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.
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?
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May 13
Today's Reading
1 Samuel. Beware of following someone because they use the name of the Lord like a good luck charm. Saul obeyed God when it was convenient, but the rest of the time he took matters into his own hands. Even as I write this, I pray for myself that my obedience to God is sincere and consistent.
John. It's not hard to imagine the intense pressure the religious leaders were putting on those who were impressed by Jesus. Notice today how they spoke to their own Temple Guard (could some of them be one who stood watch at the tomb?) and Nicodemus.
Psalm 109. Verse 8 was used by Christ's followers in the book of Acts as instruction that they needed to find a replacement for Judas, the betrayer.
Perhaps the whole Psalm is a picture of that betrayal OR of every betrayal we feel when a friend selfishly turns against us.
Proverbs. I think the "treasure in the house of the godly" can be other than financial treasure. It can be the treasure of faith, hope, joy, peace, and love.
What do you think? Do you have questions?
1 Samuel. Beware of following someone because they use the name of the Lord like a good luck charm. Saul obeyed God when it was convenient, but the rest of the time he took matters into his own hands. Even as I write this, I pray for myself that my obedience to God is sincere and consistent.
John. It's not hard to imagine the intense pressure the religious leaders were putting on those who were impressed by Jesus. Notice today how they spoke to their own Temple Guard (could some of them be one who stood watch at the tomb?) and Nicodemus.
Psalm 109. Verse 8 was used by Christ's followers in the book of Acts as instruction that they needed to find a replacement for Judas, the betrayer.
Perhaps the whole Psalm is a picture of that betrayal OR of every betrayal we feel when a friend selfishly turns against us.
Proverbs. I think the "treasure in the house of the godly" can be other than financial treasure. It can be the treasure of faith, hope, joy, peace, and love.
What do you think? Do you have questions?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May 12
Today's Reading
1 Samuel. Saul, in his insecurity, was too impatient to wait on God's timetable. By making the sacrifices himself, he sinned against God and cut off his future from God's blessing. It's a tragic story. I wonder how many times I have missed God's best because I got in a hurry.
John. Saul (above) was in conflict with God; Jesus was in conflict with people who were choosing their own way instead of God's way. There's a lesson to be learned in the contrast between the two passages.
Psalms. Sometimes the best place to be is the place of desperation in prayer. That's where David seemed to be in this Psalm. I have learned to cherish the moments when I can cling only to God and hope only in His deliverance.
Proverbs. Once again, may we speak healing, life-giving words rather than those that bring death.
Your thoughts today? Questions?
1 Samuel. Saul, in his insecurity, was too impatient to wait on God's timetable. By making the sacrifices himself, he sinned against God and cut off his future from God's blessing. It's a tragic story. I wonder how many times I have missed God's best because I got in a hurry.
John. Saul (above) was in conflict with God; Jesus was in conflict with people who were choosing their own way instead of God's way. There's a lesson to be learned in the contrast between the two passages.
Psalms. Sometimes the best place to be is the place of desperation in prayer. That's where David seemed to be in this Psalm. I have learned to cherish the moments when I can cling only to God and hope only in His deliverance.
Proverbs. Once again, may we speak healing, life-giving words rather than those that bring death.
Your thoughts today? Questions?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May 11
Today's Reading
1 Samuel. This is the beginning of the reign of Saul. He was ill-prepared for being a king. He seems to have had little leadership experience and immediately used the threat of force to accomplish his first military battle, which (by God's grace) was a victory. As we watch Saul, notice how he never becomes confident about who he is. His insecurity brings great heartbreak to many, including his own family.
John. Today's passage is full of mystery. The people would have loved the miracle of little pieces of manna on the ground the way their ancestors had experienced it in the wilderness. Jesus said that He offers something much better -- Himself. What does it mean to you?
Psalms. "Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."
God's faithfulness is what brings us through. Let's proclaim it!
Proverbs. God is even keeping watch on my tongue. May it be a fountain of life and not spewing death.
How about it today, Climbing Companion? How are you doing? What are your thoughts?
1 Samuel. This is the beginning of the reign of Saul. He was ill-prepared for being a king. He seems to have had little leadership experience and immediately used the threat of force to accomplish his first military battle, which (by God's grace) was a victory. As we watch Saul, notice how he never becomes confident about who he is. His insecurity brings great heartbreak to many, including his own family.
John. Today's passage is full of mystery. The people would have loved the miracle of little pieces of manna on the ground the way their ancestors had experienced it in the wilderness. Jesus said that He offers something much better -- Himself. What does it mean to you?
Psalms. "Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."
God's faithfulness is what brings us through. Let's proclaim it!
Proverbs. God is even keeping watch on my tongue. May it be a fountain of life and not spewing death.
How about it today, Climbing Companion? How are you doing? What are your thoughts?
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 10
Today's Reading
1 Samuel. The description of what a king would take from the people reminds me of the frequent greed among our leaders today. Claiming to care for the people, they line their pockets with wealth at the expense of the people.
Today we receive our introduction to Saul. Tall, handsome and strong, Saul had all the characteristics the people would look for in a king. However, Saul lacked confidence. It may have seemed humble, but his comment about being from an insignificant family is very telling. Insecure people do all sorts of sinful things to build up their own self-esteem. With Saul, it was sick and very damaging, as we shall see.
John. Jesus taught that we should trust God to provide all we need in life, according to this passage. That doesn't mean that we are to be lazy. It means that we are to simply trust and obey Him.
Psalms. Just how low can we get in our sin? This passage gives a pretty good picture!
Proverbs. If you wonder what is happening to us in the USA, read these verses.
May we humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways. THEN God will hear, forgive and heal us. Your thoughts and comments?
1 Samuel. The description of what a king would take from the people reminds me of the frequent greed among our leaders today. Claiming to care for the people, they line their pockets with wealth at the expense of the people.
Today we receive our introduction to Saul. Tall, handsome and strong, Saul had all the characteristics the people would look for in a king. However, Saul lacked confidence. It may have seemed humble, but his comment about being from an insignificant family is very telling. Insecure people do all sorts of sinful things to build up their own self-esteem. With Saul, it was sick and very damaging, as we shall see.
John. Jesus taught that we should trust God to provide all we need in life, according to this passage. That doesn't mean that we are to be lazy. It means that we are to simply trust and obey Him.
Psalms. Just how low can we get in our sin? This passage gives a pretty good picture!
Proverbs. If you wonder what is happening to us in the USA, read these verses.
May we humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways. THEN God will hear, forgive and heal us. Your thoughts and comments?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
May 9
Today's Reading
1 Samuel begins today's reading with a story so powerful that you can just see it. The idol of Dagon was worshiped as a god. Yet, for two days in a row, the idol fell face-down before the Ark of God. "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." Wow!
John. What an adventure to follow Jesus. First, they watched Him miraculously feed the 5,000. Then, a storm threatens their lives until Jesus takes care of business. Wouldn't you love to have been there? We can experience similar provision if we follow Him every day!
Psalms. The old song says, "Prone to wander, Lord. I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." I can be so much like they were!
Proverbs. May God give us understanding, that we might walk in wisdom.
Your thoughts today, Climbing Companion? Questions?
1 Samuel begins today's reading with a story so powerful that you can just see it. The idol of Dagon was worshiped as a god. Yet, for two days in a row, the idol fell face-down before the Ark of God. "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." Wow!
John. What an adventure to follow Jesus. First, they watched Him miraculously feed the 5,000. Then, a storm threatens their lives until Jesus takes care of business. Wouldn't you love to have been there? We can experience similar provision if we follow Him every day!
Psalms. The old song says, "Prone to wander, Lord. I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." I can be so much like they were!
Proverbs. May God give us understanding, that we might walk in wisdom.
Your thoughts today, Climbing Companion? Questions?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
May 8
Today's Reading
1 Samuel. Samuel grew up in the midst of corruption, but, "As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable." What a powerful statement. May people say the same about us!
John. Geologists tell us that a long time ago a river began to carve its way downward as it crossed a high plain. Over many centuries, that river created such a huge chasm that it is now called the Grand Canyon. I read this passage, aware that Jesus was carving a deeper and deeper gap between the beliefs of His contemporary religious leaders and the truth that God was giving in the Old Testament.
Psalms. How often have I doubted? How many times have I missed God's best because of my unbelief. Praise God that His faithful love endures forever.
Proverbs. I have struggled at times with worry and it makes me feel bad all over. Just like the verse today.
What are your thoughts as you read? What speaks to you? What questions or comments do you want to share?
1 Samuel. Samuel grew up in the midst of corruption, but, "As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable." What a powerful statement. May people say the same about us!
John. Geologists tell us that a long time ago a river began to carve its way downward as it crossed a high plain. Over many centuries, that river created such a huge chasm that it is now called the Grand Canyon. I read this passage, aware that Jesus was carving a deeper and deeper gap between the beliefs of His contemporary religious leaders and the truth that God was giving in the Old Testament.
Psalms. How often have I doubted? How many times have I missed God's best because of my unbelief. Praise God that His faithful love endures forever.
Proverbs. I have struggled at times with worry and it makes me feel bad all over. Just like the verse today.
What are your thoughts as you read? What speaks to you? What questions or comments do you want to share?
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