Walk in the Light

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?
August 8, 2023

August 8th, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Okay, what mom doesn’t think that their baby is special?

In case you didn’t read the context, Pharaoh had commanded that all the Hebrew baby boys be throw into the Nile after birth.

His previous order to the midwives to kill all the baby boys at birth had gone ignored.

We are not told for sure how well this order was followed. It is implied that baby Moses’ case was the exception.

In his case, Pharaoh’s decree was followed. They just added the little boat to keep baby Moses afloat.

God and Moses’ mother arranged it so that Moses could survive to save his people.

Do you think that still happens today?

I do.

I’m not saying that those who die early had nothing else they could do with their lives. Tragedies happen. Lives are cut far too short.

I cannot explain why, in some situations, God allows people to pass from this world far too soon.

I can say that there are times when God intervenes and protects people from harm or death. I’ve heard far too many amazing stories to think otherwise.

I am certain that we don’t always know when that happens.

For that reason, I firmly believe that

we should take each day as a gift

and take every opportunity we can to make a difference in this world.

Have you or someone you know seen supernatural protection that saved you or them from injury or death?
In what ways can you treat each day as a gift from God?
August 7, 2023

August 7th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 3-4

Highlight Verse:

“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is John the Baptist speaking. The way he lived was radically repentant of sin.

If you’re wondering, locusts and wild honey were considered “clean” food.

Does that mean that we all need to live in the wilderness and eat locusts and wild honey.

Umm… NO!

But he did say “repented of your sins and turned to God”. That doesn’t mean we can be perfect. It does mean that we should be living our lives in a way that brings us closer to God and further from sin.

If we do that, people will see it and know that there is something different about us.

If they can’t tell the difference between us and those who are not living for God, we’d better take a closer look at what repentance means.

Can people tell that you are trying to live a life turned toward God?
What do you think repenting of sins should look like?
August 6, 2023

August 6th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 95-98

Highlight Verse:

“Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭96‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I find it ironic that it takes a really old song to remind us to keep making new music.

I truly believe that music is near and dear to God’s heart.

Throughout the Bible, music seems to pop up spontaneously. Not just in the Psalms and the Song of Solomon but in spur of the moment songs by Moses, Miriam, David, and Mary among others.

Years ago, we had a foster child. We had just visited my Mom and little brother. Everyone was tired. We climbed in the car and proceeded to bicker at each other until we decided that instead of arguing, we’d just listen to some worship music.

45 minutes later, the album ended as we were stuck in a bad traffic jam near home. It was a situation that could have sparked more argument. But we were happy. We even talked to other motorists as the traffic had come to a complete halt as they cleared an accident a mile ahead.

When we let it, music has power to soothe and comfort, inspire and encourage.

We worship and invite the Holy Spirit to join us in giving praise to God.

If you read this Sunday morning, I encourage you to join with a local church and bring that music to life.

If that’s not possible, at least turn on some music and sing a new song to the Lord!

Have you ever experienced the same kind of mood restoration from music?
What kinds of music brings about the best results for worship and mood lifting for you?

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.

Okay, what mom doesn’t think that their baby is special?

God and Moses’ mother arranged it so that Moses could survive to save his people.

we should take each day as a gift

Does that mean that we all need to live in the wilderness and eat locusts and wild honey.

If we do that, people will see it and know that there is something different about us.

I truly believe that music is near and dear to God’s heart.

When we let it, music has power to soothe and comfort, inspire and encourage.