Light Needed (Part 2)

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:4-8

“Can you sleep at our campsite tonight?” Josh asked his friend Ben after spending the evening with Ben’s family. “My mom says it’s okay with her.”

“Can I, Mom? Then I won’t wake you when I get up early to go fishing.”

Ben’s mom nodded. “Okay, but it’s already dark, so take your sleeping bag and get going.”

As they started out, Josh snapped on his flashlight. “Last night I left this thing in my pocket all the way home. I’m not gonna make the same mistake twice!”

When they came to a narrow stretch of the path, Josh led the way and Ben followed behind him. “Can you see okay, Ben?” Josh turned back to light Ben’s path. As they walked along, Josh continued to leave the beam of light on the path behind him, making sure Ben could see. “Last night I fell over a tree root,” Josh said, “and I don’t want—oops!” Down he went, and the flashlight went flying into a bush.

After the boys recovered the light, Josh turned to Ben. “Walk up here with me so we can both see where we’re going.”

When they arrived at the campsite, Josh’s family was waiting. “We saw your light and heard a crash,” said Mom. “What happened this time?”

“Fell again even though you were using the flashlight, didn’t you?” teased Cora. “Maybe you need glasses.”

After hearing the story, Dad smiled. “Do you know who you remind me of tonight?” he asked. Josh shook his head. “You remind me of myself—again!” Dad said. “You were using your flashlight this time, but you were pointing it on somebody else’s path. I’ve done the same thing with the light of the Bible. There have been times when I’ve heard God’s Word preached at church and thought, I hope so-and-so is listening. They really need to hear this. Or times when I’ve read something in the Bible and applied it to another person’s life instead of my own.”

“So,” began Cora, “we need to shine the Bible’s light on our own paths and lives.”

Dad nodded. “God’s Word sometimes contains hard truths, but it also tells us the good news of Jesus and what He did to save us. We need to apply everything it says to our lives. That’s the way to keep from falling!”

-Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

As you read today’s Key Verse, did you notice the word my? Read it again, and emphasize that word. Whenever you read the Bible, apply what it says to yourself. Each of us must check our own heart when we hear the truth of God’s Word instead of pointing to others. Trust Jesus to help you shine the light of His Word on your path by applying its truth to your life.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Apply Bible truths to yourself