April 30

Today's Reading

As you read the tragic Judges account of Jephthah today remember the theme of the book: "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." The results sort of fly in the face of the humanistic idea that people are basically good and will internally want to do the right thing.

The book of John begins with a declaration of Jesus, the Living Word of God. It then picks up the account of John (a different one) the Baptizer. I love this passage because it includes the verse I hold central in my life right now: John 1:14 says that Jesus was "full of grace and truth." That's the balance I want in my life.

I like Psalm 101 because it expresses a deep cry from my heart. In times a the most wonderful intimacy with God, words like this just naturally flow. Then, there are other times when I tend to run from Him as fast as I can. Oh, to grow more consistent in my walk!

Proverbs: sometimes the saddest person around is the clown.

Hey, Climbing Companion, how's it going?

April 29

Today's Reading

Judges: will the current difficult times in our nation cause people to put aside their false gods and turn to the Lord? I hope so!

It's hard to read this passage in Luke without feeling the passion Jesus was giving His followers to tell others about Him. His explanation of the Old Testament Scriptures on the Emmaus Road would help prepare them for declaring Him as Messiah to the Jews. His promise of forgiveness for all who repent and believe in Him reaches down to us 2,000 years later. "O, Lord Jesus, may we see with our own eyes and renewed power of the Gospel with thousands turning to You!"

Psalms 100 is an awesome call to worship!

Proverbs: the promise that the godly will flourish means a lot to me in hard times. How about you?

If you have been behind in your reading, I encourage you to leap ahead and join us where we currently are. Some people have to work on this process for several years before they can make it all the way through.

April 28

Today's Reading

Judges: the history in this book often baffles me. One thing it shows is that, when the people turned away from good, they were corrupted in all sorts of ways. What do you learn from the story of Abimelech?

Luke: it was the "duty" of the women to prepare Jesus' body for burial. They couldn't complete it on Friday night because sundown marked the beginning of the Sabbath and the law forbade them from working on that day. Their trip to the tomb Sunday morning began as a completion of that duty. It ended differently than they could have imagined!

The picture Psalms paints of God "seated" on the throne is very comforting to me. He isn't biting His nails. He isn't pacing. He isn't wondering how we can get through this. He is seated. At rest. Working skillfully. Loving tenderly. Judging righteously.

Proverbs includes this verse, which speaks to me in a whole new way today: "Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation."

Hey, Climbing Companion, what do you see today?

April 27

Today's Reading

Judges today gives a vivid description of the defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and his 300 men. I would love to hear the review of this battle by some of our experienced military people. Suffice it for me to tell you that Midian's army was probably the most powerful fighting force of their day. God reduced the size of Gideon's army so that God Himself brought the victory. Afterward, the pride of the Ephraimites and the subsequent vengeance of Gideon is a sad ending to the account.

Luke: I am amazed at the forgiveness offered by God. First, Jesus prays for forgiveness to those who crucified Him. Then, He promises paradise to a man who offers a simple act of contrition.

Today's Psalm paints a beautiful word picture of this wonderful, awesome God that we serve.

A New Testament verse reminds me of today's Proverbs. "Bad company corrupts good morals."

What are your thoughts?

April 26

Today's Reading

Judges: Gideon struggled with God's plan for him. He looked at his own abilities and doubted. Have you done that?

This passage also includes another name for God. What do you think of it?

Luke: Peter's denials, Pilate's ambivalence and Herod's mockery are the painful exclamation points to this passage.

Psalm 95 and 96 are awesome, don't you think? I am moved by the words, "Don't harden your hearts as Israel did..."

Proverbs reminds us to speak the truth. The New Testament adds that we must do it with love.

Okay, you guys. I'd love to hear from you today!

April 25

Today's Reading

Judges: "Jael nailed it all down." Someone came up with that at the college I attended many years ago. I still smile at it.

Luke: "This is your moment; the time when the power of darkness reigns." We have such moments in our lives, too. If only we can remember that the darkness always gives way to the light!

Psalms: I keep rediscovering that that world can be a heartless, cruel place. God is our refuge and our victory!

Proverbs 14:4 is one of my favorite Bible verses. Where there are no people, there are no problems. As a pastor, I'm grateful for the problems that come from people working in God's harvest!

What verse speaks to you today?

April 24

Today's Reading

Judges: notice the pattern of Israel. They rebelled against God and God allowed them to be defeated. They cried out to God and He sent a judge to lead them to victory. They had peace, got prideful, rebelled and started the process over again.

It has been a while since I pondered Jesus words to Simon Peter in today's Luke reading. "Satan has asked..." Later this year we will read how Satan asked for permission to test Job and God granted it. It's amazing that God allows these things. Then, when we see the results, we understand how God uses the tests to grow us.

Psalms: the godly will flourish like palm trees. We have seen palm trees withstand torrid heat and wind that blows trucks over. What a description!

Proverbs: build your home (doesn't say "your house"); fear the Lord. Simple, profound steps to success.

What do you see?

April 23

Today's Reading

Judges 21:25 is the very last verse in this book we begin today. However, it describes the entire book. It says..."In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." You are about to read a very unsettled part of Israel's history in their new land. It is full of great heroes and horrible sinfulness.

The Israelites failed to fully drive out the people of the land. They failed to put an end to pagan worship. Here we are, thousands of years later, with the promise, "they will be thorns in your sides," holding true.

Jesus reminds us in Luke to "keep alert" and "pray." The older I get and the longer I get to walk with God, the more those instructions mean to me.

Psalm 91 says that God alone is our refuge from the storms of life. Praise His name!

Proverbs brings to mind one or two of the difficult things my parents allowed me to face when I was a kid. I have never forgotten the lessons.

What do you notice today?

April 22

Today's Reading

The Joshua passage today reminds me of how different it was when the people didn't have the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit within them. He (the H.s.) lives in Christians today because we live after the crucifixion and resurrection. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) was when God chose to start baptizing Christ's followers in the Holy Spirit. During the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon certain people at specific times for special tasks, but they didn't know the presence of the Spirit in them.

That said, I think they meant to serve God from then on, but they quit after Joshua died.

When I read this passage from Luke, I wonder if we are at the very beginnings of this time described by Jesus.

I find it amazing that this Psalm ends with, "Praise the Lord forever!"

Proverbs today has four very unique sayings. Which one speaks the most to you?

There we go. Hope you enjoy today's reading. Questions? Comments?

April 21

Today's Reading

Joshua: "Deep in your hearts, you know that every promise of God has come true." I am very comforted by those words.

Reading Jesus' warning about religious leaders in Luke, I'm reminded of what Billy Graham's counselors said to him when he was young. They told him that three things are often used to bring preachers down: money, sex and power. Then they intentionally set up the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to protect him in those three areas.

God promises to love unconditionally and judge fairly in today's Psalm. May our hearts be fully directed to him.

The best dreams require us to turn from evil, according to Proverbs today.

And, Climbing Companion, how are you doing?

April 20

Today's Reading

Reading Joshua today reminds me of just how interdependent the Israelites were at that time in their history. When it was time to share part of the land with the priestly tribe (Levi), they all had a part. When they thought three tribal groups were building their own altar in rebellion against God (rest of the story is tomorrow), they were afraid that the entire nation might be punished.

Luke reminds us that the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. He is the cornerstone of our lives and our hope.

Psalms: if the highest angelic powers stand in awe before God, how much more should we humble ourselves before Him?

Proverbs: perhaps the most important quality of a good reputation is to have and use Biblical wisdom. "Good sense."

That's it for today? What speaks to you?

April 19

Today's Reading

Joshua today describes the final allotment of the Land. I think it was appropriate that Dan be the most Southern tribe (if I understand it correctly) because they were very strong and their enemy Egypt was directly south of them.

Also in Joshua, I wonder how many lives were saved by the cities of refuge.

Luke: I recently wrote about some of today's passage in my other blog, Dwell and Cultivate. If you would care to read these fictionalized accounts, you will find them here and here.

Sometimes the Psalms are just raw. Such is the case today. Imagine the slow passage of time with no relief from sorrow, difficulty and pain. Yet God saw to it that this Psalm was recorded for us to read a few thousand years after it was written. Obviously, He wants us to know that such times exist and that He is always faithful.

Growth in wisdom means openness to those who give wise advice: Proverbs today.

And what do you see?

April 18

Today's Reading

I think the contrast in Joshua 17 of the attitude of the Ephraimites compared to Caleb's family is very telling. Caleb wanted to press forward in faith. This tribe was paralyzed by fear.

Today, Luke tells us about Zaccheus, who joyfully placed himself under God's authority for his life. Then we have a story about people rejecting God. Contrast the endings of their stories.

Psalm 87 sings of the promise of what is to come: Jerusalem restored with King Jesus on the throne. Hallelujah!

Proverbs tells us how to gain wealth for living and for helping.

What do you see today?

April 17

Today's Reading

Joshua: many Scripture passages tell us history. This section of Joshua is about geography. It would be easier to understand if we were looking at an ancient map.

I often think about the millenia-old conflict that resulted from the inability to drive out the Jebusites. Jebus the name comes from a root meaning "hatred." Jerusalem is supposed to be a city of peace, but instead has been full of bloodshed all these years.

Luke: I'm captivated by the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man on the road to Jericho. Some Jews believed that the "son of David" would have the power to heal. He had heard that Jesus was called the son of David. He believed. He saw!

I'm grateful for the reminder of God's mercy as I read this Psalm.

According to today's Proverb, I want to be a person who listens to wise advice.

How about you?

April 16

Today's Reading

Joshua today has two sections I love. The first is God's promise that He Himself will be the allotment for the priestly tribe. The second is the faith and reward of Caleb after all those year.

Notice Jesus' words in Luke about persistent faith and about humility. We need to have both. Be very cautious about answering arrogance with arrogance.

Psalms: 8 I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
so our land will be filled with his glory.
'Nuff said!

I think about Sam Walton who, as a billionaire, drove his old beat-up Ford pickup when he could have driven anything. That's what Proverbs brings to mind.

My heart is lifted up by today's reading. How about yours?

April 15

Today's Reading

Joshua: today's list of defeated enemies speaks to me of God's faithfulness and Joshua's obedience. What does it say to you?

Luke: Jesus had healed the ten lepers, yet He commended the one who returned, saying, "Your faith has healed you." I don't get the distinction; does anyone have insight on it?

I love this Psalm and find it refreshing. "Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere."

Proverbs: in our time, little white lies are considered expedient at times. Notice what God's Word says about them.

Good stuff today. What's your input?

April 14

Today's Reading

Joshua: what lessons do you learn from the deception of the Gibeonites and the failure of Israel's leaders to catch them in it because they failed to consult God. What about the total annihilation of so many different tribes and people?

Luke: Jesus' words, "we are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty," almost seem cold. What do you think He meant? What does the story of Lazarus and the rich man tell you about God's judgment?

I know of no Psalm that better describes the generations-long conflict in the Middle East than this one.

Proverbs: God's wisdom seems to say that it's better to take any job you can get than to sit and home hoping for a great one. I believe that God blesses those who are faithful in starter jobs with better jobs.

I hope to hear from you today.

April 13

Today's Reading

Joshua: it's a dangerous thing to think we can conquer spiritual enemies with our own strength. God's people discovered that in Ai.

Luke: I'm challenged by Jesus' powerful instructions about money. What do you think?

Psalms: when we have money or strength or freedom, we much use them well to help those without. Or God may take away what we have.

Proverbs: I have always tried to talk myself out of stressful situations. Sometimes, according to this passage, it's not the best.

How are you doing with your reading? What thoughts do you have?

April 12

Today's Reading

Today's reading in Joshua moves like an action adventure book. It is full of points about listening to God, being courageous and obeying what God says. Which part speaks the most to you?

Luke: which character would you be in the story? The Prodigal or the older brother? Why?

Today's Psalm is a clear window into the heart of God. He longs for us to follow His ways, not because He's the boss, but because His ways open the door for His rewards.

Proverbs is an echo of Psalms, except the relationship is between children and their earthly parents.

What are your thoughts today?

April 11

Today's Reading

Joshua: the Jordan River was at flood stage and could have easily been over 10 miles wide when this happened. Those of us who have lived in Yuma a long time can remember many years ago when the Gila River was flooding. I went through Telegraph Pass headed to Phoenix early one morning during that flood. I crested the Pass right at sunrise. Looking to my left, I saw what looked like a huge lake, several miles across, which wasn't normally there. I think of that when I read this passage.

Luke: I am always amazed at Christ's love for people and touched by His command to go to the disenfranchised when the "in crowd" doesn't respond to Him.

Psalms: it seems that growth always makes us susceptible to pride. Then, a fall!

Proverbs: I have been guilty of buying "toys" I thought I wanted, then not even using them. That's what I get from today's Proverb.

How about you? What is speaking to you?

April 10

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy: we come to the end of this book today, but we also conclude the first section of the Bible, often called the Books of the Law. Israel is about to cross into the Promised Land and we are about to enter into their rise and fall as a political power.

Joshua opens with God reinforcing that Josh needed to be strong and courageous. Then it quickly enters the story of Rahab the harlot, a direct ancestor (so many "greats", then "grandmother") of Jesus. What do you think of the way God used her?

Luke: it's difficult to believe how blind the religious leaders had become. They were so swallowed up with keeping their rules that they forgot the kindness of God. Have you met people like that? I have. In fact, to a certain extent I used to be one!

Psalms: it is obviously dear to God's heart when His people cry out to Him in trouble. Yet we find it so easy to try everything else first!

Proverbs: I pray that you and I are like fountains of good advice.

How are you doing today?

April 9

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy: Moses, at the end of his life, shares his words of blessing to each of Israel's tribes.

Luke: do you remember when Jesus cursed the fig tree during Holy Week? It withered and died. The fig tree was symbolic of the nation of Israel, even back in the Old Testament.

Psalms: whatever the reasons, God chose Judah as the tribal family through whom the Messiah would be born.

Proverbs: I pray that you and I can help people by encouraging them as they face life's trials. I know I need it!

What are your thoughts today?

April 8

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy: I wonder what it was like for Moses to climb Mount Nebo, knowing that he was going there to die.

In Luke today, I was reminded that one of the hardest things about the Gospel is its divisive nature. It's not that Christ's followers should try to be divisive among those they love. We need to love unconditionally, but stand for the truth. When we do that, others will take separate from us because they don't want to face the truth. Still, we are to love them.

Psalms: oh, that would would let Jesus perform His work in us and grow us in stability and faithfulness.

Proverbs: true leadership is acquired by hard work, not just by extreme natural skills.

What are your thoughts today?

April 7

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy: I was in a Small Group recently, where someone mentioned remembering the books of the New Testament because she learned them as a kid in the form of a song. Something about our mental processes helps us remember (even memorize) things normally difficult for us if we learn them attached to a tune. God wanted His people to remember Him after they entered the Land so He gave Moses a song.

Luke: Jesus shares several facets of truth about money today. Which one speaks the most to you?

Psalms: I find great comfort in the promise that God is constantly merciful toward me because He remembers that I am a mere mortal. How about you?

Proverbs: one of the signs of spiritual maturity is the willingness to keep truth to ourselves and share it only at appropriate moments. I need to keep growing in that area.

How are you doing today?

April 6

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy: the choice is simple, but the choosing of it is often hard. Sin tugs and tempts us, even after we receive Christ's forgiveness and have the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Galatians echoes this passage with the statement, "Whatever you plant, you harvest."

Luke: Jesus warns the religious leaders about their sorrow to come because they crushed people with the Law. When I was young, I saw a situation where people could be kicked out of their church for reading their Bibles on their own. Their leader justified this, saying that the ignorant people weren't qualified to properly interpret it.

Psalms: "each generation should set its hope anew on God..."

Proverbs: someone who consistently tells the truth doesn't have to remember later what they said with fear that they previously said it differently.

What are your thoughts today?

April 5

Today's Reading

This picture from Deuteronomy 28 is graphic and sickening. It ultimately came true because God's people ultimately turned against Him. Finally, He sent Jesus to pay for the horrible sins of humankind and gave the gift of His Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. Wow!

Luke: my observation is that, the more we yield our lives to the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, the more God's light shines through us. Our yielding often comes through the revealing of our weakness and never through relying on our own strength.

Psalms: I know the feelings expressed by the Psalmist. It can seem like life is full of troubles and God is against us. We get figuratively backed up to the Sea with the enemy attacking from our other side. Then...
Your road led through the sea,
your pathway through the mighty waters.

Proverbs: hurting people hurt people. May we let God heal our hurts so that we speak healing.

What do you see in today's reading?

April 4

Today's Reading

I have grown in understanding and gratitude for this Deuteronomy description of bring the first offerings in the new land. What a powerful reminder that it was God that got them here. I can "see" the visual effect of pronouncing the curses from Mount Ebal and the blessings from Mount Gerazim.

I wonder how the simplicity of Christ's model prayer originally struck the disciples. Do you think, according to Luke, that maybe they were looking for something "deeper?" Which phrase of this prayer means the most to you? Why?

Psalms: in the end, God alone is left standing. The rest of us will be kneeling before Him, either in broken defeat or unbridled worship. I so long for that day!

Proverbs: a wise person always listens, learning from everyone and discerning truth from error.

Your comments today? I would love to hear them!

April 3

Today's Reading

As I read today's section of Deuteronomy, I thought about those of you who are reading it for the first time. It's hard to imagine some of these regulations. Which ones jump out at you? What are your questions and/or comments?

Jesus' Luke dialog with His followers about the subjection of demons to them is one of my favorite conversations to think on. What part of this reading speaks to you?

The earth may seem to be spinning out of control, but God faithfully watches and judges, according to Psalms today.

Proverbs: may we live wisely and work hard.

I'd love to hear from you today!

April 2

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy today contains some laws of behavior that are completely foreign to my way of thinking. How about you?

Luke reminds me to not be quick in my condemnation of those who do wrong. It's very human to want fire from heaven; it's not the character of Christ.

Psalms, on the other hand, calls for judgment. Part of this difference is the Old Testament, when God's people were at war with their human enemies. The New Testament is about war with spiritual enemies.

Proverbs includes yet another word of wisdom for those who want to survive difficult economic times.

Your thoughts today?

April 1

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy: being a pastor in a city with military bases makes me often think about the rules of engagement in Deuteronomy 20. What do you think of them?

Luke: I grew up being taught not to trust anyone "not in our group." For that reason, this passage is special to me. Have you had similar experiences?

Psalms: during our tough times we can learn that God alone is our hope. He alone makes life full and abundant.

Proverbs: it's uncanny how much you can tell about someone by the way they care for their animals.

I love these simple, profound passages. What are your thoughts about them?