Walk in the Light

January 5, 2024

January 5th, 2024

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Ezekiel 22-24

Highlight Verse:

”Then give these rebels an illustration with this message from the Sovereign Lord: “Put a pot on the fire, and pour in some water. Fill it with choice pieces of meat— the rump and the shoulder and all the most tender cuts.“
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭24‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We had pot roast for dinner last night. It was delicious.

That’s not at all what this is talking about.

In fact, if you stop reading here, you won’t get any of the context aside from the word “rebels.”

This chapter is a continuation of Ezekiel expressing through strong words and dark illustrations just how dissatisfied God is with His people.

But, if you stop with Ezekiel, you miss out on the overall context of the Bible.

The message of the Bible is one of redemption.

Without failure, there is no redemption.

The deeper the failure, the greater the redemption.

I’m not telling you to fail in a big way so you can have a fantastic redemption. To be sure, Israel’s redemption entailed some very difficult circumstances because of how far they had fallen.

In spite of that, God still set them up to be the vessel of redemption for the whole world through Jesus.

So as we work through some of the more difficult parts of the Bible, let’s remember the overall context and be encouraged that, as one of the most often used out of context verses says, “All things work together for good…” (Romans 8:28)

What part of the Bible do you have the hardest time understanding?
How do you think that passage works in the context of the whole Bible?
January 4, 2024

January 4th, 2024

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Titus

Highlight Verse:

“As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Titus had been trained by Paul in person. At one point, Paul left him on the island of Crete to establish the leadership of the church there.

In this and the following verses, Paul basically tells Titus that leaders should live out their faith. The way people lived would confirm their faith.

Their faith was not based on what they did. Rather, what they did was based on their faith.

We all know that we are imperfect beings, failing every day.

The question is, if one’s life does not reflect their faith at least some, is the faith real?

Paul doesn’t leave it there. He urges Titus to encourage people to live out their faith wherever they are in life.

Sometimes we need that encouragement as well.

This is a good chapter to take a bit of guidance and encouragement on how to live out your faith.

In what ways do people see your faith influence your actions?
How do you encourage others to live out their faith?
January 3, 2024

January 3rd, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 9-11

Highlight Verses:

“He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I look at Solomon’s story as a cautionary tale.

Solomon started his reign humbly asking for wisdom. God granted him that wisdom like never before. He honored God with it.

Then came the women.

He wanted to keep his wives happy, so he gave in to their requests to worship the gods from their homelands.

Then he began to worship those gods.

The Lord took a back seat to his wives and their desires.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t blame the women. I blame the fact that Solomon lost sight of his first love for God and focused on the women instead.

Here’s where the cautionary part comes in. We may have a super strong faith right now, but when we place our desires on things other than the Lord, it becomes very easy to stray off the path that He has for us.

If it can happen to Solomon, it can happen to anyone.

Though, I do think I’m safe from getting 700 wives.

Have you had to have some course corrections to get back from straying?
What words of advice can you give the rest of us for getting back on the path and to keep from straying from it?

BTW, thanks for all the prayers. My fever has broken so I’m clear headed. Just have to get past all the other symptoms so I can get back to work.
January 2, 2024

January 2nd, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 35-36

I’m starting off 2024 with a bang. I just tested positive for covid, and I feel like a truck ran over me.

That said, my brain is a bit foggy so I’m not going to try to share any insight from today’s reading.

Instead, one or more of you could share what stood out to you and any insights you have on today’s reading.

Thank you for your understanding and thanks in advance for your prayers!

Richard
New Year’s Day, 2024

January 1st, 2024

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 1

Highlight Verses:

“Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If I could have a favorite Gospel, it would be Luke.

Luke is a highly educated man who desires to bring the Gospel to the understanding of people who would love God (Theophilus literally means “God lover”). Toward that goal, he presents the life of Jesus in a thorough, yet concise way.

He used much of the same source material in his research as Matthew and Mark, but he adds a more complete account adding the story of Jesus’ birth and childhood.

I believe the Bible should be studied with both a spiritual and intellectual understanding. Luke brings much to the intellectual plate while not ignoring the spiritual.

I will try to keep today’s post brief especially for those who may be starting fresh on this, the first day of 2024. We are halfway through a two-year journey through the Bible. If you missed the first half, fear not, we shall repeat it next year.

For those who would like to have a list of the daily readings plus bookmarks you can print out and a simple guide to Bible study, please check out the download page here.

If you have been following along this past year, what have been the highlights as you have studied the Bible? (It doesn’t have to be from this study).
If you’re just starting, what do you hope to get out of the next year’s study of the Bible?
New Year’s Eve, 2023

December 31st, 2023

Note: When I first posted last night, I didn’t realize that my reading chart was a week off. My apologies to any who already read it. I will post that again next week.

Here’s today’s correct post:

New Year’s Eve, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Proverbs 5

Highlight Verse:

”You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings!“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse is in the context of going down the path of promiscuity, but I believe it applies to discipline in all areas.

When we ignore wise advice in any area, it takes us on a step in the wrong direction.

One step – no big deal you might say.

Thousands of steps over years and you end up in an entirely different place than what you were aiming for.

Yes, you can always find restoration. But the farther you get off track, the longer the journey back.

Have you taken a few steps off the track you were aiming for in your life? Take the steps to get back.
Have you taken a bunch of steps off track? Let Jesus carry you back.

Do you have any stories of being carried back to the right track in life?
Do you have any advice for the rest of us on how you have stayed on the right track.
December 30, 2023

December 30th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Acts 9:1-19

Highlight Verse:

“Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭9‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is the time of year when people tend to make drastic changes in their lives.

You might already be choosing your resolutions to start in a couple of days.

Or perhaps you are one who thinks that resolutions are foolish.

I’ve never put a huge amount of stock in New Year’s resolutions. I think that any day is a good day to start new habits.

Still, there’s something about the beginning of the year that makes starting new good habits or breaking old bad ones easier.

Today’s reading recounts the time when Saul made a radical change from persecutor to evangelist.

For him it took being struck blind to get his attention.

Hopefully you and I will pay closer attention to what God wants to change in us.

In case you’re wondering, for me it is getting to bed earlier. That may mean writing this post earlier in the day. Mostly it will mean not staying up and watching You-Tube far too late after this is done. I plan on concentrating on this for at least 21 days. If the earlier bedtime becomes a habit, perhaps I’ll move on to other things, but I will stick to one at a time for now.

Have you prepared to make New Year’s resolutions yet this year?
Are there any you can share?
December 29, 2023

December 29th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Ezekiel 19-21

Highlight Verse:

“You will know that I am the Lord, O people of Israel, when I have honored my name by treating you mercifully in spite of your wickedness. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭20‬:‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse is a little ray of sunshine that reminds me that the doom and gloom of this rough time in history is but a small part in God’s plan of redemption for humanity.

Just as the passion with which God chastises His people, shines through this book, so also does the mercy and grace that are integral to the Gospel.

Have you ever received a prophetic warning like the people of Judah received when they approached Ezekiel asking for a word of God?

Do you know that mercy that Ezekiel speaks about here?
December 28, 2023

December 28th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Timothy 3-4

Highlight Verse:

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you read on, you find Paul describing a bunch of different ways that people act selfishly.

I could point out that these must be the last days because there are so many people who act selfishly. Some in our society even claim that selfish behavior is good calling on their supreme value of tolerance.

Of course, I could point out that people have acted that way for centuries. And you could point out that it seems worse today.

That is likely true but that’s not where my thoughts are taking me now.

My thoughts today can be summed up with an old parable about the difference between heaven and hell.

In Hell, there are a bunch of people sitting at a huge feast, but they are not allowed to eat with their hands, and they are only allowed to use utensils that are too long for them to get the food to their mouths. Everyone is in agony because they can’t eat.

Heaven is an identical room with the same feast and the same utensils and the same rules, but people are filled with joy because they are feeding each other.

Now, I don’t know how theologically correct that is. It’s certainly and oversimplification of Heaven and Hell. But it points out how much we miss out on when we act out of selfishness.

A culture of selfishness will eventually collapse under its own weight.

A culture of giving will flourish with joy.

What are some ways that we can influence people to be selfless instead of selfish?
What rewards have you see in your life when you act out of selflessness?
December 27, 2023

December 27th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 8

Highlight Verse:

“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 ‭8‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

You might be thinking that moving the Ark to the Temple is not that big of a deal since God’s temple is now in our hearts.

The tent and the ark were the places where God met with mankind. To bring these to a permanent home at the seat of government for the Nation of Israel was a statement of dedication on Solomon’s part. God honored that statement by bringing His presence to the place.

It was not just a step in the right direction, but it was a necessary step toward bringing the Messiah to Earth.

God has been working throughout the ages to bring redemption to the people on the earth.

I, for one, am inclined to honor Solomon for making this part of the plan of redemption work.

Are you aware of the progression of God’s plan of redemption?”
Did you know those plans go way back hundreds of years?”

God had a plan all along!

That’s not at all what this is talking about.

The message of the Bible is one of redemption.

Their faith was not based on what they did. Rather, what they did was based on their faith.

The question is, if one’s life does not reflect their faith at least some, is the faith real?

This is a good chapter to take a bit of guidance and encouragement on how to live out your faith.

I look at Solomon’s story as a cautionary tale.

The Lord took a back seat to his wives and their desires.

If it can happen to Solomon, it can happen to anyone.

If I could have a favorite Gospel, it would be Luke.

I believe the Bible should be studied with both a spiritual and intellectual understanding. Luke brings much to the intellectual plate while not ignoring the spiritual.

New Year’s Eve, 2023

When we ignore wise advice in any area, it takes us on a step in the wrong direction.

Thousands of steps over years and you end up in an entirely different place than what you were aiming for.

Have you taken a few steps off the track you were aiming for in your life? Take the steps to get back.Have you taken a bunch of steps off track? Let Jesus carry you back.

Still, there’s something about the beginning of the year that makes starting new good habits or breaking old bad ones easier.

Just as the passion with which God chastises His people, shines through this book, so also does the mercy and grace that are integral to the Gospel.

My thoughts today can be summed up with an old parable about the difference between heaven and hell.

A culture of selfishness will eventually collapse under its own weight.

A culture of giving will flourish with joy.

God has been working throughout the ages to bring redemption to the people on the earth.

God had a plan all along!

Have you taken a few steps off the track you were aiming for in your life? Take the steps to get back.
Have you taken a bunch of steps off track? Let Jesus carry you back.