October 3

Today's Reading

Jeremiah opens with the theme that will repeat throughout his prophecies. The people had abandoned God and sought help from other things, other nations and other gods. "13 “For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
that can hold no water at all!" Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet because of the heartbreak he showed as he pronounced God's judgment on his generation. His story itself is full of heartbreak, but also ripe with lessons for us.

Philippians. Paul concludes this little letter with the exhortation to rejoice, to get along, and to think about the best things. He thanked the Philippians for their previous help and acknowledged that his current circumstances -- a prisoner in Rome -- left him needy. But he was content! Finally, he shows a bit of the impact of the Gospel on the people in the capital city: "22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household."

Psalms. "10 For God says, 'I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.'" Paul reminded us in 2 Corinthians that the power of the godly is in our weakness.

Please hang on to these verses from Proverbs. They should permeate your thoughts and be a clear light for your journey. I have gone back to them over and over and over again in real-life situations.

What has spoken to you today?

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?

December 17, Day 351

Today's Reading

Paul was confined to house arrest when he wrote this letter to his spiritual children in Philippi. I have started to understand a little of what it means to see someone cross the line of faith, then watch them start growing in Christ. I watch them make decisions and face life challenges. I watch them weigh out whether to follow God's way or go back to their old life. I pray for them and feel concern for them. That's the way Paul was here.

His "children" were facing legalists who wanted everyone to convert (via circumcision for the males) to judaism before they could become Christ followers. Some of them were squabbling. They needed to recapture their joy as they followed Jesus. Therefore, Paul wrote this letter from captivity and the whole thing is about joy. He longed for them to experience it just as he did. It's powerful!

October 3

Today's Reading

Jeremiah opens with the theme that will repeat throughout his prophecies. The people had abandoned God and sought help from other things, other nations and other gods. "13 “For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
that can hold no water at all!" Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet because of the heartbreak he showed as he pronounced God's judgment on his generation. His story itself is full of heartbreak, but also ripe with lessons for us.

Philippians. Paul concludes this little letter with the exhortation to rejoice, to get along, and to think about the best things. He thanked the Philippians for their previous help and acknowledged that his current circumstances -- a prisoner in Rome -- left him needy. But he was content! Finally, he shows a bit of the impact of the Gospel on the people in the capital city: "22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household."

Psalms. "10 For God says, 'I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.'" Paul reminded us in 2 Corinthians that the power of the godly is in our weakness.

Please hang on to these verses from Proverbs. They should permeate your thoughts and be a clear light for your journey. I have gone back to them over and over and over again in real-life situations.

What has spoken to you today?

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?

July 31

Today's Reading

2 Chronicles. It's easy to imagine Hezekiah pondering the sorry state of the Temple in the years leading up to his reign. He must have, for he gave the restoration order in the first month he was king. It's also a lesson that it only took 16 days to make it ready for worship again. The people had been neglecting their worship for the lack of 16 days of effort. How many "small" things do I allow to keep me from time with God?

Romans. It is easy to judge someone else when they live with a freedom we don't have. It is also easy to flaunt our freedom in front of someone who is bound in a set of rules. Both are wrong.

Psalms today is a great call to worship. Throw open the gates! Unlock the doors! Let the King of the earth and all it contains enter as we bow in reverence!

Proverbs. Cathy and I have been laughing recently. My eyesight is still pretty good, but my hearing has taken some hits. She is just the opposite. I told her I will drive and talk. She can sit and listen. I'm not sure her non-talking role will work for her. She prefers me to drive so she can do other stuff.

What are your thoughts today? Questions about the passages?

March 16

Today's Reading

Numbers. Balaam never could really curse God's people, as we read today, but he is later given some blame in the temptation of Peor. Perhaps Balak gave Balaam some gold in return for a hint on how to weaken God's nation. Israel's choice to give in to that temptation brought about what the words of Balaam couldn't.

Luke. Have you noticed how a few things, good or bad, were said to you in the past. And they marked you. You remember them clearly years later. That's obviously how the words of Simeon struck Mary in today's passage.

Psalms. Our enemies may be snarling like vicious dogs, but God is our refuge.

Elsewhere, we are told to pray for our leaders. Proverbs reminds us to pray for their wisdom.

I pray that God's word speaks to you today. What thoughts do you have? What questions?

October 3

Today's Reading

Jeremiah opens with the theme that will repeat throughout his prophecies. The people had abandoned God and sought help from other things, other nations and other gods. "13 “For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
that can hold no water at all!" Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet because of the heartbreak he showed as he pronounced God's judgment on his generation. His story itself is full of heartbreak, but also ripe with lessons for us.

Philippians: Paul concludes this little letter with the exhortation to rejoice, to get along, and to think about the best things. He thanked the Philippians for their previous help and acknowledged that his current circumstances -- a prisoner in Rome -- left him needy. But he was content! Finally, he shows a bit of the impact of the Gospel on the people in the capital city: "22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household."

Psalms: "10 For God says, 'I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.'" Paul reminded us in 2 Corinthians that the power of the godly is in our weakness.

Please hang on to these verses from Proverbs. They should permeate your thoughts and be a clear light for your journey. I have gone back to them over and over and over again in real-life situations.

What has spoken to you today?

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. 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 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. Oh 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. He 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 apolstle.

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.

Proverbs: "10 If you fail under pressure,
your strength is too small." Ouch! But it's true if we understand that God alone is our strength in times of trouble.

What strengthens you today as you read the Word?