Psalm 1

It took me just a minutes to start the reading schedule for 2008. And I began with the very first Psalm. For 2008 I will be reading in The Message. As I comment on passages keep in mind it is with the words Eugene Peterson used in the translation that may spark my thoughts. The psalms notes that God's blessings are on those who "chew on scripture day and night." This is bearly the new year, but I wanted to start this night in God's word. Psalms 1 is a great reminder of how God wants us to model our lives.
Stuart

That's it for 2007

I've been giving thanks to God a lot today, for a number of things. I've been sick for the past 5 days, can't-go-to-sleep-at-night-can't-stay-awake-during-the-day sick for the last three. This situation reminded me how spoiled and undisciplined I really am. When I felt bad my focus went to the physical. One of those times I was given the thought; "What about Jesus?" When he was sick there was no Advil. If he coughed until his chest hurt there was no cough syrup. He learned to endured. I didn't feel like reading yesterday. But I wanted to finish on schedule. My mind was some-what foggy, but I did understand what God had helped me accomplish - I had touched every part of his revealed word in one year. I am thankful for that. I learned to make the time at work to read and write a comment virtually everyday. I am thankful for that too.  I gained some new insight about God's nature, for which I am thankful. I hope that I will allow God to make his changes in my heart, and then my life; changes I'm sure I'll be thankful to make. I am also thankful for Advil and cough syrup.
Stuart

Revelation 20-21 & Isaiah 66

It took a total of 15 minutes to read these two passages. There are a couple of similar messages in the last chapter of Isaiah and the end of John's revelation. Both speak of a new heaven and new earth. Its good to remember that God always points to eternity, and to the same one plan that he has had in place since before the beginning.
Stuart

Revelation 19-20

It took about 6 minutes to read this passage. Today I am physically sick; fever, sore throat, achy. But in chapter 19 I am challenged to look past my aches and focus on the victory that Christ has won, and is winning. Four different groups offer up 5 praises to Jesus. And his ultamate title is visible on his thigh: King of kings AND Lord of lords.
Stuart

Isaiah 65

It took just a little over 3 minutes to read this chapter. God reveals his disgust with the practices of the people of the covenant. His eye is on the present. But God withheld his wrath for a time because he also looked to the past; remembering the promises he made to Abraham, Jacob, and David (among others). But in verse 17 he reminds those listening to Isaiah, and us who read his words today, that everything is kept in perspective to the future. God make another promise; to create a new heaven and a new earth. We have not seen that new creation. But God tells us to place our joy in that which he is still creating.
Stuart

Revelation 17-18

It took me around 10 minutes to read this passage.  God expresses his sovereignty over even the disobedient in 17:17.  God moves the mind of those who reject him to act in ways that will bring about the punishment of evil and rebellious people.  Their actions are still an expression of free will, but their destructive actions feed the course of events that bring God’s ultimate plan to completion.  It is wonderful to know that God also works out his will in the life of Christians, and benefits Christians at the same time.

Stuart

Isaiah 64

It took a couple of minutes to read this passage. During Isaiah's days the temple still stood. Even though the people of Judah continued to grow in their unfaithfulness the temple and the inheritance remained. But God gave his prophet a picture of the destruction brewing for Jerusalem. In verse 11 Isaiah mourns at the vision of the destroyed and smoldering temple. The physical symbol of Israel's worship of God; completely demolished. What a hopeless sight.
Stuart

Revelation 15-16

Today is Christmas. It took about 5 minutes to read this passage. On Christmas day we recall the birth and the message that God's angels brought to the shepherds. Good news of Great joy. In these chapters God's angels are at work again. But this time they are bringing the message that God's wrath is being poured out of the rebellios people of the earth. There is no joy, or hope in this message. This is the time of justice for those who have rejected God's grace and mercy. The baby born this day came to spare all people from the judgement that John witnessed.
Stuart

Isaiah 63

It took me 5 minutes to read this chapter. Mainly because I read the first part twice. I noticed that in verse 16 Isaiah declares that God is a father to Israel. I don't know if this is the oldest reference to God as father, but it caught my eye.
Stuart

Revelation 13-14

It took less than 10 minutes to read this passage. There is another angel with another message to proclaim to the earth recorded in 14:7 - Worship God the creator and the judge. There is so many pictures going on in this passage they we may miss the simple message this angel sets forth. Consider that maybe this is the whole message of the chapters surrounding the angel's proclamation.
Stuart

Revelation 11-12, Isaiah 62

It took me about 10 minutes to read the passage in Revelation early this morning.  I only needed 2 minutes to read the passage in Isaiah.
The proclamation of the "Loud Voice" (Rev. 11:15) is the fulfillment of a promise that has been the desire of creation since the fall of man into sin.
The names for Israel that Isaiah echoed from God are lovely names; My-Delight-Is-In-Her, Married, Sought-After, and City-No-Longer-Abandoned. They all speak volumes about God's feelings toward his people Israel. And those feelings surely extend to the bride of Christ; the church.
Stuart

Isaiah 61

It took just a couple of minutes to read this passage. As I look at the calendar I want to dive in and finish both the books of Isaiah and Revelation. But that would be missing the lesson of dining on God's word. Gorging myself will reach the goal, but not at a pace that will allow me to digest the word better. I need to dine to allow God to grow my faith into the shape he wants it to be.
As for this passage; we know that it was fulfilled by Jesus in Nazareth. Jesus said as much about verse 1 and the first line of verse 2. But as I read the rest of the chapter I have no doubt that 1-9 speaks of Messiah. Verese 10 and 11 are Isaiah's responce to the vision of Messiah.
Stuart

Revelation 9-10

It only took me 5 minutes to read this passage. I find the statement on 9:20-21 to be a sad but true commentary on the mindset of mankind. They know of God and have heard of his mercies, but want to serve gods of their own making and on their own terms then serve the true and living God. I know my own tendencies toward the same attitudes. Yet, God has indeed delivery his people from that trap, and has offered to deliver all people.
Stuart

Isaiah 60

It took only a couple of minutes to read this chapter. God promised Israel to make peace their lord, and righteousness their taskmaster. What would that be like? Every rule from the civil authority would promote a unifying peace; cooperative tranquility. Each command from our boss was not only ethical, but honorable to each employee. The purity of a company's actions would be evident to everyone. With such leaders people would wait in line for a chance to serve either master.
That is what God has accomplished in Jesus.
Stuart

Revelation 6-7

It took me just 5 minutes to read this passage. As I read through the list of the tribes of Israel in 6:5-8 I noticed that the order was not by birth. Nor was Joseph at the start of the list. Judah was the fourth son of Israel, yet Jesus listed him first. That may not be important in the scheme of salvation, but I wonder if there is a message God is sharing?
Stuart

Isaiah 58-59

It took me almost 10 minutes to read this passage. In chapter 58 God defines the purpose of fasting (vss 6-7). He also describes the purpose of Sabbath (vss 13-14). God speaks these words to help us understand that there is more to these rituals then their performance. God instituted fasting and Sabbaths so that we would be led to see beyond the surface, and embrace the lessons of self-sacrifice and dependance that he wants for us.
Stuart

Isaiah 56-57

It took almost 10 minutes to read this passage. In the beginning of 56 God mentions two people without hope; eunuchs abd fireigbers. Then he explains how their lives will blossom in ways they had only dreamed of in the past. That is once they have entrusted  themselves to God.. What God has to offer transends everything that this life can offer.
Stuart

Revelation 5-6

It took about 5 minutes to read this passage. In chapter 6 verses 9-11 John witnesses the comforting of those who have given up their lives rather then surrender their faith. John heard a word that is disturbing to me; others will die because of their faith. The question that comes to mind is "Why?" We have been caught up in the struggle to extend life, forgetting that God may gain the greatest glory from our live in our enduring and overcoming suffering and death. The great cloud of witnesses is made up of many who feared God more than they feared humiliation or death. We need to remember their example.
Stuart

Revelation 3-4

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.  There is a word in Revelation 3 verse 2 of the Complete Jewish Bible that caught eye:

"For I have found what you are doing incomplete in the sight of my God."  And I wondered what Jesus might have meant.  The Greek word that John recorded is derived from the word "pimplēmi" which means "to fill".  Literally Jesus was telling the Christians in Sardis that their actions are not full, or empty.  Had they fallen into meaningless ritual?  Had their words of praise become phrases spoken without thought or meaning?  Was the celebration of the Lord's Supper a formality?  Was there any effort in the attempts to share the Gospel of Jesus?  In the next verse Jesus tells them to do three things; Remember what they had heard.  Obey it. And turn from their sins.  We need to check ourselves as well to make sure that our actions are not incomplete.

Stuart

Revelation 1-2

It took almost 10 minutes to read the above chapters.  In the messages that Jesus sends out to the churches there are some very stern warnings, and some very uplifting words.  Jesus is speaking these words as the Lord of the universe.  Sometimes we soften our image of Jesus into an all-loving Teddy-bear.  But that is very far from the true picture of Jesus’ nature.  He is a man motivated by love for his people, all people.  But we need to realize that he is still Lord of all.  The two extremes are harmonized at the cross.  Yet it is in the shadow of where Jesus made his ultimate sacrifice that he calls out to each Christian to make the same sacrifice; giving up the wants and even needs for self in order to please and glorify God first.  Jesus’ warnings to the 4 churches in chapter two are a “fleshing out” of the incarnate message he presented, that Matthew recorded in his gospel; chapter 6 verse 33:

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Stuart

Isaiah 55

It took just 5 minutes to read this chapter. In verse 2 God asks a question that we Western Christians need to ask as well; why buy things that do not satisfy? We have access to the most advanced luxuries ever created by men, yet as a people we are less satisfied with our lives. God's question to aimless Israel applies to our lives as well; why buy things that do not satisfy? The apparent answer is that we think we will eventually accumulate enough that our lives will BECOME satisfying. What we might miss in Isaiah's words is that God offers us a life of purpose that satisfies. All we have to do is fall in line with his will. Some people would rather claim to be masters of their lives than fulfill a purpose under someone else's rule.
Stuart

Malachi 3-4

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage. At the begining and ending of this passage God seeks to draw Israel's attention to the plans he has laid out.  "Look!" The prophet shouts. God has a plan to prepare his people for the that God has planned since before creation. A messanger like Elijah will come from God seeking to prepare his people for the final act of God's redemptive plan.
Stuart

Malachi 1-2

It took ab out 10 minutes to read this passage. The first two chapter have God responding to a number of complaints to his returned exiles. The lesson that God is seeking to teach, again, is that our God is always listening to the words and attitudes of his people. That is both wonderful news and a sobering warning. God is not inclining his ear to us so that he can squash us, rather he is eager to know our thoughts and our hearts. He wants to know our joys and our sorrows as well.
Stuart

Zechariah 13-14

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage. I read this passage looking for a positive word from Zechariah; but I didn't see one. There is a lot of mystery here in the final recorded words of Zecariah. The good I found, the message of hope that God passed along I found at the end of chapter 13. There will be a remenant. They will be God's people.
Stuart

Isaiah 54

It took me less than 5 minutes to read this passage. Verse 10 speaks a great promise about God's nature. We often remenber that God's word will never pass away. We remember that God's prsenece would not forsake us. Here Isaiah says that God's grace is more permanant than the mountains. That is speaking spiritual truths in terms that I can understand. I can't grasp eternity, but I can see the effects of erosion on the mountains. From that I can comprehend how time impacts the mountains.
Stuart

Isaiah 53

It only took about 3 minutes for me to read this chapter. In verse 2 of this chapter Isaiah looks ahead and sees that the physical appearance of Messiah will not be anything appealing. That should not surprise us. While the woeld has always placed great value on an acceptable appearance, God has ALWAYS valued the attitude that flow out of our inner being. God wants our "beuaty" to be in the outward display of a humble heart that understands God's intended position in our life; saviour AND lord.
Stuart

Zechariah 10-12

It took me almost 10 minutes to read this in 2 settings. Chapter 12 is decribed as a prophecy for the house if Israel. In Zechariah's introduction he describes three great wonders of creation: stretching out the heavens, setting the foundation of the world, and putting the spirit inside of men. I wonder if each of these miracles are seen equally as profound to God? I'm sure he had a reason for the order he chose, I wonder what it is.
Stuart

Isaiah 52

It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter. Verse 7 of this chapter is an interesting blessing for those who carry the message of God's peace and salvation. Their feet are called beautiful. And what is the good news that these feet carry? Your God is King! Not only is your ruler just and wise, but he is benevolent and loving. For a king to display these four characteristics is a wonderful example indeed.
Stuart

Isaiah 51

It took me 5 minutes to read this. In verse 12 God asks Israel a question regarding the source of their comfort. Don't they realize that God provides their comfort when thay need it? If we believe that same truth then why do we, myself included, fear the words and actions of other people? Don't we believe that God is able to deliver us out of every situation that we may face? Or is that just lip service?
Stuart

Zechariah 7-9

I read chapters 4-6 yesterday in about 6 minutes, but then I forgot to log it. Today I read chapters 7-9 in 15 minutes. Verse 9 of chapter 9 speaks of Jesus' future ride into the ruined city that is now being rebuit. We know that Jesus completed God's victory over sin when he died on the cross. But God revealed to Zechariah that the Messiah was riding the donkey's colt already victorious. I am thanksful the God expressed his forenkowledge of Jesus victory over 400 years before history recorded it.
Stuart

Isaiah 50

It took me just a couple of minutes to read this passage. How could Jesus stand before those who mocked him and not repond? The same way Isaiah did, as he recorded in this passage. In verses 7 and 8 Isaiah begins each verse with a proclamation of God deliverance. Then in verse 9 he speaks words that will be echoed seven centuries later in Pau's words to the Christians in Rome: "if God is for us, who can be against us?"(Rom 8:31) Isaiah and Jesus put their lives completely in God's control. If he chose to save them then let God be praised. If he chose to use their punishment to bring glory to his name then let God be praised.
Stuart

Zechariah 1-3

I spent almost 10 minutes reading this passage. Zechariah was a contempoary of Haggai. The timing of their words from God are intertwined. During the secomd year of Darius Haggai spoke on the 21st day of the seventh month calling the returned exiles to begin their work on rebuilding the temple. Sometime in the next month Zechariah spoke calling the people to change their attitudes toward God. Haggai spoke again on the 24th day of the nineth month; encouraging them to keep working. Two months later Zechariah received a vision from God that he was to carry to the people. This message spoke of God's love for his people in Jerusalem. Zechariah and Haggai were God's cheer team to these returning exiles.
Stuart

Isaiah 49

It took me nearly 10 minutes to read this chapter. God had a plan for Isaiah. He repeats it here for the people to see him at work. But also to remind the prophet whom he was meant to serve. But then God reveals more of his eternal plan; he will also use Isaiah as a light to those living in the darkness and separation outside of the Mosaic covenant. I think God was letting Isaiah know, and allowing the people of Judah to hear, that God's plan for redemption was intended to reach all people. For that was his purpose all along.
Stuart

Isaiah 48

I spend about 5 minutes reading from this chapter. God reminds us of one part of his character that he made known in Genesis, but also throughout the Bible: he is a God who wants his people to know him and therefore he has revealed himself to all people.(Vs 16) Though he may be difficult to understand because of his grandure, he seeks to make parts of his nature clear to us; both in scripture and through situations.
Stuart

Haggai

It took less than 10 minutes to read the words of this prophet. Haggai is a prophet who speaks of the acts of a holy life in Christians just as clearly as he spoke to the remnant that returned from Babylon. When you seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness all the needs of life will be provided. (Matt 6:33) The people of God ignored God's directive and they reaped his anger. Why did God wait for them to work for three month before he reversed their plight? I believe it was a matter of faith. They were not comitted to the work until they were three months into it. Then the effort was moving and people were paying the price; living their faith.
Stuart

Isaiah 47

It took me only 4 minutes to read this chapter. Isaiah speaks to the people of Babylon decades before they comit their crimes. God will turn over his people, Judah, to them, but they will take it upon themselves to punish and humiliate. God's punishment was to seperate them from the land os promise; a kind of national time-out or grounding. The rulers of Babel will carry their punishment further. Therefore, God will turn their arrogance back upon themselves. God will humble those who humiliate. He will weaken those who depend on their own strength. Thses aspects of God's nature have never changed.
Stuart

Isaiah 46

I spent less than 3 minutes reading this short chapter. Isaiah opens this passage by proclaiming how man-made objects of worship are always a burden, but our God is the lifter of burdens. This truth not only applies to the idols of falses religions, but also the realities of those other objects of worship; possessions, appearance, power, social status, and careers just to name a few. All of these things are burdensome; none of them are liberating. Though some may satisfy part of our life for a while, if we pursue them without recognizing God as the provider of each, we will find each of them empty, and unfruitful. When they stand outside of God's will; in the end each of these things lead only to death.
Stuart

Jude

It only took 5 minutes to read this letter from Jude.  Assuming that Jude is indeed Jesus’ half-brother we can understand the practicality of his words; carpenters are like that.  Jude offers some very brief but well founded warnings and encouragements that can help us if we’ll consider them and apply them to our lives.  But then he ends his letter with a prayer, or song, or psalm that focuses on the greatness of God.  This would be a good verse to memorize to offer as a blessing to modern day believers.

Stuart

Isaiah 45

It took ne about 5 minutes to read this passage. Verse 15 offers an interesting twist to understanding God's nature. All throughout scripture our God is different from idols in that he seeks to make himself known to all people of faith. Yet Isaiah says that God "hides himself." I know that God is, by his invisible nature and devine power, mysterious. Yet he continues to reveal himself to those who look. He also hides himself from those who don't want to find him, and rebel against his commands. So maybe that is what Isaiah is saying; our God is the God, who hides in plain site.
Stuart

Zephaniah

It took me nearly 20 minutes to read this book.  The beginning of the book begins with the warning of coming punishment on the house of Judah.  God explains those who will be punished:

Vs 4 – Those who worship Baal

Vs 5 – Those who worship the hosts of heaven

Vs 5 – Those who speak the LORD’s name, but also the name of Malcham

Vs 6 – Those who have turned away from the LORD

Vs 6 – Those who have ignored the LORD

It was that last group that caught my attention.  God is not only displeased with those who seek after other things to take his place, but He holds in equal condemnation those who have ignored Him.  God’s actions declare rejection of Him for no other god, then same acts as idolatry.  That takes away the excuse of ignorance for those who might acknowledge a “supreme being” but make no effort to get to know him.

Stuart

Isaiah 44

It took about 8 minutes to read this chapter. In verse 6 God proclaims a title that rings true throughout history; "I am the first, and I am the last." Very similar to the word's of Jesus that John recorded in Revelation 21:6. God sought to remind the people of Judah that he was ruling long before Israel was a nation, and he will be king when the world comes to an end. We need the same comfort too. We face similar struggles as Judah did as a nation, and we struggle with many of the same doubts that they faced. He who is the first will always be with us until He accomplishes his plans at the last.
Stuart

Habakkuk

It took me 15 minutes to read this book. Habakkuk ends his words with a declaration of his faith in God. As he looks at the pagan nations around him they the situations that immediate surround them to define how their gods felt about them. But our God is faithful and loving even when he is disciplining his people. In 3:17-18 Habakkuk promises to rejoice in God regardless of what is going on around him.
Stuart

Isaiah 43

It took me a little over 5 minutes to read this chapter. In its original context God is speaking a warning to the people of Judah. We have seen the warning fulfilled in history. But God was also speaking a message of hope to his people. We can clearly see the end of that hope as well.  Verse 2 is one of the places where both of these messages are displayed. Israel will pass through the flood and the fire; that is the warning. The hope is displayed at the end of each phrase: "I will be with you...", "they will nit overwhelm you...", and "the flame will not burn you." God has always exersiced his sovernity in the lives of his people; and he will will not stop now.
Stuart

2 Peter

I spent about 10 minutes reading thuis passage. Peter has a number of very powerful messages for us, but one statement he made toward the end of this letter caught my attention. In chapter 3 verse. 12, which is in the middle of a thought, Peter calls on Christians to "work to hasten [the day of Christ's return] coming." My question is; what is that work?
Stuart