Walk in the Light

October 7, 2023

October 7th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – 1 Timothy 4

Highlight Verse:

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our student ministry, we are teaching our middle and high school students how to be leaders.

This verse is on the wall in the room where we meet.

We don’t know for sure how old Timothy was when this was written. He was at least in his twenties.

But Paul started working with him when he was much younger, probably in his teens.

Other leaders in the Bible started quite young.

David was in his teens when he slayed Goliath. Some of the Psalms are thought to come from that era of his life as well.

Mary was certainly a teenager when she became the mother of Jesus.

Samuel first heard from God as a very young apprentice.

Joseph’s legacy of integrity began as a youth.

I could go on and on.

The bottom line is, youth should be encouraged to lead from where they are that they may grow to even greater levels of ministry later.

Sure, they may make more mistakes when they’re young, but they can work through them honestly and reach far more people than their older counterparts (like me).

I started teaching and leading when I was 16. Yes, I made many mistakes.

I also had many victories during that time up until now.

I wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world.

If you are young, are you doing what you can to reach out with the love of God to those around you?
If you are old like me, are you encouraging those younger than you to reach out while continuing to reach out yourself?
October 6, 2023

October 6th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 51-52

Highlight Verse:

“The whole human race is foolish and has no knowledge! The craftsmen are disgraced by the idols they make, for their carefully shaped works are a fraud. These idols have no breath or power.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭51‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Where I went to college, there was a student newspaper called “The Jeremiad.” They claimed that name because the said they only reported bad news.

While the vast majority of Jeremiah was bad news, it does have its bright spots.

Today we leave the book with a decidedly not so bright spot.

But then again, when we take to heart the foolishness of humanity, we can recognize our need for God’s intervention.

My ancestors were violent tribes in Central America, Spanish conquistadors, Viking raiders and Gaelic pagans. Even my own father and grandfather were abusive atheists.

While there were good qualities in them as well, I can fully understand that the human race is foolish.

After all, I’m part of that human race and I know that apart from the grace and mercy of Jesus, I could be every bit as foolish.

But God!

As we go into the weekend, lets celebrate the fact that God loved us so much that He sent his Son to make it possible for us to experience that grace and mercy that allow us fellowship with God.

Even back in Jeremiah’s day, God was setting the wheels in motion to make that happen.

History turned around at the cross and we now have life in Jesus.

Can you relate to the idea of the foolishness of mankind?
Do you know the One who crushed that foolishness and evil at the cross?
Have you accepted His new life of Grace and Mercy?
October 5, 2023

October 5th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Colossians 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Letter writing is a nearly lost art.

I am as guilty as anyone for writing quick texts and emails instead of long, well thought out letters.

Paul was a master letter writer. For this letter, he teamed up with his apprentice Timothy to write a letter of encouragement and instruction to the believers in Colosse.

The practice of the day was to take Paul’s letters, copy them and share them around to all the groups of believers in the area. That way, God’s words to Colosse helped as many people as possible.

Do you have any words of encouragement and instruction?
Have you considered writing your ideas down and sharing them with others?

Like this letter, yours could be encouragement for those who need it. All you need to do now is write.
October 4, 2023

October 4th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 9-10

Highlight Verses:

“One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬
“So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I picked one verse from each chapter today because I thought they showed a good contrast between honor and pride.

It was David’s honor that caused him to want to recognize his deep friendship with Jonathan by showing kindness to Mephibosheth (one of my favorite Bible names).

It was Hanun’s pride that caused him to dishonor David’s ambassadors.

David’s honor resulted in a good relationship with Mephibosheth and more respect for David by the people.

Hanun’s pride resulted in the resounding defeat of his own people.

Much of what we call pride today is honor. We honor our troops, our country, those who have gone on before us, and those who have been a blessing to us. We can humbly accept honor when we are recognized for our achievements or victories.

When we take all the credit for ourselves for those victories, that’s pride.
When we focus on ourselves, our desires, our ideas, our own achievements, that’s pride.
When other’s opinions are less important than our own, that’s pride.

That didn’t work out so well for the Ammonites.
How is it working for you?

Do you find yourself acting in honor or selfish pride?
How do you think you can tell the difference?
October 3, 2023

October 3rd, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 15

Highlight Verse:

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him— my father’s God, and I will exalt him!”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I love how the Bible sometimes resembles a musical.

Some events are so memorable and exciting that they inspire songs on the spot. While they probably lacked the choreography of a Broadway musical, I’m sure that celebrations like this one included spontaneous song and dance.

Why can’t life be like that now?

Seriously, why not?

The times I’ve seen spontaneous song, it has always brought joy. If a few people would share their celebrations with song in the middle of everyday life, there would be quite a bit more joy in this world.

So, let’s make a joyful noise and bring some smiles back into this world.

Have you witnessed spontaneous music break out near you?
Have you brought that music yourself?
Share your stories!
October 2, 2023

October 2nd, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 12

Highlight Verse:

“But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let’s settle this once and for all. Demons are real.

There’s a lot we don’t know about them but there is some that we know.

We know they bind people in sickness and disabilities.

We know they can possess people.

We know they are evil and of the devil (who is also real).

Most importantly, we know that Jesus has the power to stop them!

So, as we enter the season where demons and other scary things are celebrated in decorations and stories, let’s remember that Jesus can and will neutralize demons if we only ask him. Therefore, if we are children of God, we have no need to fear demonic forces or any kind of evil. Let’s practice that in word and deed.

Have you feared evil forces is your life?
Have you ever fought back against demonic forces – and won?
October 1, 2023

October 1st, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalm 119

Highlight Verse:

“I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

To some, that may seem counterintuitive.

How can you have freedom if you are following a bunch of commands?

There was a study a long time ago that studied playground behavior at elementary schools.

At schools that had fences, children used the entire field right up to the fence.

At schools that had no fences, children tended to gather around the playground equipment and buildings.

The fence gave a sense of security.

Our security comes from the Lord. In the days this Psalm was written, it was from following the law. Now that Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of the law,

our security, and therefore, freedom comes from trusting Jesus.

Do you know that freedom?
Can you grasp the concept of freedom in putting trust in Jesus?
This is a safe place to ask more about it.
September 30, 2023

September 30th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Philippians 4:8-9

Highlight Verse:

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There was so much in this chapter that I just had to continue from Thursday.

This chapter and these verses are where the proverbial rubber meets the road.

All the scripture knowledge in the world is useless unless you put it into practice.

When you do put it into practice, that’s when that final verse happens. The God of peace will be with you!

Here’s to a peaceful, God filled life!
September 29, 2023

September 29th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 48-50

Highlight Verse:

“In those days,” says the Lord, “no sin will be found in Israel or in Judah, for I will forgive the remnant I preserve.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Just as yesterday’s reading was full of blessings and wonderful news; today’s reading is full of curses and bad news.

The world in Jeremiah’s time was full of evil and warfare.

God’s people were few.

But those who listened to the Word of God through Jeremiah found their way back to the promised land and lived in forgiveness and restoration.

Sound like today? I thought so to.

The bottom line from the “doom and gloom” prophet is, live for the Lord and there is hope.

It took hundreds of years from this time until Jesus brought the fulfillment of hope.

But Hope came!

Those who believed found Him.

Just as they can today!

Have you found Hope?
Are you living in faith trusting for that Hope?
September 28, 2023

September 28th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Philippians 3-4

Highlight Verses:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I remember years ago when I was on call at a company that provided audio-visual and lighting equipment. I got a call on a Saturday saying,”Where’s our equipment?” A salesperson had failed to put in the order but I was still obligated to fill it.

I remember running around the warehouse throwing stuff on a truck.

Suddenly, my body refused to go on.

I lay on the warehouse floor for a good five minutes while I cried out to God for help. My brain and my body reconciled the situation and I managed to put together a setup that met their needs (barely) by showtime (barely) and I got through it.

In those few minutes of mental and physical lockdown, I came to the conclusion that

I could only do what I could do, and God would take care of the rest.

I doesn’t take that drastic of a situation for us to be paralyzed by stress. When we cannot see a way out of a situation, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

One advantage of walking with Jesus for as many decades as I have is that I’ve been in many stressful situations that God brought me through. Some were impossible and God brought the miracles that changed them into possibilities.

No matter what the situation, God’s got it.

Have you had a high stress impossible situation that paralyzed you?
How did you get through it?
Did it bring you more ability to trust God in those types of situations?

In our student ministry, we are teaching our middle and high school students how to be leaders.

The bottom line is, youth should be encouraged to lead from where they are that they may grow to even greater levels of ministry later.

Today we leave the book with a decidedly not so bright spot.

But God!

Letter writing is a nearly lost art.

Like this letter, yours could be encouragement for those who need it. All you need to do now is write.

I picked one verse from each chapter today because I thought they showed a good contrast between honor and pride.

David’s honor resulted in a good relationship with Mephibosheth and more respect for David by the people.

Hanun’s pride resulted in the resounding defeat of his own people.

I love how the Bible sometimes resembles a musical.

Why can’t life be like that now?

So, let’s make a joyful noise and bring some smiles back into this world.

Let’s settle this once and for all. Demons are real.

Most importantly, we know that Jesus has the power to stop them!

To some, that may seem counterintuitive.

our security, and therefore, freedom comes from trusting Jesus.

There was so much in this chapter that I just had to continue from Thursday.

Here’s to a peaceful, God filled life!

God’s people were few.

Sound like today? I thought so to.

But Hope came!

Suddenly, my body refused to go on.

I could only do what I could do, and God would take care of the rest.

No matter what the situation, God’s got it.