Thursday, August 14, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Mark 9

I have about ten unread Messenger notifications from one person dating back to July 17th, and a few get added each week. They’re videos of fire (aka awesome) freestyles, or podcast quotes. I’ll get to them eventually, and then I’ll flood his Messenger with similar things. It’s an expected, but never mentioned, monthly routine. We break protocol for birthdays, holidays, Ohio visits, or the random traffic light stop in Virginia when he notices I'm in the car next to him. Our friendship started 42 years ago when he graciously let me use his Gargamel toy as my G.I. Joe’s punching bag.

Our friendship has always been easy. The passing years never stop us from catching up without forgetting where we left off. I’m thankful for such a gift because I can’t say the same for others from my past, where distance turned friendships into acquaintances or ghosts. I always had awkward moments building relationships as a kid, which had more to do with my introverted ways. So, when God placed good people in my life, I tried my best to accept the gift without seeming too needy. Friendship is a necessity, but craving it growing up didn’t always bring in the best crowd. However, finding the joy it offered as an unexpected gift was a game-changer.

James 1:17
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

While gifts are from God, we need to be mindful not to crave them, or expect them to fill a gap that only God can. Bikes get outgrown, and phones outdated. If our identity and happiness is based on “having the things,” whether they are material, like the “in” sweatshirt or non-material like friendship, their preciousness as provision from God loses its impact.

We get fooled by so much. It can lead one to blindness toward true value. Be thankful for the blessings of God’s unexpected gifts over and over. Soon you’ll begin to appreciate what’s necessary over what’s momentary.

Questions:
How do you handle the good gifts from God? Can you recall a time you didn’t appreciate God’s gift because it didn’t align with your wants?

Next Steps:
Don’t stop thanking God for the good things in your life. Discover a new appreciation by dedicating your time to serving others, whether through your church or community. Second Saturday Serve and joining the Dream Team are great ways to start showing appreciation.

Prayer: 21 Days of Prayer - Day 11
Dear God, you said to “let the children come to you,” showing that you have a big heart for children. I pray for safety for the children, teachers, staff, and administrators as they embark upon a new school year. I pray for the district leaders as they make crucial decisions, that you would grant them great wisdom. May your followers be a positive influence in their schools, reflecting the hope that we have in you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 16:11
You will show me the way of life,

    granting me the joy of your presence

    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.