Walk in the Light

August 18, 2023

August 18th, 2023
Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 31-33

Highlight Verse:

“While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the Lord gave him this second message:”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God was speaking through Jeremiah while he was essentially in jail.

Granted, he was in jail for speaking the truth. But I believe this verse illustrates what is a repeating theme in the Bible.

God works through people no matter what their situation is.
- David wrote many of the Psalms while tending sheep.
- Ruth was a poor immigrant widow.
- Esther was exiled in the land of the nation that defeated Israel.
- Paul wrote some of his letters from Roman imprisonment.
I could go on. The point is, no matter what your situation, if you trust in Jesus and are willing to follow Him,

He can work through you.

Trust Him. Seek Him. Be willing to act or speak when He tells you; and there’s no limit to what He can do through you.

Do you feel like your circumstances limit what you can do for the Lord?
What can you do to put yourself in a position to be used by God?
August 17, 2023

August 17th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Galatians 3-4

Highlight Verse:

“How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have had days when every little mistake made me feel guilty. I felt like I had to be perfect in order to appease God.

I was doing the same thing that Paul admonished the Galatians for.

We shouldn’t try to be perfect so that we appear to be good Christians. We should trust Jesus for our salvation and do good things out of love and gratitude and because we trust Him to guide us.

And when we mess up, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up and try to do better to appease God.

Instead we should fall back on the trust we have in Him.

So how do you know whether what you do is out of guilt or out of trust?

Guilt knocks you down. Trust builds you up.

Be encouraged today because God is on your side and wants only what’s the best for you.

Then act out of trust, not out of guilt.

Do you act out of trust or out of guilt?
Can you tell the difference?
August 16, 2023

August 16th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Samuel 25-26

Highlight Verse:

“David replied to Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today!”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭25‬:‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We don’t talk very much about Abigail.

In a man’s world of greed and warfare, she brought words and actions of wisdom. She interceded for her foolish husband, Nabal, and stopped the rash anger of David.

For this she was rewarded with the death of her foolish husband and the dubious privilege of becoming David’s third wife.

All we know after that is she was captured by the Philistines and rescued by David. She had at least 1 son who, as you know, was passed over for the kingship by the son of Bathsheba who was much younger than he.

Well, at least she escaped what must have been a rough life with Nabal.

Do you see Abigail as a heroine of the Bible? Why or why not?
Are there other heroines from the Bible that you look up to more than Abigail?
August 15, 2023

August 15th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 3-4

Highlight Verses:

“But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you read the whole reading, you know that Moses was tending sheep in the wilderness on Mount Sinai. Of course he has the tool of his trade – his staff.

It’s kind of like if God spoke to me while I was repairing a copier –

God, “What’s that in your hand?”

Me, “A power screwdriver.”

God, “Throw it down.”

Me, “What, no way! It cost over a hundred bucks!”

Okay, maybe not exactly the same but…

God used what Moses had.

Frankly, going into the job, Moses didn’t have much.

He couldn’t speak well.
He ran away from Egypt and his people.
He didn’t even know God well enough to recognize His presence in the burning bush.

But he had his shepherd’s staff.

Maybe it’s the same with us.

God will use what we have to do His will.

If we are willing, he will take our little and do a lot.

Like Moses, we might take some convincing before we’re willing to step out in faith with our meager tools. But, once we do, there’s no limit to what God can do with us.

Have you had any of those “step out in faith moments?” Please share!
Are you willing to step out in faith when God calls you?
August 14, 2023

August 14th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 5

Highlight Verse:

““Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In a day when sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem were of utmost importance,

Jesus made it plain that relationships were more important.

I have different opinions on politics, religion, and other topics from some of my siblings, kids, and friends. I have tried to make it perfectly clear to each that I value my relationship with each of them more than standing up for my opinions.

We do occasionally get into discussions about our differences but we keep our conversations polite and respectful, recognizing that we have the right to have different opinions.

I’ll admit that sometimes takes great effort.

But the effort is worth it. We live in a time when everyone can fully express their opinions on social media (until certain content censors kick in). Many do so in terms that belittle anyone who disagrees with them.

I recognize that certain issues are very important, but we would do well to remember that Jesus valued relationships above all else. He would probably sum it up with the phrase

“Love God and love people.”

Let’s do that even here on social media.

Before anyone takes offense at this post, know that I am not thinking of any particular person. I just know I’ve seen post wars on social media that were anything but loving and respectful.

Are there relationships that you could help repair with offering a little more respect?
What are ways we can express our opinions in a respectful manner?
August 13, 2023

August 13th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 99-102

Highlight Verse:

“Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve never been good at journaling.

I gave it a try many years ago. I remember running across that journal some time ago and being impressed by my faith so long ago.

Then there’s the old Bible that I use for this study. I bought it 35 years ago long before the advent of YouVersion and Biblegateway dot com. While my study wasn’t as consistent as it is now, there are many highlighted or underlined passages and some scribbled notes in the margins.

44 years ago, my mom bought me a copy of “The Way”, a version of The Living Bible. I just grabbed it off the bookshelf and was surprised to find a few notes in there from early in my walk of faith.

That walk of faith began on this day, August 13, 1977, 46 years ago.

From margin notes to journals to this study, I have a not-so-steady trail to continue to inspire me to move forward and to pass on to future generations.

Without much thought, I’ve been living out this verse. And I’m glad to be able to look back on it.

Have you put down in words your thoughts and impressions about God’s Word and your faith?
Is there anything stopping you from writing now?
August 12, 2023

August 12th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading / Highlight Verse:

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yesterday (today as I write this) would have been my mom’s 85th birthday.

In the days when her hair was grey, she became known as the sweet lady who loved to talk to everyone in the senior living complex.

By the time she was in the nursing home, her hair had gone white and she had lost the ability to recognize people, even her children.

Over three years ago, COVID took her to where her mind and body are restored in heaven.

She left behind a lifetime of memories and touches on other people’s lives.

I like to say that each of my grey hairs are earned through raising teenagers. I know they are simply a result of years of living.

While I wish I had the energy and strength of youth still, with age, I now carry the confidence that comes from nearly 60 years of experiences.

I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

Besides, it beats the alternative.

If you dread getting older, let me encourage you to live a full life and when you are older, you may realize that, with the good and the bad, how sweet it is!

If you are older, what experience gave you the most confidence?
If you are younger, what are you most looking forward to in your later years?
Please share.
August 11, 2023

August 11th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 28-30

Highlight Verse:

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Israelites had been sent into the lands of their enemies. The survivors of Babylon’s conquest of the land were uprooted and forced to live in a foreign land.

And Jeremiah says to work and pray for the peace and prosperity of the city they’d been dragged off to?

Aren’t you glad you don’t live in that time?

Aren’t you glad that prophecy doesn’t apply to you?

Or does it?

Many of us have been put into less than ideal situations. For some, corporate takeovers have landed you with jobs in companies you thought you had avoided. Maybe circumstances have forced you into less than ideal living conditions.

We all have things we could grumble about.

Jeremiah basically says to live your life to its fullest praying and working for the best of those around you. Just because life isn’t ideal doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it.

Please note that I am not advocating staying in abusive and/or dangerous situations. God and other people can help you find a way to safety.

For the rest of us,

let’s be thankful in our situations and and work and pray for the best.

Do you maintain a positive attitude even when situations don’t seem very positive?
What ways have you found to make the best of a less than perfect situation? Please share!
August 10, 2023

August 10th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Galatians 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“And they praised God because of me.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Pretty bold words there. It almost sounds like Paul is bragging.

But then, what Paul is talking about is the radical transformation he went through since encountering Jesus. He went from persecuting the followers of Jesus to preaching the Gospel of Jesus.

My transformation wasn’t so dramatic.

But, I still hope that people will praise God because of what He has done in my life.

Have you had a radical transformation or a more subtle gradual change or none at all?
Has your life become one that people would praise God about?
August 9, 2023

August 9th, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 3-4

Highlight Verse:

“One day news came to David that the Philistines were at Keilah stealing grain from the threshing floors. David asked the Lord, “Should I go and attack them?” “Yes, go and save Keilah,” the Lord told him.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I could have gone to a military academy when I graduated high school and entered one of the armed services as an officer.

They were recruiting me.

But at that time I didn’t believe in war.

I was short-sighted.

I admit, part of me says that because of the benefits a military career would have given me.

But, mostly, I now believe that sometimes war is necessary and it is a good thing to be well prepared for it.

I won’t argue individual wars or police actions. I try to stay politically neutral here.

I will say it sometimes takes military strength to protect people.

If you could ask the people of Keilah, I’m sure they would agree.

David and his men stepped up against the odds and defeated the Philistines who were raiding Keilah. He prevailed and saved the town.

On a more practical note, you don’t have to be a warrior to protect the oppressed.

You can take a stand against bullies of all ages and types.

You can contribute to organizations that fight for the oppressed.

And you can pray for the oppressed as well.

What will you do to follow the example that David set for us?
Who is it that you can step up and help protect?

God was speaking through Jeremiah while he was essentially in jail.

God works through people no matter what their situation is.

He can work through you.

I was doing the same thing that Paul admonished the Galatians for.

Guilt knocks you down. Trust builds you up.

We don’t talk very much about Abigail.

Well, at least she escaped what must have been a rough life with Nabal.

God used what Moses had.

If we are willing, he will take our little and do a lot.

Jesus made it plain that relationships were more important.

I’ll admit that sometimes takes great effort.

“Love God and love people.”

I’ve never been good at journaling.

That walk of faith began on this day, August 13, 1977, 46 years ago.

She left behind a lifetime of memories and touches on other people’s lives.

I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

Or does it?

We all have things we could grumble about.

let’s be thankful in our situations and and work and pray for the best.

Pretty bold words there. It almost sounds like Paul is bragging.

My transformation wasn’t so dramatic.

I was short-sighted.

On a more practical note, you don’t have to be a warrior to protect the oppressed.