Isaiah 15

This is the begining of God's comdemnation of Moab. Judah is not the only nation to be punished. There is woe planned for Moab as well. Isaiah names a number of the cities in Moab, how they will be ruined. Yet there is no hope for this people; not in this life.
It took only a couple of minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Isaiah 14

It took me almost 10 minutes to read this chapter. Here God gives Isaiah one promise of restoration for Israel and two promises for humiliation for two of Israel's oppressors; Babel and Palistine.
Stuart

Jeremiah 15-18

This passage took about 20 minutes to read. Twice in this reading Jeremiah writes down his petition to God. (15:15-18 & 18:19-23) The first seems to be in responce to the proclamations against Judah that Jeremiah has been speaking. They are deadful words, and the prophet must have been receiving abuse from the people. He asks for God to intervene. God, in turn, promises to strengthen Jeremiah. The second petition is in repsonse to death threats that Jeremiah has received (18:18). I'm not sure if God answers him in chapter 19 or if there is an answer provide. In these prayers I see the the humanness of Jeremiah. This is a reminder to us that he was not Superman, but rather a person with the same fears that we all face while living in this dangerous world.
Stuart

Isaiah 13

It took a llittle longer than 5 minutes to read this chapter. Isaiah describes what he saw in a vision: Babel comes to punish Judah for their disobedience. This is followed by the Medes coming to punish Babel for their arrogance and ruthlessness. Those Isaiah says that Israel will be restored, he also relates that Babel will not. It will be abandoned and forgotten.
Stuart

Jeremiah 12-14

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage. In the early part of chapter 13 God teaches Jeremiah the parable of the loincloth. (1-11) If we do not cling to that which God has given us; his Gospel, we too will become useless.
I saw that in 14:11-12 God again tells Jeremiah not to pray for Israel.
Stuart

Jeremiah 10-11

It took me about 20 minutes during two settings to read this passage. Once again Jeremiah plainly proclaims the truth God has told him about the people of Judah; and they did not appreciate it one bit. God called the stupid (10:8), ignorant (10:14), and again God commanded Jeremiah NOT to pray for the people of Judah (11:14).  And a group of people from the Anathoth took offence at Jeremiah's words. It was such an insult to them that they threatened the prophet's life. Jeremiah's responce was to depend upon God to execute judgement. God's intentions in giving Jeremiah these words was to bring the people of Anathoth, and all Judah, to repentance and back to the Lord.
Stuart

Isaiah 12

This chapter was very short, so I read it in about 1 minute. The chapter briefly covers a number of God's attributes, and declares His greatness. These are the words of someone who recognizes what God is doing "on that day." That day will be a day of thanksgiving, Isaiah says. It will be a day when God shows Himself as more than a lawgiver; salvation, strength, and song.
Stuart

Jeremiah 7-9

I spent about 15 minutes reading this passage. There are many terrible words in this passage but the saddest, I think, is 7:16, "So you, Jeremiah, don't pray for this people!" That would be aweful to be commanded not to pray on behalf of a people.
The greatest verse in this section is 9:23;"let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me . . ." That is the goal of Christianity; that we know and understand God; our Father, Brother, Groom, and Comforter.
Stuart

Isaiah 11

It took just 2 minutes to read chapter 11. But to grasp the whole meaning I needed to re-read at least 10:33-34, which leads into chapter 11. There he begins the figuratism of the trees being cut down; leaving only a stump. That stump is the key to God's promise. For many trees when there is only a stump there is no hope for regrowth. But there are other trees that will replace one tree cut down with many new saplings. The latter type of tree is what made up the "forest" of Israel. And in His promise through the prophet God singles out a single shoot; one from the tree (house, lineage) of Jesse, father of David the king.
Stuart

Isaiah 10

It took about 10 minutes to read this chapter. In verse 15 of Isaiah 10 is one of the verses that I need to commit to memory, and apply to my life. It speaks of how Gosd formed each of us to be his tool, his handiwork (Eph 2:10), to do his will, to fulfill his purpose, in his time. Should we then, hand tools that we are, ever try to make ourselves any more, or less, than he has made us? To me this verse speaks of true humility. Humility that will reflect exactly what God has intended to shine forth in our lives. Whether an ax, or saw, or stick, or staff; each of us was hand made for the task of serving God in that capacity.
Stuart

Jeremiah 4-6

It took me almost 20 minutes to read this passage.  In this “word” from Jeremiah, God has nothing of promise for Judah and Jerusalem except punishment.  He repeatedly states that his judgment will come as a ruthless army invades from the North.  They will spare no one.  And this judgment is coming upon God’s people because they have reject Him; emptying their worship, seeking other gods, and resting on the accomplishments of their faithful ancestors.  At the end of chapter 6 God summarizes his view of Jerusalem; rejected silver.  There is nothing to them of value to God.  Yet in 4:27 God holds out a promise to the people who are still faithful to him:

“The whole land will be desolate (although I will not destroy it completely).”

God’s acts of punishment and discipline are always intended to lead His people back to obedience to His laws.

Stuart

Isaiah 9

It took me almost 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Throughout scripture God calls on His people to tend to the needs of orphans and widows.(Deuteronomy 24:17, 26:12, Psalm 82:3, James 1:27) Yet in verse 17 God seems to be changing His nature. He will not look in compassion on Israel's orphans and widows. But God explains this change of heart; in the same verse. The widows and orphans whom God was watching over, they pervert justice, and speak evil. Though God desires to give generously to the oppressed, when they reject Him, He will eventually reject them as well. God did not change His nature. On the contrary he held fast to the justice of His nature.
Stuart

Jeremiah 1-3

It took me a little over 15 minutes top read this introduction to Jeremiah. Repeatedly, through out the start of his prophesying Jeremiah uses physical terms of marriage to describe how God has view the conduct of the people of Judah. Adultery, divorce, marriage all describe in very human terms what God was experiencing. In 3:1 God says that Israel is trying to walk between the marriages to two husbands. She divorce her first husband (the idolatry of Egypt?) to marry another (the true God of Israel) only to leave him and remarry the first (idolatry). Thus the inheritance is defiled. God call has always been faithful to His people. His call is that His people remain faithful to Him.

Stuart

Isaiah 8

What a wonderful and alarming life Isaiah lived. Imagine being the wife of this prophet. Isaiah takes a tablet with a cryptic phrase written on it down to be notarized.  Then she becomes pregnant ans bears a son. What a joy that God has given them a son to carry on their father's name. Eight days after his birth, the baby is circumcised, and the new father pronounces his son's name. What must Mrs. Isaiah have said when she found out the boy's name was the phrase Isaiah had copyrighted 9 months earlier? But then she heard her husband speak a revelation from the Lord of Hosts: I will deliver the Kingdom of Judah from those rulers they fear. And this son will be a reminder that God is ALWAYS with his people.
It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Titus

It took be about 20 minutes to read this book.  Paul put a lot of information in this very short letter to Titus.  There are a few items that I think are noteworthy (none of which are foundational doctrines, but very interesting).

In 1:5 Paul reminds Titus of the charge to appoint congregational leaders in each city.  This was not the beginnings of the ministerial association, but more likely a congregation of elders.  The leaders of a city were given the responsibility to work out how the body was going to present the gospel in that city, care for the needed, and disciple new converts.  The perspective that Paul lays out for Titus is not limited to a single congregation.  I think that we short change the strength of THE CHURCH when we deal only with a church (single congregation).

In 2:1-10 Paul addresses older men, older women, young men, young women, and slaves with some details on living a holy life in their particular circumstances.  Though not comprehensive lists he addresses the areas that are probably the greatest vulnerability for each of those groups.

Finally in 3:14 Paul throws a blanket over everyone; learn how to meet real needs through good works.  That is a wonderfully plain application of the command Jesus gave Christians; “love one another.”

Stuart

Isaiah 7

In the midst of fear and turmoil God sent a message to the king of Judah; I will deliver you. Then God permitted Ahaz the priveledge of requesting a sign from God. But this king did not respond in humility like Gideon. He boasted that he would not put God to a test? But that was not what God had in mind. The question in Ahaz's mind was not about God's ability to deliver, but rather his timing. Gos sought to reassure the king that God's timing is always perfect.
It took me a little over 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Job 40-42

It took me almost 15 minutes to read this passage. The story of Job ends with a suprise. Twice God gave Job the opportunity to respond to the Almighty's questions. The first time Job refused to speak. But the he responded the secomd time. I think if Job had refused again God would have continued to declare His greatness. But Job must have realized that God wanted to hear the word's from Job's mouth: "I spoke of things that I dfid not understand."
But God isn't finished. Twice he says to Eliphaz and his friends that they did not speak rightly about God's nature as Job had. They needed to humble themsleves before Job, and allow him to interceed for them.
Stuart

Isaiah 6

It took less than 5 minutes to read this passage. Whether this passage recount Isaiah's initiation as a prophet, or a subsequential re-commitment, it points out the stability God offers in times of great turmoil. The King of Judah has died, yet God still sits on his throne. Even the truama of such a politically de-stabling event doesn't shake God's rule. We too need to take comfort it such a truth. It matters little what world events surround our lives and culture, God's rule is never challenged by anything on earth.
Stuart

Job 38-39

It took me a little more than 10 minutes toi read this.
After so many words God raises his voices. I don't imagine a harsh rebuke, because Job has been speaking with reverance and fear. I imagine that Job heard the gentle, loving voice that might have sounded just like his earthly father. I think the questions where spoken quietly and without a challenge. But I also think the voice was distinctly different from the voices of his "comforters." God didn't answer Job's questions directly. Yet He did answer one question Job never voiced; "Where have you been through all my pain and loss?" God's answer was evident as His words danced all around it; "I have been where I always am, in control of every part of creation."
Stuart

Isaiah 5

It took me almost 10 minutes to read this chapter. God put a song in the prophet's mind. I picture it as one of those tunes that keep playing over and over in out mind. So he put pen to parchment and wrote it down.  There must have been a tune to accompany it, maybe it was a familar grape harvest song. I wouldn't be surprised if God gave Isaiah this song around Yom Kippur. To sing along with the harvesters. But the words Isaiah sang may have matched the harvest that the vinyards produced; 5 gallons for a 10 acre field. There could be no celebration in that. How could this "fool-hardy" prophet be singing songs about an abundant harvest when there wasn't such a crop?
At least that's how I imagine Isaiah presenting this message of rebuke to the Kingdom of Judah.
Stuart

Job 34-37

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  This is the end of Elihu’s rant at Job.  There is very little beneficial to Job in his words; only condemnation and misunderstanding of God’s justice.  Yet I wish there were sound effects with the poem. I think that while the other men spoke the winds that proceed storms were picking up.  Then as Elihu spoke the rain began to fall. In 36:27 through the end of chapter 37 Elihu repeatedly speaks about how God works in the weather and storms.  I think that there must have been a terrible thunderstorm display as Elihu spoke.  The speaker thinking God was agreeing with him, when in reality it was the approach of God ready to question Job, and rebuke his friends.

Stuart

Job 31-33

Job ends his “debate” with his friends by calling upon God to judge him.  That is a very bold statement.  I counted 20 times that Job offered charges of wrongdoing against himself in Chapter 31.  “If I”, or “If my” he said and offered minor and major offenses.  He said that if any of these charges are true then God should indeed rebuke him; correcting his actions of wrongdoing.  Then young Elihu speaks up.  He grew frustrate with the other men’s inability to show Job his wrong (because there was no wrong in his actions) so he added his opinion of the situation.  And in verse 33:12 he pointed out that Job was wrong, then continues his discourse to prove his point to Job.

It took me about 15 minutes of reading time to cover this passage.  That was in between a number of interruptions.

Stuart

Isaiah 4

It took only 1 minute to read this very short passage. But I'm still stunbling over the meaning three parables, all speaking, I think, about three different views of the coming captivity. I think there is a hint of hope in this chapter; that there will be a rement that will remain in Jerusalem, and they will be called holy. And God will continue to provide for those of his people who come to him in humility. But I'm sure that there is a lot of figuretism that I'm missing.
Stuart

Job 28-30

Job continues his discourse. He discusses the work of miners, how the bulk of their efforts go unnoticed, yet they toil continually in search of metal. So why don't they search for wisdom with the same vigor? Wisdom, Job says, can not be found by work, it can only be found by seeking God. 
It took about 10 minutes to read this section.
Stuart

Isaiah 3

Isaiah speaks of a terrible day that is coming for Judah. It verse 8 he clearly states the charge that God has brought against them: they have defied God. The punishment describe covers the loss of everything of value, but also every attitude of hope and joy. It is a terrible picture that Isaiah paints with vivid detail.  It took about 10 to read this chapter.
Stuart

Job 25-27

It took just 10 minutes to reads this passage. Bildad is the next to speak, and he challenges Job. "How can you charge God with inflicting you?" "God is pure, right, and hoy in all of his ways. He never acts unjustly." Job reponds by commenting on the value of these words given his circumstances. The friends had observed nothing unrighteous in Job's life, yet their theology would not allow them to say anything that even remotely sounded like they were challenging God. The reason for Job's situation had to be a hidden sin. But Job makes a committment; he will only speak what is true and righteous regardless of his circumstance.
Stuart

Isaiah 2

Verses 8 and 9 speak not only to the idolatry of too many Jews in Isaiah's days, but also the lives of Christians who are consumed with the many forms of materialism. They bow down to what their hands have made.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Job 22-24

Eliphaz can stand Job no longer.  Why does Job persist in declaring his innocence when everything around his speaks of the judgment he deserves?  Those must have been his thoughts.  Now he releases the “honest” truth on to Job, which the Christian way of saying “I’m going to put you in your place.”  All of chapters23 and 24 Job speaks about God and to Him.  Only in the last phrase of chapter 24 does God address Eliphaz’s accusations.  Job was not only patient in his suffering, he was VERY patient with his friends.  He held on to the truth that he knew intimately, not letting the violent words of someone else shake him from his stance of righteousness.   It took me 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Job 20-21

It took about 10 minutes to read this passage. Zaphar describes how the wicked are punished in this life: no joy, nothing that lasts, and when they die their legacy is a debt for their children to repay. He doesn't mention Job, but the connection is obvious. Job continues to focus his anger toward God's actions. He recounts seeing the wicked prosper, and live a life of ease and comfort. Job ends his rebuttal with a rebuke of Zophar's attack.
Stuart

Isaiah 1

It took me just under 10 minutes to read this chapter. I wonder if this was the first words that God put in Isaiah's mouth? I wonder if these were the words that innaugurated his public ministry. If they were, did God allow him to see the depth of the corruption that was taking place in Judah? The words Isaiah spoke could be pointed at most any ruling body on any government around the world. The most damning part is that the words of rejection are directed to the people who should have known to do right. They had turned festival and gatherings as a display of piety, when God intended them to be times of reflection on how God had blessed then.  We need to take heed of Isaiah's words.
Stuart

Job 18-19

Bildad’s words are very plain; “Looking at what happened to you, God would only act is this way toward a sinner.  Therefore, repent or perish.”  But his words are spoken in ignorance of God’s divine nature and His desire to develop our faith into complete dependence upon Him.  Job rejects Bildad’s taunts, and laments the heavy hand of God that has been upon him.  However, in verses 25-27 Job follows the example of every person of faith who cries out to God; pain is replaced with joy, sorrow with hope.  When we truly depend upon God the difficulties in our situation will drive us away from the lies of this word, and lead us into praise of all  that God is, has done, and will do.  Then he ends his words with a warning to Bildad to watch his attitude or he will receive God’s judgment.

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 122

It took only a couple of minutes to read this psalm of ascent. These should be the words we speak as we anticipate the weekly gathering of the saints, and the final eternal gathering of all God's people surrounding the throne. Using Jerusalem as a picture of the church, David points out the churches function in verse 3: a city that fosters friendship and unity.
Stuart

Job 15-17

It took me just under 10 minutes to read this passage.  Eliphaz rebukes Job again, but this time the attacks are directly at Job’s character.  He bombards this weak man with questions, and drags Job’s spirits further down.  Eliphaz probably justified his response by thinking he was defending God’s good nature.  We know, from the first two chapter, the answer to some of Eliphaz’s condemning questions about Job; and Job knew the answers too.  After a short, 6 verse, reply to his accuser, Job continues his plea to God.  It seems like Job addresses Eliphaz in verses 10-12 in chapter 17, but then closes his remarks with a word to God; wishing for death to come.  I have a hard time imagining myself as either Job or Eliphaz, yet I know that I have been both; a thought that brings no comfort.  Why was God silent for so long?  We know in the end that the Almighty spoke up in Job’s defense, and silenced all accusations for eternity.  God is patient; seeking all to repent.  (2 Peter 3:9)

Stuart

Psalm 121

The worse place to encounter an enemy is in a valley. In such desperate situation a warrior may look to the hills that surround them in hopes of escape, rescue, or re-enforcements. For God's people our help, our rescue, our deliverance will not come from the armies of our allies. Our victory will originate with Adonai. As a Christian we can rest assured that, through the grace of God, our salvation was completed on the cross.
It took about 1 minute to complete the reading of this psalm.
Stuart

Job 11-14

It took about 15 minutes to read this passage. Zophar mistakes Job's statements of righteous confidence as mocking God's authority and majesty. He then begins insulting his friend; which was not the "support" that Job needed. (We Christians have the tendancy to do the same thing, but that is a thought for another forum) Once again Job defends himself against Zophar's attack, then he pleads with God. The bulk of Job's words are directed toward God; the one who truely understands.
Stuart

Psalm 120

This short psalm took one minute or so to read. The psalmist speaks of the conflicts that he faces; lieing lips that endanger his life. Deceitful speakers that need correcting. Adversaries who are always after conflict. With these situations surrounding him, the psalmist turns to the LORD; the only one who can rescue him.
Stuart

Job 8-10

It took me 10 minutes to read this passage. It begins with Bildad's condemnation of Job's children, and a rebuke of Job's arrogant talk. Chapter 9 is Job's reaponse to Bildad, while 10 is yet another plea to God: end my life so my suffering will end as well. Yet even Job's complaints are words of worship, focusing repeatedly on God's greatness and awesome power.
Stuart

Psalm 119:161-176

I spend 5 more minutes finishing out this psalm. The Shin stanza speaks of steadfastness even when the rulers are against God's people. Scripture supercedes the rule of man; whether they are humble or arrogant. The Tav staza is a plea for Gods to enable; cries, prayers, lips, tongue, hands, and finally lives to be enabled to lift up, serve, and praise God.
Stuart

Job 4-7

This was a passage that took me 20 minutes to read. It begins with Eliphaz's rebuke of Job's curse on his life. It seems to me that Eliphaz can justify Job's suffering; this is God's punishment for Job's hidden sin. Yet Adonai God himself call's Job upright (1:8, 2:3). Eliphaz is ignorant of the spiritual battle raging in heaven over Job and his godly life. Job's responce in chapters 6 and 7 swings between a counter to Eliphaz and a plea to God. Job's request; "God has taken virtuallly all else, He should take my life as well." Job's pure life appears as a facade to his friends. Their theology doesn't allow God to permit injustice to be visited on the upright. We, also, need to be aware of where our theology limits God.
Stuart

Psalm 116:145-160

A 5 minute reading of this passage saw a focus of revival. Four times the English word "revive" is mentioned. And the psalmist wisely connects revival with God's word. Not only is spiritual revival grown from scriptures, but so are many other aspects of our lives revived when we grow in God's word. Relationships are revived because scripture leads us away from selfishness and into the actions of one-anothering. Emotionally we are revived because scripture teaches that we have a greater purpose in this life; something beyond ourselves that has eternal value. The value of labor is revived when viewed properly from a scriptural perspective. Labor is not a curse, it is a means to express our God-given abilities in a fruitful way. There are probably many other revivals into which scripture will lead us, these are just a few.
Stuart

Job 1-3

For anyone to read the first two chapters of Job and not be moved to sorrow is to miss the point of his loss. There is no one who would wish such events on themselves. The physical and emotional pain of those two days would be immeasurable. It was only by the grace of God that Job was able to retain his sanity. His sorrow is evident in his reaction - cursing the day of his birth. Yet he still didn't take matters into his own hands, Job trusted that God would somehow releave this terrible burden that Job was carrying. It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 119:129-144

In verse 131 we see the desire that God wants to kindle in us; panting. This passion, that we've all probably experienced, is intended to be directed toward God and His word. When we possess that passion then the disobedience of sinners will drive us to tears of sorrow.
In verse 143 we hear that the word is our joy in the midst of trials that overwhelm us.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

2 Timothy

It took me about 15 minutes to read the last surviving words from Paul. And there is so much in this letter, that it can't be summarized in one paragraph. But that isn't the intent of this log. I want to point out one thing that stood out to me. This year I am reading from David Stern's "The Complete Jewish Bible." In chapter 4 verse 17 the words "rescued from the lion's mouth" is in bold. That means it is a phrase from the Old Testament. Stern cites Psalm 22:22. In the NIV part of that verse says, "rescue me from the mouth of the lion,". This psalm of David is a powerful work that proclaims the greatness of God. Yet too many Christians grasp all of David's words in Psalm 22. They get stuck on the first line; a line Jesus recited while on the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When Paul cited that part of the psalm, whether it was a literal rescue or figurative, he was joining Jesus is a chorus of praise to the greatness and power of our God.
Stuart

Psalm 119:97-128

It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage. How much do you love God's word? The psalmist proclaims his love then gives seven benefits he has seen from the Law in the Mem stanza. In the next two stanza God's word is compared to a light source, which implies a darkness, then a safe place, which implies an on-going battle. Once again the psalmist declares his love for God's word;  a love greater than his love for gold.
Stuart

Esther 8-10

It took about 10 minutes to read the  final portion of the book of Esther.  After days of sorrow and dread came a day of deliverance for the Jews throughout the kingdom.  Then came the edict from the king to defend the Jews who dwelt under the rule of the Persians.  There was a day of celebration.  Then, 9 months later, the day of reckoning arrived.  It was a day designed to see the destruction of millions of Jews, but it resulted in the death of thousands of their enemies.  The result was a memorial to celebrate what God had brought about by His providence.  There were no prophets involved, no fire from heaven, no earth quakes or other signs.  Just the working of God in the people who took His word seriously, and molded their life around His commands rather than the ways of this world.  They lived out the truth that Paul and the Hebrew writer wrote about centuries later: The righteous will live by faith. (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3;11, & Hebrews 10:38)

Stuart

Esther 4-7

It took about 15 minutes to read this passage. The center piece of God's providence in this story is the night during which the king couldn't sleep. He did what most people would do; sought out the driest reading material and hoped it would lull him to sleep.  Of course boring words on a page are no match to the almighty God. The king got no sleep that night. But he was reminded of a kindness shown to him many day's earlier: Mordecia's truthfulness to the king. We need to remember that the lack of sleep is one of God's means of gaining our attention to instruct us about life.
Stuart

Esther 1-3

I read these chapters in two settings; a total of about 20 minutes. Esther's story is a fantastic example of how God works through providence. He hides eternal power and devine nature (Rom 1:20) within the actions and choices of people: covenant people and heathens. God exercises His eternal authority within the realms of mankinds' free will to accomplish His good will. In the first two chapters of Esther we see this at work in seemingly random and unconnected ways. God sets in motion the elevation of two faithful covenant people to high levels in his government by the disobedience of a wife, whom Esther would replace as queen, and the devious plans of two disgruntled servants of the king; which would eventually lead to Mordecia being named Prime Minister.
Stuart

Psalm 119:81-96

It took a couple of minutes to read this passage. Repeatedly the psalmist points out the there are many against him. Then in verse 94 he makes it very plane what he expects God to do; "I am yours save me". There was no way to be more direct. But that was also a bold statment of faith, and surrender. We need to take that stand more frequently. To not defend ourselves, but rather allow God the opportunity to do his work of rescue.
Stuart

1 Timothy 4-6

It took me almost 15 minutes to read this passage.  Paul notes a few characteristics of some people who have turned from the faith.
Those who listen to spirits (4:1).
Young widows (5:15).
Those seeking wealth (6:10).
Those deeking special knowledge (6:21).
He offers these examples as lessons for believers to avoid, not as gleeful proof that he is right.
Stuart