November 16

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. The prophetic message today begins with a word to all who discover God's purposes and plans, then fail to warn those around them. Then it moves to "shepherds", which is the same as "pastor" in the New Testament. It can be anyone charged with spiritual responsibility for some of God's sheep. By the way, I find this passage challenging, sobering and very personal. Next, the Lord Himself is the Good Shepherd, who deeply cares for His sheep. Today's reading closes with a description of Christ's coming kingdom.

This closing chapter of Hebrews has something meaty in almost every verse. Suffice it to say that we are wanderers and pilgrims on this planet who are watched over by angels. We are called to a high standard of living. We are given the lofty position of people from whom our Savior desires praise. What an awesome life!

Psalms contains the warning, "8 And those who make idols are just like them,
as are all who trust in them." Our idols of money, credit cards, entertainment, gluttony, etc. are just as ineffectual to meet our real needs as gods carved from wood.

Proverbs. Praise is a serious test. Why? Because those who get their identity from it become people-pleasers and can be led easily astray.

What are the tests in your life? What does God want you to learn from them?

November 15

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. Egypt today is but a shadow of what it once was as the preeminent nation on earth. The prophet saw the day coming when the pride of that great nation would crumble. Do you think that the United States sits in similar danger today?
Hebrews. A seaman, I am not. My few brief forays on sea-going fishing boats -- always one-day trips -- were miserable. At the same time, they held out the hope that land was not far away. My retching stomach could find some solace when the world quit moving. As a result of this, one of the worst things I could imagine is a massive earthquake in which the land rolls and pitches just like the ocean. Where do you turn then? This passage has the answer: "On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand."
Again, Psalms enhances other Scripture -- today it's Hebrews. The earth trembles in the presence of the living God. Yet He promises us ultimate safety and security in Him.
Proverbs. Verse 20, in another translation says, "so the eyes of man are never satisfied." If we try to fill up our lives with anything by God and His ways, we will end up thirstier and thirstier. It's like drinking seawater.
And what do you see today?

November 14

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. For centuries Egypt had been a world power. Their pride was great and they felt protected in their part of the world. God promised to use the Babylonians to crush them. One pagan army crushing another. A concern I have, as our nation strays from our spiritual heritage, is that God may similarly judge us.  In our past we were often "right" because we generally followed God's ways.  When we don't submit ourselves to Him, we cease being right.

Hebrews. We need to learn from those great heroes of the faith who are mentioned in Chapter 11. They knew that difficulties meant that God is near, not far away. When you and I seek God, we are not to be surprised when things go wrong. If the discipline is because we have failed, we must confess and forsake it, then go on with God. If the discipline is just part of life, God will use it to help mold us into Christ's image. How do you look at difficulties and discipline?

Psalms today is once again a perfect companion to other passages we have read. Notice how much it coincides with Hebrews. Praise God!

Proverbs. Sparks fly with iron. It's the same with the right kind of friends. It's the oil of the Holy Spirit that keeps the sharpening healthy and not devastating.

What insights do you have from today?

November 13

Today's Reading

Ezekiel 28:12-19 is a sister passage to Isaiah 14:12-21. Both passages, in the language and poetry of prophecy, open windows that allow us to see into the spirit world. We see the rise and fall of Lucifer, a powerful and beautiful angel who rebelled against God and became Satan. Tyre and Sidon, both in the nation of Lebanon today, were mighty nation-states on the sea. Both were at times allies of Israel but, during the days of Ezekiel, they likely were enjoying the fall of Israel and Judah from power and prominence. The prophet pointed out that God's judgment was falling on them, too.

Hebrews. It is easy to understand what people did and why they did it with the perspective of history. It changes our understanding when we remember that they didn't know how their stories would end. Like us, they were making choices without knowing fully what would happen. That's where faith comes in!

Psalms. "9 He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!" Aren't you glad that He didn't leave us with "postage due"? He paid the full price to deliver us to Himself by sending His own Son to die on the cross.

Proverbs. Perhaps these verses help understand why we men are told to "love your wife as Christ loved the church." The moment we decide to attempt changing our wives, we are just moving deeper into conflict.

What do you see today?

November 12

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. My heart skips a beat each time I read today's description of the death of Ezekiel's wife. Someone said, "When you can't understand God's hand, trust His heart." That's the best way I know to face such pain.

Jeremiah prophesied against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia the same way as Ezekiel. 

Hebrews 11 begins with the Bible's most concise definition of faith. Many years ago some people donated a small piece of property to our church. The property, located in a rural area in another part of Arizona, was something I never actually saw. However, I knew the church owned it because we had the deed. Faith is the deed to things which we haven't seen yet. Chapter 11 is often called "the roll-call of faith." Take a moment and reflect on the faith of each person on the list.

Psalm 110 is, I believe, a poetic prophecy of God's final judgment upon the earth.

Proverbs. Jeremy, the teenager in the comic "Zits" would totally agree with this verse. How about you?

What have you noticed today?

November 11

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. I googled these mysterious names used for Samaria and Jerusalem in today's reading. They are from the root Hebrew word for "tent." It's possible that the names refer to the practice of erecting tents on hilltops where the people sacrificed to pagan gods, including child sacrifice and illicit sex. Either way, the graphic description of their sins is rather disturbing, don't you think? No wonder God's judgment came upon them so harshly!  Today we have socially accepted terms for people who are living in sin.  Even in the church they are embraced with no expectation of repentance.  Can we escape God's judgment?

Hebrews. This is like a beautiful "oil on canvas" word picture of the necessity and the beauty of the church coming together for worship. Following Christ includes trials from without and temptations from within. We must not neglect gathering with other believers for encouragement and instruction. Our worship is made possible because Christ's blood has cleansed our sins. Now we can boldly go into the presence of God with a clear conscience and a humble spirit.

Psalms. What do you do when you are wrongfully accused? How do you handle it when someone intentionally speaks lies about you to hurt you? Isn't it far better to humble yourself before the Lord and let Him handle it?

Proverbs. A friend of mine once told me his policy for lending money to fellow Christians. "I don't lend money I can't afford to give away. When I do lend it, I don't fully expect to receive it back. If it is a formal loan, I agree with the borrower on the interest rate and, if they repay on time, I give them the interest money back." His wise advice has always stuck with me.

What is speaking to you today?

November 10

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. You may have heard me speak of my deep love and respect for my dad. I can remember my sadness at his look of disappointment in me. I remember my joy when I knew he was proud of me. But I rarely saw him deeply angry at me -- and the thought of him being so brings shudders to my mind. In that light, I read, "3 Tell her, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am your enemy, O Israel...'" Can you imagine the awesome God looking in your eyes and saying that to you? We live in a time and place when many can't imagine God as anything but a big teddy bear who just smiles on everybody and everything going on. If you believe that, read today's passage very carefully.

Hebrews. 16 “This is the new covenant I will make
with my people on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he says,
“I will never again remember
their sins and lawless deeds.” Heart changed; sins forgotten. It doesn't get any better than that -- seriously!
Psalms. David said that his confidence lay in the Lord. I'm not sure I can always say that, even though I'm by far the most peaceful when it's true.
Proverbs. Think long-term -- it's really that simple. Or that difficult.
What do you see today?

November 9

Today's Reading



Ezekiel. C.S. Lewis wrote of Aslan (who represented Christ in Chronicles of Narnia), "He is not a tame Lion." We do well to remember that God is not soft on sin. His mercy is great, but it is far different than God having a lax attitude about sin.

Hebrews. So Jesus our Messiah entered, not the copy of the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) in the Temple, but into the presence of God in heaven. He brought, not the blood of animals, but His own blood and presented it as the forever sacrifice for our sins. What a picture!

Psalms. Sometimes the most "spiritual" thing we can do is to cry out from our place of trouble. God seems to be moved by the cries of His people. These verses give four powerful examples. When was the last time you cried out to God? I often wait until I have exhausted every other option. God has never failed to answer my cries with His presence and provision.

Proverbs. Parents who genuinely care about their children and what kind of people they grow up to be (I'm not sure all parents think much about that!) feel totally blessed when they see them respond to life situations with wisdom.

What do you notice today?

November 8

Today's Reading

Ezekiel reminds us that we can't ride into heaven on our parents coattails. Praise God that our parents lack of faith can't send us to hell!

Hebrews. It can become easy for Christians to forget the holiness of God. Imagine that, for hundreds of years, the ordinary people could never enter the place that represented the presence of God. Only the High Priest could go and only once a year. We should avoid taking our access to God through Christ for granted.

Psalms. Truly, God's mercy endures forever and He is longsuffering when it comes to those who are His children.  I have experienced this longsuffering on His part when I returned to the same sins over and over.  How loving He is to keep forgiving, offering me the chance to fully repent.

Proverbs. Treating neighbors and co-workers with respect and kindness is like an investment when we fall on difficult times.  Many years ago, my dad was responsible for handling the requests for help that came to the church they attended.  It was often challenging and painful.  One of the first questions he would ask was if there was someone somewhere who could help the person.  Many times they could think of no one.  I remember dad's joy when someone who had broken down on the highway could identify family, friends and a church who would vouch for them.  

I would love to hear your observations today!

November 7

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. What does it do to you when you read God's promise to someday restore the fortunes of Sodom? Do you remember how wicked that place was? On the other hand, have you considered how great your sin is before God? I have looked in that mirror and it's pretty ugly. So I rejoice that God will one day restore Sodom's fortunes. Because, if Sodom has no hope, neither do I!

Hebrews. "If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it." Remember what Jesus said at The Supper: "This cup is a new covenant in My blood." What does that new covenant change? "10 But this is the new covenant I will make
with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people." The Law is no longer speaking to us from the outside in; it is speaking from within our own hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Psalms. In Hebrews, we have been talking about how Israel missed their destiny and were doomed to die in the wilderness. Here's the way the Psalmist put it: "24 The people refused to enter the pleasant land,
for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them.
25 Instead, they grumbled in their tents
and refused to obey the Lord.
26 Therefore, he solemnly swore
that he would kill them in the wilderness..." Certainly you and I must be careful to not be held back by our own unbelief. I have known people who clearly professed Christ, but who lived lives of bitterness and complaining. I believe that they went to heaven, but they surely lived below their privileges here on earth.

Proverbs today contains three very unique verses. Which one speaks the most to you?

What else is God saying to you?

November 6

Today's Reading

Ezekiel was reminded that even three very righteous men couldn't stop the judgment coming upon Jerusalem. We read today about just how detestable Jerusalem's sins were to the Bridegroom who loved her. By the way, the New Testament picks up this imagery with Christ identified as the Bridegroom. Now, though, the bride is more clearly seen as those who have received a new heart through the cleansing of Christ's blood and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews. We have a Priest. His name is Jesus! 1 Timothy 2 told us that "there is one Mediator between God and man...Christ Jesus." How do we get to God? Through Jesus. Not through another person or through a saint. We come to God through Jesus because He paid the full price of our sins on the cross.

Psalms. This picture of Israel being saved through the water of the Red Sea reminds me of something one of our Dominican teams observed. They were there on an Easter Sunday and a number of the mission churches gathered at the main church for services and baptism. They baptized about 40 people that morning. When one lady was baptized, her body went rigid and our team was concerned she was having a seizure. A few of the mission pastors gathered around her and prayed for her; she was immediately okay. When a team member asked one of the leaders what had happened, he replied, "Whatever was in her couldn't stand whatever was in the water." In other words, they interpreted it (probably correctly) as demonic. They dealt with it and went on. She was delivered through the water. The one tormenting her was destroyed in the water. Sometimes the truth is simpler than big theological arguments.

Proverbs. Wounds and rebukes hurt. But they are a huge benefit to those who will learn from them. May God keep my heart open to correction.

What speaks to you today?

November 5

Today's Reading

Ezekiel saw a nation of false leaders, false preachers (prophets) and false security. I learned long ago how people would paint over the rusted parts of cars without fully removing the rust. It looked good -- until the rust ate back through. I don't want my life to be like that; do you?

Hebrews. I believe that Melchizedek was what we call a "Theophany" or a "Christophany." In other words, an appearance of God in human form in the Old Testament. We have seen several of those in our reading this year. He was "King of Salem", meaning "King of Peace" and Jesus was called "Prince of Peace." Salem was ancient Jerusalem. This passage shows the Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, but it also teaches us something very important about the oriental understanding of life. It says that Levi (the Patriarch of the priestly tribe in Israel and the great-grandson of Abraham) was "in" Abraham when he paid tithes so Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek. You and I can grow from this understanding when we realize that we were "in" Adam when he sinned in the garden. This doesn't mean that we were pre-existing, but that our life was wrapped up in him. When we become a Christian, we are now "in Christ Jesus." Our life is now wrapped up in Christ.

Psalms. God's love is so generous! If only we would respond by drawing near to Him. What we often do is take Him for granted. I know that I sometimes do!

Proverbs. I watched this recently. Someone's foolish actions caused resentment in the person's friends. Just like today's verse says!

What do you notice today?

November 4

Today's Reading

In Ezekiel today, God used a vision to transport the prophet back to Jerusalem. Ezekiel was in exile in Babylon. There, the Lord showed Ezekiel how sinful the attitudes of the people were. Then God promised a day would come when the exiles would return and God would change their hearts. That prophecy will ultimately be fulfilled with Christ's return. However, it was partially fulfilled in the day of Ezra and Nehemiah, which we have already read this year.

Hebrews today is one of the difficult New Testament passages to interpret. Is God saying that we can be "enlightened", then lose our salvation? Some interpret the passage that way, but they have a difficulty with it. The Christians who believe we can lose our salvation tend to believe we can get it back again by repenting and this passage seems to say the opposite. These difficult verses are one reason I believe that the letter was written to a group of believers who were in danger of missing their destiny. They would be like the generation of Israel who died in the wilderness. They weren't far from the Promised Land (the abundant life God promises), but they missed it because they wouldn't believe God and take the Land by faith.

Psalms today reviews a key part of Israel's history. How do you keep your family's history alive?

Proverbs. If it's good, it's from God. If it's bad, I messed it up. 

What speaks to you today?

November 3

Today's Reading


Ezekiel. It's easy to see results of God's judgment and say, "How can He call Himself a loving God? Look at what He did to all those innocent people." Perhaps we need to see what He sees, as happened to Ezekiel in chapter 8. Chapter 9 made me ask myself if I would be "marked" as someone who has wept over the sins of my people. What about you?

Hebrews. If the Son of God learned obedience through sufferings, how about you and me? We are tempted to think that there must be some other way to learn, but our trials are intended to bring the impurities (dross) of our lives to the surface. We can then confess those things a yield our life to God who loves us.

Psalms. "8 He always stands by his covenant—
the commitment he made to a thousand generations." Amen!

Proverbs. When we lie, there's some hatred at the root. Even if it's self-hatred.

What did you notice today?

November 2

Today's Reading



Ezekiel. God made it clear that Ezekiel had the role of Watchman for Israel. How do you think that assignment relates to you and me in our day? When people are rebelling against God, they don't necessarily like the truth. When they hear it, they tend to lash out in criticism of the truth-teller. That doesn't alleviate our responsibility to be watchmen for this generation, however. We never know how God might use use in this role; maybe we can be a part of turning a nation back to Him.

Hebrews. Entering God's rest. He's not talking about the grave and He's not discussing Sunday naps (even though I love mine). He's talking about that place in which we completely yield our entire life to Him and trust Him with it. No matter what happens to us, He is in charge. He will provide what we need. He loves us. We rest from trying to be in control. We rest from trying to please God in our own strength. "14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."

Psalms. Oh, how God loves you and me. May we be pleasing to Him!

Proverbs. Or, "What goes around comes around."
What speaks to you today?

November 1

Today's Reading

Only two months to go, Climbing Companions! We are moving to the "downhill slide" of the holidays. I encourage you to do your best and carve out time in your schedule for the upcoming busy season.

Ezekiel begins today with a view into the heavenlies. Much of what Ezekiel saw is very mystical and difficult to interpret. Some of what happened, though, is quite practical. For instance, "8 But look, I have made you as obstinate and hard-hearted as they are. 9 I have made your forehead as hard as the hardest rock!" Sometimes God has to give a spiritual leader a hard head to be able to stand against a hard-headed church. I have seen it and am amazed at how God can use it.

Hebrews today includes what I believe is the core truth in the book. It takes us back to the way Israel hardened their hearts against God and had to die in the wilderness. Then it says, "13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still 'today,' so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God."

Psalms. "In the beginning, God..." We are His workmanship. This is His creation. He set it in order and He is in charge. It is overwhelming that He wants a relationship with us.

Proverbs. The slick words of the treacherous are ultimately found out. I sometimes pray for the truth to come out when I sense that someone is lying.

How do today's passages affect you?

October 31

Today's Reading

Lamentations. We have, in so many ways, been insulated from the ravages of war. Most of us, though, have read or seen video of the things that happen. Jeremiah's lament was written in poetic form, but it was literally happening.

Hebrews. Jesus Christ came into the world and was, for a while, "a little lower than the angels." He paid for our sins and was given all authority (Matthew 28:18). He proclaimed God's ways to us. Each of these was promised in the Old Testament. Jesus also suffered in order that we might have His example as well as His power over suffering and death itself.

Psalms. "13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him." I find it comforting that we are pretty significant in the grand scheme of history. At the same time, we are extremely significant to Him!

Proverbs. Be cautious of those who speak with smooth words. Perhaps the person is sincere. Perhaps the person just has an agenda.

What have you noticed today?

October 30

Today's Reading

Lamentations. Got troubles? Meditate on this! "22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline."

Hebrews is one of my favorite books in the whole Bible. A reason, perhaps, is that it does so much to help us interpret the Old Testament in the light of the New Testament. The entire Old Testament looks forward to the coming of Messiah, God's Anointed One, who was to save the world. The New Testament says, "He's here!" Hebrews gives great insight into how Christ (same word as Messiah) is the fulfillment of all those hopes, dreams and prophecies.
Hebrews does something else that I love. It pulls back the veil between physical reality and spiritual reality, giving us opportunities to peek inside. For instance, "14 Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation."
Finally, Hebrews can be confusing. Scholars have settled on four different ways to interpret the book. Whatever way one chooses, it needs to stay consistent throughout the book. I believe that Hebrews was written to a group of Christians who were in danger of losing their destiny. Like Israel in the days of Moses, they have been delivered out of Egypt (slavery to the world). But, like Israel, they are in danger of confinement in a spiritual wilderness rather than enjoyment of the Promised Land (abundant, Christian life). They -- we -- must choose to believe God and step into the face of the enemies in the Land. Or we must stay rooted in spiritual infancy.

Psalms. I never cease to be amazed at how God allows me to see little things that I never before noticed as I read the Word. For instance, today's Hebrew's passage says, "10 He also says to the Son,
'In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain forever.
They will wear out like old clothing.
12 You will fold them up like a cloak
and discard them like old clothing.
But you are always the same;
you will live forever.'"
Then, this chapter (that we are fortunate to read on the same day) gives the Old Testament perspective of the same truth: "25 Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain forever;
they will wear out like old clothing.
You will change them like a garment
and discard them."
Now, isn't it amazing that the One who created us will someday discard the heavens like old clothing, but hang on to us to enjoy intimacy with Him for eternity. I am in awe!

Proverbs. I find it way too easy to lean and and listen intently when someone gives me bad news about a person I don't care for. God forgive me!

How is He speaking to you today?

December 23, Day 357

Today's Reading

What a word picture! We meet the roll call of faith in chapter 11, then begin Hebrews 12 with these words: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (Hebrews 12:1, 2 NLT) It's as if those who modeled faith in the Scriptures are in the stands cheering us on as we follow Christ.

December 22, Day 356

Today's Reading

This is the essence of the Gospel: And in the same way, he sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship. In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.
For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:21-26 NLT)

How should we respond? And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22 NLT)

What a wonderful gift He has given us!