A Weekly Walk in the Word

Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

This isn’t a suggestion. It is a requirement. It is a call to action. Micah shared these words with the people God delivered from Egypt in hopes of establishing a model society. It was a radical way of thinking in 800BC. God wasn’t interested in rituals or burnt offerings. God was and still is interested in our hearts which lead to the actions in which we live our lives in community. It isn’t a suggestion. It is required of you to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Luke 3:21-23 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.

God gave Jesus an incredible send-off into his ministry throughout the land. Today we celebrated our Pastor’s ten year anniversary in ministry from the pulpit. Ministry takes place in church buildings, in the wilderness and in our neighborhoods. People called into ministry are a blessing. Who has ministered to you over the years? Let them know how they have touched your life. They are a gift from God and should be celebrated.

Luke 9:11 But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

I live just south of Minneapolis. This has been a very dark week for Minnesota. It began with government corruption leading to raids, riots and even death. Violence has been unleashed by both sides. Social media is filled with stories urging you to “believe” why their thoughts are the correct ones. In all the noise, all I can think about is the old tag line – WWJD. What would Jesus Do? Jesus would be the light in this dark world. He would welcome all the people. He would tell them about the Kingdom of God. He would heal them. And if you continue to read in Luke, Jesus would feed the people. He would care not only for their spiritual health, He would care for their physical health. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus? How can you shine a light in a dark world. How will you care for the people to silence the noise?

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

As we reflect on 2025, I hope you have taken the time to count your blessings. What have you been given? What have you given of yourself? Whose lives have you impacted? Be proud of your accomplishments as you reset in the New Year. Write down your resolutions and plans for 2026, but hold them loosely. Your life is ultimately in God’s hands. Sometimes He overrides your plans because His vision is bigger than yours. What may feel like a closed door might be protection or preparation for something bigger than you could ever imagine. Trust God’s plan as you move into 2026. Happy New Year

Luke 2:8-20 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The shepherd’s story is one we hear every year during Christmas through church services, children’s pageants or even Charlie Brown Christmas on TV. But this year I learned something new about these verses which gave me an even deeper understanding. Are you ready for this? It was First Century cultural and societal practices for children between the ages of 7 – 12 to watch the sheep overnight. These kids were working an entry level, 3rd shift job when the Angel of the Lord came to them. The angel appeared to CHILDREN! And the children ran to see the new baby Jesus. But their story didn’t stop at the manger. These brave children told the Good News of Jesus to everyone. Let that sink in as you reread the verses above. Jesus was born for everyone! Merry Christmas

John 1:9-14 The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

How will you welcome the light into your home this Christmas? Jesus came to live among us to be the light of the world for all people. As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday this week, let His light shine brightly through you for everyone to see.

Luke 1:46-55 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.” (CEB Version)

Mary sang this song to Elizabeth before John the Baptist or Jesus were born, but both women were expecting. Mary knew the importance of her role in the kingdom of God. Mary knew she was carrying the one sent to save the world, the Great I Am!

How has God called you to play a role in the kingdom of God? How will you respond?

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Ladies, never underestimate the role you play in God’s kingdom. After several requests and years of writing, my second book is available. This book has been healing for me as I worked through the editing process during Jo’s cancer treatments and loosing our son, Seth. God gave me the peace I needed through the words He gave me to write. God knew what I needed before I did. “Women Walking in the Word” is a 365 day devotional with room for journaling every day that will walk you through the entire New Testament. If you would like a copy to begin 2026, or if you are looking for a special gift to give women in your life, please reach out to me at Wandaswool@gmail.com. I would be thrilled to send you copies. The book sells for $24.95 and $5 shipping. God bless you as we roll into a New Year.

Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

This week was the first anniversary of my son Seth’s passing. I have been dreading this day for 52 weeks. But guess what? I survived it. I survived through special time away with my husband and children. I survived through prayers lifting me up by friends, family and strangers. I survived through God holding me closer than he has ever held me. I have been blessed through my extreme grief.

If you have a prayer request, please reach out. I would love to pray for you. No prayer is too big or too small. God hears them all.

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

It is time in the Playter household to upgrade our cell phones once again. The latest and greatest version of the iPhone placed in my hand was magical. The anticipation of more storage along with the capability to do endless tasks was so exciting….. until it wasn’t. I sat in the Verison store with my daughter for almost 4 hours working on transferring information and remembering passwords. My excitement turned to frustrations when my phone locked me out for 24 hours before I could change my password to begin the process all over again. Perhaps I need to go back to a rotary dial phone.

I am so thankful for my direct line to Jesus through prayer. The greatest form of communication. No appointment needed. No upgrades to be made. Jesus will never lock me out, but is always ready to take my call without any added fees or limitations on usage. Technology is hard. Prayer is easy!