-Walk in the Way of Love-
SCRIPTURE READING — EPHESIANS 4:29-5:2
Follow God’s example, therefore . . . and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
— Ephesians 5:1-2
As I neared the end of my hike on the Appalachian Trail, I reflected on the hikers I’d met along the way. I didn’t catch many given names, but I could remember some hikers’ trail names: “K-Bar,” “Poppins,” Pioneer,” “Red Dawn,” “Rhino,” “Shorts,” “Motel,” “Tank,” “Rosie Eagle,” and “Two-Step,” to name a few.
These “trail aliases” don’t reveal much, but they may hint at traits or preferences. Most of my conversations with hikers centered on miles hiked, the next stream, weather, gear, or the trail itself. Some conversations took place for a few minutes while resting along the trail; others took place over a few evenings at the same campsite. Sadly, those fellow hikers and our conversations are now fast becoming wisps of fading memories.
How much meaning do we give to the brief moments when we meet with fellow travelers on life’s journey? God, who created every human person who has ever lived, knows each one intimately— and that makes every person we meet precious. Though it may not be possible to share the word of Christ with every person we meet, perhaps even our most fleeting encounters can be opportunities to share something of his love. To cultivate an attitude of love surely means keeping our eyes on Jesus and letting his love for us flow out to everyone.
Lord Jesus, as we walk with you each day, help us to share your love with the people that we meet. Amen.
-Walking by God’s Light-
SCRIPTURE READING — REVELATION 21:22-22:5
The city does not need the sun or the moon . . . for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light. . . .
— Revelation 21:23-24
After returning home from my long hike on the Appalachian Trail, I still walk every day. Now my walks are on city sidewalks, where I frequently meet neighbors pushing strollers and walking dogs.
The final scenes in the Bible portray life in a city where God lives with us and provides all its light. This city also includes “the river of the water of life” and the tree of life for healing the nations.
Soon after God completed his masterpiece of creation, our human parents disobeyed and plunged this world into misery. From that tragic moment on, the Bible records the depressing consequences of sin. At the same time, thankfully, we see God’s salvation plan unfolding, despite the forces aligned against it.
Finally, in Revelation, we see life restored and made new in a city. But this is no ordinary city. The sun is not needed—God’s glory gives it light, and the nations walk by this light. Jesus has completely conquered sin. God’s children freely live and work and play here, flourishing in full life as God intends for us.
Without this city of light at the end of the tunnel of human history, we could easily be tempted to give up in despair. It takes faith to keep walking with hope toward what God has promised. Like the countless believers who have gone before us, we need to walk faithfully, trusting God as we serve him.
Lord Jesus, help us to trust you as we walk in and toward your light. Amen.
-A Life Marked by Faith-
SCRIPTURE READING — HEBREWS 11:8-10
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went. . . .
— Hebrews 11:8
Though some of us are more adventurous than others, we all long for at least some level of adventure in our lives. Spiritually speaking, adventure begins the moment we hear and heed the call of God in our lives.
This month, let’s travel alongside Abraham in his adventurous journey of faith. Abraham’s journey includes incredible challenges, painful setbacks, and thrilling victories—all in the context of being called to follow God and to believe in God’s promises.
Even though Abraham lived 4,000 years ago, he is still revered as a prophet of God by three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He is considered the father of God’s Old Testament people, and his life made a huge impact on human history.
But what made Abraham great? Ultimately it was God who did that. God called Abraham, and Abraham believed in God, and God credited that to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). Because of God, Abraham’s faith in God became the defining mark of his life.
This month, as we study the life of Abraham together, we too will be challenged to trust in God, take him at his word, and step out in faith. An exciting adventure awaits all who follow God’s call.
Lord and God, you have invited us into the great adventure of faith, assuring us of your presence always. Give us courage and confidence to follow as you lead the way. Amen.
-Defining Faith-
SCRIPTURE READING — HEBREWS 11:1-6
Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
— Hebrews 11:1
Maybe you’ve played the “Trust-Fall” game. To engage in this game, you stand straight and fall backward into the arms of someone who is standing there, ready to catch you. If you have played this game, you know how hard it is to fall back without bending your waist. Entrusting yourself to a support you can’t see is never easy. It requires faith.
Before we join Abraham on his journey of faith, we need to understand what true faith is. Often we think of faith like a spare tire—something we might need in case of emergency to keep us moving on the road of life. As a result, we tend to replace faith with something that seems more tangible, more substantial.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is a firm belief about something we cannot see or completely figure out. But faith is not blind, and it does not conflict with reason. It simply rises above reason and operates on a different level. It doesn’t say, “In human analysis I trust.” Rather, it says, “In God I trust.”
Like a rope that a mountain climber uses to rappel down a cliff, faith leans back and relies wholly on Jesus. It involves choosing to act in dependence on God. And when we do, God is pleased.
Lord, you know how hard it is for us to trust you with our lives. Help us in our times of unbelief. Bolster our sagging faith so that we may walk confidently with you. Amen.
May the Lord bless the Reading of his word.
