter I could talk about.

If we love them as we are commanded, we will live in cooperation with them.

Imagine a world where everyone followed the teaching of this chapter! That would be amazing.

So, why did Jotham warn them and why does the Bible report it?

That would be something I would love to hear – “God is obviously with you.”

I believe that comes with acting openly in the grace, wisdom, and compassion of Christ.

How much longer will it be?

The heavenly celebration gets sweeter with each day.

Civility is increasingly hard to find.

it takes planning and effort to calm the rages in ourselves and others.

Today’s passage reminds us of the new life that abounds in spring.

The term “highway” in today’s reading literally means a raised path.

God provides a raised path of salvation

They had reason to be proud.

Notice Paul doesn’t say to think of yourselves as worms. Just be honest.

We are not lowly, but we cannot take pride in that.

Over half of the soldiers in Gideon’s army chickened out.

But, do we have any more courage?

We can defend and advance our faith by following God’s instructions in a loving and bold manner.

What if Lot hadn’t insisted that the two stay at his house?

I don’t think Lot and his family would have survived.

Do selfless acts out of love for God and your fellow humans, not because of some side benefit you would get from the act.