Walk in the Light

June 27, 2025

June 27th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 10-12

Highlight Verse:

““I have abandoned my people, my special possession. I have surrendered my dearest ones to their enemies.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you read this with a view of God as the old man in the sky judging every little bad thing we do,

you miss the point entirely.

This verse is part of a reply to Jeremiah when he complained about evil people prospering.

God basically says, “Quit your whining! I had to remove my protection from my children. There’s nothing that could possibly be harder.”

Jeremiah already knows the heart of the Father.

When he heard this reply, it would have reminded him how tough it was for God to allow His children, the nation of Israel, be conquered and taken captive.

He allowed that not out of a vindictive attitude toward them but because He knew it was the only way to turn their hearts back to Him in the long run.

He also knew it would set things up for Jesus to bring salvation to the world.

Trusting God’s wisdom when we can’t see the reason behind it is one of the toughest parts of faith.

But He always acts out of a heart of absolute love, no matter what it may look like to us.

Have you ever complained to God only to have him remind you that He knows what He is doing?
Has He ever had to let you fail before you came back to Him?
June 26, 2025

June 26th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Corinthians 3-4

Highlight Verse:

“The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One of the advantages of getting older is you can see the kids you influenced grow up to be men and women following after Jesus. That’s important to someone like me who spent a long time in next generation ministry.

Casting Crowns phrased it, “I don’t care if they remember me, Only Jesus!”

When I’m long gone, I want my legacy to live on in the faith of those whose lives I’ve touched.

For some, we may have been just a single word of encouragement along their journey. For others, our words and/or actions may have brought them to that place of decision.

Which ever it is, if someone hears my name, I pray that would think of Jesus and how I pointed them to Him.

And long after my name is forgotten, may the spark of faith I help to ignite burn on in future generations.

In what ways are you influencing those around you toward faith in Jesus?
Who have you influenced already?
June 25, 2025

June 25th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Samuel 11-12

Highlight Verse:

““Give us seven days to send messengers throughout Israel!” replied the elders of Jabesh. “If no one comes to save us, we will agree to your terms.””
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This was a strange method of warfare.

A city is attacked with overwhelming force and the city leaders say, “Whoa there. Give us a chance to get reinforcements.”

Who would agree to that – unless they were influenced by the Holy Spirit to agree to those terms?

My opinion is that God set up the situation so that Saul could intervene and unite Israel.

It worked.

It also provided an amusing story for the Bible. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor?

There are many times in our lives when situations don’t quite make sense. Unusual things happen – some scary, some amusing, some both.

I dare say, God is at work in those situations, working behind the scenes influencing people to bring His love and salvation to those who need it.

When have you seen God work in mysterious ways in your life?
In hindsight, are there times you can now identify that God was working behind the scenes in ways you couldn’t see at the time?
June 24, 2025

June 24th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 41

Highlight Verse:

““It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Joseph was in jail for who knows how long.

They had to clean him up before he could appear before Pharoah.

The cupbearer forgot about him for two full years.

Joseph had every reason to cop an attitude.

And he did have an attitude – of humility.

I believe that was all part of God’s plan setting up the survival of Israel.

Joseph’s words and wisdom put him right where God could best use him.

It turned out pretty nice for Joseph too.

If you have had a situation where you showed humility when you could have had a bad attitude, how did it turn out for you?
How do you know when to keep a humble attitude?
June 23, 2025

June 23rd, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Mark 9

Highlight Verse:

“He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I can so relate to Peter – so awkward, but bold enough to speak up.

Proverbs says that even fools will be thought wise if they are silent (17:28).

But Peter wasn’t afraid to be thought of as a fool.

In this case, his words were awkward and showed a misunderstanding of the situation.

They also showed Peter’s devotion and respect for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses; not to mention that he was calm enough to speak in that incredible situation.

So, yes, we should be wise with our words,

but if I am in a situation where my words could bring praise to God, or comfort, hope, and encouragement to those around me, I hope I have the courage to speak up, even if I sound like a fool.

Have you spoken up in an awkward situation where your words ended up having a positive effect?
How do you decide when it is time to speak out?
June 22, 2025

June 22nd, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 75-77

Highlight Verse:

“But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭75‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is no mistake that a sizable chunk of the Bible is actually music. (Psalms, Song of Solomon, and several other songs sprinkled throughout scripture).

In fact, as I write this Forrest Frank is blasting praise to God in my ear buds.

Music is powerful.

It doesn’t just entertain, it moves.

It doesn’t just alter moods, it alters perspectives.

It can make people more receptive to the Gospel and the movement of the Holy Spirit.

As this verse states, it helps us proclaim what God has done.

Did music have a role in drawing you to Jesus or to move forward in your faith?
Have you ever used music to proclaim what God has done?

In answer to that last question, I was once part of an outreach band. I ran sound and talked to people passing by as we brought music to the Santa Cruz Wharf, Pacific Garden Mall, and local jails. It grabbed attention and helped people realize that following Jesus could bring joy.
June 21, 2025

June 21st, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – 1 Corinthians 3:4-15

Highlight Verse:

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

At the Write to Publish Christian writer’s conference last week, I had the privilege of hearing from Tim Challies, a popular writer, speaker, and blogger.

One thing I took away from his messages was to give away what you have.

He posts helpful resources on his website, often including links to “competitive” blogs.

Once a week he shares free resources with his readers.

I don’t have free resources to give but I recognize that I am just one of many resources to help encourage people in their journey with Christ. I encourage you to check as many resources as will be helpful for you to follow Jesus.

Toward that end, check out www.Challies.com for some good content.

Are there resources that have blessed you? Feel free to share them here.
June 20, 2025

June 20th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 7-9

Highlight Verse:

“But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You want some real bragging rights?

Get to know God!

Of course, the closer you are to God, the more likely you will know that the only thing you truly have to brag about is the fact that your sins have been wiped away.

Paul quoted this verse when he told the Corinthians about the things he had done, but the only thing worthy of boasting about was God. (2 Corinthians 10).

As for me (and most men), the art of the “one up” is second nature.

There’s always something that sounds more impressive that we can talk about.

But what’s more impressive than the love of God?

So, the next time I’m tempted to one up someone, I’ll try to remember to bring it back to Jesus.

Is one-upmanship part of your normal mode of operation?
How would you turn that into a situation to boast about God?
June 19, 2025

June 19th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Corinthians 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So… if we are faithful, we stink.

Or smell good, depending on who smells us.

I try to be a people pleaser.

It works really well at work. Most of my customers love me.

Even in ministry, I am well liked and respected by many.

But some people don’t like what I have to say.

Of course, the people pleaser in me would prefer to try to make those people like me.

But sometimes we just have to tell the truth.

And the truth can be tough to hear.

I am not called to criticize people. Despite what some say, I don’t think anyone is.

I also think arguing is a terrible way to try to win people to the Lord.

But I am called to speak the truth in love.

If I fail to do that because I’m afraid of what people think of me, then I fail God and I fail those people.

To some, those words will have the stench of death. But if the truth goes unspoken, there will be no hope of that stink changing to sweet perfume.

Have you ever made some one angry by speaking the truth in Love?
How do you know you are speaking in love and not judgement?
June 18, 2025

June 18th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Samuel 9-10

Highlight Verse:

“Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?””
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sound familiar?

If you’ve read Judges, it should.

Gideon said almost the same thing; except he was from the tribe of Manasseh.

Was it false humility?

I think it was more like fear.

For Gideon it was likely fear of failure.

But here in this chapter, I get the feeling Saul had a fear of responsibility and the inconveniences that came with it.

Saul had a pretty comfy life.

His father was wealthy.

He was well known and had friends all over Israel.

But if He was king, he couldn’t just do what he wanted when he wanted.

We know from history that he took on that responsibility and took it seriously.

Still, he always carried a selfish attitude.

He carried out his kingship caring more about his position and prestige than the well-being of His people.

He did protect Israel from the Philistines with the help of David.

But then He got jealous and drove away that man of God.

Eventually, God corrected Saul’s errors by bringing David into power.

There are times in our lives when God calls us to do more than we think we can do.

When we fully trust God in those times, there’s no limit to what He can do through us.

What do you think it would have been like if Saul had been as faithful as David?
In what areas is God calling you to be strong and courageous?

you miss the point entirely.

God basically says, “Quit your whining! I had to remove my protection from my children. There’s nothing that could possibly be harder.”

Trusting God’s wisdom when we can’t see the reason behind it is one of the toughest parts of faith.

But He always acts out of a heart of absolute love, no matter what it may look like to us.

When I’m long gone, I want my legacy to live on in the faith of those whose lives I’ve touched.

For some, we may have been just a single word of encouragement along their journey. For others, our words and/or actions may have brought them to that place of decision.

And long after my name is forgotten, may the spark of faith I help to ignite burn on in future generations.

This was a strange method of warfare.

Who would agree to that – unless they were influenced by the Holy Spirit to agree to those terms?

I dare say, God is at work in those situations, working behind the scenes influencing people to bring His love and salvation to those who need it.

Joseph had every reason to cop an attitude.

And he did have an attitude – of humility.

Joseph’s words and wisdom put him right where God could best use him.

I can so relate to Peter – so awkward, but bold enough to speak up.

But Peter wasn’t afraid to be thought of as a fool.

Music is powerful.

As this verse states, it helps us proclaim what God has done.

One thing I took away from his messages was to give away what you have.

Toward that end, check out www.Challies.com for some good content.

You want some real bragging rights?

As for me (and most men), the art of the “one up” is second nature.

But what’s more impressive than the love of God?

So… if we are faithful, we stink.

But some people don’t like what I have to say.

And the truth can be tough to hear.

Was it false humility?

He carried out his kingship caring more about his position and prestige than the well-being of His people.

When we fully trust God in those times, there’s no limit to what He can do through us.