Today's Reading
As you read the tragic Judges account of Jephthah today remember the theme of the book: "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." The results sort of fly in the face of the humanistic idea that people are basically good and will internally want to do the right thing.
The book of John begins with a declaration of Jesus, the Living Word of God. It then picks up the account of John (a different one) the Baptizer. I love this passage because it includes the verse I hold central in my life right now: John 1:14 says that Jesus was "full of grace and truth." That's the balance I want in my life.
I like Psalm 101 because it expresses a deep cry from my heart. In times a the most wonderful intimacy with God, words like this just naturally flow. Then, there are other times when I tend to run from Him as fast as I can. Oh, to grow more consistent in my walk!
Proverbs: sometimes the saddest person around is the clown.
Hey, Climbing Companion, how's it going?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 29
Today's Reading
Judges: will the current difficult times in our nation cause people to put aside their false gods and turn to the Lord? I hope so!
It's hard to read this passage in Luke without feeling the passion Jesus was giving His followers to tell others about Him. His explanation of the Old Testament Scriptures on the Emmaus Road would help prepare them for declaring Him as Messiah to the Jews. His promise of forgiveness for all who repent and believe in Him reaches down to us 2,000 years later. "O, Lord Jesus, may we see with our own eyes and renewed power of the Gospel with thousands turning to You!"
Psalms 100 is an awesome call to worship!
Proverbs: the promise that the godly will flourish means a lot to me in hard times. How about you?
If you have been behind in your reading, I encourage you to leap ahead and join us where we currently are. Some people have to work on this process for several years before they can make it all the way through.
Judges: will the current difficult times in our nation cause people to put aside their false gods and turn to the Lord? I hope so!
It's hard to read this passage in Luke without feeling the passion Jesus was giving His followers to tell others about Him. His explanation of the Old Testament Scriptures on the Emmaus Road would help prepare them for declaring Him as Messiah to the Jews. His promise of forgiveness for all who repent and believe in Him reaches down to us 2,000 years later. "O, Lord Jesus, may we see with our own eyes and renewed power of the Gospel with thousands turning to You!"
Psalms 100 is an awesome call to worship!
Proverbs: the promise that the godly will flourish means a lot to me in hard times. How about you?
If you have been behind in your reading, I encourage you to leap ahead and join us where we currently are. Some people have to work on this process for several years before they can make it all the way through.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28
Today's Reading
Judges: the history in this book often baffles me. One thing it shows is that, when the people turned away from good, they were corrupted in all sorts of ways. What do you learn from the story of Abimelech?
Luke: it was the "duty" of the women to prepare Jesus' body for burial. They couldn't complete it on Friday night because sundown marked the beginning of the Sabbath and the law forbade them from working on that day. Their trip to the tomb Sunday morning began as a completion of that duty. It ended differently than they could have imagined!
The picture Psalms paints of God "seated" on the throne is very comforting to me. He isn't biting His nails. He isn't pacing. He isn't wondering how we can get through this. He is seated. At rest. Working skillfully. Loving tenderly. Judging righteously.
Proverbs includes this verse, which speaks to me in a whole new way today: "Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation."
Hey, Climbing Companion, what do you see today?
Judges: the history in this book often baffles me. One thing it shows is that, when the people turned away from good, they were corrupted in all sorts of ways. What do you learn from the story of Abimelech?
Luke: it was the "duty" of the women to prepare Jesus' body for burial. They couldn't complete it on Friday night because sundown marked the beginning of the Sabbath and the law forbade them from working on that day. Their trip to the tomb Sunday morning began as a completion of that duty. It ended differently than they could have imagined!
The picture Psalms paints of God "seated" on the throne is very comforting to me. He isn't biting His nails. He isn't pacing. He isn't wondering how we can get through this. He is seated. At rest. Working skillfully. Loving tenderly. Judging righteously.
Proverbs includes this verse, which speaks to me in a whole new way today: "Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation."
Hey, Climbing Companion, what do you see today?
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27
Today's Reading
Judges today gives a vivid description of the defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and his 300 men. I would love to hear the review of this battle by some of our experienced military people. Suffice it for me to tell you that Midian's army was probably the most powerful fighting force of their day. God reduced the size of Gideon's army so that God Himself brought the victory. Afterward, the pride of the Ephraimites and the subsequent vengeance of Gideon is a sad ending to the account.
Luke: I am amazed at the forgiveness offered by God. First, Jesus prays for forgiveness to those who crucified Him. Then, He promises paradise to a man who offers a simple act of contrition.
Today's Psalm paints a beautiful word picture of this wonderful, awesome God that we serve.
A New Testament verse reminds me of today's Proverbs. "Bad company corrupts good morals."
What are your thoughts?
Judges today gives a vivid description of the defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and his 300 men. I would love to hear the review of this battle by some of our experienced military people. Suffice it for me to tell you that Midian's army was probably the most powerful fighting force of their day. God reduced the size of Gideon's army so that God Himself brought the victory. Afterward, the pride of the Ephraimites and the subsequent vengeance of Gideon is a sad ending to the account.
Luke: I am amazed at the forgiveness offered by God. First, Jesus prays for forgiveness to those who crucified Him. Then, He promises paradise to a man who offers a simple act of contrition.
Today's Psalm paints a beautiful word picture of this wonderful, awesome God that we serve.
A New Testament verse reminds me of today's Proverbs. "Bad company corrupts good morals."
What are your thoughts?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April 26
Today's Reading
Judges: Gideon struggled with God's plan for him. He looked at his own abilities and doubted. Have you done that?
This passage also includes another name for God. What do you think of it?
Luke: Peter's denials, Pilate's ambivalence and Herod's mockery are the painful exclamation points to this passage.
Psalm 95 and 96 are awesome, don't you think? I am moved by the words, "Don't harden your hearts as Israel did..."
Proverbs reminds us to speak the truth. The New Testament adds that we must do it with love.
Okay, you guys. I'd love to hear from you today!
Judges: Gideon struggled with God's plan for him. He looked at his own abilities and doubted. Have you done that?
This passage also includes another name for God. What do you think of it?
Luke: Peter's denials, Pilate's ambivalence and Herod's mockery are the painful exclamation points to this passage.
Psalm 95 and 96 are awesome, don't you think? I am moved by the words, "Don't harden your hearts as Israel did..."
Proverbs reminds us to speak the truth. The New Testament adds that we must do it with love.
Okay, you guys. I'd love to hear from you today!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
April 25
Today's Reading
Judges: "Jael nailed it all down." Someone came up with that at the college I attended many years ago. I still smile at it.
Luke: "This is your moment; the time when the power of darkness reigns." We have such moments in our lives, too. If only we can remember that the darkness always gives way to the light!
Psalms: I keep rediscovering that that world can be a heartless, cruel place. God is our refuge and our victory!
Proverbs 14:4 is one of my favorite Bible verses. Where there are no people, there are no problems. As a pastor, I'm grateful for the problems that come from people working in God's harvest!
What verse speaks to you today?
Judges: "Jael nailed it all down." Someone came up with that at the college I attended many years ago. I still smile at it.
Luke: "This is your moment; the time when the power of darkness reigns." We have such moments in our lives, too. If only we can remember that the darkness always gives way to the light!
Psalms: I keep rediscovering that that world can be a heartless, cruel place. God is our refuge and our victory!
Proverbs 14:4 is one of my favorite Bible verses. Where there are no people, there are no problems. As a pastor, I'm grateful for the problems that come from people working in God's harvest!
What verse speaks to you today?
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 24
Today's Reading
Judges: notice the pattern of Israel. They rebelled against God and God allowed them to be defeated. They cried out to God and He sent a judge to lead them to victory. They had peace, got prideful, rebelled and started the process over again.
It has been a while since I pondered Jesus words to Simon Peter in today's Luke reading. "Satan has asked..." Later this year we will read how Satan asked for permission to test Job and God granted it. It's amazing that God allows these things. Then, when we see the results, we understand how God uses the tests to grow us.
Psalms: the godly will flourish like palm trees. We have seen palm trees withstand torrid heat and wind that blows trucks over. What a description!
Proverbs: build your home (doesn't say "your house"); fear the Lord. Simple, profound steps to success.
What do you see?
Judges: notice the pattern of Israel. They rebelled against God and God allowed them to be defeated. They cried out to God and He sent a judge to lead them to victory. They had peace, got prideful, rebelled and started the process over again.
It has been a while since I pondered Jesus words to Simon Peter in today's Luke reading. "Satan has asked..." Later this year we will read how Satan asked for permission to test Job and God granted it. It's amazing that God allows these things. Then, when we see the results, we understand how God uses the tests to grow us.
Psalms: the godly will flourish like palm trees. We have seen palm trees withstand torrid heat and wind that blows trucks over. What a description!
Proverbs: build your home (doesn't say "your house"); fear the Lord. Simple, profound steps to success.
What do you see?
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