Monday, June 8, 2026

Bible in a Year: Exodus 25-28 | Romans 15

It’s good to have someone in your life who can lead you in a different direction and remind you that, sometimes, what looks good on the outside is not the way you should go. 

If you’ve ever been roped into trying a new product at the mall or suckered into watching the latest and greatest product demo on social media, you know what I’m talking about! You know you want to - but you were only shopping for work clothes and had no intention of buying anything on TikTok. 

Just like these traps for our attention and focus, in life, there are people who lead us astray, while others point us in the right direction. The bottom line is: the people you let in will get you to where you are going. 

Life isn’t just about where you’re going, it’s about who you’re going with. It’s up to us to find the right people to let in, listen to, and shape our direction, mindset, and ultimately, our future. 

In Mark 2, Jesus had returned to Capernaum, large crowds had gathered, and people had gotten word that the healer was in town. The Pharisees (religious leaders) were trying to lead people away from Jesus, but for the paralyzed man, his friends knew exactly where he needed to go for healing - to Jesus. 

Mark 2:2b-5, 10b-12a
While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” 

…Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”  

And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. ” 

The people in your life who will help you get to where you want to go… 

They protect. 

They enjoy life with you. 

They are team players. 

They encourage. 

They uplift. 

They heal.

They help you reach your goal or destination.

They don’t punish; they forgive. 

They recognize your value.

They reconcile.

Let this be your guide when you need direction on where you are going with the people around you. 

Questions: 
When was the last time you were amazed by friends who showed up for you?

How do you and your friends show love like Jesus? 

Next Steps:
Invite a friend out to do something you both enjoy.

Practice encouraging someone by giving a friend a compliment. 

Have a conversation you have been avoiding. 

Prayer: 
Jesus, the people I let in get me to where I am going. They shape my direction, mindset, and ultimately my future. On this journey called life, it is important to be mindful of who I am going with. If they are not leading me in the right direction, I pray you would keep them away. I pray for the people you have put in my life and the direction we are leading each other. 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 Becca Roberts, a West attendee and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.