Walk in the Light

December 30, 2025

December 30th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 33-34

Highlight Verse:

“And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Even after the Israelites worshipped a golden calf, God still was willing to make a way for them.

He was ready to deliver the promised land to them on a platter. All they had to do was go there and trust Him to hand it to them.

He took a step back from them and gave them Moses and Aaron to be a go between since; to put it in overly simple terms, they drove Him nuts.

Of course, they didn’t literally drive Him crazy as that is impossible.

But it was becoming abundantly clear that their propensity to sin was not compatible with His holy nature.

He dearly loved them, so much so that He put priests in place so He could maintain a relationship with them and started arranging the path for the Messiah to come establish a face-to-face relationship between God and man.

Of course, we’re going to learn later how they didn’t trust God for safety as they entered the promised land (almost).

But let’s be honest; how often do we trust Him that deeply?

If God loved this rebellious people so much, how much does He love those who have a direct relationship with Him through trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus.

Considering He gave up His Son for us, I’d say that love has no bounds.

In what ways are you trusting that God has everything under control?
What tends to get in the way of that faith for you?
December 29, 2025

December 29th, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 27-28

Highlight Verse:

“The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today’s reading covers the splitting of time.

Jesus released his spirit on the cross.

The earth split in a great earthquake.

The temple curtain separating man from God was ripped apart.

Death was defeated at an empty tomb.

It’s no wonder that the women who went to the tomb were confused.

The man they were mourning was alive.

Prophecy had been fulfilled.

They knew nothing would ever be the same.

This was a paradigm shift greater than any in history.

One full of joy at the fact that we humans could now have a direct relationship with God.

I’d be confused at first.

But how amazing would it be to be there first hand!

How do you think you would have reacted when confronted in person with the news that Jesus was resurrected?
Have you ever been given news so wonderful that you were filled with both joy and fear?
December 28, 2025

December 28th, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Proverbs 4

Highlight Verse:

“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever noticed that horses often wear black protrusions next to their eyes? Those are called blinders and keep them from being distracted or spooked by things happening around them.

Like the dog in the movie “Up!,” the “squirrels” of life can easily distract us.

It is easy to go down the rabbit hole of teaching that grabs our attention, or the latest TikTok trends, fashions, gadgets, etc.

While a well-rounded life can contain many interests, they should all be under the guiding principles of our faith.

We need to keep our focus on the eternal and direct our temporal interests with that in mind.

What distracts you from the eternal?
How do you direct your interests here on earth around your eternity?
December 27, 2025

December 27th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic
New Testament Letters (delayed from Christmas Day)

Reading – 2 Timothy 3-4

Highlight Verses:

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I watch a lot of YouTube – probably too much.

Some of my favorites are the automotive YouTubers. I enjoy old cars and seeing people’s adventures with them.

It also makes for great conversation starter material for building relationships.

Some of those YouTubers fit that description of people who love themselves and money.

But not all.

One of the most successful of the YouTubers I watch is Ed Bolian. His channel, VINWIKI, has well over two million subscribers.

His video on Christmas had nothing to do with cars.

It had everything to do with Jesus.

Ed was bold enough to use his huge platform to read the Christmas story. He didn’t stop there. He went on to explain the Gospel and invite everyone to faith in Jesus.

While I would say that there are enough people out there who fit the description found in today’s reading that this could be considered the last days.

But I also see the Gospel finding new avenues of outreach.

Ed’s message and many others like it gives me hope for a fresh revival.

Let’s take heed of Paul’s commands throughout today’s reading and remain faithful, preach the Word, and be prepared to patiently correct, rebuke and encourage people.

When the final day does come, I pray that we can bring as many with us as possible.

What are you doing to increase your platform (sphere of influence)?
How are you using that platform to influence others toward faith in Jesus?
December 26, 2025

December 26th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Ezekiel 19-21

Highlight Verse:

““Then I warned their children not to follow in their parents’ footsteps, defiling themselves with their idols.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭20‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I hope I am providing a good example for my children to follow.

Not everyone has a good example to follow.

While my father had some good qualities, his life gave us bad examples to follow.

I wouldn’t mind emulating his intelligence and penmanship, but I dare not follow his hedonistic side that lead him far away from redemption.

My stepfather’s life may have been even worse. He was a man who feigned faith on the outside but live a self-centered life that left no room for God or others.

I cannot thank God enough that other godly men stepped up to lead me in following the path of faith and wisdom.

I certainly cannot claim to be perfect; but I have found the path that leads to life thanks to those people in my life who walked that path before me.

The idols may be different today, but this world is full of them.

The temptation to chase what is popular, fun, and pleasureful leads many astray in the same way as those Ezekiel prophesied against.

Those around us desperately need us to lead them along the path of life, redemption, and true joy.

What are you doing today to lead those around you to faith in Jesus?
Have you found that faith yourself?
December 25, 2025

December 25th, 2025

Christmas Day

Note: the normal Thursday reading and devotion from the New Testament Letters will be posted on Saturday.

Reading – Luke 2:1-20

Highlight Verses:

“but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I vividly remember the first time I laid eyes on my first born. My heart overflowed with such joy that I couldn’t contain it. She was anticipated for 9 months as well as the eleven years it took for that dream to come true.

All of heaven anticipated the birth of Jesus since the beginning of time.

The angels couldn’t hold it in.

They went to those whom they knew would appreciate it the most.

After the shepherds heard the news and saw baby Jesus, they couldn’t contain the news and told everyone they could find.

Christmas is fun.

Last night we watched the Polar Express and had our traditional tamales (if you are Hispanic, do you follow that tradition passed down to us from my dad?).

This morning, we opened presents and hung out with family.

It warms my heart.

But the part of Christmas that fills me with such joy that I cannot contain is the birth of Jesus – God with us!

God loves us so much that He came to earth in the form of Jesus, fully God yet fully human to be with us.

He grew up among humankind.

And them He gave His life that we may continue to be in relationship with Him.

If that doesn’t fill you with joy, then you don’t really understand how amazing that is.

How do you express that joy?
Do you have any Christmas traditions that reflect that joy?
December 24, 2025 – Christmas Eve

December 24th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 8

Highlight Verses:

“So all the men of Israel assembled before King Solomon at the annual Festival of Shelters, which is held in early autumn in the month of Ethanim. When all the elders of Israel arrived, the priests picked up the Ark. The priests and Levites brought up the Ark of the Lord along with the special tent and all the sacred items that had been in it.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I spent much of yesterday visiting temporary shelters for the homeless (checking on their copiers as part of my job).

Though they were once nice hotels, they were not pleasant places. The scent of stale cigarette smoke and body odor still lingers in my mind.

Despite the less than pleasant conditions, one of the managers mentioned that one of the toughest parts of their jobs was convincing the guests that these were only

temporary accommodations.

When Solomon dedicated the Temple, the people of Israel were in temporary accommodations.

It was during Sukkot, the Festival of Shelters.

During this festival, Israelites would stay in tents for seven days to commemorate the Exodus when the whole nation sheltered in tents as they wandered around the wilderness.

In a sense, bringing the ark of God’s presence to the permanent home of the temple during Sukkot was appropriate.

It brought the story of God’s relationship with His people full circle back to a time when they had to trust God completely to get them through a difficult transition.

By that same reasoning, it was appropriate, and perhaps prophetic that Mary and Joseph had to seek temporary shelter when Jesus was born.

It was the beginning of the time when God, the Son, came to His temporary home here on Earth making it possible for everyone to have a permanent home in Heaven.

Maybe my thinking is twisted but I think it’s pretty cool that He chose to enter the world in that way.

What about you? Do you think there is significance to Jesus entering this world in a temporary shelter?
Do you believe this world is only a temporary shelter for you? If so, how do you live out that belief?
December 23, 2025

December 23rd, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 32

Highlight Verse:

“Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord!””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Aaron was the high priest and brother of Moses.

But he lacked the close relationship with God that Moses enjoyed.

He may have thought he was doing a good thing by making the golden calf.

From our perspective, it’s easy to say, “What on earth was he thinking?”

Clueless, impatient people swayed him.

And perhaps the lure of power tempted him.

And he messed up big time.

If you are going to lead people, especially in the context of faith, it is important to cultivate a close relationship with God and with people who are wise in the faith.

Those who follow only the popular trends and ideas end up leading social clubs rather than the family of God.

Do the people you look to for spiritual leadership cultivate a close relationship between themselves and God?
If you are in leadership (or aspire to it), what are you doing to cultivate a close relationship with God?
December 22, 2025

December 22nd, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 26

Highlight Verse:

“Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Did you know that Jesus sang?

I can imagine He had an amazing voice, however, the prophecies about Him spoke of Him being a plain man who didn’t stand out because of His looks but because of who He was and what He said.

Regardless of what His voice sounded like, to sing just hours before He was betrayed and crucified is incredible.

What He sang was most likely the traditional song that Israelites sang after the Passover meal. It was called the Hillel and consisted of Psalms 116 through 118. Many of the lines of the Hillel were poignant and appropriate for the moment including Psalm 118:22, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”

If only the disciples knew the importance of those words. They probably would have never gotten through the whole song.

But Jesus knew. I believe He sang them in triumph knowing they were about to be fulfilled.

At this time of year when we sing many hymns and carols about the coming of Jesus,

we would do well to remember the fact that He came as a real human, like us, and that He came for a purpose.

I believe He sang for a purpose as well.

What do you think Jesus sang like? Why?
What is your favorite Christmas song and what does it mean to you?
December 21, 2025

December 21st, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Proverbs 3

Highlight Verses:

“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I bet you thought I was going to choose the previous pair of verses.

They are a couple of my favorite verses, but these are the ones I need to hear today.

It’s easy to be fully convinced of our own correctness even when we’re not correct.

It’s harder to be humble and recognize that our ways are not always the best ways.

But when we stay humble, reverence the Lord, and turn away from evil ways, it’s always good for us.

It’s always good for us spiritually.

But did you know that it is also good physically?

God designed our bodies to work best when we follow the path of righteousness.

And when our bodies don’t cooperate, we have a God who never shied away from healing.

That’s encouraging as I get older and the aches and pains sneak in.

It was His strength in my bones that allowed me to complete the chores I had yesterday.

And it is his wisdom that will guide me through the rest of my life.

Have you experienced God’s physical healing? Tell us about it.
In what ways do you think that righteousness can bring about healing and strength?

Even after the Israelites worshipped a golden calf, God still was willing to make a way for them.

But it was becoming abundantly clear that their propensity to sin was not compatible with His holy nature.

Considering He gave up His Son for us, I’d say that love has no bounds.

Today’s reading covers the splitting of time.

The temple curtain separating man from God was ripped apart.

One full of joy at the fact that we humans could now have a direct relationship with God.

Like the dog in the movie “Up!,” the “squirrels” of life can easily distract us.

We need to keep our focus on the eternal and direct our temporal interests with that in mind.

I watch a lot of YouTube – probably too much.

But not all.

When the final day does come, I pray that we can bring as many with us as possible.

Not everyone has a good example to follow.

The idols may be different today, but this world is full of them.

Those around us desperately need us to lead them along the path of life, redemption, and true joy.

Christmas Day

All of heaven anticipated the birth of Jesus since the beginning of time.

Christmas is fun.

But the part of Christmas that fills me with such joy that I cannot contain is the birth of Jesus – God with us!

If that doesn’t fill you with joy, then you don’t really understand how amazing that is.

temporary accommodations.

In a sense, bringing the ark of God’s presence to the permanent home of the temple during Sukkot was appropriate.

Maybe my thinking is twisted but I think it’s pretty cool that He chose to enter the world in that way.

But he lacked the close relationship with God that Moses enjoyed.

And he messed up big time.

Those who follow only the popular trends and ideas end up leading social clubs rather than the family of God.

Did you know that Jesus sang?

But Jesus knew. I believe He sang them in triumph knowing they were about to be fulfilled.

we would do well to remember the fact that He came as a real human, like us, and that He came for a purpose.

It’s easy to be fully convinced of our own correctness even when we’re not correct.

But did you know that it is also good physically?

And it is his wisdom that will guide me through the rest of my life.