October 2

Today's Reading

Isaiah concludes with words that, in a way, summarize the message of the book: “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,
who tremble at my word.
3 But those who choose their own ways—
delighting in their detestable sins—
will not have their offerings accepted." He follows that with God's "head's up" that Isaiah would be rejected by the people around him. He follows that with God's promise of a coming day when God's kingdom will come in all its glory. Jesus Christ echoed those same messages during His ministry.

Philippians. Paul, after reiterating that we are justified through faith in Christ, echoes the message of Isaiah (above). "20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control."

Psalms. Having read this prayer in Psalm 74, I can't help but wonder if we may be approaching the day when we will pray it again. With all our hearts. Yet we seem to be entering a season of true revival, at least where I live. It has been many years since I have observed such spiritual hunger on the part of those far from God. What do you think?

Proverbs. Ultimately, God cares for His own. Amen!

Notice anything else today?

October 1

Today's Reading

We are now about 3/4 of the way toward the end of our climb through the Scriptures. How are you doing? Some have joined along the way and we are grateful. Thank you all for continuing to faithfully read.

Isaiah today includes the wrong way to repent: "17 Lord, why have you allowed us to turn from your path?
Why have you given us stubborn hearts so we no longer fear you?
Return and help us, for we are your servants,
the tribes that are your special possession." The next chapter shows the right way to repent: "5 You welcome those who gladly do good,
who follow godly ways.
But you have been very angry with us,
for we are not godly.
We are constant sinners;
how can people like us be saved?" God longs to restore us and forgive us, but we must approach Him with a broken and contrite heart. We cannot blame Him for our sins, but must take full responsibility upon ourselves.

Philippians. Paul's love for the followers of Christ was like that of a dad for his children. He cared for them and wanted the best for them. That's why he was so fierce about those who would lead them astray.

As I read today's Psalm, I thought, "I don't struggle that much anymore when I see wicked people prosper." Immediately my mind when to driving down the road and noticing a pickup truck all jacked up to twice it's normal height. Then I think of all the money it took to do that and I notice how the driver is riding right on my bumper. Maybe I struggle in ways I hadn't thought of! This Psalm closes with "I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do." Lord, please help me remember to love and pray for those whom I find frustrating; they need Christ.

Proverbs. Wisdom is like honey. Mmmmmmm.

What spoke to you today?

September 30

Today's Reading

We are near the end of Isaiah and God uses him to share wonderful promises of God's mercy and grace visited upon His people. He promised to draw Israel from the ends of the earth and bring them home. That started happening literally during the 1940s. Each of these promises would seem to have a literal fulfillment -- some won't be until the Last Days -- and also a spiritual application. For instance, "4 Never again will you be called 'The Forsaken City'
or 'The Desolate Land.'
Your new name will be 'The City of God’s Delight'
and 'The Bride of God,'
for the Lord delights in you
and will claim you as his bride." The New Testament makes it clear that those who follow Christ are His bride and He is the bridegroom.

Philippians. "Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." This is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.

Psalms. I think it's likely that Solomon wrote this Psalm in memory of his dad, King David. God Himself is the perfect example of it.

Proverbs. We are to help people in dire circumstances and not just "look out for number one."

I found myself challenged once again by the Scriptures for today. How about you?

September 29

Today's Reading

If Isaiah 58 is any indication, God has a particular disdain for the times we act religious without repentant hearts. O God, be merciful to me for the times I have spoken prayers with my lips while my heart was far from you. Forgive me for the times I enjoyed looking pious, but my life was totally self-centered. Forgive me for the times I have played the role of publicly following you while privately I ran the other way.

Someone wrote a commentary on Philippians a number of years ago and called it "God's Book For The Joyful Look." Paul even found joy in the fact that some people preached with wrong motives, but the Gospel changed lives anyway. I struggle sometimes when I see the outward success of those who seem to use their preaching as a way to build a personal kingdom. I need to have the same attitude as the apostle.

Psalms. "15 I will tell everyone about your righteousness.
All day long I will proclaim your saving power,
though I am not skilled with words." I have found that it's easy to make this promise and often not so easy to follow through with it. I am growing in this area. When shared in love, the Gospel gains reception among many unbelievers.

Proverbs. "10 If you fail under pressure,
your strength is too small." Ouch! Maybe it's because I don't rely on God's strength during those times!

What strengthens you today as you read the Word?

September 28

Today's Reading

Isaiah follows the prophecy of a Suffering Servant who would come with words of comfort for all those whose hearts are broken and repentant. Then, as if to say that God is still fierce against sin, he reminds them of all the sinfulness that has prevailed.
These are beautiful, comforting passages. One among them sticks out to me: "10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it." When we keep watering our lives with the Word of God, some of it is like snowpack up in the high mountain peaks. It resides there, ready for the day when the heat comes to melt it and send it to where it is needed. You and I get heated up through trials and the Words begins to flow and do it's work.

Paul's graphic depiction of spiritual warfare was obviously needed by the Ephesians. We need it, too. Notice that Paul specifically asked for prayers for himself as he fought spiritual battles. As I grow older, that means more than ever to me.

Psalms. "5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
please hurry to my aid, O God.
You are my helper and my savior;
O Lord, do not delay." Me, too!

Proverbs. We build our reputations slowly, but we can destroy them quickly!

What is building in your life? What are these passages saying to your heart?

September 27

Today's Reading

I found myself reading Isaiah 53 and changing the plural pronouns to the first person singular. We becomes I. Our becomes my. It moved me to think of the greatness of the sacrifice which Christ made for me.
On another note, 6 But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them. (Isa 52:6). Read the book of Acts again. See the example of power in Jesus' Name. You and I who know Christ also bear the power of that Name, as long as our motives are His kingdom.

Ephesians. The more I think about it, the church in 21st Century USA has many struggles with the sins in Ephesians 5. It is essential that we must repent and return to the God who empowered our forefathers to establish this nation. Otherwise, we will certainly fall and it could happen soon!

Psalms. David wanted God to clearly identify the people who genuinely love Him and the people who are hypocrites. That day is coming!

Proverbs. May you and I be wise and not be people for whom wisdom is "too lofty!"

What thoughts and questions do you have today?

September 26

Today's Reading

Isaiah today begins what are called the Suffering Servant passages. Surely the prophet couldn't understand just how graphic were the descriptions he was writing about Jesus Christ because it was hundreds of years before Christ was born. For instance, "5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
and I have listened.
I have not rebelled or turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting."

As I read today's Ephesians passage, I realized how much I have lived like the "Gentiles", my heart hard and my mind closed to the things of God. God has been so gracious to call me back to Himself and allow me to repent. Never again to I want to live the life of accepting Christ's forgiveness, but keeping my heart far from Him.

Psalms. I have felt some of the same things David must have felt when he wrote this Psalm. The answer is the same as his, too. I cry out to God (usually after I try and fail to fix it myself) and He is quick to provide His presence and comfort.

Proverbs. Any more, I shudder when I see people make big decisions without seeking and heeding counsel.

What speaks to you today?

September 25

Today's Reading

Isaiah. Great nations rise, then fall. They depend on false gods that aren't gods at all. Will the U.S. fall? It depends who whether or not we make God our Lord. After we were attacked on 9/11/01 millions went to church. Unfortunately we didn't see widespread repentance from the sins which have hardened our hearts against God. We raised our collective fists in defiance against the enemies who attacked us, but we didn't fall on our knees in brokenness before the God whom we have mocked. We have made our own strength our god. O, God of the heavens, we cry out for a wave of conviction for for our nation to turn from our sins and turn to You!

Ephesians. "15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." What a beautiful picture of Christ accomplishing His purposes in and through us! People who take the time to discover the special gifts they have received from God find great joy and passion as they use those gifts to serve Him and others.

Psalms. Throughout Scripture and history, the god of this age has wielded seemingly endless power. It can seem as if the true God has been overshadowed by the great influence of the devil. In the end, however, God is victorious...always!

Proverbs. Beware of shortcuts when building your house. That's true of families as well as individuals and churches as well as businesses. It's true in finance. Long-term success requires wisdom and takes time to accomplish.

What thoughts do you have?

September 24

Today's Reading

God reminded Isaiah of the futility of carving idols for worship. How can the works of our own hands somehow become our provider in life? "It's silly," we might say. Then we turn around and use the money we have earned as our provider instead of trusting in the living God. It's easy for us to yield up our entire lives to the pursuit of riches and what they can buy. Ouch!

Ephesians. "17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." O, what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be called the children of God!

As I read Psalms today, I thought about the significance of some of the mountains in Scripture. Mt. Sinai: the Law. Mt. Calvary: the Cross. Mt. Zion: the Throne. What others can you think of?

Proverbs. Do you ever feel a pang of jealousy that someone is able to do things you are forbidden to do -- because it's sin? I have felt it. Don't go there; it's a lie!

What do you notice in today's reading?

September 23

Today's Reading

Isaiah, in today's reading, foretells the coming of one who will be a gentle servant. He then reminds the people that they have chosen to ignore God and they will face judgment. Finally, he says that the day will come with God will call his people from the North, South, East and West to come home to Israel. That part of the passage has been happening since Israel became a nation in 1948.

Ephesians. "2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature." Those verses sort of fly into the face of our description of most everyone as "good people", doesn't it? It's not good people who need a Savior; it's sinners. Praise God that we have one!

Psalms. May God smile with favor on us. Amen!

Proverbs shares the warning, "Drink too much and you will end up embarrassed. Or worse!"

What speaks to you today?

September 22

Today's Reading

Isaiah. Hezekiah had been a good king for many years, yet he developed what seems to have been a selfish attitude. He cried out to God for an extension of his life and it was granted, but during that time he fathered Manasseh who started out as one of the most sinful of all the kings. Then he showed off his stuff to Babylon. Finally, he rejoiced to hear that judgment wouldn't come in his lifetime. It's a rather sad ending.

Many of us love Isaiah 40:31, but those who -- like me -- are deeply moved by Handel's Messiah will recognize the opening verses of this chapter.

Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with this great promise: "At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." Something within us longs for that time to come! In the meantime, we are promised everything we need to live effective, Christ-following lives.

Psalm 66 has some awesome verses in it. Among them: "18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened." We are making a mockery of prayer if we refuse to open our hearts to the searchlight of God's Spirit, following that with sincere confession and repentance.

Proverbs today serves as another warning not to follow the siren song of fun, casual sex. It's a path to a broken heart and, perhaps, destruction.

What do you notice?

September 21

Today's Reading

Isaiah. If you are a fan of movies like The Patriot, you have to love this passage. The odds were stacked against them, but God delivered them from one of the greatest military commanders in history. I am convinced that you and I are locked in a deadly battle with our enemy who accuses and mocks us before the living God. We must bring his threats to God in the temple of our hearts and ask Him to intervene. Then our Advocate will take up our case and our Warrior will defeat the enemy.

Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians with the most basic truth of Christianity: the cross. The cross must be central to our lives. Christ paid for our sins there. We go the cross with our old lives and God removes our sins from us. We are then raised to a new life. Hallelujah!

Psalms. I long that we in the United States could pray this Psalm with our whole hearts. I believe that God still blesses like this. Unfortunately, the "American Dream" has become one of me getting for me without regard to the hurt in the rest of the world.

Proverbs. Amen!

These passages spoke quietly and deeply to me. How about you?

September 20

Today's Reading

Isaiah. Today, we first heard about the Edomites. Edom was the name given to Jacob's brother Esau and his descendants. Esau had welcomed Jacob back to the region after Jacob fled his brother's wrath, having taken his birthright and blessing. Whatever happened left bad blood between them. In Numbers 20, Moses sent word to the king of Edom and requested safe passage for Israel through their territory. The request was violently rejected and the conflict proceeded from there. Gradually over the centuries, the people of Edom intermarried with the Jews and the Edomites lost their identity.
The second part of our Isaiah passage is the history (we have read it before in Kings and Chronicles) of Assyria's threats against Judah. You can see how many kings in that era saw themselves as "a god." That was obviously the case with Sennacherib. He saw the gods people worship as pawns to get what they wanted; therefore, they couldn't stand up against his "great" power. This bully is about to receive his come-uppance!

Galatians talks about the war of the ages, that of the flesh warring against the Spirit. Whatever you feed thrives, whatever you starve dies.

Psalms. Ultimately EVERY knee shall bow and EVERY tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We will with confess Him with praise or with the ultimate pain, based on what we do with Him now.

Proverbs. The truth sets us free and guides our steps. It is worth the price!

What speaks to you today?

September 19

Today's Reading

Over many years, Isaiah received and delivered variations of God's message to His people. If you are familiar with music, you know that much of our music is variations of a theme. The composer introduces the theme (ta-ta-ta-DAH in Beethoven's Fifth) and keeps bringing it back with slightly different sounds. That's what the prophet heard God doing with the prophecies coming from heaven. The message was ever clearer: judgment was coming, then repentance, then blessing. The nations that seemed so powerful would fall. AND that's what happened!

Galatians. "4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace." Paul is NOT saying that this causes you to lose your salvation. You will lose your joy and your hope because the person who has no greater foundation than their own works is building her/his life on sand -- when it shifts, the life comes tumbling down!

Psalms. When I remember just how much I need God, I lean on Him for provision. He provides. I praise. I think about his goodness. And then, unfortunately, I tend to forget for a little while until I remember again just how much I need Him.

Proverbs. I am living in the latter years of this verse. May I honor the memory of my dad by caring for my mom.

What speaks to you, fellow Climber?

September 18

Today's Reading

Isaiah saw and wrote about a Cornerstone to come; a sure foundation for all who would believe in Him. The New Testament verifies that the foundation was Jesus Christ. Before that, though, would be a time when God would be "silent": "10 For the Lord has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep.
He has closed the eyes of your prophets and visionaries." Between the end of Malachi in the Old Testament and the first recorded cries of "Repent!" from John the Baptist in the New Testament, God WAS silent -- for 400 years!
Finally today, Isaiah warned about the danger of trusting in Egypt for help. Remember that, in Scripture, Egypt symbolizes the world and the worldly system. You and I make a great mistake when we entrust ourselves to this world's answers for our needs.

Galatians. Paul's very pointed discussion about the Law versus faith takes us all the way back to Abraham. By doing so, he bring us to the roots of Judaism and Christianity. But he also takes us to the roots of the Arab world (Ishmael) and, therefore, Islam. Hmmmmmmm.

Psalms. What a great answer to Isaiah's prophecy about relying upon Egypt. "Trust in God alone!" One of my cherished life lessons is at the close of this Psalm: God has spoken plainly,
and I have heard it many times:
Power, O God, belongs to you;
unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
(Psalm 62:11, 12 NLT) Our God is all-powerful and all-loving all at the same time. Only God...

Proverbs. Many who were living the life of ease are now in a great economic hurt.

What do you see today?

September 17

Today's Reading

Isaiah gives us a great contrast today. On the one hand is Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom -- Israel (the Southern Kingdom was called Judah and capital was Jerusalem). God kept sending simple prophetic messages to Israel and they kept ignoring them. Finally an oppressor was to come (and did!). On the other hand, Isaiah (26:3) prophesied peace for those set their minds on God and trust in Him. You and I need to remember that when our world is crumbling around us.

I encourage you to read today's Galatians passage as a personal letter written to you. Meditate on it. Ask God to flood your mind with it. It is one of the most often misunderstood concepts in the New Testament. The purpose of the Law is not to make you righteous, but to show you your sin. Only Jesus makes you righteous. If you attempt to be righteous by the Law, you must perfectly obey ALL of it. Zero tolerance! (Fat chance!)

Psalms today speaks of commitment and trust. Which area do you need to grow in?

Proverbs. I have found, at times, that it is tempting to envy those who live a life of seeming sinful ease. How about you?

What have you noticed today?

September 16

Today's Reading

Isaiah. Remember first that the prophet wrote what God showed him. He didn't know if it would happen in his lifetime, a little later or much later. Our reading today includes God's judgment on Judah, which happened very near the time Isaiah wrote. It also includes judgement on Tyre, Sidon and Phoenicia, all three powerful city-kingdoms on the Mediterranean next to Israel. Finally, it includes judgment on the whole earth -- obviously about the end-times. How does each of these speak to you about your life?

Galatians today contains two great truths central to our walk with Christ. The first is "20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." When you became a Christian, the old you was crucified. It's dead! You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5)! The second great truth in this passage: "21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die." If I am made right with God by my own works, then I can be in charge of my own life and set my own standards. If I am fully indebted to God for my forgiveness, the only proper response is to present Him my life as a servant.

Psalms. I'm convinced that one of the characteristics that identified David as "a man after God's own heart" was the way he responded to adversity. We live in an age in which we look at things like a down economy and say, "It's cyclical. It will turn around." I think David would have look at such circumstances and pray, "5 Now rescue your beloved people.
Answer and save us by your power." The popular way today includes no opportunity to consider our ways and turn back to God (Psalm 119:59).

Proverbs. My prayer is that our church and those influenced by God's work among us will grow in wisdom. Oh, that we would speak what is right and give Him reason to celebrate!

What's on your heart today?

September 15

Today's Reading


Isaiah. The prophet's visions were partly about his own day and partly about the future when Messiah would establish His kingdom on the earth. He spoke of judgment against Egypt when the Nile would dry up. He mentioned Ethiopia, which is south of Egypt. He also mentioned Assyria, Edom and the Philistines. Each of these had been powerful kingdoms in that day. Some are powerful again today. Notice the word picture about a coming day when Israel, Egypt and Assyria (modern-day Iran) will be united together serving and worshiping God. Only Jesus can bring that unity; someday we will see it!

Galatians. One of the controversies in the early church (dealt with in Acts 15) was whether a Gentile man had to be circumcised in order to become a Christian. The reason some were holding to this teaching was that it meant, in effect, only Jews could be Christians. The act of circumcision would mean that the Gentile was becoming a Jew. Obviously, this was heresy, but Simon Peter who didn't personally believe the heresy, set a bad example by refusing to hang out with Gentile believers when the circumcision adherents were around. Paul rebuked him to his face for leading others astray.

Psalms. David learned to trust God through the trials of running from Saul. Imagine living through several years of running from an evil ruler, one whose primary goal in life is to destroy you. No wonder David prayed such vivid prayers.

Proverbs. I know that spanking is considered a no-no by many today and I won't argue the point. Perhaps more important is the need to discipline consistently. I'm afraid that far too many parents don't do it and we have been raising a generation of children who think they get to conform the world to their wishes. It's a very broken part of our public education system.

Which of today's passages speaks to you?

September 14

Today's Reading

Isaiah. Remember that Isaiah recorded what God showed him. He didn't know if it would happen in his day (some things did) or in a time far off. He spoke of the sin of Israel, "10 Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you.
You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you." Those words should keep you and me alert about spiritual malaise. On the other hand, some of his words to Ethiopia seem clearly to be about when Jesus returns.
One of my Bible professors used to say, "Just because a prophecy is fulfilled doesn't mean that it is exhausted." In other words, some prophetic words have had multiple fulfillments over the centuries. Think of them as like hills in time with valleys in between.

Galatians. The theme of this letter to the churches in the region of Galatia is freedom through Christ. Paul wrote it to counteract a false teaching which was laying hold of those churches. People among them were being held in bondage by legalism -- the idea that we are made right with God by keeping the law. Paul begins the book by settling the issue of his spiritual authority to show them the right way.

Psalms says, "These people are born sinners." The New Testament tells us that we are all born sinners. However, it seems that some people easily step into the worst kinds of sin, like a child who abuses animals and who is on the way to becoming a full-fledged sociopath.

Proverbs. I choose today to commit myself to instruction.
How about you?

September 13

Today's Reading

Isaiah. My first thoughts are that you might have some difficulty with today's passage if your worldview has been largely influenced by our culture. God has always had His hand on Israel (the New Testament tells us that those who put their trust in Jesus as their Messiah are spiritual Israel). As such, God is at enmity with nations that try to destroy the Jews. Today's prophecies are toward Babylon (modern Iraq), Assyria (modern Iran) and Philistia (modern Palestinians). Also, many scholars believe (I also believe) that Isaiah 14:12-21 is more directly written as a prophecy against Satan himself.

2 Corinthians. Paul concludes this letter with a warning that the people need correction. He asks them to make the changes before he comes -- then he will be free to encourage them in their growth. If they fail to change, he will bring strong correction. What a picture of a spiritual father loving his children!

Psalms. While this Psalm was written by David when he had to hide from the wrath of Saul, I found it deeply comforting. Many have thought that the closer we walk with God, the more trouble-free our life will be. Actually, the opposite is true. We get surrounded by fierce spiritual lions who long to devour us. But we have a hiding place!

Proverbs. I don't want to be a fool who refuses to receive wisdom.

What has God brought to your mind as you read today?