May 21

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. Despite all his maneuverings, Saul died. What a horrible, tragic picture of life. God had chosen him and blessed him, but he was so insecure that it was never enough. Someone said that we carry two buckets around with us: a bucket of water and a bucket of gasoline. Much of the content of our days depends on which bucket we use when the fires of adversity come upon us.

John. One translation of a recent passage we read quoted the Pharisees as saying Jesus must be destroyed before the Romans see our troubles and take away "our place and our nation." New Living Translation interprets "place" as "temple." It's also possible that they were talking about their own place as religious elite who had control over the people. That's certainly the attitude they demonstrated in today's passage.

Don't you love to read the actions of Mary with the jar of costly perfume? Jesus gave us His best; how can we give Him anything less?

Psalms. Life is full of battles that we must fight. Victory, though, is from the Lord. I find great hope in this verse: The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? (Psalm 118:6 NLT)

Proverbs. Purity, humility and wisdom are reoccurring themes in this great book.

What are your thoughts today? Do you have questions?

May 20

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. Several of you will have questions about the medium/witch at Endor. The answer is that we don't know for sure what happened. Because of other Scriptures, I think it's possible that she called up a spirit impersonating Samuel. Obviously, much of what the spirit told them was true. However, the truth drove Saul into fear and despair rather than toward God's comfort. Therefore, I believe it was probably an evil spirit.

John. What do you think Jesus was angry about in today's passage? Was it the unbelief of the people? Was it the power of sin that brings death? Was it the devil who tempts us and draws us astray? What do you think?

Psalms. God's faithfulness goes on forever. If a Bible chapter includes only two verses (this is the center chapter of the Bible), isn't this a great message to put there?

Proverbs. Wise advisors are worth their weight in gold. Or platinum. Or...

What are your thoughts today? Questions you want to consider?

May 19

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. David spared Saul's life and Saul "repented" from trying to kill David. Saul's idea of repentance was like ours can be: "I'm sorry!" However, genuine repentance indicates a complete change of mind and only happens when we fully place ourselves under God's authority in the matter. Obviously, Saul didn't do that.

Near that same time, David's men had been protecting the property of people out in the wilderness where they were hiding. It would have been common to "pay" the protection service and David's request wasn't haughty. Nabal's answer, though, was. When David married Abigail, he most likely received all of Nabal's estate. He seemed attracted to Abigail for the honorable way she had dealt with the previous matter.


John. The tension kept growing between Jesus and the religious leaders. The people, meanwhile, saw the validation from John the Baptist as important in the structure of their faith. If John was a prophet (he was), then his testimony about Jesus validated Jesus as Messiah.

The more I read today's Psalm, the more I remembered the time I saw it lived out. My dad was a godly man who grew more and more grateful for his salvation during his latter years. He constantly talked about how thankful he was that God would sacrifice His own Son to save someone like him.

Proverbs. "Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense..." I have lived that life. Have you?

How are you doing in your reading, Climbing Companion? Do you have questions or comments today?

May 18

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. God had a plan for David and Saul couldn't thwart it. However, David had to be diligent to resist, run, and hide. At this point, Saul's insecurity drove him further and further into sin. Every move Saul made was calculated to bring positive attention on himself. Instead, the Scriptures give us a clear picture of what was happening. Are you ever calculating, attempting to look good to others no matter what the cost? Heaven has a clear perspective of those actions!

John. An old hymn says, "Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need thy tender care. In thy pleasant pastures, feed us; for our use thy folds prepare." When you stray, when you feel attacked, when you are afraid, when you are spiritually hungry...let Jesus provide for you!

Psalms echoes Jesus' words in John (above):
11 All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.

Proverbs. Perhaps the path of the upright is an open highway because the upright keep it clean!

What do you notice today? Questions or thoughts?

May 17

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. I'm not sure that I fully understand why Jonathan signaled David that his life was in danger, then told him face to face. Why the signal if they could just meet and talk? What I do understand is that Jonathan knew David was selected as the next king. He said, "May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father."

John. As I read this passage, I think I saw the gradual realization to the man that Jesus must be the Son of God. Interestingly, it seems that the more the religious leaders tried to convince him that this man couldn't be from God, the more he was convinced otherwise. God even uses unbelievers and persecutors to draw people to Jesus.

Psalms today includes this graphic picture of the awesome power of God. The earth trembles, the mountains shake, the waters move -- all in awe of God!
Proverbs. It's the simple things in life -- mixed with joy -- that make it full and rich.

How are you doing in your life today, Climbing Companion? What's on your mind?

May 16

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. God intervened again and again, sparing David from Saul. Notice how God continued to bless David's humility and how Saul grew increasingly afraid of him. Reading this today has taught me a critical lesson: be cautious when an enemy fears you. He may think his best alternative is to destroy you.

Prophesying was some type of ecstatic utterance in which (apparently) the person doing it was so emotional that he lost awareness of what he was doing.

John. The conversation between Jesus and the religious leaders here in John 8 is perhaps the most adversarial of all those recorded. Jesus clearly identifies Himself as the Son of God ("My Father") and as God Himself ("Before Abraham was, I AM!"). He also clearly states that the religious leaders were blind to Him because they, in their ignorance and arrogance, thought that they could reach God through their own self-righteousness. Notice His strong indictment against the devil, a liar to the core. I have discovered that the enemy will intentionally quote Scripture to propagate his lies.

Psalms today calls me to compassion and generosity in my dealings with others. It also promises God's protection from the powers of darkness if I walk with Him.

Based on Proverbs today, I pray that we all hunger for knowledge and stay open to correction.

How about you? What are your thoughts and/or questions?

May 15

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. David was so different than Saul! Saul was insecure and David had confidence. Saul seemed to take responsibility for battle on his own shoulders and David gave it to God. Saul tried to hold onto the glory for himself and David gave it also to God.

John. I think that Jesus said something very subtle and very powerful in this passage. Unless we believe that He is who He said, we will remain of this world and will die in our sins. On the other hand, if we believe Him, God will transform us into someone not of this world any more.

Psalms. God gives food to those who fear Him, according to this. That's a great promise during tough economic times.

Proverbs. When I read this, I'm reminded of toddlers whose parents are trying to "potty-train" them. I have seen them quietly go into a corner of the room and look away as they "do their business."

What do you see today, Climbing Companion? Do you have questions?

May 14

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. Saul faced the same kinds of temptations that we face. Amalek was a tribe of people who symbolized that part of us that Paul -- in the New Testament -- calls the flesh. We are at war with our flesh, which is like a gateway to sin in our lives. We are to deal with it mercilessly and not allow it to lead us astray in our walk with Christ. Saul didn't obey with Amalek and we have the same problem with our flesh.
Don't be misled by the term "tormenting spirit from God." A better way to say it for us would be, "an evil spirit which God allowed to torment him." Saul was vulnerable because of his own sins.

John tells us the account of the woman caught in the act of adultery. It's one of my favorites. I am a sinner in need of God's mercy. If a stoning occurs, I deserve to be on the receiving end, not the throwing end!

Psalm 110 is clearly apocalyptic. It's a picture of heaven and of Christ's ultimate victory on earth. Sometimes I get so excited about that day!

Proverbs today is the perfect complement to our reading in 1 Samuel. Saul wanted to "sacrifice" while hanging on to his disobedience. Not a good move!

How are you doing today, Climbing Companion? What are your thoughts? Questions?

May 13

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. Beware of following someone because they use the name of the Lord like a good luck charm. Saul obeyed God when it was convenient, but the rest of the time he took matters into his own hands. Even as I write this, I pray for myself that my obedience to God is sincere and consistent.

John. Did you notice that Jesus didn't correct their mistaken perception that He had been born in Galilee? That's a mystery to me, since it would surely have caused more to think of Him as Messiah. Perhaps it was to avoid them trying to force an earthly crown upon Him.

It's not hard to imagine the intense pressure the religious leaders were putting on those who were impressed by Jesus. Notice today how they spoke to their own Temple Guard (could some of them be one who stood watch at the tomb?) and Nicodemus.

Psalm 109. Verse 8 was used by Christ's followers in the book of Acts as instruction that they needed to find a replacement for Judas, the betrayer.
Perhaps the whole Psalm is a picture of that betrayal OR of every betrayal we feel when a friend selfishly turns against us.

Proverbs. I think the "treasure in the house of the godly" can be other than financial treasure. It can be the treasure of faith, hope, joy, peace, and love.

What do you think? Do you have questions?

May 12

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. Saul, in his insecurity, was too impatient to wait on God's timetable. By making the sacrifices himself, he sinned against God and cut off his future from God's blessing. It's a tragic story. I wonder how many times I have missed God's best because I got in a hurry.

John. Saul (above) was in conflict with God; Jesus was in conflict with people who were choosing their own way instead of God's way. There's a lesson to be learned in the contrast between the two passages. Who is your conflict with: God or those who defy Him?

Psalms. Sometimes the best place to be is the place of desperation in prayer. That's where David seemed to be in this Psalm. I have learned to cherish the moments when I can cling only to God and hope only in His deliverance.

Proverbs. Once again, may we speak healing, life-giving words rather than those that bring death.

Your thoughts today? Questions?

May 11

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. This is the beginning of the reign of Saul. He was ill-prepared for being a king. He seems to have had little leadership experience and immediately used the threat of force to accomplish his first military battle, which (by God's grace) was a victory. As we watch Saul, notice how he never becomes confident about who he is. His insecurity brings great heartbreak to many, including his own family.

John. Today's passage is full of mystery. The people would have loved the miracle of little pieces of manna on the ground the way their ancestors had experienced it in the wilderness. Jesus said that He offers something much better -- Himself. What does it mean to you?

Psalms. "Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."
God's faithfulness is what brings us through. Let's proclaim it!

Proverbs. God is even keeping watch on my tongue. May it be a fountain of life and not spewing death.

How about it today, Climbing Companion? How are you doing? What are your thoughts?

May 10

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. The description of what a king would take from the people reminds me of the frequent greed among our leaders today. Claiming to care for the people, they line their pockets with wealth at the expense of the people.
Today we receive our introduction to Saul. Tall, handsome and strong, Saul had all the characteristics the people would look for in a king. However, Saul lacked confidence. It may have seemed humble, but his comment about being from an insignificant family is very telling. Insecure people do all sorts of sinful things to build up their own self-esteem. With Saul, it was sick and very damaging, as we shall see.

John. Jesus taught that we should trust God to provide all we need in life, according to this passage. That doesn't mean that we are to be lazy. It means that we are to simply trust and obey Him.

Psalms. Just how low can we get in our sin? This passage gives a pretty good picture!

Proverbs. If you wonder what is happening to us in the USA, read these verses.

May we humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways. THEN God will hear, forgive and heal us. Your thoughts and comments?

May 9

Today's Reading

1 Samuel begins today's reading with a story so powerful that you can just see it. The idol of Dagon was worshiped as a god. Yet, for two days in a row, the idol fell face-down before the Ark of God. "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." Wow!

Chapter 7 illustrates another powerful truth: "Don't stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!" they begged Samuel. So Samuel took a young lamb and offered it to the Lord as a whole burnt offering. He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered him. (1 Samuel 7:8, 9 NLT) Revelation speaks of the time of great tribulation when those who overcome do so "by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony and because they don't love their lives even unto death." It's no coincidence that Samuel included the blood of the lamb as he sought God. He knew that the real enemies are the invisible ones.

John. What an adventure to follow Jesus. First, they watched Him miraculously feed the 5,000. Then, a storm threatens their lives until Jesus takes care of business. Wouldn't you love to have been there? We can experience similar provision if we follow Him every day!

Psalms. The old song says, "Prone to wander, Lord. I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." I can be so much like they were!

Proverbs. May God give us understanding, that we might walk in wisdom.

Your thoughts today, Climbing Companion? Questions?

May 8

Today's Reading
1 Samuel. Samuel grew up in the midst of corruption, but, "As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable." What a powerful statement. May people say the same about us!
John. Geologists tell us that a long time ago a river began to carve its way downward as it crossed a high plain. Over many centuries, that river created such a huge chasm that it is now called the Grand Canyon. I read this passage, aware that Jesus was carving a deeper and deeper gap between the beliefs of His contemporary religious leaders and the truth that God was giving in the Old Testament.
Psalms. How often have I doubted? How many times have I missed God's best because of my unbelief. Praise God that His faithful love endures forever.
Proverbs. I have struggled at times with worry and it makes me feel bad all over, just as a joyful heart can make you feel good all over.

What are your thoughts as you read? What speaks to you? What questions or comments do you want to share?

May 7

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. My name comes from this heritage, for my mother was like Hannah: childless and offering to dedicate her firstborn to the Lord. Therefore, this story is extra personal to me. (I didn't know about my mom's commitment until after I felt God's specific call into ministry when I was 18 years old.) It opens a great history of Israel and her people.

John. Jesus' secret -- the way he knew what to do in each unique situation -- was to "see" what the Father was doing and do the same thing. One of the results of true spiritual growth is that we can "see" what God is up to more clearly and simply do those things. I am puzzled about what was behind it when Jesus later approached the man he had healed and told him he better quit sinning or something worse might happen to him. I wonder what was in that man's life that Jesus saw.

Psalms. God poured out continuous blessings, longing for His people to know and follow Him. It is much the same today, but now the Holy Spirit enters our lives when we receive Jesus and God Himself is leading us from within our own hearts.

Proverbs. Oh, how much damage is done by hot tempers. May God help us learn to control our tongues.

What do you see today, Climbing Companion? Do you have questions?

April 19, Day 109

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. Several of you will have questions about the medium/witch at Endor. The answer is that we don't know for sure what happened. Because of other Scriptures, I think it's possible that she called up a spirit impersonating Samuel. Obviously, much of what the spirit told them was true. However, the truth drove Saul into fear and despair rather than toward God's comfort. Therefore, I believe it was probably an evil spirit.

Despite all his maneuverings, Saul died. What a horrible, tragic picture of life. God had chosen him and blessed him, but he was so insecure that it was never enough. Someone said that we carry two buckets around with us: a bucket of water and a bucket of gasoline. Much of the content of our days depends on which bucket we use when the fires of adversity come upon us.

Today's reading concludes with Psalm 18, David's celebration of thanks when the trial with Saul was finally ended.  I fail to celebrate enough at the end of large challenges.  My personality is to run to the next challenge.  I need to work on this area of my life.

April 17, Day 107

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. David spared Saul's life and Saul "repented" from trying to kill David. What do you think that meant?

Near that same time, David's men had been protecting the property of people out in the wilderness where they were hiding. It would have been common to "pay" the protection service and David's request wasn't haughty. Nabal's answer, though, was. When David married Abigail, he most likely received all of Nabal's estate. He seemed attracted to Abigail for the honorable way she had dealt with the previous matter.

Finally, David sought refuge from Saul by turning to his enemies, the Palestinians.  In modern terms, it would be a bit like someone from the U.S. turning to China to seek refuge from the North Koreans.  David was surrounded!  But it was a defining moment in his life.  Tomorrow we will read some great Psalms that came out of the pressure cooker.

April 14, Day 104

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. At every turn, Saul thought himself the poor victim.  That thinking gave him "permission" to do whatever he wanted to defend himself.  He could have yielded his life to God; he would have still lost the kingdom, but he could have had a good reign.  Instead, he lived in hatred and fear of David.  His consuming passion was David's destruction.  His enemies got strong and God actually helped David through it.

David, on the other hand, sought God instead of the kingdom.  He refused to take matters into his own hands.  When God was his passion, God orchestrated everything else on David's behalf.  It's a great lesson to remember today!

April 13, Day 103

Today's Reading

1 Samuel.  I'm not sure that I fully understand why Jonathan signaled David that his life was in danger, then told him face to face. Why the signal if they could just meet and talk? What I do understand is that Jonathan knew David was selected as the next king. He said, "May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father."

Psalms. Today we get one of those privileges to see how David wrote Psalms as he dealt with the pressures of his life.  Thank God that we can read them and let them speak to us as we are facing trials!

April 12, Day 102

Today's Reading

1 Samuel. Saul faced the same kinds of temptations that we face. Amalek was a tribe of people who symbolized that part of us that Paul -- in the New Testament -- calls the flesh. We are at war with our flesh, which is like a gateway to sin in our lives. We are to deal with it mercilessly and not allow it to lead us astray in our walk with Christ. Saul didn't obey with Amalek and we have the same problem with our flesh.

Don't be misled by the term "tormenting spirit from God." A better way to say it for us would be, "an evil spirit which God allowed to torment him." Saul was vulnerable because of his own sins.

David was so different than Saul! Saul was insecure and David had confidence. Saul seemed to take responsibility for battle on his own shoulders and David gave it to God. Saul tried to hold onto the glory for himself and David gave it also to God.