Walk in the Light

September 17, 2025

September 17th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 5-6

Highlight Verse:

“So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Every now and then, I run into something in the Bible that is not only new to me but that I don’t have any clue about.

Today’s incident of that doesn’t have any bearing on my theology, but I’m curious what was behind it.

Why did David name that place “Baal-perazin?

Baal literally means possessor or “Master.)

David usually uses “El” or “YHWH” to describe God.

Why this change?

I honestly don’t know.

Commentaries are oddly vague about it.

I do have a couple of theories:
• Since this was former Philistine territory, David sticks with a local name.
• Because it was named as a result of battle, David downplayed God’s role.
• David was distracted by war and lost a little respect for God.

I could run with any of these and make a theological lesson from them.

In my opinion, that would be wrong.

There isn’t enough Biblical evidence to fully support any of these ideas.

Even if there was, I would be pulling them out of context.

While I admit I have occasionally pulled verses out of context, I try to only do that if the Bible as a whole supports the lesson. (If I mess up and try to bring lessons that are not supported by Scripture, please point it out to me).

So, what is today’s lesson?

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”

In fact, it’s better to say that than to lead people to wrong conclusions.

What is your take on the whole “Baal-Perazim” naming?
What are other scriptures that you haven’t figured out?
September 16, 2025

September 16th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 10-11

Highlight Verse:

“(Now the Lord had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel. And Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, respected by Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people alike.)”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This puzzled me.

Why would the Egyptian people and Pharaoh’s officials look favorably on Moses and the people of Israel?

I would have expected them to blame Moses and Israel for the plagues.

This verse tells me they knew better.

The plagues were a result of God’s wrath against Pharaoh’s stubbornness.

The people of Egypt saw how the Israelites had favor with God and wanted to be on their good side.

I believed that’s why they gave so generously.

So why do so many people today see Christians in a negative light?

The Israelites continued to work despite Pharaoh’s cruelty and were blessed by God for their efforts.

Besides that, they had a solid faith that didn’t change with the passing of each Pharaoh.

The Egyptian belief system revolved around appeasing many gods including the self-proclaimed God Pharaoh.

Today we hold on to a solid faith in the one true God.

We have joy that comes from that faith.

But we have a history of criticizing the shortfalls of those still bound by sin.

Instead of reaching out with the love of God, we rant on social media and or stay to ourselves, not even knowing our neighbors.

I believe it is also true that our society has given the evil one the unprecedented right to indoctrinate people against Christianity.

So, what can we do about it?

I believe we are at the beginning of a great world-wide revival.

If we continue the trend of pressing into God and reaching out to others with His love, we may yet see a turn around on the scale of Exodus.

If we stay within our little Christian clubs while we let the world influence us into complacency or reactionary anger,

that flame will fizzle out.

I for one, intend to reach out in love with the Author of all Love.

How can you press in to make your faith more solid?
What has God called you to do to reach out to others with His Love?
September 14, 2025

September 14th, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 109-111

Highlight Verse:

“How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭111‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I ponder the deeds of the Lord, my mind goes first to the beauty of creation.

Here is Colorado, we need only look to the west to see the majestic Rocky Mountains. Elsewhere, the ocean with its waves and beautifully carved coasts and blazing sunsets and sunrises boggle the mind with their beauty.

The immense variety of plants and animals throughout the world is beyond human imagination.

But to me, the most amazing deeds of the Lord are found in how He created us, loved us, and sacrificed for us.

That level of creativity and love are found in no one but God Himself.

What do you think of when you ponder the deeds of God?
Why?
September 13, 2025

September 13th, 2025

NOTE to those outside the United States, today’s post is a reaction to current events in the US.

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Proverbs 24

Highlight Verses:

“Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Tyler was brought up in a typical conservative Utah family.

Then he went to college.

He rebelled against his family values and followed the radical teachings of Antifa, thinking he was rebelling against a fascist system.

Antifa’s number one enemy – Christ.

Specifically, Christians who believe in the Bible and living by the values taught within it are automatically labeled fascists.

Tyler believed so passionately in that cause that he turned to violence.

With careful planning and sadistic determination, he murdered Christian apologist Charlie Kirk.

What makes the situation twice as sad is the elated reaction of those who celebrate the death.

I don’t want to turn this into a political rant.

I want to know what the Bible teaches about it.

Today’s passage points right to one root cause. Young Tyler clung to violent teachings of evil people.

It resulted in an extreme escalation of violence.

I pray that there will be other results.

• That the Gospel will reach the many who are drawn to investigate this situation.
• That young people will see the evil inherent in those who vilify Christ and Christians.
• That people will react against violence and bring reconciliation in our country.

I admit my first reaction is anger. I pray that anger will turn to action to advance the Gospel!

What was your first reaction to this murder?
What are you praying will be the ultimate result from this?
September 12, 2025

September 12th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 42-44

Highlight Verse:

“Pray that the Lord your God will show us what to do and where to go.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭42‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The remnant of people in Judah sought God’s guidance through the most reliable man of God in the land at that time – Jeremiah.

They vowed they would listen and do whatever God told them to do –

Until God’s plans differed from their own.

God’s instructions brought to them through Jeremiah told them to stay in the land when they were sure the right thing was to flee to Egypt.

Their solution, accuse Jeremiah of lying and doing their own thing.

When seeking God’s will for your life today’s reading has a couple of suggestions that might prove helpful.
• Seek a reliable source of God’s opinion – people who know the Bible well and the Bible itself are a good place to start.
• When the Bible disagrees with your opinion – change your opinion.

As much as I’d like to say that I always make good decisions, I can point to a few I made without consulting God’s Word. They didn’t work out so well.

What decisions have you made after thoroughly seeking God’s will? How did they turn out?
How did things turn out when you didn’t consult God first?
September 11, 2025

September 11th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Ephesians 5-6

Highlight Verse:

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

32-year-old Todd boarded an American Airlines plane at Newark, New Jersey, headed to San Francisco. A third of the way through the flight, 4 men stormed the cockpit and hijacked the plane, intending to use it as a weapon.

When Todd tried to call his wife, he learned from a phone operator that this was part of a coordinated attack.

He couldn’t stand by and let that happen.

Todd rallied some of his fellow passengers and attacked the terrorists. Together, they made sure the plane crashed hundreds of miles short of the terrorist’s target, potentially saving hundreds, if not thousands of lives.

His last recorded words, “Let’s roll,” exemplified the sacrificial efforts of many heroes that fateful day 24 years ago today.

That day sheds new light on this verse.

None of us know when our last day on Earth will be.

As Christ sacrificed His life for us, we would do well to follow His example of sacrificial living each and every day, giving of ourselves to show His love.

What are some practical ways we can share Christ’s sacrificial love today?
How have people showed sacrificial love to you?
September 10, 2025

September 10th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 3-4

Highlight Verse:

“That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You know, I would have been fine if all I knew about this time period was this tidy little summary.

But no! I had to read on.

Six sons of David from six moms, before David even became king of the united nation of Israel.

In the meantime – Ishbosheth reigns over the 10 tribes – poorly.

His rule was so weak, David was able to bully him into giving his first wife Michal back.

Then there’s the murders, beheading, executions… need I go on.

Israel in those days was all kinds of messed up.

But God still chose to use them. He even brought salvation through David’s family.

My family has had it share of problems. I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes.

But if God can use David and his family, I have great hope that He can use me and my family.

We remember David, despite all his shortfalls and mistakes, for his leadership and heart for God.

It is my hope that, when people look back on my life, they see a life of passion for God and positive influence on the people around me.

You might live a practically perfect life, or you may have made more than your share of mistakes.

But how will your life affect others?

Your love for Jesus and those around you will make a difference for generations to come.

I pray that you and I will go forth and change the world.

Can you relate to David?
How does what you do affect those around you? How can you make the most positive change?
September 9, 2025

September 9th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 9

Highlight Verse:

“Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from a brick kiln, and have Moses toss it into the air while Pharaoh watches.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

First let’s get the “elephant in the room” out of the way (or is that cattle in the room).

Verse 6 says that all the Egyptians’ livestock died. In verse 19, Moses warns the Egyptians to protect their livestock.

What livestock? Didn’t it all die?

Two theories:
• The wording in Hebrew is not exact so “all” might not have meant all or the plagues could have happened in reverse order.
• Or (What I believe) there’s no mention of time, so the Egyptians could have replenished their herds in the time between the verses.

Elephants and cattle aside, let’s move on to today’s highlight verse.

Did you ever notice that God had Moses use a symbol of Pharaoh’s oppression of the Israelites to bring about a plague?

Pharaoh forced the Israelites to make bricks.

God used the ash from that process to spread the plague of boils.

You’d think that Pharaoh would see the connection and realize he should set the Hebrews free.

He didn’t (hence the hailstorm, etc.).

Sin leaves proverbial ashes, the fall out and by-product of our sin. Sometimes God will use that “ash” to bring us to a point of repentance.

If we are not living in a repentant relationship with God, when we open our eyes and see those ashes, we can repent and be spared any further ways God may use to get our attention.

I’m not saying that bad things don’t happen to good people. That’s another topic entirely.

I am saying God can use consequences of sin to bring people into relationship with Him.

How has God used the consequences of your sin to bring you to Him?
How did you react to those consequences?
September 8, 2025

September 8th, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 8

Highlight Verse:

“Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Does reading about demons make you uncomfortable.

Perhaps you think that exorcisms are a thing of the past and demons aren’t something that show up anymore.

Maybe that’s what the people of this town were thinking.

Jesus showing up and kicking some demonic tail had to have made them very uncomfortable.

Jesus not only stirred up their status quo but shed light on the evil in their midst.

That ruffled their feathers so much they asked Him to leave. And He did.

We naturally want to go along with our lives not facing the things that bring shame or responsibility to the forefront.

We want to stay in our comfortable “good enough” lives. Jesus will allow that.

He will leave us alone.

If we welcome Jesus, He will bring to the light those things that only He can remove from our lives.

And He will deliver us.

Will you welcome Jesus or shun Him?
Have you seen the demonic at work in today’s world? Did you let Jesus deal with it?
September 7, 2025

September 7th, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 107-108

Highlight Verse:

“Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’m an outgoing introvert.

Those who are acquainted with me might think speaking out comes easily to me.

I’ll admit that it is easier than it used to be. But it was a long road getting here.

Even now, I have a hard time being bold in uncomfortable situations.

I have a personality type that likes to please people. It’s tough to please people when you accidentally say something wrong.

I’ve had my share of embarrassing moments when I’ve said too much.

But I’ve learned that it is generally better to say too much than too little,

especially when what is said is uplifting and not vulgar.

While I don’t expect introverts to speak out as much as extroverts,

I guarantee that going beyond your comfort zone to share the Gospel is always worth it.

How have you stepped beyond your comfort zone to share God’s love?
What would you tell those afraid to speak out?

Every now and then, I run into something in the Bible that is not only new to me but that I don’t have any clue about.

I honestly don’t know.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”

Why would the Egyptian people and Pharaoh’s officials look favorably on Moses and the people of Israel?

If we continue the trend of pressing into God and reaching out to others with His love, we may yet see a turn around on the scale of Exodus.

that flame will fizzle out.

When I ponder the deeds of the Lord, my mind goes first to the beauty of creation.

But to me, the most amazing deeds of the Lord are found in how He created us, loved us, and sacrificed for us.

I pray that there will be other results.

Until God’s plans differed from their own.

Their solution, accuse Jeremiah of lying and doing their own thing.

He couldn’t stand by and let that happen.

That day sheds new light on this verse.

As Christ sacrificed His life for us, we would do well to follow His example of sacrificial living each and every day, giving of ourselves to show His love.

You know, I would have been fine if all I knew about this time period was this tidy little summary.

Then there’s the murders, beheading, executions… need I go on.

But if God can use David and his family, I have great hope that He can use me and my family.

I pray that you and I will go forth and change the world.

Elephants and cattle aside, let’s move on to today’s highlight verse.

God used the ash from that process to spread the plague of boils.

I am saying God can use consequences of sin to bring people into relationship with Him.

Does reading about demons make you uncomfortable.

He will leave us alone.

And He will deliver us.

I’m an outgoing introvert.

But I’ve learned that it is generally better to say too much than too little,

I guarantee that going beyond your comfort zone to share the Gospel is always worth it.