Walk in the Light

January 13, 2024

January 13th, 2024

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Act 2:42-47

Highlight Verse:

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭42‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The earliest Church had something special going on.

People willingly gave up their wealth for the good of others. They met together every day, both in public – at the temple, and in private – in their homes. They learned from their leaders about Jesus. They ate together and they prayed together on a regular basis.

We call that “small groups.” You might call it “life groups,” “home fellowship,” “grow groups,” etc.

Most churches have them. Some small churches are them.

They learn together, pray together, sometimes eat together.

Sound familiar.

Last Fall we had a record number of groups with a record number of participants at our church. Even so, it was a relatively small percentage of the people who regularly attend Sunday services.

Why is that?

We can look at the New Testament Church and think, “That must have been amazing to live in those times.”

But the vast majority of us would never take the risk to get to know other people in the church on a deeper level.

My challenge to you today is to look into and join a small group at your church.

Ours start in just a few weeks for the spring season. If your church doesn’t have them, start one. (Yes, you can. I’ve done it and if I can do it, so can you.) Don’t worry, no one is going to ask you to share everything you have.

Do you have any awesome small group stories to share?
How have small groups made a difference in your life?
If you’ve never been a part of a small group, are you willing to give it a try?
January 12, 2023

January 12th, 2024

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Ezekiel 25-27

Highlight Verse:

“Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Ha! She who was the gateway to the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am the heir! Because she has been made desolate, I will become wealthy!’ “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am your enemy, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the waves of the sea crashing against your shoreline.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭26‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is said that the LORD is a jealous God.

But that jealousy is another manifestation of His love for His people.

Most of Ezekiel is full of rebukes against Israel, but today’s reading is against the surrounding nations.

Why?

Because they bullied Israel.

Even when God allows the bullying to teach Israel a lesson, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t get emotionally involved when someone is picking on His kids.

In fact, I believe that is proof that God is a person, not just a power. But that’s another subject entirely.

The bottom line to me is the fact that God loves His children so much that He goes to extreme lengths to protect them.

Even when He disciplines His children, He loves and protects them.

If you trust in God for forgiveness and new life, you are His child!

Have you ever felt like God couldn’t love you because of the things you’ve done?
Have you come to the point where you realize that God’s love is not dependent on your actions but on your identity as a child of His?
January 11, 2024

January 11th, 2024

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Philemon

Highlight Verse:

“So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.”
‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This whole short letter is geared toward convincing Philemon to release his runaway slave Onesimus.

I find it interesting that a letter that could have been spent rebuking Philemon for having slaves in the first place was couched in such diplomatic terms.

Of course, while we never see Philemon’s response, this letter is also addressed to everyone in Philemon’s whole church. In light of all those witnesses, Philemon would have had no choice but to agree with Paul and free Onesimus.

The message to Philemon and to us is that people are equal in God’s eyes, no matter what the race, color, or social status.

It also shows us a very graceful way of correcting a fellow believer’s wrongs. The letter exudes grace but makes it very clear that Philemon should not enslave a fellow believer.

Have you ever been so gracefully rebuked?
How would you react to this letter if you were Philemon?
January 10, 2024

January 10th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 12-14

Highlight Verse:

“But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve never understood Rehoboam.

I read that chapter and think, “All you had to do was follow your father’s wise men’s advice.”

But no. He had to be cool. He had to roll with the “in” crowd.

And he lost most of Israel because of it.

That may be an extreme case of peer pressure, but the idea is true on any scale.

If you trade true wisdom for popularity, it’ll backfire on you every time.

For me, it’s helped that I’ve always been a bit of a dork.

I still have to fight the urge to “keep up with the Jones.” But the fact that my first car was a station wagon (before there were minivans) and I’ve owned not one, or two but 5 minivans in my life points to the fact that I don’t really care about being cool.

Of course, not being cool doesn’t mean that I can’t follow bad advice from time to time.

Like anyone, I have to constantly weigh advice on the scales of God’s Word to stay on the wise path.

Have you ever traded good, wise advice for foolish advice?
How did that turn out for you?
January 9, 2024

January 9th, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 37-38

Highlight Verse:

“Then he made the sacred anointing oil and the fragrant incense, using the techniques of a skilled incense maker.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭37‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I remember cooking some particularly good applewood bacon one day and wondering if that was what heaven was going to smell like.

I don’t think the people of that time would have considered that a good smell since pigs were considered unclean.

But I am sure the incense and fragrant anointing oil smelled good to them.
Why would they have these fragrances?

Water was in scarce supply. Baths, outside of the ceremonial washings, were rare. Incense and oils would have covered most of the smells that would have wafted through the camp creating a cleaner, more holy atmosphere for the Tabernacle.

Part of me wants to say that is analogous to Jesus covering our sins but that would not be true.

Unlike the aromas of the Tabernacle, Jesus takes our sin and completely removes it.

He doesn’t just make us smell clean. He makes us clean.

So, burn your incense and light your candles. Put on your cologne and perfumes. Just know that you don’t need them to make you clean. Only trust in Jesus, accepting His sacrifice can do that.

Do you act like your sins are covered or removed?
How will knowing that Christ removes your sin affect the way you live your life?
January 8, 2024

January 8th, 2024

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 2

Highlight Verse:

‘At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Apparently, Caesar Augustus liked subjecting the Roman Empire to censuses. This was the second of three. The occupied countries like Israel had no choice but to comply.

But did you know that decreeing that census helped fulfill at least two prophecies about Jesus?

Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. The census forced Mary and Joseph to be there when Jesus was born.

Hosea said the He would come from Egypt. When Herod found out that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, he ordered all the boys in Bethlehem 2 and under to be killed. Therefore, Mary and Joseph fled with Jesus to Egypt for safety.

I wonder, as a very pregnant Mary, and Joseph trekked across Israel, how much they grumbled against the Roman Empire and Caesar. They could not have known that their oppressor was unwittingly setting things up for her baby to take His place as the Savior of the world.

How many times in our lives, when things don’t go our way, are things being set up for our good and the good of others?

If we could get a glimpse of God’s perspective, I bet we would be amazed at how much of significance happens in the annoying day to day trials.

Kinda makes you wonder.

What bad things have happened in your life that turned out for good?
Are there things in your parents’ or grandparents’ lives that brought you to where you are today?
(For example, if it wasn’t for my grandfather running off to America with the 13-year-old servant girl (Grandma) a hundred years ago, none of my rather large family would be here).
January 7, 2024

January 7th, 2024

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Proverbs 6

Highlight Verse:

“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I tried to find a version of this that doesn’t use “lazybones” or “sluggard.” But then, I don’t think Solomon was trying to call everyone lazy.

I believe Solomon is trying to emphasize the importance of diligence and cooperation by pointing us to the ants.

But then again, maybe he was calling us all lazy. Speaking for myself, I certainly have my lazy moments.

Yes, I generally keep busy and productive, but I’m far from perfect in that way.

There are areas in which I can be far more efficient and productive. As I examine my life in the New Year,

I will seek areas where I can do better while maintaining the rest that my body, mind, and spirit need.

Are there areas where you can cut out laziness?
Can you do that without sacrifice the rest you need?
January 6, 2024

January 6th, 2024

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Psalm 41

Highlight Verse:

”The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.“
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hmm, I wonder what inspired the choice of this verse? That’s sarcasm in case you didn’t know.

It’s been a relaxing but rough week of Covid. My symptoms are almost gone but I still tested positive yesterday.

I have known people who would have told me, “If you had enough faith, you could have been healed the first day.”

To them I would say, God’s not a genie and I am certainly not the master.

I believe in healing.

If God had chosen to, he could have healed me of Covid before the first symptom began.

God knows what’s best for me and He chose not to bring immediate healing.

So, I’ll just enjoy this time of healing.

I’ve had a week of very little responsibility, even around the house, since I don’t want to get others sick by cooking.

I appreciate the help that my wife, and kids, and future son-in-law have been to me this past week. I appreciate every prayer brought to God on my behalf.

And I appreciate the peace and healing of God’s presence as I recover.

I’ll continue to pray for healing and trust God’s greater insight into what I truly need.

Oh, and I’m thankful I’m not in David’s shoes when he wrote this Psalm at a time when his enemies where wishing for his illness to be fatal!

What is your view on healing?
Does it change when you are the one in need of healing?
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?

The earliest Church had something special going on.

But the vast majority of us would never take the risk to get to know other people in the church on a deeper level.

My challenge to you today is to look into and join a small group at your church.

It is said that the LORD is a jealous God.

Even when He disciplines His children, He loves and protects them.

If you trust in God for forgiveness and new life, you are His child!

This whole short letter is geared toward convincing Philemon to release his runaway slave Onesimus.

It also shows us a very graceful way of correcting a fellow believer’s wrongs. The letter exudes grace but makes it very clear that Philemon should not enslave a fellow believer.

I’ve never understood Rehoboam.

If you trade true wisdom for popularity, it’ll backfire on you every time.

Like anyone, I have to constantly weigh advice on the scales of God’s Word to stay on the wise path.

But I am sure the incense and fragrant anointing oil smelled good to them.Why would they have these fragrances?

Unlike the aromas of the Tabernacle, Jesus takes our sin and completely removes it.

But did you know that decreeing that census helped fulfill at least two prophecies about Jesus?

If we could get a glimpse of God’s perspective, I bet we would be amazed at how much of significance happens in the annoying day to day trials.

But then again, maybe he was calling us all lazy. Speaking for myself, I certainly have my lazy moments.

I will seek areas where I can do better while maintaining the rest that my body, mind, and spirit need.

I have known people who would have told me, “If you had enough faith, you could have been healed the first day.”

So, I’ll just enjoy this time of healing.

I’ll continue to pray for healing and trust God’s greater insight into what I truly need.

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.

But I am sure the incense and fragrant anointing oil smelled good to them.
Why would they have these fragrances?