Walk in the Light

March 15, 2023

March 15th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 6

Highlight Verse:

““Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.””
‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I don’t know about you but, if an angel of the Lord stood before me, I would be hesitant to complain to him.

But then, maybe that’s why God chose Gideon.

Gideon was passionate about Israel’s suffering.

He desperately wanted the situation changed.

Notice that God didn’t call Gideon to deliver Israel because of his skills. He called Gideon because of his passion.

Gideon followed that calling with all the passion that got him the calling in the first place.

Is there something that you are passionate about that touches God’s heart?
Has He given you a calling to turn that passion into action?
What are you waiting for?
March 14, 2023

March 14th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 17-18

Highlight Verse:

“What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT

My name is Richard. It’s always been Richard. There have been major changes in my life but It’s stayed Richard.

There were a several cases in the Bible where God has changed peoples names.

Abram became Abraham.

Jacob became Israel.

Saul became Paul.

In each of these cases, God caused such a huge life change that new names were needed to describe the person.

I wouldn’t mind that.

A few I could think of would be Man of God, the Good Dad, the Good Husband, Finder of Lost Sheep, Writer of the Right Words.

For now, I’ll stick with Richard the Child of God and Follower of Jesus. I’ll keep on trying to shine the light through my words.

Eventually, I’ll hear the name I long to hear – Good and Faithful Servant.

Until then, you can call me Richard (or Rich, or hey you…)

If God were to change your name, what name would you desire the most?
What are you doing to live up to that name?
March 13, 2023

March 13th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 12

Highlight Verses:

“That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!””
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus went viral.

Okay, it wasn’t some TikTok or YouTube video, but the crowd dynamics were remarkably similar.

Word of Lazarus being raised from the dead and Jesus’ other miracles got around. People were impressed – even amazed.

Then word leaked out about his arrival in Jerusalem for Passover so a huge premier event was thrown together.

People followed Him throughout the festival, mostly liking what they saw.

Then cancel culture stepped in.

Word spread that He spoke blasphemy against the current ways of thinking.

People couldn’t run away from Him fast enough.

Those executives who started the cancellation did a thorough job and thought they had completely gotten rid of Him and His influence.

But you can’t keep a good Influencer down!

Stayed tuned for Easter and the rest of the story…

Will you follow Jesus regardless of what the cancel culture would tell you?
Are you willing to be one of the “cancelled” if Jesus calls you to that?
March 12, 2023

March 12th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 31-32

Highlight Verse:

“So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are at least 185 songs in the Bible.

150 of them are in Psalms alone.

There are times in the Bible when it seems almost like a musical where the characters burst out into spontaneous song.

I think it’s safe to say that God loves music.

There are praise and worship songs. There are dirges. There are victory songs. There are love songs.

I dare say, in their time, there were songs of every style and genre available.

Music is an integral part of my daily life. It lifts my spirit. It encourages and strengthens me. It helps express my feelings. It inspires me.

It helps connect me with God.

If you read this in time today, I encourage you to head to your local church and belt out a song or two with the rest of the congregation.

If it’s Sunday afternoon by the time you read this and you live in the Denver area, joins us at Orchard Church this evening for a night of worship! (March 12, 6:30pm, Orchard Church, 120th Ave. Henderson, CO.)

Is music an integral part of your life?
In what ways does it help connect you with God?
March 11, 2023

March 11th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Today’s Reading –

“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Maewyn was abducted from his family’s home at the age of 16. He was trapped in the world of human trafficking in a foreign land for the next 6 years. During that time of forced labor and oppression, he turned to God for hope.

He looked for escape at every opportunity.

Once he made good on his escape plans, he turned ever deeper to his faith. He went to seminary and eventually became a minister.

Then came the call on his life.

He heard that still small voice calling him to preach to the people in the land of his captivity.

He eventually followed that voice and led the largest revival ever in the land of Ireland.

He found family in that most unexpected place.

Did I mention that when he became a priest, he changed his name to Patrick?

There are many in this world who find themselves alienated from their families. Some have stories as dramatic as Saint Patrick. Others have done all the work of alienation themselves.

The one thing in common for all is that God welcomes them with open arms into His family.

They need only to choose to trust Him and join the family.

Do you feel alone without a family to support you?
If you are a part of the family of God, how have you felt supported?
How are you offering support to others?
March 10, 2023

March 10th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 28-30

Highlight Verse:

““What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How often have I done this?

I’ll pray as an afterthought, asking God to bless my plans.

I should have begged God for His plans.

Even if they come one little step at a time, at least it would be a step in the right direction.

Instead, on my own I put the proverbial cart before the horse.

The plans Israel made at that time made sense to them. They seemed reasonable. But they didn’t consult God for His plans. He saw the big picture and knew their plans would end in disaster.

And they did.

Have you ever made plans without asking God for His plans first?
How’d that work out for you?
How do you go about seeking God’s input?
March 9, 2023

March 9th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 10

Highlight Verse:

“I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I recently heard about a man who was headed for a business trip to Glasgow, Scotland. He thought it was odd that the flight should be on such a small plane – until it landed in Glasgow, Montana.

That was an expensive mistake!

It was not nearly as expensive as the mistake people were making in today’s verse.

How many times have you heard, “I’m glad that works for you,” or “God can be found in all religions,” or the famous “whatever floats your boat?”

People think it harsh to say that salvation comes through Christ alone but the truth of the matter is we could never be good enough to earn our way to heaven and Jesus is the only one who paid the price for our sin. In fact, He was the only one who COULD pay the price for our sin.

What’s harsh is trying to get to heaven by our own efforts.

What’s pure love is found in verse 13 – “For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The door is wide open for anyone who trusts in Jesus and His gift of life.

Just like that man who sincerely believed he was going to Scotland even though his ticket said Montana, You can’t get to heaven unless you get your ticket from Jesus, no matter how zealously you follow any other faith.

Do you realize that Heaven is only accessible through Jesus?
Are you willing to lovingly share that good news to those who are heading the wrong direction?
March 8, 2023

March 8th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 4-5

Highlight Verses:

“Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment.”

Judges 4:4-5 NLT

Israel was a Patriarchal society. Priests were always men. Rulers were almost always men. Men ruled their households.

For that reason, Deborah stands out.

There is no mention of how she became a judge except for being called a prophetess.

For this reason, it appears that the most important factor of leadership for her was the ability to hear from God and the boldness to speak out.

People trusted her to lead Israel even to the point of refusing to go into battle unless she travelled with them.

Every person judges leaders by deciding whether or not to follow them.

For me, knowing they have a solid, close relationship with Jesus is far more important than gender, education, or experience.

What is it that makes you trust a leader?

What qualities are you growing in yourself that would tend to make you trusted as a leader?
March 7, 2023

March 7th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 15-16

Highlight Verse:

“But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I understand a little bit of Abram’s pain.

Yes, I know I have four kids. But the first didn’t come until I was 36. Sure that’s nothing compared to Abram who was 86 when Ishmael was born and 100 when Isaac was born.

I did say a little bit.

This verse jumped out at me today in part because of our church’s message last Sunday.

In his message our teaching pastor, Tyler, reminded us that Jesus is still near regardless of our circumstances and that we should not let our waiting time be wasted time.

You may be waiting for your purpose to be fulfilled in some way, but that doesn’t mean that you are useless in the meantime. Far from it.

God can use your circumstances to bless you and others around you in ways you couldn’t imagine as you struggle in the frustrating times. Just be open to the ways that He can use you as you wait.

If you feel like you are in the waiting room of life, what is it that you are waiting for?
What can you be doing as you wait?
March 6, 2023

March 6th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 11

Highlight Verse:

“Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.””
‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, this is the same Thomas who later doubts the resurrection. We tend to paint him with the word “doubting”. It could be said that he doubted here since he thought that Jesus would die.

But, no one can doubt his dedication to Jesus.

He was willing to follow Jesus anywhere even if it meant death.

What about me and you?

If we were in Thomas’ shoes, would we be willing to follow Jesus even to death?

I’ve never had to answer that question in real life. I would like to think that I would without hesitation. But, it’s unlikely that I will ever be put to that test.

The test for you and I is, are we willing to follow Jesus when that path goes through some very uncomfortable places?

That may mean speaking out in love and boldness when Christ’s name is belittled. It may mean making a bold career move to put ourselves in line for what God wants us to do. For some, it may involve being willing to go into missionary work.

Can we be as bold as “Doubting” Thomas?
Are we willing to follow Jesus when it truly costs us?

But then, maybe that’s why God chose Gideon.

Gideon followed that calling with all the passion that got him the calling in the first place.

There were a several cases in the Bible where God has changed peoples names.

I wouldn’t mind that.

Eventually, I’ll hear the name I long to hear – Good and Faithful Servant.

Jesus went viral.

Then cancel culture stepped in.

But you can’t keep a good Influencer down!

I think it’s safe to say that God loves music.

It helps connect me with God.

Then came the call on his life.

He found family in that most unexpected place.

The one thing in common for all is that God welcomes them with open arms into His family.

How often have I done this?

I should have begged God for His plans.

It was not nearly as expensive as the mistake people were making in today’s verse.

What’s harsh is trying to get to heaven by our own efforts.

What’s pure love is found in verse 13 – “For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

For that reason, Deborah stands out.

Every person judges leaders by deciding whether or not to follow them.

You may be waiting for your purpose to be fulfilled in some way, but that doesn’t mean that you are useless in the meantime. Far from it.

If we were in Thomas’ shoes, would we be willing to follow Jesus even to death?

The test for you and I is, are we willing to follow Jesus when that path goes through some very uncomfortable places?