Day 17: Ripples of Light

Reading: Psalm 10: 1-11

There is so much pride in the wicked. Those who run the land and do as they please show no concern for anyone but themselves. We read some scary things about the wicked in this Psalm, and sadly, they are true today. Just turn on the news and you'll see plenty of sad stories about others taking advantage of an innocent person, or someone who stole, or murdered. It is all over in our world today, this sense of pride and entitlement. I see it from teenagers and adults alike.
One thing we can take from this reading is to check our own selves. We might not be able to change the guy on the news who took a life, but we can start with our own selves and our surroundings. The way you carry yourself in this world will shine light to others, and God will use you to inspire them to do what is right and put others before themselves.

What are somethings about our world that scare you?




How can you carry yourself in this life to reflect the attitude God wants you to have?




Reading: Matthew 12:46-13:17

Many times we hear Jesus talk about family. We are told to honor our father and mother, yet Jesus tells us to love them less than Himself. If we want to follow Jesus' mission and calling for us, we don't have to abandon our family or "hate" them, but we can't put them over what God wants us to do. Jesus is focused on His mission, and though He loves His mother and family much, He needs to keep focused on that mission. We can follow this example and do what God needs us to do, and allow our families to follow. But if a family member ever tries to get in your way of God's calling, this could be a difficult time for both of you.
We also read about the seeds in the parable Jesus teaches. The basic message here is to make sure you have deep roots in Him. When you don't plant yourself in soil that helps you grow in faith, any storm or hardship that comes around can easily knock you down. Jesus warns the people about this, and tells them to dig down deep roots, so the crop you produce will be high. Again, this can be an example to others who have shallower roots, or no roots. If you live a life with deep roots in Christ, they can see that, and want that life too.
Lastly, we can take from Jesus' teaching here that we can't let life choke us out. There are so many other things to worry about other than Jesus and His mission for us. Even in a church, things can cause us to turn our eyes away from the purpose and mission, and focus only on superficial things. Jesus warns us to stay grounded and focused. Not to worry about life and filling it up with all sorts of busy things. When we do that, we lose the opportunity to grow in Him and seek out His purpose for us.
"If you don't have time to pray and read the Bible, you are busier than God ever intended you to be."

Is there something taking priority over God in your life? How can this change?




What kind of roots do you think you have? How is this a light to others?




Reading: Genesis 34:1-35:29

This is a reading that just escalates from bad to worse. Though Dinah is raped by Shechem, a truce is made between the two families and nations. However, Dinah's true brothers go and murder every male in Shechem's land. This doesn't help matters for Jacob and his family, as this revenge has put quite a bad name on his family and people. Revenge is never the answer, and this should be left up to God. What happened to Dinah was certainly horrible, and should never be endorsed, but the way it was handled was not good. Instead of forgiveness, which Jesus calls us to do, Dinah's brothers jump to revenge.
What kind of testimony would you leave if you forgave the seemingly unforgivable? God gives us the ability to forgive and the strength to, no matter how hard it may be. It is the way we carry on with life peacefully and without the sting of guilt. Revenge will only bring on new problems and cause a bad reputation. Being a light and an example is doing the hard stuff, and that may be forgiving.

What is something someone's done to you that you need to forgive? What about something you've done that you've gotten forgiveness for?




How is forgiveness a type of testimony, example and light to others?




The way you carry yourself through this life will be the light you reflect for all to see. You can live a life of pride and doing things to fill up your life, or you can be humble and put others before yourself, and get even more full. Watch where you dig down your roots, as the smallest storm can take you down if you're not rooted deep in what can truly hold you up. Be a testimony through the life you live and the light you shine to those around you.