I was sitting by the pool, soaking up the rays and just relaxing. I was wondering why vacations have to come to an end.

I live in Ohio where many days seem overcast. We worry about things like snakes and tornadoes and the scenery is, well…mostly flat!

That’s why I often choose to vacation in Florida. There are more sunny days, more things to do and the majestic beauty of God’s handiwork; the ocean.

On this particular afternoon while relaxing by the pool, my thoughts were interrupted when the sun ducked behind some dark clouds. I began to get concerned. It was probably nothing, but I’ve spent enough time in the Sunshine State to understand that dark clouds could usher in a hurricane. Then I heard a rustling in the bushes beyond the pool. Probably just the wind but instead of dismissing it, my mind started playing out a scenario that an alligator was chasing me! I decided to go inside the house.

Even what seems to be a tropical paradise isn’t perfect. Why is it that no matter where you live, nature can be beautiful one minute and turn ugly the next? Why do animals sometimes attack people? Why does weather threaten life and limb? Why does disease take the old and young alike?

God’s Word has the answer. Romans 8:20-22 states: Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Since the fall of man in the garden, recorded in Genesis chapter 3, our world has been broken. We can still bask in the beauty of God’s magnificent creation, but all will not be set right until our Lord establishes a new Heaven and a new earth at the end of the age. That will be true paradise and that is something to look forward to!

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I remember it like it was yesterday. The snow began to fall overnight, so by the time I was up, it had gotten a good head start. Dad wanted me to shovel the front porch and the sidewalk out to the road in front of our house. Seems easy enough, right? But this was the blizzard of ’78! Our front walk wasn’t very long but by the time I got to the end of it, I had to turn around and shovel my way back to the house. It seemed like a waste of time to even bother until the snowing and blowing quit.

Fast forward nearly 50 years. I never thought I would live to see that much snow fall in one storm again, at least not in Ohio. So, in my great wisdom I decided, when the snow began to fall, that I would wait to shovel until it stopped. 24 hours later my driveway was covered with between 12 – 18 inches of snow and the temperature had fallen into the single digits. Though the wind wasn’t near as bad, we did break the snowfall record from the blizzard of ’78.

Being snowed in and knowing I needed to go to work the next day, I was waiting for a young man to show up with a shovel wanting to earn extra cash by shoveling my drive. It never happened. Then I waited till it warmed up to 10 degrees and I went outside to brave the elements. I thought I would never finish and wondered if my fingers and toes would fall off from the cold.

I guess my dad had a good idea when he said I shouldn’t wait till the snow piled up. I should shovel often to stay ahead of the accumulation.

There’s another thing we shouldn’t let pile up, and that’s unconfessed sin. Our Heavenly Father has something to say about that in His Word. Look up Psalm 32 and read David’s testimony of what happened to him when he tried to hide his sin. It stole his joy, his fellowship with God; even his health deteriorated because of it.

1 John 1:7 says: If we are living in the light as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other; and the blood of Jesus, His Son cleanses us from all sin. Cleanses us implies a continuous action. When David let his sin pile up and go unconfessed, his body wasted away. When I let my snow pile up and later, tried to shovel, my back wasted away. The same will happen to all of us if we don’t keep short accounts with God and keep our sin from piling up!

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It feels like I spend a lot of time behind the wheel of a car. My family is pretty spread out now so it seems like I’m driving all the time. I don’t mind it for the most part but there is one thing that’s unnerving. If I’m on the interstate and passing a car or truck that is having trouble staying in their own lane. Sometimes the problem is the wind and sometimes just inattention but it tends to stress me out. I have, however, learned a valuable lesson during these times, don’t look at the other vehicle while passing! It’s tempting because if they drift into my lane I need to get out of their way. But I’ve experienced this strange phenomenon, if I focus on them we suddenly get closer, not because they are drifting but because I am. If I look straight ahead I can stay in my lane and safely get past the other car.

I’ve found there is a spiritual application in my own life. If I want to shed an annoying habit or a besetting sin, my typical response is to focus on that behavior asking the Lord to help me get past it. But the more I focus on it, the more I drift toward what I’m trying to avoid. If I don’t look away and fix my eyes on Jesus, I’m headed for a collision!

In Proverbs 4, King Solomon is instructing his children how to avoid getting sidetracked by evil and in verse 25 he says: Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Then in Hebrews 12: 1-2 we read: let us slip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

If you or I want to put a bad habit or besetting sin in our rearview mirror, we must stop focusing on that behavior and fix our eyes straight ahead on Jesus. He will give us the victory!

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Mel Blanc, perhaps the most well-known voice actor of all time, was the go-to guy for Warner Brothers. He created and performed Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam, Speedy Gonzales, and the list goes on and on.

Now they say that an actor has to become the person he or she is portraying in order to sell the part, but Mel Blanc took that to the next level. His son Noel described how completely his father disappeared into each character. His face and body would transform with each voice he performed.

This really came to light when Mel was in a terrible car wreck. It was January 24th 1961 and driving around Dead Man’s Curve on Sunset Boulevard, he was hit head on. Mel broke both legs; his pelvis was shattered and he suffered a triple skull fracture. Paramedics had to cut him out of the wreckage and by the time they got to him, he was unconscious. They rushed him to UCLA medical center where he slipped into a coma.

For two weeks his wife, his son and the nurses and doctors talked with him and called his name, they tried everything to reach him but there was no response. Finally, one of his Neurologists came into his room and said “Hey Bugs can you hear me?” Then came his most famous line, in Bugs Bunny’s voice Mel responded with “eh…what’s up doc?” Mel Blanc inhabited his characters so completely that when his own identity was unreachable in that coma, his character remained!

This is something I want to aspire to. Not to become like cartoon characters but to become like my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! How would I be different if my voice was like that of Christ, my expressions were like Christ, my actions and reactions and my responses were like Christ? What if I spent so much time with Jesus and knew Him so well that others would hear and see Him instead of me?

In First Corinthians 2:16, the Apostle Paul tells us that as believers, we can have the mind of Christ. Then, in Second Corinthians 5:17, he tells us that anyone who belongs to Christ, has become a new person. The old life has gone, a new life has begun.

Just imagine what God could do through you and me if we claimed those promises as our own and began to sound and look like Jesus to a hurting world!

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When I’m driving down the road in a hurry, which is typically the case, and someone pulls right out in front of me and goes two (mph), I get angry. I like to think of it as righteous indignation but my wife reminds me, it’s much closer to road rage! The term “righteous anger” is found once in the Bible, Romans 12:19 but it is only associated with God. So, what is righteous indignation or anger? It’s not selfish anger or anger due to inconvenience, like I experience in the car.

But according to scripture, it is possible for Christians to practice it. In Ephesians 4:26 we read: And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. Then James 1:20 states: Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

It seems like the key to righteous indignation is found in my motives. Why am I angry? And the object of my anger. Is it something that makes God angry as well? In the Ephesians 4 passage, I find that it is possible to be angry without sinning but I can’t hold on to that anger.

We know that God is angry at evil! Often times it destroys the people that He created and loves. So, when I look at the object of my anger, is it the people who are doing evil or is it the source of that evil?

The comedian Flip Wilson coined the phrase “the devil made me do it” and while that statement may be true, Flip said it to avoid accountability. I am accountable for what I say and do but, if I’m going to be angry with evil I need to focus that anger on the source, and sometimes I can forget that.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds me; For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies. But against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Satan loves it when we believe that another person is the enemy. Then we fight with each other and he can stoke the anger from the shadows. I want to quit doing that and expose him as the source of the evil actions and the true enemy of God and His children.

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It was late. I had been helping a friend an hour away and it was time to head home. I knew where I was going; in fact, I’ve made this trek so many times, I could do it in my sleep. Judging from how tired I was, tonight that was a possibility!

When I got to the part of my journey where I had to decide whether to take the most direct route or the Interstate, I figured I was too tired to go through the small towns with all the stop lights, so I jumped on the interstate. Things were going well and I was making good time but up ahead I saw all the flashing lights of construction. One mile away from where I was to exit onto another interstate, the big neon sign came into view alerting me that the exit ramp was closed! No warning, no detour signs, just exit ramp closed.

Now, I was in unknown territory. Oh, I knew this interstate but not how to get home this way without that exit. I decided to take the next exit and turn around. Unfortunately, the next exit was 6 or 7 miles away in the wrong direction of home and still, no detour signs. When I finally got off the Interstate, I thought briefly about getting back on and going the other direction, but I had no idea if the exit ramp on the other side of the Interstate would be open or not. So, I used my sense of direction and started going the way that seemed right. The real problem was now I didn’t recognize any of my surroundings and it got worse with every turn in the darkness. Then a joke came to mind; you know, about the man who was tired of the female voice on his GPS giving him orders so he changed it to a male voice? But the male voice over and over just said; “Keep on driving, it’s around here somewhere!”

At the next light, I pulled out my phone and asked Siri to take me to the town next to mine, certain I knew the way from there, but with each turn I seemed more lost. Then I told Siri to take me to my city, but again, where I was going didn’t make any sense. Finally, exhausted and exasperated I said “Siri, Take Me Home!” When she told me my street address, I knew she would get me there. Looking down now at my GPS, it said I would arrive in 45 minutes! Wow, was I ever lost!

It’s hard to admit that I don’t know where I’m going. Proverbs 14:12 tells us: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but it’s end is the way of death.” As long as I was in unfamiliar territory, I couldn’t trust my sense of direction. I needed the voice of one who knew where I was and where I wanted to go. On the road that voice might be a GPS, but in life, it’s Jesus! He told us this in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Have you found yourself in unfamiliar territory? Not sure where to turn or what to do? Have you lost confidence in your ability to get out of your mess? If so, then you need to pray. Pray to the only one who knows exactly where you are and exactly where you need to go. His name is Jesus!

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In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed was playing in the section of Little Meadow Creek that ran through his family’s land, when he spotted a shimmering stone in the stream. Captivated by its shimmer, he picked it up and carried it home to his father, John Reed. John used the rock as a doorstop for the next three years.

In 1802, he sought the advice of a Fayetteville jeweler about the large rock he used to prop open the door. The jeweler revealed the rock was no ordinary stone. It was a 17-pound gold nugget – the first documented discovery of gold in the U.S. John Reed, formerly a poor man, died wealthy after his family started their very own mining company.

Isn’t that story remarkable?? The Reed Family walked past a piece of gold, with extreme worth for years, thinking it was nothing more than a handy doorstop. How often does the same thing happen to us? We walk past valuable relationships, opportunities, moments thinking they are merely a door prop in this life versus something or someone who can add tremendous value to our days.

I think of the Jeremy Camp song “Keep Me In The Moment”! Lord help us not to miss one thing along the way that can impact our lives for the good, for the better… times we can beautifully be the hands of feet of Jesus to those around us.

Gold is priceless in this world, but lives have eternal weight that lasts forever. Maybe today we can stop and be intentional about asking the Lord to open our eyes to treasures we are casually walking past in our living room or kitchen, not noticing the gem right at our feet.

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Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Read: Matthew 5:1–16

Even a small flickering candle can dispel darkness in a pitch-black room. Though a candle’s flame may be insignificant compared to a high wattage halogen bulb, it can still pierce the darkness, providing light and warmth.

Matthew 5 is the start of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus established the ethics and principles for kingdom living. He, like Moses in the book of Exodus, goes up a mountain to receive a new body of instructions and deliver it to the people of God. Jesus gathered the crowds around him and called them to radical discipleship.

Jesus says that His followers are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matt 5: 13–14). These two metaphors help explain how God’s presence within His children can influence and transform the world. Once salt is added to food, it cannot be removed. Salt’s distinct flavor permeates the food, and even when you cannot see the grains of salt anymore you can certainly taste its effects. The same effect can be seen by a lamp. Its radiance can be seen from great distances illuminating anything within eyesight.

We are to be salt and light. As the salt of the earth, we are called to season the society we live in so that when others meet us, they not only sense God’s presence within us but they also get a “taste” of God’s kingdom on earth. As the light of the world, we are called to dissipate the darkness around us. God’s illuminating presence within us can point others Jesus who is the ultimate “light of the world” (John 8:12).

Go Deeper

How are you doing as “salt” and light”? In what specific ways are you lighting the way for others to see Jesus? What concrete steps can you take today to enhance and preserve the culture around us with God’s love and mercy and making His presence known to a lost and dying world?

Pray With Us

Loving Father, as the world becomes darker, Your light shines brighter. Show us how to be “salt” and “light” to people around us. May we have the courage to share with others Your illuminating presence within us.

This Devotional is from God With Us: The Gospel of Matthew written by author Dr. James Coakley.

Find more edifying, Christ-centered devotionals and other great resources at www.todayintheword.org

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This Week’s Bold Step

In 1986, at the age of 21, I found myself pastoring a small congregation in Chicago, serving in a community that faced a shifting demographic and economic decline. People were running from that neighborhood instead of staying. Our little church building had just 18 people attending at the time with gang members that sat outside on our steps selling drugs during services. I felt way over my head in that season of ministry.

Fast forward 38 years later and that church, New Life Community Church is a vibrant multi-ethnic, multi-demographic church with 27 locations that I co-pastor alongside my son, Josiah. Serving alongside him has been one of the greatest joys of my life even when he critiques my Sunday sermons.

In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, Paul gives a very important exhortation to the young pastor at the church in Ephesus, Timothy, calling him a “man of God,” a title that no one else was given in the New Testament. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy knew this is what he believed him to be and what he wanted him to remain. Knowing who you are in Christ aka your identity, provides the foundation or the clear blueprint for the direction of our lives.

I believe one of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to speak identity into their lives. Parents have the power to shape how children see themselves, for good or for bad. Identity determines behavior and children will ultimately step into what they believe they are as a result. In a world that seeks to define and rob us of our identity, it’s critical that a man or woman of God fight the fight within themselves and be what God wants them to be.

You can spot a man of God in these four ways:

• What he flees from
• What he pursues
• What he fights for
• What he obtains

May we each strive to become all that Christ is making us to be!

This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.

To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/

The post The Making of a Man or Woman | Bold Stepper Weekly appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

I can smell it before I even get in the front door. The aroma makes my mouth water and I grow impatient for dinner. When I finally take that first bite, it practically melts in my mouth. It is so tender and delicious and so worth the wait. As I savor every bite, I wonder why I ever prepare it any other way. What is it, you ask? Anything slow cooked in a crock pot!

I’m usually in a big hurry and the microwave will have to do, but the smell, taste and texture in the microwave leave a lot to be desired. Often times, our life is like this. I’m in too big of a hurry to realize what I’m missing because I’m always looking for a short cut. We may be in an age of break neck speed and we may be microwave people, but I’m pretty sure we have a crock pot God.

In Ecclesiastes 3:11 Solomon tells us: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Then in Psalm 27:14 we read: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” I hate waiting! But when I run ahead of God, when I use the microwave instead of the crock pot, I’m always disappointed with the results!

And I’m not alone. When we go back to the first book of the Bible, we learn that God promised Abram he would have descendants more in number than the sands of the sea and the stars in the sky. But Sarai, his wife was not able to have children yet. We read in Genesis 16, she decided they could not wait any longer. She ran ahead of God, giving Abram her Egyptian maidservant Hagar to conceive an heir. As you can imagine, that didn’t turn out well. And still to this day, the child of promise is at war with her microwave solution, Ishmael!

I love what Dr. Charles Stanley once said about waiting; “There is one thing worse than waiting on the Lord and that is…wishing that you had!”

Ever been there? Abram and Sarai were, and I have been many times. It’s really hard not to get ahead of God, but I’m trying to learn that when you wait on the Lord and His best for you, it always tastes much better!

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Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:4

Read Matthew 4:1–11

I am fascinated by lighthouses and enjoy visiting them on vacations. However, lighthouses were not just designed as beautiful landmarks. Instead, they helped seafaring vessels safely navigate darkness and storms, guiding them safely to port. The captain of many a ship has thankfully used those bright beams to avoid tragedy.

God’s Word and His presence in our lives are like that lighthouse, beaming a clear, steady light amid life’s storms. God uses His Word to guide and protect us when we face stormy temptations.

Matthew 4 describes how Jesus was led by the Spirit (v. 1) into the desert where He was tempted by the devil. Satan approached the Lord three times, trying to get Him to yield to his tempting suggestions. The wilderness setting was bleak, a stark contrast to Adam and Eve’s temptation in a luscious garden (Gen 2:8; 3:1–6). And, despite Jesus’ physical weakness from going without food for forty days (v.2), He effectively countered each temptation by quoting the book of Deuteronomy.

When Satan tempted Jesus to use His divine power to satisfy His hunger, turning stones into bread, Jesus replied with a direct quote from Deut. 8:3, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Each temptation was met with Jesus quoting God’s Word. And then, “the devil left him” (v. 11).

God’s Word and the presence of the Spirit were present at the very beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. And once again, we see God’s Word provide triumphant power over Satan’s attempts to tempt Jesus. We too have access to that powerful defense. Just like Jesus, we can saturate our minds with the truths of God’s Word. Hiding God’s Word in our heart can give us power over the temptations we face each day. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Go Deeper

What can we learn about resisting temptation from following our Lord’s example? How is God’s Word like a lighthouse?

Pray With Us

Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ You’ve shown us that You are with us even in times of temptation. Like Jesus, we can have power over temptation by living in the light and truth of Your Word. “In your light we see light” (Ps. 36:9).

This Devotional is from God With Us: The Gospel of Matthew written by author Dr. James Coakley.

Find more edifying, Christ-centered devotionals and other great resources at www.todayintheword.org

The post God’s Presence in Temptation | Today In The Word appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

This Week’s Bold Step

One thing we’ve all experienced to some capacity is the feeling of shame and the guilt associated with it. Shame from our sin is a common human experience that goes all the way back to the time when Adam and Eve first sinned and hid from God in the garden. Shame tells us that we’re flawed and unworthy of love from others. Sadly, many people live with hidden shame with memories that plague them of things they did or failed to do.

In John 4, we’re given a model of how Jesus encounters the woman at the well in her sin and shame and how He does the same for each one of us. There’s a sense that Jesus knew that this woman needed Him as we read in verse 4, “Now he had to go through Samaria,” a town that was considered ethnically and religiously unclean by Jews. Jesus saw a divine opportunity to speak into this woman’s life. Consider that He’ll also go to great lengths to pursue you in your pain and suffering so that you can encounter His healing love as well.

Another insight that’s important to note is that this woman was at the well at noon, the hottest time of the day when no one else went so she wouldn’t be seen by anyone. Shamed by her sin and ostracized by her community, she tried to hide. This is often our reaction for fear of letting anyone into that area of our heart, we cover ourselves and hide. Overtime, we begin to identify ourselves with our sin instead of a beloved son or daughter of God. Ponder that even in our ugliness, Jesus sees the potential of who we will be through the prism of what Christ did on our behalf on the cross.

Finally, notice that Jesus begins a dialogue with the woman when he says to her, “Give me a drink.” He doesn’t begin by immediately talking about what is causing her shame but sets up the conversation so that He can touch on deeper areas of her heart. Despite her coldness and sarcasm, He doesn’t condemn her but sparks a desire in her for living waters in a spiritual sense she didn’t realize she had. It is the same with us. When we experience God’s love in those areas of sin and shame in our lives, we taste the waters of freedom and forgiveness that only God can give us.

Friend, God invites us to come to Him and drink from the living waters of His love today. Don’t let shame rob you of this “spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.

To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/

The post The Antidote to Shame | Bold Stepper Weekly appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

It’s Monday, July 16, 1945. It’s 5:30 in the morning. A blinding flash suddenly awakens the sleepy village of Carrizozo, New Mexico. Two minutes later there is a deafening roar. The first atomic bomb has been detonated 35 miles away, and a new age has been ushered in.

Less than a month later, on August 6, President Harry Truman announced to the nation that an atomic bomb had been dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Oddly enough, the code name for the atomic bomb project was Trinity. I’d like to think Harry Truman knew the power behind that name.

I mean, think about it, we carry that same atomic power Jesus gave to the disciples, all those many years ago, to go out into all four corners and touch a hurting, dying world, to truly be His hands and feet. Tragically, we seem to overlook or forget this tremendous calling on our lives from the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior. From the instant that glorious relationship begins, the enemy does all he can to drive us away from understanding the tremendous power we carry. His mantra becomes: “If I can’t win their souls, I’ll pull every trick out of my hat to make sure they are totally ineffective.” I mean, he’ll come at us with everything under the sun possible. He’ll try to waylay us in the midnight hour as an individual. He doesn’t play.

But, in this rough and tumble, never ending battle, our sanity comes from knowing he is fully defeated in the end. We’ve read the back of The Book and we win!  So thankful today for beloved souls who have taken time to remind me of this truth when I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. Here’s the beautiful hope, dear ones. In all this muck & mire, Jesus has ushered in the power to trample on the enemy’s head with the strength of the Cross. There is nothing, not one thing we can’t overcome with the Holy Spirit living and dwelling in our souls.

You, my friend, are an atomic bomb for the Kingdom! Now that’s something to shout about today!!

The post You Are An Atomic Bomb For The Kingdom appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

This Week’s Bold Step

We’re a culture that’s obsessed with books on leadership. At last count, Amazon currently offers 57,136 books with the word “leadership” in the title but in a recent study, only 35% of employees felt inspired by their boss. Clearly, there’s a disconnect between the number of books being written and how bosses are leading their people. One would have to consider that with all the great leadership advice available at our fingertips, why are so many bosses ineffective leaders?

Leadership is fundamental to the success of any organization as it was in biblical history. Two contrasting examples of leadership styles that offer valuable lessons for today’s leaders are David and Saul. If you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to be one, there are timeless insights you can glean from the lives of these two men.

David represented a leadership style that was characterized by humility, courage, and a dependence on God. Despite his shortcomings, he was marked by his heartfelt repentance, a reconnaissance of his failures, and a determination to improve (Psalm 51). Ultimately, David would become a revered king of Israel that remained faithful to his people and to God leading with an empathetic nature that inspired those around him.

Conversely, Saul, the first king of Israel, demonstrated a leadership style that was primarily driven by fear, selfishness, and pride. Though he was initially humble and reluctant to lead, over time, his insecurities, power struggle and disobedience to God led to his downfall. He was plagued with trust issues which led to impulsive decisions. At no time did he seek wise counsel from others or from God.

In our culture today, understanding these leadership styles can equip you in your own leadership journey. Whether you’re a manager of a company, a coach of a sports team, or a parent of young children, you are a leader when people count on you. Leadership isn’t just about getting results, but about finding the confidence and strength in God and His unique purpose and mission for each one of us.

God is calling you to make a difference in the here and now to those around you!

This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.

To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/

The post A Tale of Two Kings | Bold Stepper Weekly appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

The Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:8

Read Psalm 121

We often play our favorite songs in the car while taking a road trip with family or friends, or sometimes we listen in the privacy of our headphones or earbuds while flying from one airport to another.

There is a collection of songs in the Psalms that were a sort of playlist for travelers. It is believed that the Songs of Ascents (Ps. 120–134) were sung by God’s people as they journeyed to Jerusalem to observe the pilgrimage feasts as commanded by God (Lev. 23). For many, this road was long, arduous, and even dangerous with threats from both man and beast. But despite these challenges, we see God’s people praising and thanking Him, crying out to their Maker with an immovable faith and a clear direction of where they are heading.

What an insight for us today! Do we praise and petition the Lord as we journey from place to place each day, hour, or even through each stage of life? Do we have a clear awareness of where we are headed and where our strength comes from? The psalmist writes that “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” (Ps. 121:1). Lifting our eyes upward ahead to the mountains that surround Jerusalem (Ps. 125:2) is a picture of praying, asking for God’s help and strength now while knowing Him and focused on our final destination. In Christ, our present help and destination is in Him and His presence where we will dwell with Him forever (Ps. 23:6).

While we travel the bumpy road of this earthly life, may Christ be the soundtrack of our lives, for He is the One who made heaven and earth (v. 2). May we lift up our eyes to the hills around Jerusalem, knowing it is the cross and crown of Christ on which we stand and journey.

Go Deeper

What is a Song of Ascent? Why did people sing while on their journeys? What application does this have for our lives today?

Pray With Us

Lord Jesus, may we follow the Psalmist’s example to trust You and seek our protection only in You. May we remember that our help comes from You, “the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:2). We lift our eyes to You!

This Devotional is from Sing to the Lord: Music in the Bible written by author Dr. Brian Lee

Find more edifying, Christ-centered devotionals and other great resources at www.todayintheword.org

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When my children were young, one of the phrases we often heard around our house was: “That’s not fair!” Almost from the time they could talk, it seemed they had radar that could detect unequal treatment. Now that my kids are grown, I see it in my grandchildren. “She did this and got away with it!’ or “I got punished and he didn’t!” It seems as though the little ones have an overly developed sense of fairness. Of course, the adult in the room has to break up the fight and remind the little immature humans that life isn’t always fair.

Since more often than not, I was that adult, today I wonder why I didn’t learn that lesson. Oh, for me it’s no longer about sibling rivalry but I realize that I’m still greatly bothered by the unfair! Whether it’s the child who is mistreated by a bully, the godly person who is marginalized for their faith, or the helpless who are cast aside. I’m an adult now. Why does it still bother me when truth is maligned and deception lauded or when good is called evil and evil called good? Maybe as believers, God made us to have that sensitivity. And I know I’m in good company.

Asaph was a musician who wrote a few of the Psalms. My favorite is Psalm 73. It’s worth the read. He starts out very transparent about his feelings with these words:

“Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”

Asaph goes on to lament that the wicked don’t suffer pain but continually grow fat. They aren’t in trouble but are constantly causing it. They are proud and covered with violence. They don’t believe Heaven sees or will hold them accountable. That description from an ancient psalmist sounds like it could have been in this morning’s paper.

So, what do we as adults do with this frustrating feeling? May I suggest that we do what Asaph did? Get a Heavenly perspective. We pick up his thoughts with verse 16:

“But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.”

Our God promises to make all things right one day. Chances are though, it won’t be in our preferred timing. But it is a promise we can hold on to and until that day, we can regain our Lord’s perspective on all that is going on around us by spending time in prayer, in His Word and in His House!

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I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.

Psalm 34:1

Read 2 Chronicles 20

When trouble arises, is our first reflex to look to God, to worship and praise Him before anything else? If we are honest, our tendency is to make plans first on how to “fix” the problem or take action. But how often do we worship and praise God before He has answered our prayers?

King Jehoshaphat did! Before facing the enemy, he appointed singers to the front of the army headed for battle; to “sing to the Lord and to praise him” (v. 21). Any reasonable person would say this is a foolish strategy. Why did this leader do that? Earlier in the chapter, we see that Jehoshaphat’s first response to trouble, like so many of the righteous in Scripture, was to humble himself and pray. He was “alarmed” and “resolved to inquire of the Lord” (v. 3). His private prayer then led to a public one before the assembly in the temple courtyard. Here we read the prayer of a man who acknowledged that true power does not come from within us but from the One who our eyes look to (v. 12).

Only then did Jehoshaphat exhort his people to action: “take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (v. 17). In other words, be faithful in what God has given you and be steadfast; knowing that the victory has been won. Is it possible to have a bad day if we truly live like this?! Even in uncertainty, they continued to worship and praise the Lord and build one another up for the battle ahead (vv. 18–20), with the choir/worship team leading praise at the head of the army. While it is easy to praise after answered prayer, may we extol the Lord at all times, for “his praise will always be on my lips” (Ps. 34:1).

Go Deeper

When a crisis arrives, what is your natural response? What do we learn from Jehoshaphat’s example? What do you need to bring before the Lord today?

Pray With Us

God, we are grateful for the wonderful examples of the heroes of faith You have given to us! May we be inspired by their faithfulness! Give us endurance to join them and in one voice glorify You.

This Devotional is from Sing to the Lord: Music in the Bible written by author Dr. Brian Lee

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This Week’s Bold Step

Shepherding is one of the oldest occupations in the world with its origins being over 5000 years old. The relationship between sheep and their shepherd is very special and unique as it is one of complete dependence and trust. Since sheep have little strength to defend themselves against predators, they rely completely on their shepherd to protect them. They worry little about the direction they’re traveling in or their daily food intake because they trust the leadership of their shepherd. In the ancient Near East, the care of a shepherd to his flock was a common metaphor for the leadership of people, especially kingship such as the shepherd king of Israel, David.

Few Old Testament characters have had as much impact on the Christian faith with his humble beginnings. When we first encounter David, he’s out tending to his father’s flock of sheep in the fields of Bethlehem. Though he was the youngest of his brothers and not included in the special sacrifice arranged by the prophet Samuel, he was the one God had chosen to be anointed king and shepherd a different flock, His people Israel.

What a profound moment for David! He wasn’t in the bloodline of Israel’s first king, Saul. He wasn’t rich in class or status. He was the youngest son. He was a lowly shepherd. One would think that he would have become king right then and there but surprisingly, he returns to being a shepherd like nothing happened. But something did happen that day which I Samuel 16:13 records, “The Spirit of the Lord took control of David from that day forward.” Though it would be another 15 years before David would reign as king, God would teach and prepare David during that season of waiting. It wasn’t a waste of time. Much of what David learned in that season, he applied as a leader of men.

Friend, be encouraged if you’re in a season of waiting. Like David, there is often a period of time between your calling and where you are today. I’ve learned that whatever you’re doing right at this moment is what God has called you to right now. Waiting isn’t meant to be a frustration but an invitation to be obedient and trust the good shepherd for His good timing. Ask yourself, are you allowing this time to be fruitful or frustrating?

This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.

To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/

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When I think of my Dad, the first word that comes to mind is patient. How many times did I run out of gas in the wee hours of the morning, run up his credit card bill on polo shirts, or bring way too many friends on vacation? I really think any other man would have gladly traded me in for a better daughter model any day of the week.

Dad was a beautiful picture of Jesus and I know, now, that is so rare. He made it easy for me to believe God was good and true and loving. My dad was born a champion. You know, one of those “one in a million” people that just came here good.

He was smack dab in the middle of a passel of boys. He started carrying a paper route when he was 10, rising up at the crack of dawn every morning with his older brother, to deliver the daily news to one and all. After a full morning, even in the Summer, they came home to a yummy breakfast, then went about their day. This paper route money, saved for 8 years, would go on to pay for dad’s college education.

My dad often told me unbelievable stories, which I have written on the fibers of my heart. One time, while serving in the Air Force, he was flying with his battalion when their plane started to break apart. In an instant, the pilot realized Dad was the only one with no parachute, so he decided to try to steady the plane a wee bit longer and then things began to settle down. That very day, Dad learned the power of prayer. After they settled safely on the ground, the pilot shouted back to Dad as they walked from the tarmac. “Hey Kitchens, you must be a praying man.” Indeed, he was and continued to be until his roll was beautifully called up yonder 70 years later.

Dad was one of those rare gems that could put everyone at ease instantly. He was a dentist for 40 years and people loved him. Most people dread a visit to the dentist, but not his patients. He would make people laugh, with his demure sense of humor, and even distract them from an impending shot. When he retired, it was a sad local community. I remember vividly coming home for some occasion or another and Dad had sweetly placed an adorable teddy bear in a dress and hair bow on my bed with a sign that read, “Welcome Home!” signed Tessie. I still have that bear to this day.

I had the honor of being there when my dad took his last breath on this earth. Not long before, he had asked for a good ole cup of coffee, one of his favorite things. Days before in the hospital, he would drift in and out and often stroke the invisible pets that I know he was seeing on the other side. I wish I could have only seen a glimpse of the grand reunion they had in glory as he was tenderly and jubilantly welcomed home.

I have often asked the Lord why I was so blessed to have one of the most amazing men on the planet as my Dad. I feel the Lord sweetly replies, “So you can take that love to those around you everywhere you go.” And I am determined to do just that!!

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Lately, my wife Vicki and I have been trying to declutter our home. We’ve been going through all the closets and finding things that we’ve had for years, from when our children were little. In that process, I noticed something I guess I hadn’t thought about before. Little children’s play things tend to be very colorful and shiny! I’m sure that’s helpful in getting and keeping a young child’s attention. The bright and shiny catches their eye and they want it.

Unfortunately, as adults, we haven’t outgrown that fascination for the bright and shiny and the enemy of our souls knows that very well. He can dress up sin in some of the brightest colors and make it sparkle so it catches our eye and makes us want to have it. What he will never let us see is the ugly, destructive nature of that sin. If we saw that, we would never be tempted.

A number of years ago there was a popular gospel song whose chorus shed light on this:

Sin will take you farther than you want to go, slowly but wholly taking control.

Sin will leave you longer than you want to stay. Sin will cost you far more than you want to pay!

The Apostle Paul also addresses this progression of sin as he warns the Christians at Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15:

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

This passage gives us hope because there are several steps that happen before we fall headlong into sin and each of those steps gives us opportunity to turn away; an opportunity to recognize that what we see might not be all there is. With God’s help, we can see what’s behind all the glitz and glitter before it’s too late!

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