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?

September 12

Today's Reading

Isaiah's prophecy became very specific and directed toward the king of Assyria (modern-day Iran). God described through the prophet exactly the attitude of the pagan king. It was to be clear, however, that God is in charge. This is still true today. How long will God look upon our sinful, unrepentant nation before He allows an evil ruler to overrun us? O God, I cry out for a broken and contrite heart in America.

2 Corinthians. Paul had obviously received intel that a contingent of the Corinth church had been caught up in tearing down his spiritual leadership. He has been leading up to today's statements with the info in the previous chapters. This was not Paul protecting his own turf. Instead, he was trying to stop a movement that would water down the effectiveness of the church in their community.

Psalms. Our enemies can be great and life can seem out of control, but we can always put our hope and trust in God. Whatever may happen, He never lets us down.

Proverbs. Some people are frugal for themselves and generous to others. Some people are stingy toward others and lavish great things upon themselves. Enjoy the former; beware the latter.

And, Climbing Companion, what do you see today?

September 11

Today's Reading

This day will remain etched on our souls as the day that in many ways changed everything for our generation. What didn't change, unfortunately, is America's headlong rush into sin. We rose up in defiance against our enemies, but we didn't repent. Would you join me in pray for repentance in our land?

Isaiah prophesied judgment which was coming in Israel. In Chapter 9, he spoke of how his nation would rise up to rebuild after a great defeat at the hands of her enemies. Their rebuilding, however, was to be short-lived because they were doing it in their own strength without turning to God. The prophecy was clear: God would just send a stronger enemy and bring them down.

2 Corinthians. Paul himself was mystified at what God had shown him. He didn't know if he was literally caught up to see behind the veil into heaven or if it was a vision. He just knew that it was so glorious that God wanted him to stay humble. His "thorn in the flesh" taught him about God's power in the midst of weakness. A great lesson!

Psalms. David experienced the pain of betrayal. So did Jesus. It is a fire that teaches a person how to fully trust God with her or his life. This Psalm closes with the promise, "22 Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." I loved seeing that verse in contrast with today's reading in Proverbs.

Proverbs. I personally think it is a gift from God when my careful financial planning hits a wall. It is wise to store up for later times. It is foolish to depend on my own financial resources. God is ALWAYS the provider!

What insights did you gain today?

September 10

Today's Reading

Isaiah. Notice how Isaiah immediately felt convicted when he was in God's presence. Then notice how quickly he was ready to be God's messenger after God cleansed him. On another thought, I am reminded of my use of a weather report when I make certain decisions. I look to the forecast to see if the weather should be right for my plans. Isaiah was providing spiritual forecasts to the kings of his day. As he did so, at times the things God showed him wouldn't happen for several hundred years -- like the virgin conceiving and bearing a son -- but Isaiah didn't know how long it would be. He just knew it would be out in the future.

2 Corinthians is difficult. Why does Paul seem to be bragging so much? I think that false teachers were building up their own resumés and using those "credentials" to gain a following. Paul was far more qualified from a human standpoint and was willing to use something "foolish" like his background as a reason they should listen to him and leave the falsehood. Additionally, Paul is building up to the dramatic statements about strength in weakness. That happens in the next chapter.

Psalms. In the same way that Saul had David in his sights, we are in the crosshairs of our enemy, the devil. Understanding that makes this Psalm very personal to me. The more I walk with God, the more I (you, too) can expect the assaults of hell.

Proverbs. Many wealthy people got that way by striking bargains everywhere they go. It is dangerous to owe them.

What have you noticed today?

September 9

Today's Reading

Isaiah. I think the vineyard analogy is very descriptive. Israel was known for its wonderful grapes and good wine. God told them that they were like His vineyard. They had left Him and quit producing good fruit. Isaiah's prophecies had to sting them mightily, I think. Jesus picked up on this analogy in the Gospels. He spoke of the Owner sending servants to receive His share of the prophets and the people drove them away. When the Owner sent His Son, they killed Him.

By the way, I am watching Isaiah for prophetic messages that will apply to the USA right now. I think that there will be many.

2 Corinthians. It wasn't that long ago that pastors were some of the most respected people in the culture. Now everyone has heard so many stories about clergy abusing their authority that perhaps the image has changed. The way it was before, people tended to trust someone just because of the title. That's the kind of situation Paul was addressing in these verses.

Psalms. Just remember that this Psalm is written from God's perspective. Jesus warned us against calling people fools (Matthew 5:22).

Proverbs. Be honest with your dealings and develop your skills. You may never get rich, but God will use you in significant ways.

How is He speaking to you today?

September 8

Today's Reading

Isaiah: when was the last time you walk along a beach, looking for seashells? You might pick up a dozen -- or fifty -- before you find one that draws your attention and makes you want to keep it. Reading Isaiah can be like that. His prophesies were written over many, many years. Some of them will mean something this time through. Next time you read, something else will jump out at you. It's worth the discovery. For instance, "18 “Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool."

One consistent theme in Isaiah is his cry on God's behalf to a nation who needed to repent. May God raise up many such prophets in our generation!

2 Corinthians: churches are made up of people. It isn't uncommon for someone to come in and look sharp, then start stealing hearts. People like that can become the church equivalent of Absalom, King David's son, sitting at the gates of Jerusalem and tearing down his father's authority. "My dad doesn't take time to listen to you, but I'm on your side." Then, should he have been allowed to rule, he would have abused them. That's what some were doing in Corinth.

I memorized 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 a long time ago. These verses mean much to me, especially as I pray for people I love.

Psalms: David had escaped from King Saul. He sought refuge from the priest, who granted it. Doeg, loyal to Saul, saw it and reported back to the king. Saul ordered the priest killed and Doeg happily obliged. This Psalm was written because of those events.

Proverbs: cosigning is a common way for lending institutions to make it possible for someone to take out a loan when they have no credit. This warning is not to cosign unless you have the money to pay off the debt for the other person. That's what it will cost you if the other person quits paying. I know. I've been there.

What life lessons are you learning?