Walk in the Light

April 3, 2023

April 3rd, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 15

Highlight Verse:

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sounds harsh; maybe a bit painful.

When I was 40, I was 50 pounds overweight. I had to break up with my two best friends – Dr. Pepper and Little Debbie. It wasn’t easy. If you’ve seen me recently, you know I’m still not at my ideal weight. But I’m a lot closer than I was then. I’m not getting tons of cavities anymore either.

And that was a relatively easy pruning.

There have been more painful things that have been chopped off my life over the years. Stuff that has dragged me down and kept me from being who I can be.

I’m sure there will be more to come.

Some things God has had to to prune for me.

Others, I have laid down willingly.

Slowly over the years, I’ve seen the spiritual fruit improve. Some years have been more fruitful than others. Some fruit I’ve never seen but I know it’s out there.

Every successful pruning has been an act of God. I lack the power to make a clean cut.

The secret is being willing to be pruned.

Are you willing to let the Master Gardener prune your life?
Are there things you need to ask Him to prune today?
April 2, 2023

April 2nd, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 40-42

Highlight Verse:

“O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is the second to last Psalm in Book 1 of Psalms. Even after all these psalms, David does not run out of things to say about God.

I’ve read through the Bible many times. Nearly every day I notice something I missed before. And that’s just what’s written down.

We see the fingerprints of God all over creation.

From the mighty mountains to the intricate DNA of an ant, God’s handiwork is masterful.

My dad used to be an atheist. He told me later in his life that studying some of the intricate details of nature finally convinced him that there was a creator behind creation. There was no other possibility.

The only way to come to the conclusion that there is no God is by refusing to concede the possibility of God when studying the world around us.

When looking at the artwork that is the Earth and the universe, it is obvious that there is an artist who created it.

What work of God amazes you the most?
What do you look at and revel in its beauty?
April 1, 2023

April 1st, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading –

“If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, I admit it. I was overjoyed when I saw that April Fools Day landed on an open topic day.

It was perfect to share my favorite verse of the Bible.

I first heard this verse when I was invited to join a loose group of friends in college known as the MFC – Maniacs For Christ. I thought, that’s perfect for me.

I’ve always been a little over the top when it comes to living out loud for Jesus.

When I go to a baseball game, I’ll shout out loud when the Rockies hit a home run. How can I do any less when Jesus wins another lost soul?

I wrote a little more in-depth about this in my blog post today. If you’d like to read it (and follow my shameless self promotion) go for it.

Until then, do you mind seaming to be a bit crazy when it comes to Jesus?
How do you allow your joy to overflow?
March 31, 2023

March 31st, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 37-39

Highlight Verse:

““Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life,”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭38‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hezekiah was one of the best kings of Israel. He followed God. Still, he got sick and Isaiah told him that he wouldn’t survive.

Hezekiah prayed like someone fighting for his life.

He was.

And he won that battle.

God healed him and extended his life.

We do not change God by our prayers. But, sometimes, we incline Him to act within His character in ways that He might not have if we hadn’t prayed.

I’ve seen people healed, needs provided, lives redeemed all because people prayed.

God is not a divine genie. But He is the all-powerful God who listens to His children.

Hezekiah inspires me all the more to pray for what seems impossible that God might intervene.

Have you seen tangible results from your prayers? If so, share them.
Can you find it in you to bring renewed faith to your prayers?
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?

Sounds harsh; maybe a bit painful.

Every successful pruning has been an act of God. I lack the power to make a clean cut.

We see the fingerprints of God all over creation.

When looking at the artwork that is the Earth and the universe, it is obvious that there is an artist who created it.

Yes, I admit it. I was overjoyed when I saw that April Fools Day landed on an open topic day.

I’ve always been a little over the top when it comes to living out loud for Jesus.

Hezekiah prayed like someone fighting for his life.

God is not a divine genie. But He is the all-powerful God who listens to His children.

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.