June 2

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. David's victory was shaky. The effect of Absalom's rebellion was to make everyone more tentative than before. It's what happens when a group of people go through what I call a "train wreck." Everyone wonders if someone else is about to abandon them; many question themselves and aren't sure if they can stay with the group.

Did you notice Amasa's failure to follow David's order to have the army assembled in three days. It is unlikely that David would have given the order if it wasn't feasible. Amasa's slow response was what put him face to face with Joab far away from the King. It cost him his life.

John. Three times, Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me?" Each time Peter's affirmation was followed by variations of "Feed My sheep." If Jesus asked you, "Do you love Me?", what would you say? If you said, "Yes," what would He tell you to do?

John's concluding statement is telling. "Jesus also did many other things." Truthfully, He's still doing them in and through His body, the church.

Psalms. What should we do with our troubles? Take them to the Lord! He WILL answer!

Proverbs. Wisdom will lead us around evil, whenever possible.

What do you see today? What do you wonder?

June 1

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. David the king had been betrayed; David the dad had just lost his son. It's hard to imagine the dilemma he felt. Joab, for all his impetuous action (often bordering on rebellion) was right about this. David needed to acknowledge those who fought bravely or he would lose his kingdom. The people were like sheep without a shepherd. Though many had followed Absalom, they were ready to return to David immediately. I can't understand how people can do this with so little thought, but I have experienced it.

John. "By believing in him you will have life by the power of his name." That's a powerful summation of the resurrection account! John knew that the responsibility of the disciples was simply to live their lives demonstrating Jesus' teaching and example by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then they were to declare what they had seen and let God do the work of drawing people to Jesus. It's like that for you and me, too.

Psalm 119. "Rescue me; bring me back when I stray; loose my tongue to sing your praise." These are the repetitive themes at the close of this prayerful Psalm. Amen!

Proverbs. Much authority is placed in the rulers of this world. Consequently, it is wise to live honorably toward them.

Climbing Companion, what do you see today? Questions?

May 31

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. God always accomplishes His purposes. David had sinned and was being judged. David had failed to discipline his sons and was facing open rebellion. Yet, David was still God's anointed and a man after God's heart. God would protect David through this, but David had to learn painful lessons. God deals with us the same way.

John. When I read this, I noticed something I hadn't previously seen. In John's account, Jesus' last swallow before dying was tasting the sour wine that was placed at His mouth. In Gethsemane, He had prayed, "Father, if it be Your will, let this cup pass from me." The wine, being sour, represented our soured acts of sin that cost His sacrifice to redeem. He took this symbol of us into Himself and paid our death penalty for us. In Communion, we take the symbol of Him into us and by faith receive the result of His sacrifice.

Psalm 119. God is always near and His Word teaches us His character. The more we walk with Him, the more that character shines through us.

Proverbs. The type of leader who leads with integrity expects nothing less from those he leads.

What is God saying to you today? Questions on your mind?

May 30

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. Just as Jesus faced betrayal, so did his ancestor David. David's response can teach us much about facing those who have something against us. Joab's brother Abishai would have been glad to kill Shimei, but David saw the big picture and wouldn't allow it. That's a great lesson because betrayal cuts us deep within the soul. Instead of fighting, David interpreted the pain as means for God to teach him.

John. "We have no king but Caesar!" What a sad testament to the location of their hearts.

Psalm 119 contains the simple testimony of a yielded man: "I am Your servant." I want that to be my testimony, growing more true every day of my life.

Proverbs. Simple honesty and fairness with all people will help you develop a good name and give honor to God.

Your thoughts? Do you have questions today?

May 29

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. God used David's own weakness regarding the people he loved to set up the promised judgment of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. David's son Amnon had raped Tamar and David did nothing about it so Absalom murdered his half-brother. David did nothing about that and Absalom decided to steal the kingdom from his dad. What pain and misery from the failure to make hard decisions. I often learn from this passage because I -- at one time -- also failed to take strong action with a rebellious staff member and our entire church suffered for it.

John describes today the dark scene of Jesus' arrest, along with the beginning of His trials and the first denial of Peter.

Psalm 119. Praying this prayer today has reminded me of the importance of learning God's Word. As I meditate on it, I am shown the way to be protected from sin and to stand in the face of my soul's enemies.

Proverbs makes me think of the homes in the Beverly Hills area where I recently drove. The lure of riches is huge. The constant temptation, "These things I will give you if you will bow down and worship me," is enough to have destroyed many good people. May we walk in God's truth and not be fooled by the lie!

Your thoughts? Do you have questions?

May 28

Today's Reading

On this Memorial Day I hope you will take a moment to be thankful for all who have paid the price of our freedom by giving their lives.

2 Samuel. David's love for his children made it difficult for him to discipline them. It seems that he ignored Amnon's rape of Tamar since surely he had heard about it. Then he ignored Absalom as he took matters into his own hands. It's a setup for what will happen next. Pondering this passage reminds me that, as a leader, I have often grieved over my failure to take decisive action in matters of discipline. I have never regretted firm action, even years later.
John. This is the true "Lord's prayer." The one we call by that title is really a model prayer for us to pray. This is Jesus' prayer for us. I noticed that even Jesus' prayers didn't all get answered immediately. For instance, "23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me." I long to see this come true, even in my own community. But it's not true yet!
Psalm 119. It's really amazing. God's Word, when empowered by God's Spirit, is alive and touches every generation in every culture, location and language.
Proverbs. Have you noticed that our most recent enemies constantly use our corruption and greed as the reason they want to destroy our nation? What would happen if our entire nation humbled themselves before God and lived according to God's instructions? I believe it would change the way the rest of the world looks at us.
Your thoughts today? Questions?

May 27

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. I am struck more than ever before about the complexity of today's passage. Each person was walking through difficulties. David was grieving his son's death and broken over his own sin. Bathsheba was surely mourning the loss of Uriah and her complicity in the sin of adultery, as well as the death of her baby. Nathan was faithfully bringing the Word of the Lord to the king, regardless of the consequences. David's advisers were fretting over the king's demeanor. In the meantime, where was Joab? He was fighting Israel's battles on the battlefield. He was loyal to David...sort of.

John. This world is full of grief and pain. Because Jesus paid for our sins, arose and returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) is available to give us joy, strength, peace and direct access to God.

Psalm 119. No matter how long I walk with God, I am still "prone to wander." God allows me to undergo difficulties with the hope that I will humble myself before Him. Then I can receive His forgiveness and grow in character.

Proverbs. Don't take today's verses as some kind to fatalistic proof that bad people have no choice. We ALL have choices. In the end, though, God has a purpose in everything and everyone.

Your thoughts? Do you have questions?

May 26

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. As I read today's passage, it struck me that David's great victories -- accompanied by his magnanimous gestures to former enemies -- must have led him into pride. How else could he have given in to fleshly desires toward another man's wife, then have the other man killed? Said another way, I don't think he took a giant, instant leap into adultery and murder; I think he took a series a baby steps away from God. To me, that's much scarier.

John. The Holy Spirit keeps pointing us to Jesus. Our very existence depends on Him. He is the vine, the source of life itself. The more we choose to walk with Him and bear fruit, the more we undergo pruning.

Psalms. As I prayed these verses, I was refreshed by one of my favorite verses (which happens to be in today's reading)...
"I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws."

Proverbs. No matter how much information we have, it is God who must ultimately approve our plans and make them happen.

As you make plans for the summer, what do today's lessons say to you? Do you have questions about what you have read?

May 25

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. Today's passage gives significant detail about David's work as a conqueror. When you realize the great distance covered by his military victories, you see that this was politically the most powerful time in Israel's history. What impresses me, though, is David's prayer: "Who am I, Lord...?"

John. Jesus was clearly speaking about His departure to heaven after the resurrection. Then he described what would begin on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit would begin indwelling believers. Jesus said they would know the Spirit because He had been with them (in Jesus) but the time was coming (Pentecost) when the Spirit would live in them. What a gift God has given us: His Spirit!

Psalms. As I prayed these verses, this one stuck out:
"Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word."

Proverbs. Genuine humility tends to get noticed by the wise.

What speaks to you today? What questions come to mind?

May 24

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. In many ways this was the pinnacle of David's power. I heard someone recently talk about our spiritual battles including an "air war" and a "ground war." David and his army had to fight the enemy on the ground, but he was constantly praying for God's direction and provision (the air war). When God told David to wait until he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, it was obviously an outward sign of the spiritual battle that was being fought over them. The armies of God marched in upon the demon hordes who were traveling with the enemy; when that battle was won, the ground war was much easier!

John. The longer I know Jesus, the more I am amazed at the simple power of His words.

Psalms. Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.
I cling to your laws.
Lord , don't let me be put to shame! (Psalm 119:29-31 NLT) O, how easily I lie to myself, convincing myself to compromise God's pure Word. These verses jumped off the page to me today.

Proverbs. As hard as it may be at the moment, correction is a great friend.

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

May 23

Today's Reading

2 Samuel. David finally became king over all Israel, but at what price? Many people had been killed by their own relatives. Plus, Joab and Abishai had gained such military strength that David felt he couldn't control them. Even though David was victorious, it was a tragic picture.

John. Simon Peter was the picture of self-sufficiency. He didn't want Jesus washing his feet because he could do it himself. He undoubtedly wanted to serve God, but kept thinking he could do it with his own strength. He had some huge lessons to learn. So do we, when we think we can accomplish God's plans in our own strength or approach God based on our own righteousness.

Psalms. We begin the longest chapter in the Bible today. Psalm 119 is in sections of 8 verses each. There are 22 sections, one for each letter in the Hebrew alphabet. You might want to read these verses as a prayer to God. They are very personal.

Proverbs. It's a great discipline to find good in every day and be thankful for it. It will improve our health.

Your thoughts, Climbing Companion? Questions?

May 22

Today's Reading
2 Samuel begins at the inception of David as king. Notice how David didn't fall into the temptation to rejoice over Saul's death. Proverbs teaches that we are not to rejoice when our enemy falls. This was an Amalekite -- remember that Amalek in the Old Testament symbolizes the power of our flesh -- who came with this news (and he lied about killing Saul). David grieved for Saul and God honored him.
The case of General Abner will take up many verses in this book. As we begin to learn of him, we see that David's decision to honor the people of Jabesh-Gilead didn't result in their immediate allegiance. Abner was still loyal to Saul and Ishbosheth, though weak, became king for a while.
John. Over and over again, Jesus ascribed his words and actions to the Father. His power was the connection to the power source. Ours, too!
Jesus replied, "My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light." (John 12:35, 36 NLT) While Jesus' words here were specifically about How coming arrest, trial and execution, they have great meaning for us today. If He gives you light, walk in it as soon as you receive it. The nature of life is that it contains seasons as bright as day and others like moonless nights. In those dark seasons, we must hang on by faith to what we received in the light.
Psalms. What the Psalmist couldn't fully comprehend was that "he who comes in the name of the Lord" would also be "the sacrifice" bound with cords to the altar. For you and me to "get" this, I think it helps us to remember the way Abraham bound Isaac with cords to the altar. Our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving are not to be fleeting words we sing in the emotion of worship services as much as they are to be the firm statements we declare during the greatest trials of our lives.
Proverbs. Clearly, greed is an acceptable American sin. But it brings grief and destroys spiritual passion in people and churches.
What you you think as you read today, Climbing Companion? Questions?

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?