Walk in the Light

May 31, 2024

May 31st, 2024

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Hosea 13-14

Highlight Verses:

“I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land. But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and forgot me.”
‭‭Hosea‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My times of deepest faith came when things were the hardest.

Those days when I had no idea how I would make the rent or mortgage, much less buy food, forced me to rely on God completely.

A handful of times in my life, I have been to the point where I have had to say, “It’s all up to you, God. I’ve got nothing left.”

And every single time…

Not most of the time,

Every Single Time –

God came through.

Then, when I’m cruising through life and everything is going well, I tend not to think about where those blessings are coming from.

Worse, I tend to think about how well I’m doing at work or how good the budgeting is going.

I’m not saying those are bad things.

I am saying that all those blessings and opportunities ultimately have their source in the grace of God.

I need to keep that in mind and keep Him first, thanking Him for each and every blessing.

Have you learned to rely on God during the tough times?
Have you kept Him first in the good times as well?
Feel free to share stories of how God has blessed you in both the easy and the tough times.
May 30, 2024

May 30th, 2024
Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Peter 1-3

Highlight Verse:

“But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we are traveling and we just got settled into our rental at nearly 2am (1am at home), I will let you guys make the points today.

Simply discuss these questions:
- How can you tell if someone is a false teacher?
- Is it possible for a sincere teacher to become a false teacher (I would say yes)?
- If so, how do you keep from teaching falsely?
May 29, 2024

May 29th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 25-27

Highlight Verse:

“Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭27‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I can’t believe I never noticed this before!

The Chronicler is listing off all these important officials and advisors to King David.

And then there’s Hushai the Arkite –

the king’s friend.

I love that!

All too often, people in leadership become isolated.

They get put on a platform of untouchability. Whether that’s from their own pride or because people fear getting too close. It varies from person to person.

I know of one pastor (I’m sure there are at least several more) of a large church who, in his isolation, let sin creep in and take over his life to the point where he lost everything. One true friend could have kept him on the right path.

If you are a leader and find people shying away from you, don’t be afraid to let down your guard and be friends with those around you.

If you happen to be acquainted with a leader that people respect so much that they shy away from friendship, offer your friendship with respect and honesty.

You could save someone’s life.

If you are a leader, have you experienced isolation? Have you escaped that isolation? How?
Are you a friend of a leader who might otherwise have been isolated? How did that friendship start?
May 28, 2024

May 28th, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 9-10

Highlight Verse:

““Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people now or in future generations are ceremonially unclean at Passover time because of touching a dead body, or if they are on a journey and cannot be present at the ceremony, they may still celebrate the Lord’s Passover.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The merciful grace of God can be seen even in the laws of the Torah (also know as the Pentateuch or first 5 books of the Old Testament).

I believe it’s important to note that this particular exception to the law was made so that more people could be in fellowship with God.

Even from the beginnings of Israel, God wanted to be near his children.

As a dad, I can relate.

Can you understand that Father heart of God?
How do you respond to his call to be in His presence?
May 27, 2024

May 27th, 2024

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 22

Highlight Verse:

“And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭62‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today is Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

We would also do well to remember those who survived combat situations.

Before coming down to my desk, I felt led to read the next chapter in a book I’ve been reading. The book is “Sharing Too Much” by Richard Paul Evans. The chapter is about double jeopardy.

Mr. Evans points out that, while our justice system is barred from putting us on trial more than once for the same crime, we all too often do that to ourselves.

Any soldier who has survived combat situations when others didn’t can attest to this. Survivor’s guilt is a real and difficult condition to overcome.

I believe Peter had a form of survivor’s guilt. He had to wonder if there was anything that he could have done to prevent the crucifixion.

Of course, there wasn’t, and Jesus graciously restored him.

While I have not experienced survivor’s guilt, there are plenty of things that I have tried and convicted myself of over the years – often over and over.

While Richard Paul Evans may not believe like me in some ways (he is a member of the Latter Day Saints) he has shared many ideas that are very Christ-like. This chapter was no exception.

He suggested that the next time that guilt pops back up, accept forgiveness from God again, write down the error on paper and burn the paper.

The next time that guilt pops up, remind yourself that you already dealt with that.

Have you dealt with (or are dealing with) survivor’s guilt? How would you advise others dealing with it?
Are there other sins that you have continued to kick yourself over? Does Mr. Evan’s advice help you?
May 26, 2024

May 26th, 2024

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Ecclesiastes 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Solomon, for all his wisdom, did not have the full picture.

In fact, I think his father, David, had a better understanding of God’s grace that would arrive through his offspring.

But, to Solomon’s credit, he does understand that God has provided many pleasures for us humans.

Sure, humans have misused many of the pleasures that God provided. That didn’t make those pleasures any less valid. It only dulled the experience of those pleasures for those who abused them.

But, make no mistake, God has always wanted the best for us.

Therefore, He provided the best experience possible for us while we are here on earth and gave us His instructions through the Bible for us to make the most of our earthly lives.

What have you learned since reading the Bible that has made this life a better experience?
Where would you tell someone to turn to in the Bible to help understand how to live a more fulfilling life?
May 25, 2024

May 25th, 2024

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – 2 Samuel 19:1-8

Highlight Verse:

“Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than ever before.””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I had lunch yesterday with a man who had served in the Air Force in the early ‘80s.

It was a time not far enough removed from the Vietnam War and the social unrest of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

The political climate in our country at the time did not afford much respect to our military.

He was treated poorly both in the service and when he got out.

It was a demoralizing time to serve.

While today’s members of the armed services are treated with more respect, we can once again see that pendulum swinging toward discouragement.

We would do well to remember that this weekend is not about the start of Summer or an excuse for barbecue.

It is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect ours; to pay respects to those who won and protected our freedom; and to honor those who continue to do so.

Our flag graces the front of our home this weekend.

Our prayers go out to protect those who are protecting us.

Our respect goes to all who have served.

If that’s you, let me extend a sincere thank you!

What are your plans this weekend?
How will you honor those who gave all for your freedom this weekend?
May 24, 2024

May 24th, 2024

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Hosea 11-12

Highlight Verse:

““Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows.”
‭‭Hosea‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As a dad, I see the father heart of God all over this chapter.

To watch one’s children wander away from the truth and into a life that is far from what it could be is one of the hardest things for a father to deal with.

As a dad of four kids, I have watched a couple of them turn away from faith.

If I could, I would force them into the truth.

I know that to attempt that would drive them further away from it and me.

Instead, I wait with love and grace for them to find their way to Jesus while praying with a father’s heart and looking forward in hope.

I believe that is how God felt when His children turned away from Him.

His heart broke as He sent the prophets to bring them back.

Spoiler alert – His children did come back after the exile.

Have you experienced a loved one walking away from faith?
If they returned to the faith, what caused them to return?
May 23, 2024

May 23rd, 2024

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 Peter 3-5

Highlight Verse:

“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Some point to this chapter to discredit the authority of women.

Some point to it to discredit the relevancy of the Bible.

I’d just like to point to the context.

This scripture points out what would have been blatantly obvious gender differences both in physical size and social roles.

The physical differences are still obvious.

The social roles not as much, though they do still exist on a lesser scale.

What was radical about this Scripture is that it calls wife and husband “equal partners” (“heirs together” in most translations).

In the culture and time in history of this letter, women had very limited inheritance rights. In most cases they were treated as property of the husbands, sometimes literally.

Peter, a direct apostle of Jesus, turns that idea on its head and declares the genders equal in inheritance even if there are differences in their roles.

How do you see this Scripture in the context of today’s world?
How is that relevant to society today? (Hint, I think it is very relevant as it contrasts with both the “woke” movement and the more traditional orthodox views).
May 22, 2024

May 22nd, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 22-24

Highlight Verse:

“But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭22‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One could question why David appointed Solomon to be the next king. He was far from the first born.

That question is settled when one realizes that it was God Himself who planned to make Solomon the King who would preside over a peaceful era of Israel.

Like David when he was anointed to be king, Solomon was far from the oldest or strongest, but He was the one that God had selected.

Unlike his father,

David cooperated with God right from the beginning by giving him a name that means peace.

He continued this cooperation by agreeing to make him the next king and teaching him what he needed to know.

Solomon became the great king of peace in part due to his God given wisdom,

but also because of the foundation that his father David set for him.

I have tried to set the foundations for success for my kids. They are still relatively young so the results are yet to be seen.

But I continue to pray for them, encourage them, and believe the best for them.

How do we pass on a legacy of success in the Lord to our kids?
What steps have you taken to ensure their success in the Lord?

My times of deepest faith came when things were the hardest.

Every Single Time –

God came through.

I need to keep that in mind and keep Him first, thanking Him for each and every blessing.

I can’t believe I never noticed this before!

the king’s friend.

You could save someone’s life.

I believe it’s important to note that this particular exception to the law was made so that more people could be in fellowship with God.

We would also do well to remember those who survived combat situations.

Mr. Evans points out that, while our justice system is barred from putting us on trial more than once for the same crime, we all too often do that to ourselves.

The next time that guilt pops up, remind yourself that you already dealt with that.

Solomon, for all his wisdom, did not have the full picture.

But, to Solomon’s credit, he does understand that God has provided many pleasures for us humans.

But, make no mistake, God has always wanted the best for us.

It was a demoralizing time to serve.

We would do well to remember that this weekend is not about the start of Summer or an excuse for barbecue.

If that’s you, let me extend a sincere thank you!

As a dad, I see the father heart of God all over this chapter.

Instead, I wait with love and grace for them to find their way to Jesus while praying with a father’s heart and looking forward in hope.

His heart broke as He sent the prophets to bring them back.

I’d just like to point to the context.

David cooperated with God right from the beginning by giving him a name that means peace.

but also because of the foundation that his father David set for him.

But I continue to pray for them, encourage them, and believe the best for them.