Category: 2026 Trek Intro
Week 11–Day 1–Abiding Peace
Scripture reading for March 9: Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The Lord of hosts will do this.”
Isaiah spoke God’s Word to a people who were struggling to find peace. The super power of that day, Assyria, was threatening to take God’s people captive. The people and their leaders were not fully committed to follow God either. But God knew what they needed. He spoke to them about His own zeal to bring them a government of peace. He would give them a Child, His own Son. This Son would shoulder the burden of government with great wisdom. He would be called ‘Wonderful Counselor’, ‘Mighty God,’ ‘Everlasting Father’ and ‘Prince of Peace’! He would bring a lasting peace of which there would be no end through His righteous rule! God Himself, Lord over angel armies, would bring it to pass!
Our world is no different today. God’s people are scattered among those whose lives are disrupted by selfishness and sinful influences. As a responder to less than peaceful troubles, the best thing we can show those we are helping is a calm spirit and a personal peace that reassures the hurting. The only way to truly have this peace is to embrace the One spoken of by the prophet Isaiah 2700 years ago. We must come by faith to Jesus Christ, God’s Son Who came to earth as a child. This Son was given as a gift to the world of sinful men and women. He came proclaiming the kingdom of heaven and inviting those who would humble themselves to enter and find peace. The Lord of hosts (angelic warriors) would bring it to pass and has through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for fulfilling this ancient prophecy given to people lacking peace and justice. Thank You for Your zeal to love us by providing the ‘Prince of Peace’ to rule over us eternally. Help me to reflect His peace to those I am sent to help. Amen.
Week 10 Video Responder Highlight
March 7–Chris Rosencutter –EMT and Firefighter–at the accident–email–rosencutterfamilyCL@Yahoo.com
Day 5–The Rubber Meets the Road
Scripture reading for March 6: Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God , which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It was close to my bedtime on a cool fall night and I was in my sweatpants when my phone began to beep loudly signaling an emergency. “I am Responding” had broadcast a need to those willing to volunteer. A car wreck with possible fire and entrapment had taken place about five miles south of my home. I clicked on “responding” and “station 2”, and slipped on my jeans, grabbed my radio and flashlight and quickly took my pickup to the station a half-mile away. I met two other responders I regularly work with and we quickly dawned our fire gear and reflective vests. They took the big engine and I took the grass truck, praying as we sped to help.
Arriving at the scene, there were already a highway patrol, sheriff’s deputy, adjacent fire company and an ambulance soon arrived. The scene was chaotic and spread out. There were multiple fatalities and an entrapment plus one of the vehicles was on fire. There was construction on the four lane highway and it was blocked off. I parked my grass truck and immediately went to help the medics and other firemen attend to those who were injured. I got supplies from the ambulance and was directed to help with a relative who was hysterical over a deceased loved one. Two of the injured were young children with severe trauma. They had been pulled from a burning vehicle. I was particularly drawn to pray for them. We established a landing zone and one was taken by life-flight helicopter to the hospital.
God’s presence was there that night. His angels were ministering and helped as answers to prayers. The two girls recovered and those entrapped were cut out. Many responders worked together to meet needs and help the hurting. I had many opportunities to pray for people and share God’s love and comfort. I am confident that our Lord was present and is yet fulfilling His plans and purposes. We thank our Lord for His presence and mercy!
Day 4–God’s Angel Army
Scripture reading for March 5: Psalm 34:4-8 “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers him.”
Hebrews 1:14 “Are they (the angels) not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”
Today we will continue with the theme of God’s watching over His people. As fallen humans, we are often held captive by our senses and experience living in the natural world. We all experience fear in some of the incidents that happen to us each day. We know that we don’t have the resources, strength, or ability to solve the problem at hand and we worry or fret about what we should do. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to mask the pain and these are often depressants that take us lower instead of solve the problem. God wants His children to trust Him for His protection.
God’s grace through His Word has revealed a hidden realm of powerful spiritual beings called angels who willingly serve God in total loyalty. When God’s people turn to Him in times of trouble, He is delighted with their faith and trust. (Hebrews 11:6) The psalmist declares that the one who calls on God begins to radiate God’s glory and they will never be ashamed or regret calling on Him. He will send an angel or more to set up a wall of fire around those calling Him and they will camp out there in protection. God’s stated purpose for His angels was that they be ministering spirits, sent out to serve the heirs of salvation! How comforting and empowering to know that we have unseen help close at hand camping out around us who honor God by calling on Him!
Prayer: Father God, although I have never knowingly seen an angel, I have been aware of Your supernatural protection preserving my life several times and probably many more. I invite You to send me protection and help as I go into situations of danger and darkness. Reveal the reality of the unseen world to your children as they call on You. Amen.
Day 3–More for Us than Against Us!
Scripture reading for March 4: 2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Sometimes our life seems like we are being overwhelmed by more than we can handle. We go to the doctor for a physical and come home with a list of issues showing us we are in trouble. We set up a budget, but then the sewer backs up and we are faced with a large financial disruption. As a first responder, we respond to a call for help in an accident and suddenly find multiple injuries and fatalities and entrapment with fire potential. Sometimes we respond just like the servant of Elisha, with despair and wondering what to do next.
This short story from Scripture tells us of a time when the prophet Elisha was staying in a walled city and the army was out fighting in another location. In the night, the enemy army surrounded the city with overwhelming forces. When the servant saw what had happened, he returned in despair, asking Elisha what they could do. Elisha simply turned to the Lord in prayer and with the vision of faith he had developed from walking with God. He asked that eyes would be opened to the invisible realm of the Spirit. God graciously granted the request and clearly revealed heaven’s army, armed with glory!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this simple story from long ago showing Your power and ability to protect Your people. Remind me each day of this profound truth: “There is more for us than against us!” Give me grace to pray for open eyes when I feel overwhelmed or overrun. Thank You! Amen.
Day 2–God is watching!
Scripture reading for March 3: 2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him.” Psalm 33:18-19 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love, that He may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.”
There are between eight and nine billion people alive now on the earth. Scripture teaches us that God knows each person by name. He even knows all their thoughts and the number of hairs on their head. God takes delight in people who are made in His image and likeness, especially those who honor Him as Lord and trust Him for righteousness.
Today’s verses declare that God’s eyes are in continual motion, scanning the hearts of men. He is looking for those who are blameless towards Him. But Scripture also declares that there are no righteous people, not even one! So how can anyone be ‘blameless’ towards God? It is by faith in Jesus Christ that we are declared to be blameless. (Romans 3:22-25) This is a gift given to all who believe and trust God’s cleansing us from sin by the blood shed by His Son. God is just in that He provided the sacrifice of His Son to pay for sin and is now able to justify those who by faith accept that payment.
It is comforting to know that God is watching us to determine how He might help us and support us. As a faith responder we can have strong confidence that God is with us. He has given us His Holy Spirit to be with us always, revealing God’s wisdom and counsel in each incident. Even in dry times, He will provide life-giving refreshment in the midst of famine. He knows your name and needs and will be honored if we call on Him for help! (Psalm 50:15)
Prayer: Father God, thank You for watching over all believers. I am encouraged to be reminded of this truth as I face each day and the dry times in life’s journey. Help me start each day acknowledging Your great love and concern with a thankful heart. I rest in Your provision for my blamelessness in Jesus. Amen.
Week 10–Day 1–Trusting God for Outcomes
Scripture reading for March 2: Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” Isaiah 46:10-11 “‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,’
Each day we responders need to remind ourselves Who is in control of that day and the steps that we will take. God has plans and purposes for each person individually as well as plans for nations and people groups. He is the only One Who knows all that has happened, all that is now happening, and what will happen in the future.
God has written down His counsel in the form of the Holy Scriptures that those who trust in Him may know His plans and purposes. Today’s Scripture from Psalm 33 calls all the righteous to praise, thanksgiving and rejoicing because of God’s amazing love and faithfulness to all earth’s inhabitants. By His amazing Word, He created the heavens and earth. He is in control of all creation and watches over the ‘children of man’ and knows their hearts and sees all their deeds coming from their heart. (Psalm 33:13-15) Some are trusting in their strength or position of authority to save them. God says He will frustrate their plans. But God’s children trust in Him alone and His unfailing love. Because of their faith, they wait on the Lord in joyful expectation that He is working everything out according to the counsel of His will, for His plans are secure forever!
As responders we must trust God each day for wisdom and direction to do our jobs with excellence and proficiency. But we must not just trust in our own wisdom and ability or even knowledge of the situation. God is working out His plans and the outcomes are ultimately in His capable hands. We need to be reminded often of these truths as we work with those facing injury, disease, or death.
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for giving me counsel today to depend on You for everything in each situation I will encounter today. I surrender my will and abilities to Your purposes and plans. I trust You to work all things after the counsel of Your amazing will to love and save. Amen.
Video Responder Highlight–week 9–
Jefferson County Sheriff Deputy Tim Bacon–Courage to face danger
Day 5–Courage to face uncertainty
Scripture reading for February 27: Mark 10: 32-34 “And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, He began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priest and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and flog Him and kill Him. And after three days, He will rise.””
In this passage of Scripture, Jesus is leading His disciples on the road to Jerusalem and Jesus has been telling them plainly what would happen to Him there. As they walked on the road, the disciples had mixed emotions of amazement about Jesus rising from the dead and fear of His predicted mocking and death. As we put ourselves into their shoes, we can understand the uncertainty that they felt. They had followed Jesus and loved to be with Him. Each day had been an adventure in encountering uncertainty and difficulties and Jesus had amazed them with His Words and supernatural ability. But facing His death brought new fears.
As we look at our lives as first responders, we face uncertainty nearly every time we are called out. We may have a general idea of the troubles, but there are always unknown variables that could prove dangerous or even fatal to others or to us. As a believer, this passage of Scripture helps me in several ways. First of all, it is natural to have some fear of the unknown and dangerous situations. The disciples were afraid but still followed Jesus. This shows me that if I am following Jesus, He has every situation under control and knows exactly what will happen and the desired results. Following Jesus takes the burden off of me to know everything and be in total control. Even if I struggle to understand Jesus instructions, I can trust that He will be patient with me and lead me through to victory!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to be my Lord and Counselor Who is always with me. I invite You to lead me into each incident and give me courage to serve You. I believe that You will work everything out for good because You love me. Amen.
Day 4–Courage to Keep Forgiving
Scripture reading for February 26: Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
A central teaching of Jesus Christ concerned forgiveness of sins. Man’s greatest need is forgiveness of sins and Jesus Christ’s primary message of the Good News was that through Him, sin could be forgiven. Jesus’ disciples struggled to understand forgiveness. Part of their religious training concerned equal retribution for offences. If someone poked out your eye, you could get even and poke out his eye. Jesus instead taught that if we expected God to forgive us our sins, we must forgive others their sins against us. All vengeance belonged to God, since only He knows all about each person and He alone can judge justly.
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, asked Jesus about how many times he should forgive someone who sinned against him. He suggested that seven times might be a generous number. But Jesus responded with something much greater–“seventy-seven times.” Some translations say ‘seventy times seven.’ The whole point is that forgiveness is the proper decision towards those who have offended you or did you wrong.
As first responders, we must work with others on most of our calls. There are always those who offend. These may be fellow responders or even the people that we were called to help. We should never keep score in order to get even or to repay in kind. Jesus’ gave us the ultimate demonstration of forgiveness when from the cross He cried, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) This prayer was directed to those who had crucified Him and falsely accused Him. He laid down His life that all might receive forgiveness and demonstrated God’s generous grace.
Prayer: Father God, like Peter, I sometimes count how many times I have forgiven and think I have been generous. Forgive me and teach me how to have the courage to forgive others every time I am offended or wronged. I trust You to have mercy on them and me. Amen.