Walk in the Light

March 9, 2025

March 9th, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 27-30

Highlight Verse:

“Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I am not strong like younger me. Okay, truth be known, I was never very strong but I had more energy and could move more quickly.

But one huge advantage that 61 year old me has over young me is confidence.

Not the foolish confidence of youth that thinks he’s invincible.

I have confidence from many tough experiences that the Lord has brought me through.

He has never failed me before and I am sure He won’t start now.

Even the darkest nights have given way to new dawns.

And when that day comes that my circumstances usher me out of this world, I am confident that God’s grace is sufficient to bring me to my eternal home.

When you reach those dark times when you don’t know how you’ll survive, feel free to borrow my experience and confidence and know that you will make it through.

What has God brought you through that you can look back on for confidence?
How confident are you in God’s provision and protection for you?
March 8, 2025

March 8th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Isaiah 58:1-11

Highlight Verse:

““No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lent has begun.

It’s the season when fasting in one form or another becomes more popular (or less unpopular).

People fast for a number of reasons – to express their devotion to God, to discipline their will power, or to lose weight among other things.

Jesus suggested that fasting increases the effectiveness of prayer. Isaiah said in today’s reading that it should be to share with those in need.

Both Isaiah and Jesus were emphatic about one aspect of fasting: it should not be to impress God or people.

With that in mind, I’ll admit that I am not fasting for Lent this year.

But if I decide to fast, I won’t let you know.

Have you ever caught yourself pious bragging about fasting?
What are ways you can fast without others knowing?
March 7, 2025

March 7th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 28-30

Highlight Verse:

“And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The church I grew up in could be described like this verse, at least from my childish perspective.

In college, I switched to a church that was less ritualistic but still pretty legalistic.

I remember seeing the choir in that church – mostly dour faces except one. One girl seemed to truly understand what she was singing about with a smile that radiated joy.

I got to know her as a friend (though I honestly can’t even remember her name anymore). She explained the Gospel in a way that was alive and exciting.

I lost track of her

but I never lost the excitement of the Gospel.

The amazing fact that Jesus would die so that we could live is the best news ever, especially in light of the resurrection.

Even in the midst of the worst of circumstances, we have something to be joyful about!

Does the Good News of Jesus and salvation bring you joy?
Are there any legalistic thoughts or behaviors robbing you of your joy?
March 6, 2025

March 6th, 2025
Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 10

Highlight Verse:

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

Paul spoke this about the people of Israel. They loved God but missed the coming of the Messiah.

There are many religions and denominations in this world. Each one is convinced that theirs is the correct theology.

Which is the right one?

I’ve always said that when we get to heaven, each one of us will likely find out something that was wrong with our theology.

It is so easy to misinterpret Scripture. But there are certain truths that are more obvious than others.
- God created everything.
- He sent His only Son Jesus to pay the price for our sin so we could spend eternity in relationship with God.
- That gift of salvation is by grace alone, not because of anything we do but by whom we trust by accepting that gift.
- Jesus died and was resurrected and then ascended to heaven.
- He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with us and help guide us through this life.
These and probably a couple I’ve missed (this isn’t a theology class) are the essentials. There is room for disagreement on other tenets of theology.

We should not let our zeal for theological details to get in the way of the redemptive work of Jesus, no matter how convinced we are that we are right.

I’ve seen too many churches drive people away by overemphasizing beliefs that are unique to them.

And I’ve seen unstoppable revival when churches unite behind the truth of the Gospel.

Does your unique viewpoint ever get in the way of drawing people to redemption in Jesus?
Have you found ways to work with those with different takes on non-essential theology?
How did each situation work out?
March 5, 2025

March 5th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 4-5

Highlight Verse:

“Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots, ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My day job is fixing copiers. It always amazes me when someone says something like, “oh it’s been doing that for months.”

I ask, “Why didn’t you call?”

The excuses vary from “we didn’t know it was covered” to “no one knew how to call,” at which time I point to the sticker with the phone number, email address and website right there on the machine.

The Israelites waited twenty years before calling for help!

Why?

I can only guess they thought they could handle it themselves. Or maybe they were ashamed.

Either way, help was a sincere prayer away.

How many times do we do the same thing?

Maybe not for twenty years, but we try to take care of the impossible ourselves?

Maybe we think we deserve what we get. Or we think we aren’t worthy?

News flash – we’re not worthy. But, he loves us anyway and wants the best for us.

Like a loving Father, God is willing to step into the most impossible situation and rescue us or give us the strength to get through it.

We can ask for God’s help anytime.

Why wait?

Have you ever delayed asking for God’s help?
When you got around to asking, did He fix the situation or you?
March 4, 2025

March 4th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 14

Highlight Verses:

“Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭14‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Was it Abram’s pride or wisdom that made him not accept Sodom’s wealth?

Maybe both.

Certainly Sodom’s reputation was known to Abram. It was not a group of people with which he wanted to be associated.

Instead, Abram used this situation to show his dedication to the Lord by giving to Melchizedek, a priest of God.

Jesus said that where your treasure is, there is your heart.

Abram’s heart was with the Lord.

If you want to know where your heart is, take a look at your bank statements.

As one who has struggled with giving in the past, I can tell you that I understand if you have struggled with it too.

I can also tell you from experience that God honors generous giving with provision.

Has giving ever been a financial challenge to you?
How has the Lord provided when you have risen to the challenge?
March 3, 2025

March 3rd, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 10

Highlight Verse:

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you follow Jesus and your life is boring, you’re doing it wrong.

Sure, I’ve had some fun and excitement when I’ve done things my way. But that doesn’t compare with the joy, wonder, and peace that come when I follow what Jesus taught.

If we are open to it, God will challenge us beyond what we ever thought possible.

He’d have us step out of our safe zone into a life full of the miraculous.

He’d have us experience joy that goes beyond definition.

He’d have us change the world.

So, if life is boring right now and you are willing to let it get interesting in a good way, ask God to show you where He wants you to step out in faith.

Can you share any interesting stories of when God led you into a time of trusting God beyond the ordinary?
How has God blessed you when you have been willing to step out in faith?
March 2, 2025

March 2nd, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 25-26

Highlight Verses:

“I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Moral failure among leaders has been an unfortunate truth in Christian society. Prominent leaders sometimes lead a double-life, hiding their secret sins.

In some cases, the lies go on and build up for so long that the effects ripple throughout the community.

In every case, if these leaders had caring, honest accountability, tragedy could have been averted. Sin could have been proverbially “nipped in the bud.”

Every one of us is human and susceptible to sin and it’s effects. Even King David, who wrote this Psalm felt the effects of serious sin.

God heals and restores from even the most serious sin.

It is far better to seek that healing before the need becomes far more widespread.

Do you have someone you can confide in for accountability?
Have you lived through such a restoration? What advice can you give those in need of restoration?
March 1, 2025

March 1st, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – 2 Peter 1

Highlight Verse:

“In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lent begins Wednesday.

But that’s not why people are partying in New Orleans and Rio this week.

Oh, it’s the excuse for the party but it’s safe to say that a majority of the people who throw off restraint this week for Mardis Gras won’t be fasting for Lent.

This might sound judgmental but I must confess that I can be guilty of the same type of behavior.

No, I’m not getting drunk or being unfaithful to my wife. But I tend to overeat before a fast. And, of course, I eat way too much over the holidays just before time for New Year’s resolutions. Not to mention my selfish tendencies.

Why do we humans do that?

I don’t know about you but I’m still in the midst of my walk down this moral excellence road. Moral excellence will never earn me salvation. That is through God’s grace alone.

We seek to be the most godly we can be in response to God’s amazing promises to us.

As this passage implies, it is a journey. Most of the time I’m heading the right way on that path.

What direction are you heading?
What do you do to keep on the right path?
February 28, 2025

February 28th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 25-27

Highlight Verse:

“But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭25‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One afternoon, I went for a hike on a mountain trail in Virginia.

Just after starting up the trail, it started to sprinkle. It felt good in the August heat.

Before we reached the top, it didn’t feel so good.

Lightning struck every few seconds. Rain came down sideways in sheets. I was soaked to the bone.

At the top of the trail was a stone cabin. Everyone on the upper half of the trail rushed to the cabin for shelter. When I got into the cabin, it was packed with people but I was relieved when I stuffed myself into the crowd.

I was safe.

The strong towers of Biblical times kept people safe from storms and enemies.

They united the people of a town for protection. (See Judges 9:50-53)

Those who did not rush to the strong tower did so at their own peril.

To finish my story, I left that mountain top shelter to get to a bus shelter for a ride down the mountain. While in the open wooden bus shelter, lightning struck it.

The shock from that bolt of lightning was intense but, as it hit several of us indirectly, it wasn’t life threatening.

Today we can find shelter from life’s storms in God’s presence with lots of other people seeking shelter.

While it is possible to be a believer on your own, doing so leaves you exposed to all the attacks of the enemy and storms of life.

When we seek God together, we find protection, healing, and growth.

Where do you find shelter?
Have you ever tried to “go it alone”? How did that work out?

But one huge advantage that 61 year old me has over young me is confidence.

Even the darkest nights have given way to new dawns.

When you reach those dark times when you don’t know how you’ll survive, feel free to borrow my experience and confidence and know that you will make it through.

It’s the season when fasting in one form or another becomes more popular (or less unpopular).

Both Isaiah and Jesus were emphatic about one aspect of fasting: it should not be to impress God or people.

But if I decide to fast, I won’t let you know.

I remember seeing the choir in that church – mostly dour faces except one. One girl seemed to truly understand what she was singing about with a smile that radiated joy.

but I never lost the excitement of the Gospel.

Even in the midst of the worst of circumstances, we have something to be joyful about!

Which is the right one?

I’ve seen too many churches drive people away by overemphasizing beliefs that are unique to them.

And I’ve seen unstoppable revival when churches unite behind the truth of the Gospel.

The Israelites waited twenty years before calling for help!

Why?

News flash – we’re not worthy. But, he loves us anyway and wants the best for us.

Like a loving Father, God is willing to step into the most impossible situation and rescue us or give us the strength to get through it.

Why wait?

Was it Abram’s pride or wisdom that made him not accept Sodom’s wealth?

Jesus said that where your treasure is, there is your heart.

If you want to know where your heart is, take a look at your bank statements.

If you follow Jesus and your life is boring, you’re doing it wrong.

He’d have us experience joy that goes beyond definition.

He’d have us change the world.

In every case, if these leaders had caring, honest accountability, tragedy could have been averted. Sin could have been proverbially “nipped in the bud.”

It is far better to seek that healing before the need becomes far more widespread.

Lent begins Wednesday.

But that’s not why people are partying in New Orleans and Rio this week.

This might sound judgmental but I must confess that I can be guilty of the same type of behavior.

We seek to be the most godly we can be in response to God’s amazing promises to us.

As this passage implies, it is a journey. Most of the time I’m heading the right way on that path.

I was safe.

Those who did not rush to the strong tower did so at their own peril.

When we seek God together, we find protection, healing, and growth.