1 Corinthians 12 - 14

Paul makes a transition away from specific problems, and beginning in chapter 12 I see him addressing the root of all the problems that the congregation in Corinth is facing: the lack of love. Chapters 12 and 14 bookend the descriptive defition of love. While 12 and 14 address God's gifting of His church, chapter 13 nails down how love will be recoginized. There is so much here, it is another evidence of divinity inspiring the writer. Nothing this deep could be covered so effectively, with so few words, without God's direction.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 100

The question is not how long it takes to read this psalm; rather how long until we live this psalm everyday of our lives? Shout, serve, enter, be aware, enter, enter, give, bless; those are the VERBS that the psalmist uses to introduce each thought. This is a psalm calling for action on the part of the saints. And verse 5 explains why all this action is needed: God is good. God is gracious. God is eternally faithfaul. There is not much greater assurance than that.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 9-11

We have been set free in Christ. That is a summary of these three chapters. But the freedom Paul addresses is different from the freedom defined by 21st century Americans. The freedom in Christ liberates us from the bondages of the Law, legalism, and idolatry. But it also binds us to the needs of others; Christians and heathen. Paul addresses a number of different facets of this truth as he discourses through the problems of the church in Cornth.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 99

This very short psalm has a wonderful message for the end of a month: Adonai is King!
Though we don't live in a political kingdom we still understand many of the aspects. The kings word was final on any and every matter. The kings character was reflected in every part of the kingdom. It was the king's justice that was executed. The king determined how much each household was taxed. The king's word was life and death.
This psalm, written sometime after Samuel's leadership, set Adonai in the proper perspective with everything else in the world. For His people it was a proclamation of comfort. For his enemies it was a proclamation leading to fear. But most of all, it was a proclamation of truth.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 6-8

Over 20 minutes I read three chapter wherein Paul addressed four problems;
1 - a Christian's position to judge others.
2 - the level of sexual purity Christians should attain.
3 - the proper approach to marriage for Christians.
4 - the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
I'm very thankful that the church in Corinth had to deal with these problems, because they are some of the same problems that we need to deal with in the church today.
Stuart

Psalm 98

In just a couple minutes I read this psalm. We may be tempted to read such a short psalm and move on. Yet we really need to ponder the messaage of these 9 verses.
Our God is more than just worthy of a song sung in his name. He deserves a NEW song: something hot off the presses, something that declares His greatness and power and victory is a NEW way. Not being a song writer this thought baffled me a little. But when we recognize all that God has accomplished, the newness of His wonder will lead us to express our admiration in a NEW way.
Ponder that thought.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 3-5

Divisions receive only one reaction from the Lord; NO!!! Paul addresses the divisions of arrogance, and sin in these chapters. Each case of division needs to be dealt with firmly. The arrogant must put off their motives and focus on serving the kingdom. The persistently sinful must change their lifestyle to match Jesus' standard, or be turned away until they repent of their evil ways. The goal in each case, though Paul dosen't address it here, is restoration to God.
It took about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 97

This short psalm took less than 5 minutes to read. But the depth of this psalm contrasts with it's length. It speaks of God's rule and authority. In verse 7 the psalmist calls on all the false gods to bow before the Lord; the final act submission before the ultimate authority.
Stuart

Psalm 95 - 96

These two psalms of praise took me about 5 minutes to read. The first began with praise of who our God is, then ended with a warning from the history of Israel. The next psalm was praise from beginning to end. These psalms are intended to challenge us to give up our selfishness and focus on the nature and mystery of the God of the universe. Praise Him, indeed!
Stuart

1 Corinthians 1-2

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  Paul spends a lot of time, here, speaking of knowledge, wisdom, and strength.  The greatest point he makes is that God places value in the things that the world reject.  And that really make sense.  If Satan is so influencing the thoughts of this world why are we surprised when the culture conflicts with Christian thought.  Yet we can be assured of the victory that God has given us through the cross.  Nothing in this world can compete with that truth.

Stuart

Hosea 12-14

Since I was behind and took a little extra time, 15 minutes, tonight to do a little catching up.
Hosea spends the last few chapter of his letter seeking to bring israel back to God. And he is like Hosea; eager to bring his bride back to his home forever. "Walk" in the straight ways of God, Hosea says, that is the way of the righteous.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 8

The last chapter, which took me 5 minutes to read, brings an abrupt end to this love song. Yet verses 6 and 7 hint at the intensity of God's love for his people. Love is as strong as death's hold, as cruek as the grave. Yet these ugly contrasts speak of the power of love in our lives.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 7

It only took 5 minutes (tops) to read this chapter. Both the groom and the bride speak of the beauty they see in each other, of their mutual devotion for each others. A wonderful picture of the love of Jesus and his bride.
Stuart

Hosea 5-8

It took me about 20 minutes to read these 4 chapters.  Here the words of Adonai speaks of the worthlessness and emptiness of false gods, and idols.  It is a warning that we Christians today need to heed as well; always checking to make sure that we are offering mercy to others and knowledge of God for ourselves (6:6) as the acceptable sacrifices.

Stuart

Hosea 1-4

Hosea is one of my favorite books in the Bible. The setting in which he speaks God's word is so similar to what I see around me. I try to imagine just how God led him to Gomer. What was it about her that attracked him to her? Was it beauty? Her laugh? Her eyes? When did he learn of her immoral lifestyle?  I could understand Gomer leaving Hosea after the names he gave to the children. But the in chapter 3 Hosea expresses God-like love; he bought his wife, and brought her home in love. What a wonderful picture of grace.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 27-29

This passage took me about 20 minutes to read.(though that is a guess because I was interrupted many times)

This recounts the leaders of David’s army, but also the speech of dedication of Solomon as king in his place before the people of Israel.  The greatest charge that David gave the new king was to build a temple worthy of the splendor of the God of creation.  David declared to all the people the plans he had made, and charged them to help Solomon and hold him accountable to complete the construction of the temple.  He also called on them to follow God earnestly.  We need to hear the same challenge from men and women who have spent their lives seeking God.  This is the greatest heritage that can be passed from generation to generation. 

Stuart

Song of Solomon 1 - 4

I forgot to post my reading of chapters 1 ands 2 last night. Tonight I read chapters 3 and 4. This poetry is very quick to read silently. But to read it out loud to a loved one could be a very moving recitation.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 24 - 26

These chapter continue to show the level of detail that David focused on the temple to be built to honor his God.  Every person had a responsibility, and the burdens were spread out over a large number of worker, so as not to weary any one group or individual.  Also to ensure that the gifts of every person were being used.  Repeatedly the writer denotes the “courage” or “skill” of those being appointed to a particular task.  It is a prime example that the church should follow today; building upon the skills and courage of all the people, instead of a few.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

1 Chronicles 21-23

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage. 

In chapter 22, verses 9 and 10; God speaks of Solomon and Jesus as David’s son; a man  of peace, who will build a house for the name of the Lord.  We are the recipients of this promise.  As God’s children through Jesus’ righteousness, God has built His church into a house that displays and glorifies God’s name.

Stuart

1 Chronicles 18-20

This passage took less than 10 minutes to read.  It recounts the conquests of David as king of Israel; subjecting all the countries around him until his rule extended to the Euphrates river.  In 18:14 the character of David’s rule is described with the word justice.  That reflects the heart of a leader who seeks to follow God.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 11-12

These last two chapters in this book of wisdom took about 10 minutes for me to read. The messages that they offer are worth the read. I always enjoy reading the allegory used to describe the aging process. It is always a good reminder to help me keep the temporary nature of this world in focus.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 12 - 17

This passage took about 30 minutes to read. I had set aside a good slot of time in order to catch up, and I was able to do so.
These chapters deal with the unity of Israel's warriors in order to present David as sole ruler for all of Abraham's children.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 1-11

No matter how disciplined I try to be, there are times when I fail to keep that discipline.  This has been one of those weeks. And having the read 1 Chronicles didn't help. The first 8 chapter deal with the geneologies of the tribes of Israel at the time of David's kingship. Chapter 9 address thos of Judah who returned for captivity. The last chapters in this passage deal with the rise of Davd to the throne of Israel.
Though these passages sound boring and difficult they teach us one very valuable lesson: God works with people, no matter how long it takes, to accomplish his will.
It took me a lot of time to get this close to catching up. I'm now only one day behind.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 10

In 1 Corinthians 10:23 Paul seeks to teach a similar lesson as presented in this chapter: there can be too much os a good thing. The writer includes some very appropriate civic and employment pointers as well.
It only took me 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 8-9

The Teacher speaks of the "unfairness" of life, yet he eventually says that fairness was never promised to anyone. Yet wisdom is available to all who seek it.
I wonder if the situation in 9:13-16 describes a situation where David or Solomon was the invading king, and the young man Solomon was impressed by the poor man's wisdom.
This passage took me about 15 minutes to read.
Stuart

Amos 7-9

Amos’ words of condemnation were crystal clear.  Sometimes God speaks in images and pictures that are difficult to understand.  When Amos spoke these words even the false prophets understood what he was saying.  But God would not allow him to remain silent.  We know that Amos’ words were proven true, and God showed that his mercies are limited only to those who persist in rejecting him.    It is indeed a fearful thing to fall into the hands of our God when He is angry.

This passage took me 15 minutes to read.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 7

This chapter of proverbs is in the middle of the teachers discourse. There is a wealth of wisdom in this one chapter. Right now the most meaningful passage was verses 21-22. Here it is summarized to offer grace towards those who speak offensively toward you; because you are guilty of the same sin. That is a powerful lesson I need to live.
It took about 5 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Amos 4-6

If there was ever a question how God feels when we fully display our pride, Amos makes it clear: God detest the pride in our lives. Writing in the second phrase of 6 verse 13 God declares; "You think your power comes from your own strength." Amos gives us another reminder that God will humble those who lift themselves higher than they should.
I took 20 minutes in two settings to read this passage.
Stuart

Amos 1-3

In the first two chapters God pronounces His condemnatioin of many nations: Damascus, Philistines, Tyre, Edom, Amon, Moab, Judah, and Israel. Then he expands on his plans for His people in chapter 3. The root of all these condemnations are the disobedience of the people. The actions of the rulers is reflected in the actions of the people. Thus all shall receive equal punishment.
It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 6

This chapter is full of hopelessness and dispair. The eyes of flesh wrote these words; there is nothing spiritual in the words recorded. Yet that, I believe, is the very lesson God is seeking to teach us. When we evaluate our life solely from a humanistic perspective, there is no purpose; except procreation. It is only in the very subject around which this passage dances, serving God's pleasure, that we will find purpose and meaning in this life.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Luke 22-24

I spent 20 minutes reading this passage from Luke’s gospel. 

Luke closes out the work of Jesus’ earthly ministry with his crucifixion and resurrection.  I am always  amazed as I read about Jesus quiet approach to the cross.  There is no earthly explanation for his attitude, which is precisely what I need to know as I face difficult situations.  There is nothing in this earth that will enable Christians to deal with the situation; but there is someone eternal who will walk with us, every step.  He walks with us when times are happy, and when difficulties surround us.  I am so thankful to know that is true.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 5

This 5 minute passage offers insight on the words we speak and the possessions God has placed in our charge:
"Let you words be few." Vs 2
"The lover of money never has enough money," vs 10
Both points are well worth heeding.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 4

In the 5 minutes it took me to read this chapter I saw a couple valuable lessons:
Vs 6 - "Better an armload with tranquility than both arms full of effort and feeding on wind."
Vs 13 is almost prophetic about the end of Solomon's life.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 1-3

I’ve been reading these chapters late in the evening without a means to passing on the record.  I noticed that in chapter 2 of this book, the teacher, probably Solomon, points out that the purpose of out toilsome labor is to enjoy the fruits of our work, while giving God the thanks for their provisions, and the wisdom and greatness to give us work to enjoy.  Neither work, nor gain, nor anything is to receive our worship.  Nor should any of them be the foundation of our self-worth.  But God has called us to toil, and partake of the fruits of that toil. 

These are all short passages, so I’ve take about 5 minutes a night to read them.

Stuart

Luke 19-21

In these passages Luke recounts Jesus approach to Jerusalem, entry, and first few debates with the Jewish leaders before his execution.  Chapter 19 begins with a focus on some of the events in Jericho before Jesus reached Jerusalem.  Luke focuses on the encounter, and lunch, with Zacchaeus.  Mark wrote about Bartimaeus, while Matthew recorded an encounter with a rich young man and two unnamed blind men.  There was a lot of activity going on prior to his arrival in Jerusalem, but Jesus kept his focus on what lay ahead.  I know that I get distracted by the things around me, that often keep me from focusing on my goal.  Jesus continued to teach on his way, but he never moved from the plan God had laid out before time; the deliberate death march into Jerusalem that would lead to our salvation by His grace.  Jesus kept one eye on the immediate and one eye on eternity.  That’s a lesson which I need to learn.

This passage took me about 20 minutes to read.

Stuart

Luke10-18

I have been very restricted on web access for the past few days. But I have kept up on my reading schedule. Today I read Luke 16-18 in about 15 minutes. This passage is bookended with how Christians are to approach money. Jesus reminded us that money has the lure of abundance, but we must never give into the temptation to worship or serve money. Our true desire needs to be to follow after Jesus.

Chapter 18 begins with the parable of the unjust judge, which Jesus used to teach about faithfulness in prayer. It is also important to remember that faithfulness is important in every aspect of our live; including Bible reading. With the passing of this weekend I am now half way through the reading plan for 2007. When I first went through DJ's reading plan I know that I was well over a week behind at this point. But I took a big part of my vacation to catch up. I finished the year just a day or two behind. But I learned a valuable lesson; daily taking in the word in small pieces is the right approach to the discipline of Bible reading. God uses that faithfulness as a door way to my wonderful lessons in life.

Stuart