Walk in the Light

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?
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?

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.

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.

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