Thursday, June 4, 2026

Bible in a Year: Exodus 17-20 | Romans 13

Who doesn’t love to be noticed, at least in a positive way?

Once, when CedarCreek was still a prayer in Lee Powell’s mind, I was helping with the stage lights. I was clueless, but since we were short on help that weekend, I stepped in. During a pivotal moment in the service, I forgot to light the cross at the front of the auditorium. Lee called out:

“Lauri, can you light up the cross?”

That wasn’t the kind of attention I was hoping for… but I was happy Lee knew my name!

Jesus was great at noticing people. When it came to making connections, he was never in a hurry, which can be a major roadblock. In Mark 10, as Jesus was leaving Jericho, he encountered Bartimaeus.

Mark 10:48-49, 51-52
…But he (Bartimaeus) only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here….”

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

What’s remarkable about this story is that we know Jesus had somewhere more important to be, because the following week was the start of holy week, when he made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Even with the significant event ahead, Jesus still paused to meet Bart and respond to his cry for connection.

Why?

Because Bart acknowledged Jesus and his title. Because Bart made known his need. Because Jesus could heal him. Because he could leave us an example to follow. Because Jesus saw him and loved him.

In our online world, people are desperate to be seen. So many of the cringy things we see on social media are cries for recognition. We’ve lost the interpersonal connectivity that carries many risks, but also offers great opportunities for growth and emotional maturity.

But we don’t have to give in to that urge. We can decide to “touch grass,” or spend time in our relational world by our intentional BID - Be Interested Daily. We can turn toward, create safety, and see people in our lives.

Yes, we are busy, but sometimes we use our busyness as an excuse to not engage. Jesus calls us to do better.

He did. Will you?

Questions:
Who in your relational world needs you to turn toward them? How can you be more present for them?

Next Steps:
Whoever that person (or persons) is, pray and ask God to give you the way to turn toward them so that they will feel your attention and love for them.

Be Interested Daily!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am grateful that I never have to doubt your love and affection for me. Help me be a person who gives love and affection to the people in my life so that they don’t doubt that I see them and love them. Forgive me for the times I’ve turned away, and even turned against them. I pray, Lord, that you would let no unwholesome word come from my mouth, but only that which is useful in building people up. Help me to encourage them to be the people you see them as - your dearly loved children. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

This post was written by Lauri White, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.