Walk in the Light

September 27, 2023

September 27th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 17-18

Highlight Verse:

“And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In my life, I have only ever once walked out of a church in disgust.

Sure, I’ve visited some that I was less than impressed with. I’ve even politely debated theology with some pastors. But this one I was so disgusted with that I stood up and walked out in the middle of the sermon.

The preacher was showing off his Rolex and fancy rings, bragging about his Porsche while telling us that God wants to bless us all with wealth. I didn’t stick around to hear the “give and thou shalt receive” bomb drop.

That is not what this verse is about.

Yes, God will bless us for giving and He will always provide for his kids (us).

But that preacher took it to a disgustingly selfish level.

David was far more humble about it.

God had spoken through Nathan the prophet about how God was going to bless David and his dependents. David’s response that culminated in this verse was basically, “I’m not worthy but if you say so – bring it on. And, thanks!”

I’d love to be blessed financially. Truth is – I am. We’re certainly not “American wealthy” but compared to most of the world, we’ve got it made. We have food on the table, roof over our heads, reliable paid-for vehicles and far more “toys” than we need.

My bold prayer like David’s is that my sphere of influence would be increased

and that I would accurately and lovingly share more of God’s words and wisdom to more and more people.

If you are boldly asking God for blessings, what forms do you see those blessings take?
Do you make it a habit to pray for blessings for you and your family.
September 26, 2023

September 26th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 13-14

Highlight Verse:

“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭13‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I love road trips. My favorite part is taking detours.

Most of the coolest sites are along the back roads and in the small towns.

I moved from California to Virginia in 1990. On the way, I turned north off the main highway to see a big hole in the ground.

Even though it was tough to find parking for the moving truck, the view of the Grand Canyon was well worth the longer day and extra gas.

The Israelites had a huge detour through the wilderness.

Along the way, they learned to trust God and to work together.

It was not the quickest route but for me at that time, it was the best way.

Have you ever made plans just to have circumstances ruin them? Did you learn something along the detoured route?
September 25, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 11

Highlight Verses:

““To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus is talking about how so many people of that generation completely missed the significance of John the Baptist and Jesus.

It’s easy to judge that generation from the vantage point of our knowledgeable times.

But how many times do we miss it?

Most of us reading this are familiar with the Gospel but how many times do we miss opportunities to share it? How many times do we pass by people who need to see a little hope? How often do we miss a chance to share the love of God?

Notice my use of the word “we” in that paragraph. I’m not judging since I would would probably win a prize for the most missed opportunities.

I pray that you and I will have our eyes opened to the possibilities for sharing the love of Jesus to those around us.

Let’s not miss the opportunities to dance and mourn with those who need the hope of Jesus.

Do you have stories of times when you caught the opportunity to share the hope of Jesus? Share them with us.
Can you pray with me that our eyes would be opened to every opportunity and our hearts be opened to leaping at those opportunities?
September 24, 2023

September 24th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 116-118

Highlight Verse:

“The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭116‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This morning, I had the privilege of having breakfast with a group of guys that included a widower.

After six decades of marriage, he found the strength through the Lord to carry on.

Now, a year later, he lives a vibrant life that includes sharing his wealth of experience with us other guys.

This evening (I write these the evening before they get posted) I got word that the wife of a dear old friend from my Santa Cruz days passed away. I know that she is in the presence of Jesus now and all her pain has been washed away.

My friend’s pain right now is deep.

I know that he has a close relationship with God and will find strength drawn from that relationship.

Even so, he and his kids and grandkids could use all our prayers to get through this time.

From this passage we know that God cares for those who have passed from this world into His heavenly kingdom.

I believe without a doubt that he cares just as deeply for those left behind.

The psalmist speaks of moving on with an attitude of thankfulness. With that, God can get you through the hardest of times.

Have you had to deal with losing a close loved one?
How have you dwelt with that anguish? Please share that others may benefit from your experiences.
September 23, 2023

September 23rd, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Proverbs 16:31, 20:29

Highlight Verse:

“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Every morning I look in the mirror and wonder who that old man is that’s looking back at me.

I don’t usually feel old. I’ve claimed to be 29 for 30 years now. BuT I’m starting to feel it.

Now I welcome this first day of Autumn with trepidation,

knowing the cold of the coming winter means more aches and snow shoveling becomes an ever more daunting task.

But it beats the alternative.

I forget my age when I’m playing games with the middle school students I help lead on Wednesday nights. This week that’s led to more aches than I’ve felt in a while.

Still, I march on. At work, I walk a lot and try to take the stairs when I’m only going up a few flights. This week, the stairs have taken more time. But I make it up them by concentrating on the strength in my legs rather than the ache in my muscles as I take each step.

Likewise, I try to concentrate on the strengths I’ve acquired with age.

I may not be able to sprint, but I know the value and results of good hard work.

My reaction time when I drive is not what it used to be, but experience has taught me what to watch for to avoid needing that quick reaction time.

I can repair machines with skill and accuracy.

I know the Bible better than ever before.

Experience and knowledge help me make wise decisions more easily.

So, yeah, I’ll keep the grey hair and aging features. They come with strengths I didn’t have when I was younger.

Have you been able to look past the aches of age to focus on your strengths?
If you are younger, have you learned to tap the knowledge and wisdom of those around you who are older?
September 22, 2023

September 22nd, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 45-47

Highlight Verse:

“You have said, ‘I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the Lord has added more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.’”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭45‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This chapter is unique in Jeremiah as it is written to an individual who is not a ruler. It was written to Baruch, Jeremiah’s faithful scribe.

Apparently, Baruch was having a pity party.

Through Jeremiah, God pointed out that he had allowed Baruch to survive. A privilege many Israelites did not get to share.

Pity parties are uniquely selfish.

While they are not necessarily prideful, they focus on the problems the complainer is facing rather than the many more blessings that God has supplied.

On an interesting note, I just read that Baruch is the only Old Testament character who has been fingerprinted. (Source enduringword dot com). Apparently, Baruch’s seal was recently found on some manuscripts and it contained an impression of his thumbprint.

That’s a unique blessing.

You could say that he was kept alive in a unique way longer than anyone else from that time.

Just another blessing he could have been counting.

Have you found yourself wallowing in a pity party before? (Been there, done that).
What have you done to get away from the self pity? (Focusing on others and my blessings helped me).
September 21, 2023

September 21st, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Philippians 1-2

Highlight Verses:

“Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve heard it said that if you find a perfect church, don’t go there because then it wouldn’t be perfect anymore.

Pastors and preachers are normal human beings with faults and mixed-up motives just like everyone else. I’m sure most have pure, godly motives. But even the best have off days just like the rest of us.

I love Paul’s attitude about them. Just let Christ be preached so that people may know Him.

So, the next time you want to criticize a preacher, remember they’re human and have their own faults and weaknesses. Unless they’re actually preaching against the Gospel, cut them some slack and do your best to learn something from them.

Sometimes the best wisdom come from the most unlikely sources.

Can you imagine what it would take to maintain Paul’s positive attitude in the midst of imprisonment and persecution?
Have you ever taken a negative attitude about someone’s preaching?
September 20, 2023

September 20th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 5-6

Highlight Verse:

“So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The Ark represented the presence of God with His people. For those who welcomed God’s presence, it was cause for great celebration.

There are two things that stand out from past studies I’ve seen on in this chapter.

First, when they brought the Ark from Obed Edom to Jerusalem, they carried it on poles rather than pull it on a wagon.

I believe that illustrates both that God is personal and to be highly respected.

The Ark was to be carried by priests showing the utmost care even to the point of stopping for a sacrifice every six steps. That was a very slow, respectful process.

Second, God’s presence was to be celebrated with abandon. David danced so hard he was accused by Michal of being undignified. David’s response? Let me be undignified and God be glorified!

Let me always remember that.

If God be glorified by it, may I be undignified!

Are you willing to be undignified if God is glorified by it?
Do you know what it’s like to be in God’s presence?
September 19, 2023

September 19th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 12

Highlight Verses:

“Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’ And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭12‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I always thought that Passover was the most important Jewish festival.

After all, it is closely associated with Easter. In fact, that sacrifice was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that our lives may be spared.

In fact, most scholars would call Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement the most important holiday.

Like Easter, it is all about the forgiveness of one’s sins.

Unlike Easter, one’s sins needed to be forgiven every year through sacrifice.

Jesus already made that sacrifice to pay the penalty for all we have done wrong.

Once and for all!

What is your favorite holiday?
Do you know first hand about the Day of Atonement?
September 18, 2023

September 18th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 10

Highlight Verse:

“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I remember this verse being spoken about during a young adult camp message series entitled “The Upside-Down Gospel.”

While that was nearly 40 years ago, the message still rings true.

The good news of Jesus is radically different from what the world would teach us.

“Look out for number one.”
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“Name it and claim it.”

All those work on the surface. Some people have applied the last one to living a life of faith.

The problem is, they are all focused on self when Jesus calls us to focus on others. The irony is in the fact that when we focus on others, our own lives become far richer and satisfying than if we were self-focused.

Living for Jesus is all upside-down and inside-out. And I can’t imagine it any other way.

Does it go against the grain for you to be focused on others rather than yourself?
Do you have stories of when you focused on others, and it became a huge blessing to you?
Would you share those stories to encourage others here?

In my life, I have only ever once walked out of a church in disgust.

My bold prayer like David’s is that my sphere of influence would be increased

Most of the coolest sites are along the back roads and in the small towns.

Along the way, they learned to trust God and to work together.

But how many times do we miss it?

Let’s not miss the opportunities to dance and mourn with those who need the hope of Jesus.

This morning, I had the privilege of having breakfast with a group of guys that included a widower.

I believe without a doubt that he cares just as deeply for those left behind.

Every morning I look in the mirror and wonder who that old man is that’s looking back at me.

Now I welcome this first day of Autumn with trepidation,

So, yeah, I’ll keep the grey hair and aging features. They come with strengths I didn’t have when I was younger.

Apparently, Baruch was having a pity party.

Pity parties are uniquely selfish.

Just another blessing he could have been counting.

I’ve heard it said that if you find a perfect church, don’t go there because then it wouldn’t be perfect anymore.

Sometimes the best wisdom come from the most unlikely sources.

I believe that illustrates both that God is personal and to be highly respected.

If God be glorified by it, may I be undignified!

I always thought that Passover was the most important Jewish festival.

Jesus already made that sacrifice to pay the penalty for all we have done wrong.

The good news of Jesus is radically different from what the world would teach us.

Living for Jesus is all upside-down and inside-out. And I can’t imagine it any other way.