December 4

Today's Reading
Daniel's prophecy concludes with the message of hope. We need to remember that when we see the actions of nations spiraling out of control. When it all comes to the end, God is victorious and we who love Him are saved. It is the culmination of all the centuries of earth.
1 John. It is God's Spirit who puts His love in our hearts. His love is agape, the perfect and unselfish love that is His nature. His love casts out our fear. But if our love is born of selfish motives, it might mean that we have never totally submitted to the love of God.
Psalms. Where do you look for help when you are in trouble? Where should you look?
Proverbs. May God give us leaders who display these qualities. When we don't have such leaders, may we experience grace and endurance for the difficulties we will face.
What do you see today?

December 3

Today's Reading
Daniel. Many scholars believe that this prophecy is of the end times. Perhaps the alignment of the world powers involved is happening today.
1 John. Those who habitually practice righteousness are of God. Those who habitually practice sin are of the devil. God's people do sin, but their lifestyle is to do right. The devil's people do right, but their lifestyle is sin. Measure yourself against that standard. How are you doing?
Psalms. "6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
May all who love this city prosper." The ultimate peace of Jerusalem will be when Jesus Christ reigns as King. Never forget that a key to God's protection of the United States is our alliance with Israel.
Proverbs. I have seen this verse lived out, again and again. I pray that you and I will let it serve as a good warning to us.
What has God taught you today?

December 2

Today's Reading
Daniel. This man, chosen by God to wield great influence among powerful kings, was also chosen to "see" things most people never see in this lifetime. He spoke with angels. He was allowed to know what is happening in the spiritual realm as it affects the earth. The thing that spoke to me the most today, though, was this: 18“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy." In the end, we must understand: God grants grace and mercy because He is kind, merciful and generous. It's not because we have earned them.
1 John. It is a misconception that there is only one Antichrist, the world ruler who will set up his own throne to be worshiped. In fact, Roman emperors did just that all the time! You and I must be on the lookout for anyone who would lead people away from faith in Jesus Christ. Over the years, I have met several of them.
Psalms. When this Psalm was written, people had built shrines to all types of false gods on the hills all over Israel. The message is simple: our help doesn't come from those hills, nor those false gods. Our help comes -- always -- from the Lord.
Proverbs contains a pretty good barometer on those "in charge." When the godly have to "go into hiding," including finding ways to communicate truth without being "caught," the wicked are in charge.
I'm grateful for you. How's it going today?

December 1

Today's Reading
This is the last month so hold on! Over the next 31 days, we we reading the conclusion of the Old Testament and the New Testament. We will complete Proverbs and finish Psalms for the second time. This month will be a thrill ride and will leave you scratching your head, so stay with it!
Daniel foresaw the end the of Medo-Persian empire. They would be brought low by Alexander the Great. Alexander died at age 32 and was replaced by the four divisions of the kingdom, each ruled differently. In short, this set the scene for a conquering kingdom and Rome rose to power. The significance of what he saw left its effect on Daniel. He was physically sick for several days.
1 John. This is a great chapter and worth our focused attention. John describes three levels of maturity. "Children" don't know that much about God's Word; they are just grateful that their sins were forgiven. "Young in the faith" tend to be fierce. They believe that have the final answers on any and everything. They are like the young ministerial students in college who make it their goal to correct all the mistakes of their learned Bible professor. "Mature in the faith" know the Word and are highly aware of their own sins. Therefore, they are amazed that a holy God would love and forgive them. They live with gratitude and a desire to serve God in return for His goodness. Which category are you in?
Psalms. We serve a God who loves us to take our troubles to Him. Wow!
Proverbs. The world goes to war because of greed. How far we have strayed from God's design!
What is on your heart as you read today?

November 30

Today's Reading
Daniel. Great mystery surrounds this chapter of Daniel's writing. He is obviously seeing things in the future, but how many of them have already taken place and how many are to come? Over what time period do these kingdoms rise and fall? Is he speaking of a world ruler we think of as the Beast (or Antichrist) or is he speaking about ancient Rome? This much is certain: we must keep these words near and refer to them as history unfolds. We may be alive as many of them come to pass. By the way, the Lion traditionally refers to England, the eagle to the USA, the Bear to Russia and the Leopard to Africa.
1 John. John, called "the disciple whom Jesus loved", wrote three little letters that bear his name. They are far different from his Gospel account, which chronicles the earthly ministry of Jesus. They are different than Revelation, which he also wrote and we will read shortly. Each of them has a purpose and each is full of powerful words for those of us who want to know Jesus deeply. He opens the first letter with this truth: God is light and has no darkness in Him. On the other hand, we live in a dark world and often yield to the dark power. Amazingly, all that that is necessary is for us to confess our sins and He will forgive. Wow!
Psalms. This longest chapter of the Bible keeps referring to God's commands and how they help us. It refers to our need to be revived sometimes. And it refers to afflictions and how they help us keep focus. I think it fitting that the chapter ends with, "I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands." We don't want to wander away and we feel guilty when we do, but the truth is, we do!
Proverbs. I have received many nice complements and have often been very grateful for the encouragement they brought me. On the other hand, I can remember a handful of honest criticisms over the years that linger on and on, constantly reminding me of my need to grow.
How are you growing? What is challenging you?

November 29

Today's Reading
Daniel. Again, God establishes His own power over all the earth. It's amazing that the Jews refused to fully honor and trust God so the Lord allowed them to be taken captive. During their captivity, God kept showing Himself strong to the pagan rulers who had imprisoned them.
2 Peter. The earth will be destroyed by fire. The only thing that makes it through are human souls. What does that say about the way we invest our lives?
Psalms. "But you are near, O Lord..." This theme is repeated in numerous ways throughout the Bible. When we have trials, it seems that God is so far away, but the opposite is true. Do you long for His presence? He is near!
Proverbs. "Showing partiality is never good,
yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread." I read a recent study in which 25% of corporate workers would willingly steal company secrets if it would help a family member or friend have a better chance for a job.
These are "real world" Scriptures that apply to our daily lives. What is speaking to you?

November 28

Today's Reading

Daniel. I can't think of a more radical rapid turn of events in history. It took us three days to see the death on the cross become the victory of the empty tomb. Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5) were brought down, but not from such a lofty height. At the beginning of the evening recorded here, Belshazzar was on top of the world. I can almost hear him gloating about drinking from the golden cups of God's Temple. No doubt he and his elite made great sport of the idea of their power over nations. Suddenly, a hand appeared. By the end of the night, the armies of Medo-Persia were inside the fortress-city and conquering the kingdom. "...until he learned that the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them."

2 Peter. I was going to comment on this chapter. I am afraid I would write all day and you would quickly tire of reading. Instead, if you have already read the chapter, I encourage you to take a few minutes and read it again. Read it slowly. Chew on it. Soak it in.

Psalms. We live in a world that is stained and scarred by sin. People have agendas. Pressures bruise us. How do we navigate? "125 Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws."

Proverbs. It is far better to toil away and gradually build a reputation as someone who is "trustworthy" than to run from one "get rich quick" scheme to another.

How's it going, Climbing Companion? We are on the home stretch and the finish line is just around the corner!

November 27

Today's Reading
Daniel. "Seven periods of time": what does that mean? Seven months? Seven years? The growth of his hair and nails certainly indicates more than seven days. God obviously still had plans for Nebuchadnezzar or His judgment would have been death. This makes the third time in Daniel that the king had to humble himself and recognize the sovereignty of God.
2 Peter. Peter isn't clear in this letter about whom it is addressed to. Perhaps it's a more general letter for all the churches. Certainly that's what happened with his first letter. When I was a boy, I memorized the character qualities he mentions: "Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge..." I have discovered that they are like ascending stair steps. Begin with faith, step higher into moral excellence, still higher with knowledge (knowing God and His Word) and keep rising to the top, which is "love for everyone." It is a climb worth our focused attention and hard work.
Psalms. The world's way of qualification is growth in thinking, understanding and performing tasks. That's not God's way. "9 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.
100 I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments." The world's system may prepare your mind and your hands, but God prepares the heart. The perfect picture of this is Jesus at twelve years old, standing in the Temple and baffling the Teachers with His skill. They knew facts about God's Word. He knew the author!
Proverbs. When I read verses like the ones today, I end up with big questions about our criminal justice system.
What is speaking to you today?

November 26

Today's Reading
Daniel. Isaiah 43:2 had prophesied, "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you." The fires that you and I face may be of a different nature than those in today's reading, but God wants to be just as present with us as He was with them. Notice that the only thing burned were the ropes that bound them.
1 Peter. "The end of the world is coming soon." From a Biblical viewpoint, we have been in the "last days" since the ascension of Christ. He spoke then about His "soon" return and two millennia is the blink of an eye in the context of eternity. Do you believe it could be in our lifetime? I see increasing signs that it might be very soon indeed.
Psalms. Contrary to what some may think, "89 Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven," isn't talking about the King James Version of the Bible. Truth is what God says. He has given us enough of it in the Scriptures to seek Him, find Him and know Him. Our pages couldn't begin to contain all He has to say, though.
Proverbs. O God, please give us rulers with humble hearts and understanding.
What do you notice today?

November 25

Today's Reading

Daniel. If your awareness of this prophet is limited to his night in the lion's den, you are in for a treasure of experiences. Daniel was used as God's prophet, primarily to the pagan people where he was held captive. He was the adviser to great kings. He saw great kingdoms rise and fall. And his understanding of the stars as well as God's stated plans traveled down hundreds of years to an order of astronomers -- called Magi -- who followed a star to Bethlehem.

Nebuchadnezzar was powerful, egotistical, maniacal and brilliant. He was one of the most powerful kings in all of history. A raise of the eyebrows or movement of a finger could order the slaughter or thousands with no repercussions to him. But remember this: God is in charge of kings! "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hands of God; he moves it whichever way He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1) Also, God always has His representatives near seats of power. I wonder who the Daniels are in this day.

1 Peter. "And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way." With the deepest respect for those who do it, I believe that the "in your face, turn or burn" style of evangelism isn't very effective today. At least not among the people where I minister.

Psalms. "71 My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees." Once again, we are treated to an Old Testament confirmation of some we read in the New Testament today. Didn't notice? Take a quick look at 1 Peter again.

Proverbs. It is far better to be doubtful and careful than confident and sinful.

What are your thoughts?

September 16, Day 259

Today's Reading

This last vision recorded by Daniel contains the most detail. He received it after many years of captivity. In fact, Cyrus of Persia was the king who sent captives back to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Centuries of events are included in the vision, which is hard for me to follow.

To me, the most interesting part of this passage is the picture it give of spiritual war going on in the invisible realm. The image of the archangel Michael fighting against the demon prince of Persia is confirmation that our true foes (Ephesians 6) are spiritual forces rather than flesh and blood.

September 15, Day 258

Today's Reading

I noticed that the visions Daniel saw in Chapters 7 and 8 were during the reign of Belshazzar. He was the king who saw the finger write on the wall. Each of those were prophetic of things to come in the distant future. Scholars have matched these visions to events in history, proving their accuracy.

Chapter 9 begins with Daniel grieving for the judgment on Jerusalem. Even though he was exiled from their when he was very young, it was the city of his dreams. He was broken to hear of its fall. As he intercedes for Jerusalem, he is given the vision of 70 weeks, often dissected and very mysterious.

September 14, Day 257

Today's Reading

Lengthy time elapsed between each if today's chapters. In Chapter 4, I am reminded of times in my life when I knew I was doing wrong, but did it anyway. Daniel had warned Nebuchadnezzar of what would happen and begged him to repent; he remanned in his denial until it was too late.

Chapter 5, according to history, on the very night the Medes cut off the river that flowed through Babylon, allowing them to crawl under the fortified walls and overtake the city.

By Chapter 6, Daniel had lived under various pagan rulers and God continued to protect him.

September 13, Day 256

Today's Reading

What must it have been like to live in the days of Nebuchadnezzar? In Daniel 1, the chief of staff was afraid of him. In Chapter 2 he declared that Daniel's God was God of God's. Then in Chapter 3 he threw the three into the fiery furnace for worshiping Him. "Erratic" is the kindest word I can think of for him.

December 4

Today's Reading

Daniel's prophecy concludes with the message of hope. When it all comes to the end, God is victorious and we who love Him are saved. It is the culmination of all the centuries of earth.

1 John. It is God's Spirit who puts His love in our hearts. His love is agape, the perfect and unselfish love that is His nature. His love casts out our fear. 

Psalms. Where do you look for help when you are in trouble? Where should you look?

Proverbs. May God give us leaders who display these qualities. When we don't have such leaders, may we experience grace and endurance for the difficulties we will face.

What do you see today?

December 3

Today's Reading

Daniel. Many scholars believe that this prophecy is of the end times. Perhaps the alignment of the world powers involved is happening today.

1 John. Those who habitually practice righteousness are of God. Those who habitually practice sin are of the devil. God's people do sin, but their lifestyle is to do right. The devil's people do right, but their lifestyle is sin. Measure yourself against that standard. How are you doing?

Psalms. "6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
May all who love this city prosper." The ultimate peace of Jerusalem will be when Jesus Christ reigns as King. Never forget that a key to God's protection of the United States is our alliance with Israel. 

Proverbs. I have seen this verse lived out, again and again. I pray that you and I will let it serve as a good warning to us.

What has God taught you today?

December 2

Today's Reading

Daniel. This man, chosen by God to wield great influence among powerful kings, was also chosen to "see" things most people never see in this lifetime. He spoke with angels. He was allowed to know what is happening in the spiritual realm as it affects the earth. The thing that spoke to me the most today, though, was this: 18“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy." In the end, we must understand: God grants grace and mercy because He is kind, merciful and generous. It's not because we have earned them. 

1 John. It is a misconception that there is only one Antichrist, the world ruler who will set up his own throne to be worshiped. In fact, Roman emperors did just that all the time! You and I must be on the lookout for anyone who would lead people away from faith in Jesus Christ. Over the years, I have met several of them.

Psalms. When this Psalm was written, people had built shrines to all types of false gods on the hills all over Israel. The message is simple: our help doesn't come from those hills, nor those false gods. Our help comes -- always -- from the Lord.

Proverbs contains a pretty good barometer on those "in charge." When the godly have to "go into hiding," including finding ways to communicate truth without being "caught," the wicked are in charge.

I'm grateful for you. How's it going today?

December 1

Today's Reading

This is the last month so hold on! Over the next 31 days, we we reading the conclusion of the Old Testament and the New Testament. We will complete Proverbs and finish Psalms for the second time. This month will be a thrill ride and will leave you scratching your head, so stay with it!

Daniel foresaw the end the of Medo-Persian empire. They would be brought low by Alexander the Great. Alexander died at age 32 and was replaced by the four divisions of the kingdom, each ruled differently. In short, this set the scene for a conquering kingdom and Rome rose to power. The significance of what he saw left its effect on Daniel. He was physically sick for several days.

1 John. This is a great chapter and worth our focused attention. John describes three levels of maturity. "Children" don't know that much about God's Word; they are just grateful that their sins were forgiven. "Young in the faith" tend to be fierce. They believe that have the final answers on any and everything. They are like the young ministerial students in college who make it their goal to correct all the mistakes of their learned Bible professor. "Mature in the faith" know the Word and are highly aware of their own sins. Therefore, they are amazed that a holy God would love and forgive them. They live with gratitude and a desire to serve God in return for His goodness. Which category are you in?

Psalms. We serve a God who loves us to take our troubles to Him. Wow!

Proverbs. The world goes to war because of greed. How far we have strayed from God's design!

What is on your heart as you read today?

November 30

Today's Reading

Daniel. Great mystery surrounds this chapter of Daniel's writing. He is obviously seeing things in the future, but how many of them have already taken place and how many are to come? Over what time period do these kingdoms rise and fall? Is he speaking of a world ruler we think of as the Beast (or Antichrist) or is he speaking about ancient Rome? This much is certain: we must keep these words near and refer to them as history unfolds. We may be alive as many of them come to pass. By the way, the Lion traditionally refers to England, the eagle to the USA, the Bear to Russia and the Leopard to Africa. 

1 John. John, called "the disciple whom Jesus loved", wrote three little letters that bear his name. They are far different from his Gospel account, which chronicles the earthly ministry of Jesus. They are different than Revelation, which he also wrote and we will read shortly. Each of them has a purpose and each is full of powerful words for those of us who want to know Jesus deeply. He opens the first letter with this truth: God is light and has no darkness in Him. On the other hand, we live in a dark world and often yield to the dark power. Amazingly, all that that is necessary is for us to confess our sins and He will forgive. Wow!

Psalms. This longest chapter of the Bible keeps referring to God's commands and how they help us. It refers to our need to be revived sometimes. And it refers to afflictions and how they help us keep focus. I think it fitting that the chapter ends with, "I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands." We don't want to wander away and we feel guilty when we do, but the truth is, we do!

Proverbs. I have received many nice complements and have often been very grateful for the encouragement they brought me. On the other hand, I can remember a handful of honest criticisms over the years that linger on and on, constantly reminding me of my need to grow.

How are you growing? What is challenging you?

November 29

Today's Reading

Daniel. Again, God establishes His own power over all the earth. It's amazing that the Jews refused to fully honor and trust God so the Lord allowed them to be taken captive. During their captivity, God kept showing Himself strong to the pagan rulers who had imprisoned them.

2 Peter. The earth will be destroyed by fire. The only thing that makes it through are human souls. What does that say about the way we invest our lives?

Psalms. "But you are near, O Lord..." This theme is repeated in numerous ways throughout the Bible. When we have trials, it seems that God is so far away, but the opposite is true. Do you long for His presence? He is near!

Proverbs. "Showing partiality is never good,
yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread." I read a recent study in which 25% of corporate workers would willingly steal company secrets if it would help a family member or fried have a better chance for a job.

These are "real world" Scriptures that apply to our daily lives. What is speaking to you?