Psalm 1

It took me just a couple of minutes to read this psalm. It is a wonderful psalm for the beginning of a new year. When we make God's word the delight of our life we find so much more than anything offered in this world. Like an ever watered tree is our life when we focus continually on God's word. As we spend time in the Bible our hearts will be more open to his leadership and love. We feed ourselves and provide God with the opportunity to continue the process of remaking our hearts to look more like the heart of Jesus, and our will to be surrendered more completely to God's will. The rewards that come with those action is beyond our wildest dreams. And I thank God for the gifts. Happy New Year!
Stuart

Four years done, a life time to go......

I am so thankful that this past Sunday, December 28th, I was able to read Isaiah chapter 66. With the completion of that chapter I finished reading the Bible for 2008. Did I enjoy every moment of reading this past year? No. There were many times where completing a chapter was a struggle. There were a number of passages I read that left me dazed and struggling to learn something. I will confess that I'm still looking for the lesson behind the genealogies in beginning 1 Chronicles and Matthew's gospel. But there were numerous times when the passage came to life as I read it. I was often captured by God's acts of grace, a prophets steadfast obedience, or the divine love that permeated many of the stories that have been recorded.
In 2008 I read from Eugene Peterson's The Message. There were many passages where I appreciated his viewpoint in the translation. I will be reading from the English Standard Version in 2009. I have read parts of that translation before.
As I prepare to begin reading in 2009 I'm a little edgy; I want to start already. But I need a reminder about this book that I am preparing to read; it is God's revelation of himself and his work of redemption. I don't believe that it is intended to be hidden from view. The impact of the words recorded should be evident in my actions, my words, and the way I view all people.

Stuart

Isaiah 66

It took me about 5 minutes to read the last chapter of Isaiah's book. At the beginning of this chapter Isaiah records what God wants from his creation. He doesn't want heros. He doesn't want piles of money given to him. God wants people who will be what he made them to be; obedient children of his greatness. God may ask us to complete actions of great faith, or he may ask us to write letters to a lonely missionary half a world away. He will gain the greatest glory through the everyday people who will live uncompromising lives as Christians; nothing more or less.
Stuart

Revelation 21-22

It took me 8 minutes to finish the last two chapters of John's revlation. John must have been thrilled to see the new Jerusalem with all its glory and all of the promises of God fulfilled. I wonder if the warning to John in 22:10-11 to spread the word was to keep him from silently reflecting on the power of God's word. It is yet another paradox of how God works. God sends the final revelation of blessings for the whole world to a man exiled to a barren penal island. Only God could have overcome the circumstances and allowed John to deliver his message of hope.
Stuart

Isaiah 65

It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter of God's message through Isaiah. God has sought to make himself knowable. His passion is to allow people to discover his nature, power, mercy, and especially his love. God has sought to be connected with people since there have been people. And even if some in the 21st century church follow the same traps of self-made religion that Isaiah encountered God will still seek people to whom he can reveal his nature. To know God we only need to reach out to him. Once we do that he will help us complete the journey of grace.
Stuart

Revelation 19-20

It took me about 9 minutes to read this passage.  God is praised by the heavens as his judgment is poured out on those who have rejected him.  These are not songs celebrating the punishment of the guilty, but the righteousness of our holy and just God.  The judgment is focused on those satanic powers who lead the nations astray, and because of that judgment God is declared right and powerful.  God is praised because there was nothing that Satan’s forces could throw at God’s plans that ever succeeded.  However, even with all of this celebration I believe there was a very somber atmosphere around the books that God reviews at the final judgment.  It will be a sad time because the people who stubbornly refused to receive God’s free gift of grace will understand that they are to be separated from God’s presence.  God had created those people so that he could know them intimately for eternity, but they believed the lies.  I believe it will be with great sadness that God will pronounce the final guilty verdict on all of those whose names are not written in the book of life.

Stuart

Isaiah 64

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter. In verse 11 Isaiah speaks of the future destruction of the temple as a result of Israel's rebellion. I wonder what sort of reception that message received from the citizens of Judah? People who spoke confidently of God yet lived in opposition to his commands could not expect to find God's favor. All of these truthes were given in this message from God's prophet. Words that we still need to hear.
Stuart

Revelation 17-18

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage. John saw a vision of a mysterious blasphemious woman on a beast. There are Christians through out the ages who have sought to understand this mystery. I don"t know if any have suceeded. In 18:17 and 19 I do understand the messages of the trades and saliors: God's judgement has come upon those who reject his authority and try to define the purpose of life on their own terms. That is why today is so special. Many families wrongly think that when their baby is born they have the right purpose for their lives. I believe that when we recognize who baby Jesus is, who he grew up to be, that we will then have the final purpose for our lives.
Stuart

Revelation 15-16

It took me about 5 minutes to read these two visions in John's revelation. We are shown the depths of our offense agains God by our lives of sin. The awefulness of the punishment displayed here is on the opposite extreme of the greatness of God's grace given through the cross. And right before the seventh bowl is pour out Jesus reminds us of his soon return (16:15). His grace will cover our sins so that we Christians will not receive the final destructive wrath of God.
Stuart

Isaiah 63

It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter. At the ends of this chapter Israel calls out to God that they are his people. They sought to remind God of the truth that they had forgotten. Because of their self abasement that might have caught God's attention. But unless their practices changed he would continue to with-hold his justice from their lives. If we likewise reject God's protection or refuse to acknowledge his providence will he continue to pour out his blessings on us? Israel is an example to us today on how to live in accordance with God's word.
Stuart

Revelation 13-14

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.  John caught a vision of the dragon and two beasts and it must have been sickening to him.  John was shown how vile they spoke and the evil in their behavior.  These beasts wielded their influence through intimidation and violence.  John described the creatures as vicious.  But in the beginning of chapter 14 The Message says  that John had his breath taken away by the sight he saw then.  It was not the work of the dragon that so terrified him, but rather to witness the fully glorified Lord Jesus Christ.  We need to remember that the power of those who oppose Jesus and his church is very real.  But we also need to acknowledge that their power pales in comparison with the awesome power that Jesus has at his disposal.

Stuart

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Paul of Tarsus

Isaiah 62

It only took me about 2 minutes to read this chapter. There were two thoughts in this chapter that caught my attention. Verses 4 and 5 when God speaks of his marriage to his people of faith. And the next two verses when he speaks about the watchmen. Why does God want us to remind him of his promises? We know that he can choose to forget our sins, but can he choose to forget his promises? I don' think so. So what is the purpose of the watchmen? Maybe the watchmen are a representation of all the people; called to prayer. I think that God wants us to speak his promises so that in giving those promises a voice we'll be more likely to remember what he had promised to us. And that City of Peace; isn't that the completed picture of the church world-wide?
Stuart

Isaiah 61

It took me just three minutes to read this chapter. In verse 10 Isaiah shares the image of God as a provider of extravagent cothing. The suit of God will be salvation. The overcoat he gives to cover us completely is his righteousness. What more expensive clothing could he offer? This suit and overcoat were purchased on the cross. They will be our covering for eternity. So we will spend the endless ages dressed to the nines in the gifts from God.
Stuart

Revelation 11-12

It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage. Begining in verse 15 of chapter 11 John describes what he saw and heard at the final turmpet call. He heard a chorus from heaven and it described the completion of Kingdom come. Jesus gave us an example prayer in Matthew 6 and part of that prayer is the request for God's Kingdom to come on earth just like it is in heaven. John saw a vision of that petition being answered. God will indeed complete his work of bringing his Kingdom on earth into union with his heavenly Kingdom. And when it is complete all of the heavenly chorus will declare Go's praise.
Stuart

Isaiah 60

It took me nearly 5 minutes to read this chapter. In verses 19 and 20 God makes a promise to be the light of Israel. In Revelation 21 John writes the same thing about the Father and the Lamb of God. In both passages the light is described as never fading. So even if there is someone with a fear of the dark their fears will be conquored in Christ Jesus. We also know that for now God has given every Christian a little piece of that light. Because he has make us a light to the people of the world. A preparation for the eternal light that Jesus brought from the throne of power and grace.
Stuart

Revelation 9-10

It took me about 4 minutes to read this passage.  At the end of verse 6 in chapter 10 the messenger of God proclaims that time is up; no more delay to the fulfillment of God’s plan.  For each person God has determined an end to their life in the physical body.  What happens after that is still a mystery.  We have been given glimpses of what is to come, but it is all hope, not sight.  When time is no more then will our hope  will become sight; that is when we will have no more questions.  At the end of time God’s mysteries will be obviously and painfully complete.  I believe that each person will have a look of shock on their face.  That shock will explode in wonder for those who trusted their lives to God’s grace.  Sadly those who rejected the free gift of grace will fall in sorrow beyond sorrow.  Until we hear that trumpet our hearts should be set on making disciples for the glory of God in Jesus.

Stuart

Isaiah 59

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter. Why do we treat God like he is weak and deaf? We will not wait for God to act so we execute our plan. Then we try to talk about God behind his back. When we do these things we find that we are mimicking the lives of those who listened to Isaiah speak. In the begining of this chapter the prophet points out that God's arm can still work wonders and that his ears still hear whispers. For those who treat God like that they will receive that sort of treatment; no action from God to save and no reponse from God to their words. I hope that the church has learned from Judah's mistake and remembers how strong and close our God is.
Stuart

Revelation 7-8

It took me about 4 minutes to read these two chapters that involve the end of one vision and the beginning of another.  In chapter 7 verses 9 through 17 John sees a picture of the people who surround God’s throne.  In earlier parts of the revelation John saw majestic heavenly creatures, and countless angels.  He now sees an untold number of people standing before the throne.  Who is included?  People from all nations, all tribes, all races, and all languages.  Whether this is a picture of the present or the future really doesn’t matter to me.  I see two promises fulfilled in this part of the vision.  The promise by God to Abraham recorded in Genesis 12:3 that all the nations on earth would be bless through Abraham.  And the promise of Jesus recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 to be with his people as they go throughout the world discipling all nations.  God is in the process of accomplishing both promises, and he has given us front row seats in the performance.  God also gave John a picture of what the fulfillment of those promises will look like in Heaven.  What a wonderful picture.

Stuart

Isaiah 58

It took me 3 minutes to read this chapter. In verses 6 through 9 God describes the characteristics that he seeks to develop in the lives of those who fast in his name. He gives 8 examples of how to deny self as an expression of worship to God. One of the examples mentioned is making time to spend with family. This is an extension of the 5th commandment. Giving up time to spend with parents, siblings, spouce, and children can be an act of worship; when the focus of that time is on God and his mighty deeds. Giving up time to spend with family is an act of denial to self. For we put the interests of others ahead of our own interests. That is a fast that is pleasing to God.
Stuart

Revelation 5-6

It took me only 5 minutes to read this short passage.  With the exception of “Happy Birthday” I’ve never had another song sung to me.  I can say with great confidence that I have also never had a song written about me.  I believe that not even in Heaven has my name been lifted up in song.  In the 4^th chapter of Revelation John witnesses the seraphim led praise to God the Father as he was seated on his heavenly throne.  A concert that had begun before the world began.  Then the Lamb of God stepped forward to claim his position of authority before all of the heavenly realm.  When this historical event occurred Heaven was changed.  The heavenly beings began singing to the Lamb.  Not only did they change their focus from the throne to the Lamb, but they presented a new song.  One that had not been heard in throne room of glory.  Soon the angelic choir joined with their refrains of praise.  The final addition to this eternally new composition was the voices of creation.  The rocks along the road to Jerusalem, that Jesus said would cry out, were finally able to release their shouts of praise to the Lamb who liberated mankind and took away the curse that had been on creation since the fall of man.  What a wonderfully joyous celebration.

Stuart

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Paul of Tarsus

Isaiah 57

It took me about 4 minutes to read this passage. We know that God is so great that he cannot be contained. The earth cannot hold him and the heaven do not restrain him. He is eternal and holy. But God also seeks out other places to dwell; place that look neither eternal of holy to us. God seeks out the crevices in the hearts of those faithful who are poor in spirit. He also looks for those who allow their hearts to be crushed for righteousness sake and takes up residence there. That what God explains in 57:15. Those who have poured out their lives before God become holy vessels that God chooses to indwell. That is another part of God's wonderful nature.
Stuart

Revelation 3-4

It took me about 6 minutes to read these two chapters.  John uses some very powerful words to describe the glorified Jesus as he saw him.  In chapter 3:20-21 he hears Jesus refer to himself as a conqueror.  From an earthly perspective it would be hard to agree with that conclusion.  Jesus defeated no one that would allow him to make such a proclamation.  But when we consider that the things we see do not define all of God’s creation then we can understand that Jesus’ conquest, completed by his sacrifice and resurrection, are not contained to the physical, the temporary, realm.  Jesus destroyed the two things that brought the greatest pain into all of creation; sin and death.  The power of sin was eliminated on the cross when he willingly died, and the despair of death was replaced with hope when Jesus rose from the grave.  Both of these enemies are far more menacing and powerful than any global dictator.  And in the span of three days Jesus defeated them both.  He is indeed a great and mighty conqueror.

Stuart

Isaiah 56

It took me about 2 minutes to read this chapter. There was one phrase that God used twice in this chapter that caught me attention. It is "who keep my Sabbath...". Both times that it is used it is connected to a group of outsiders of God's covenant with Israel. In both cases God uses this test to show a people approved by God. So what does it mean to keep God's Sabbath? The simplist definition is to weekly suspend that activity which gives you your livelihood for one day as an expression of honor and dependance on God. While was this such a vital test? I think that such an action would be an outward display of a persons complete dependance upon God. In Isaiah's day not earning money on one day of the week could mean no food the next day. So to give up a day of work was a powerful statement of a person's faith that God would provide for their needs.
Stuart

Revelation 1-2

It took me about 10 minutes to read the introduction to John's revelation from Jesus and the first messages to 4 churches. I wonder how John reacted to the trumpeting voice of Jesus? Did he recognize it as the same voice that called him to follow that day on the shore of lake Galilee? Was the fire he saw in the glorified Jesus' eyes familar? Were the scars still visible? The scares that Jesus offered to Thomas as proof to his resurrection. John mentions nothing about the scars in this part of the vision, but still I wonder.
Stuart

Isaiah 55

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter. if I were asked to name something in creation that stood as a monument to God I think I would pick a mountain first. If there was an additional stipulation that it had to be something living, other than mankind, I'd probably pick an elephant. I do know that I would agree with Isaiah that thornes and thistles would not be adequate monuments to God. These plants are reminders of God curse because of man's choice to sin.
Stuart

Malachi

It took me 13 minutes to read all the words of this prophet. How close is the church to Israel of Malachi's time? Are we acting the way we want to act, and when we don't see God moving in a miraculous way we assume he thinks are actions are OK? Malachi spoke to a people with a fresh memory of exile but everything they did indicated that they weren't concerned about God. They were busy going to the temple and keeping the practice of the feasts, but their hearts were focused more on what they wanted and not what God wanted. That has been our problem since Adam and Eve ate of that fruit.  I need to be sure that my worship is an expression of what God expects to receive not what I want to give.
Stuart

Isaiah 54

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter. To listen to some believers the times are as aweful as in the days of Noah, when every inclination of the human heart was only evil, always. In days of such grief what are we to do? I think Isaiah is addressing both sides of that moral divide in this chapter. It seems like God has left us, but God is never far away. He may turn his back on his people, but he won't forget them AND he will bring them back to himself. As he speaks of the coming exile God also shares that it will not last forever. What will be destroyed will be rebuilt even better and more precious. That is a promise that we Christians can take to heart as well.
Stuart

Isaiah 53

It took me 2 minutes to read this chapter. The message of the suffering servant began in 52:13 and carries through chapter 53. I wonder how God revealed this to Isaiah? Was it in a vision where Isaiah witnessed the beating, abuse, and crucifixtion? Did God give his prophet the viewpoint of Caiphas? Did God speak this poem of suffering and leave the imagry to Isaiah's imagination? Was Isaiah an eyewitness to one of Manasseh's rigged trials and as the victim'sbody was carried away God explained how his Messiah would suffer in a similar man? The biggest question I have is this: did Isaiah cry as he wrote these words? Surely the prophet realized that this death centuries in the future would make peremant the forgiveness the animal sacrifice.
Stuart

Zechariah 13-14

It took me about 7 minutes to read these last two chapters of Zechariah.  There are people today who proclaim to speak for God, but a casual comparison of what they say to the Bible reveals a great disparity.  There were similar people who returned to Jerusalem in the exile with Zechariah.  They were speaking with confidence, but they were speaking lies.  God told Zechariah that there was a day coming when the lies of the false teachers would be exposed.  I don’t know if that day came in their lifetime, but there is still a day coming when everything will be set right.  Sometimes we catch a glimpse of what that will look like when a prominent speaker of false Christianity is exposed as a fraud.  Do I look forward to a display of vengeance by God on these false teachers?  Not really.  I know that I deserve the very same rebuke, the same separation from God, because of the sins that I have committed.  The good news I believe is that some false teachers will repent and the grace of God will take away their eternal punishment, just as he has promised forgiveness for all Christians of every sin.

Stuart

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Paul of Tarsus

Isaiah 52

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter. Verses 11 and 12 remind me of the story in Luke 4:23-30 of Jesus close encounter with death in Nazareth. Those he found himself surrounded by those he had offended Jesus ended the story by walking away from the bad trouble. That is the same situation Isaiah is describing in these two verses. And why can the righteous walk away from evil? Because God is their powerful and vigilent rear guard. We may find ourselves in situations that threaten us, in one way or another. God can lead us out of that circumstance. When we follow him out I believe that he will enable us to walk away in peace. He will grant us that.
Stuart

Zechariah 10-12

It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.  In chapter 11 verses 15-16 the Message presents the beginning of God’s message to Isaiah in these words; “Dress up like a stupid shepherd….”  The root word which is translated “stupid” is defined as “opposed to the prudent or wise.”  So what how would a stupid shepherd act?  Since the job is to tend and care for the sheep a prudent shepherd would make sure the flock is healthy, safe, well fed, and properly watered.  So a stupid shepherd will focus only on his needs, ignoring the needs of the flock.  So now I wonder how Isaiah might have dressed.  How would a good shepherd dress?  Prepared for the well being of the flock; a staff for protection, a map to look for fresh pastures and water sources.  They would wear warm clothes and sleeping gear for the nights spent outside with the flock.  A stupid shepherd would carry only what he needs, and wear the clothing that he wants to wear.  So I imagine that Isaiah might have walked around in a fancy impractical outfit.  Maybe the equivalent of a three-piece-suit.  Just my thoughts.

Stuart

Isaiah 51

It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage. There have been times in my life when I allowed the fear of something or someone sway me to compromise my faith. Isaiah posed this question from God to the people of Judah; "What are you afraid of - or who?" Why is it that I put greater value in the threats of a loud and arrogant moster then in the comforting words of one who's love cannot be measured? It brings some comfort - though not much - to understand that Isaiah spoke to a crowd who struggled with the same shortfalls that I have. The comfort comes not in posessing similar failings, but in hearing the same words of grace from God.
Stuart

Isaiah 50

It took me about 3 minutes to read this passage. When God punishes us is there anyone who can restore us? Only God himself.
In verse 2 God proclaims his power and his strength. A strength that isn't totally defined by what we see in the world around us. Judah was going to witness the "defeat" of the armies of God. But I would not be an arbitrary defeat on the battle-field; God had it planned. But God has also planned a reversal of the defeat he will orchastrate. Those evil men act out their vileness before God, their actions play right into God's plans. And when we suceed in our devine actions or follow God's path into righteousness he is glorified in each of those as well.
Stuart

Zechariah 7-9

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.  In chapter 7, verses 9 and 10, God reminds Israel that his commands for them have not changed.  Since he made them his family there were four areas of focus to which God wants his people to attend when dealing with each other:

Love toward neighbors (and we know how Jesus defined neighbor)

Compassion with each other

Treating the poor and vulnerable with respect and honor

No plotting and scheming against each other

We know that we have heard lessons and sermons on these very topics in the modern church.  Of course this only makes sense; since God still hasn’t changed any from before the time of creation.

The Message summaries the difference between God’s motivation and those religious leaders returning from the exile in verse 6:

“You’re interested in religion, I’m interested in people.”  We need to grasp the difference and seek after a relationship with God.

Stuart

Isaiah 49

It took me 6 minutes to read these words recorded by Isaiah the prophet. The first 7 verses are focused on God's revelation of what he is going to do through Israel; lead them to be a light for all nations. How strange that must have sounded to those Hebrews; how wonderful it sounds to me. It must have baffled those who wore the title of God's chosen as Isaiah spoke. How could God grow a holy nation out of the uncircumsized people of the world? We have learned that the answer comes through God's grace. We are the generation to whom the light of the world has been passed. We Christians glow with the hope of God's salvation that was ignited at the cross.
Stuart

Zechariah 4-6

It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage. In this passage God showed Zechariah 4 more visions. Each time God introduced a vision he asked his prophet what he saw and what it meant. Zechariah never caught the meaning of any of these visions. I don't find that surprising. I know that I seldom understand what God is seeking to teach me when I first encounter his presentation. And there are too many times to count when the meaning of a moment arrived in my consciencenous hours after the event has transpired. I think that in those times I need to focus on applying the lesson to my life and not get hung up on any missed opportunities.
Stuart

Isaiah 48

It took me only 2 minutes to read this passage. God speaks to his people and once again he is imploring them to come back to him. In verses 18-19 God explains what would have happened had his people stayed closed to God's covenant - blessings. God's favor in abundance would be poured out. What was promised physically to those dwelling in God's promised land the same measure of spiritual wealth is offered for faithfulness in Christ.
Stuart

Zechariah 1-3

It took me about 7 minutes to read Zechariah's descriptions of the first 4 visions that God showewd him. They were messages of the restoration of Israel and a picture of God's grace at work in our lives. The word that piqued my interest was the word about God's message from the past in 1:5-6. God pointed out that the prophets who had warned Judah to repent from their sins were dead. That the hearers of those prophets were also dead. "But the Message that my servants the prophets spoke, that isn't dead and buried." God's word may be spoken once by a prophet but its power to effect lives never diminishes. It was 1900 year-old words that God used to introduce me to Jesus. Those same words are convicting and comforting multitudes of people every day. I thank God for the power that flows from his words.
Stuart

Isaiah 47

It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter. God speaks to Babylon that is to come; and every kingdom that mimics their attitude. He speaks a warning not to think too highly of yourself. Our sinful desires want us to be the center of everything. God's word is clear; there is only room for one at the center of everything and he's already there. This is one of those absolute truthes that are not up for debate. What happens when anyone seeks to take over the position that only God can fill? We find emptiness. Kingdom find internal strife and civil war. We can't fill up the center of the universe so it is obviously not a place for any of us to dwell. We belong where God has placed us and that is where we will find the most joy and greatest purpose.
Stuart

Haggai

It took me about 7 minutes to read through the letter that records 4 revelations that Haggai received from God.  Haggai’s record of proclaiming God’s word spanned nearly 4 months; that’s it.  His first audience was two people: the governor of Judah and the high priest.  I think the message of Haggai to the returning exiles is an important message to God’s people in the 21^st century.  The “house” God is concerned about now if the church (see Ephesians 2:21-22).  We are often tempted to take care of our own house first; our family as well as our personal dwelling.  But Haggai says that to take care of God’s house (which are the people not any particular meeting place) is a way to honor him.  James wrote that taking care of the desperate within the church is one of the greatest expression of Christianity (James 1:27).  Paul reminded Timothy that taking care of the needy in our physical family is vital as well (1 Timothy 5:4).  The problem that the resettled exiles created was that they were selfishly taking care of themselves at the expense of neglecting God’s commissioned work.  Haggai also shared that God will provide for those who seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness; which sounds awfully familiar (Matthew 6:33).

Stuart

Jude

It took me about 8 minutes to read Jude’s letter.  Most of what Jude addressed could be modified with modern names of people and groups who aptly fit the descriptions that he gives.   But I think that would be missing the point the God is trying to deliver to his church through this slave of Christ.  I see Jude’s challenge to believers in verses 20 and 21 where he mentions three on-going actions in which we need to focus our energy.  We can look around and be tempted to question the faith in other people, but Jude says to build up our own faith.  That is the only faith over which we have influence.  We could accuse other people of being far from the center of God’s will, to which Jude charges us to put ourselves in the center of God’s will.  We will have our own struggles staying right there were we belong as we battle the flesh.  We could spend a lot of energy attempting to correct those who have rejected the mercy of “our Master, Jesus Christ” but we need to make sure that we are positioned, spiritually and emotionally, to receive that very same mercy.  I think the previous verses were warning for us to watch, it was only the last few verses where he explains how we should act this the dangers of this world.  Instructions that won’t change regardless of any circumstances in which we might find ourselves.

Stuart

Isaiah 46

It took me about 2 minutes to read this chapter. Before I read I prayed that I would catch a glimpse of God's infinate nature; I wasn't disappointed. In verse 11 God offers a picture to show how reliable is his word. "I've said it, and I'll most certainly do it. I've planned it, so it's as good as done." We can take that promise and apply it to so many parts of the Christian life. Forgiveness, boldness, joy, discipline, resurrection are all promised to each Christian without reservation or limitation. The one final promise, that is as good as done from God's perspective, has to do with Christ's return. It is the last event of history, and we have been chosen to await its arrival. Come Lord Jesus.
Stuart

Zephaniah

It took me about 12 minutes to read the words of this prophet.  Zephaniah proclaimed God’s message of judgment during the reign of the last king of Judah who sought after God.  God speaks about the infidelity of the Jews who seek to worship many gods in hopes that somehow they will prosper.  They were very religious, but not true to the God of Israel.  The prophet speaks of a coming captivity and restoration that is decades away.  There were probably faithful Jewish worshippers who tried to hush these harsh words against the kingdom of Judah.  The time to proclaim this message would fit in time slot for most weekly church services in America; so maybe the Prophet presented God’s case one Sabbath day in the temple.  I believe the words recorded in 3:16-17 were for the faithful in Judah and can be shared with Christians today who mourn over the evil that seems so abundant in our world.  Give up despair and fear to God.  The end of your days may not be what you expect.  Remember that the ever present God of love will bring peace and delight to his people.

Stuart

Isaiah 45

It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter. I wonder what Cyrus, king of Medes and Persians, thought when he heard this passage read to him? Isaiah had been killed years before Cyrus marched his troops into Babylon. I wonder if it was Daniel who read him these words. Was it these words that moved the king to begin the process of returning the jewish exiles to the land of Judah? Did Cyrus begin to question the idols that he had been raised to revere? Did he bow before the wood, stone, or gold figures anymore? Did he understand that there is only one God, who sees history from beginning to end? How did this king respond to this revelation form the God of Israel?
Stuart

Habakkuk

It took me about 11 minutes to read the discourse between God and his prophet Habakkuk.  When God first speaks to Habakkuk in chapter 1 he warns his much Job was warned.(Job 38:2-3)  God’s message to Habakkuk, and Judah, will be hard for them to believe.  God does the same thing with us today.  But what I find difficult to grasp is not God’s acts of discipline, but his acts of grace.  By grace a murderer gets off free before God even though she still faces her execution.  By grace a ruthless politician guilty of obstructing justice receives God’s full pardon and leads an international Christian ministry.  History is full of the stories of those who have rejected God for years are later allowed by that same God to call him Father.  Maybe that was the picture Habakkuk had in mind as he shares his prayer in 3:17-18.  Regardless of what life throws at us Habakkuk learned who was in charge of everything, and he would not fail to put all of his energy in praising God.  I need to learn to do the same.

Stuart

Isaiah 44

It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter. God pours out his love on those who love him. This will draw many to the door of his grace. These people will claim to be God's. By God's grace they will become God's. And when they do so they proclaim their their ownership by God, and take God's name as their own. I think that it's providential that the most popular name for boys in Jacob.
Stuart

2 Peter

It took me about 12 minutes to read this letter.  After Peter’s introduction and blessing he brings out a point about God’s promises to those who have accepted the invitation to eternal life.  Peter list 8 traits that God seeks to develop in us, and Eugene Peterson put a different adjective in front of each trait to enhance the depth.  I want to note those traits and the accompanying descriptions:

Basic faith, good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love.

These 8 hit every area of life that should be obvious to those inside and outside the faith.  Peter says that these traits move us to action for God’s Kingdom and in experiencing all that Jesus has in store for us.  I know that I want to experience the good that Jesus has planned for me.  Hopefully I will allow God the opportunities to develop these qualities in my life for his glory.

Stuart

Isaiah 4

I spent about 6 minutes reading this chapter. In verse 10 God's speaks about the special relationship between his people (Israel during the time of Isaiah and Christians today) and himself. God chose his people to be a witness for him and his ways. However, when God's people respond to his plan they not only learn THAT he is God almighty believers will also learn WHO God is. By living through faith we will be given the opportunity to better grasp the nature of God in more than just his creative power and divine greatness. (Romans 1:20) in getting to know God we will also have the opportunity to love God more deeply.
Stuart

Nahum

It took me about 20 minutes to read through the words that God moves Nahum to speak to Judah and Nineveh. The words to Judah are words of healing and encouragement. The message to Nineveh is regarding the sure punishment from God for all of those who reject him. Nahum's words speak to us today on the same two topics of obedience and rebellion. God will always pour his favor on those who seek him and he will always strive to drive those in rebellion back to him. If the rebellious continue to reject God they will ultimately face his judgement.
Stuart

Psalm 42

It took me about 6 minutes to read this chapter. I had always considered the call to God's people to shine as a beacon to the world was new with Jesus' words in Matthew. Here Isaiah introduces the concept to the beleivers struggeling in Judah. His call in verse 7 may have been exclusively to Isaiah, and also to Jesus years in the future. But they carry the same weight as when Jesus spoke the to the large gathering on the mountain. Go let you light shine before all men.
Stuart

2 Thessalonians

It took me about 15 minutes to read this letter. Paul briefly addresses a few topics to warn and encourage the young believers in Thessaloniki. The topic he addresses first is for that issue which must have been foremost on the mind of Paul; enduring injustice. What are we to do as we face unjust treatment in this life? The answer goes against our "better senses." But that is one of the greatest expressions of faith. When we depend upon God to provide for all of our needs we've got to recognize that needed justice is also in God's hand. That is the point that God makes in chapter 1 verses 5-10. That is the lesson that we need to live out in every area of our life.
Stuart

Isaiah 41

It took me about 3 minutes to read this passage. In verse 13 God is making a promise to the people of Judah that the threats of their enemies are meaninglessness. In the midst of pending danger God says not to panic. If he were speaking from a distance his words might not offer much comfort. But our God is neither distant or nor disconnected from our lives; he is right with us all the time. When we hurt he is there in the pain. working out his will in the depths of our pain.
Stuart

Micah 6-7

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage. The last 3 verses of Micah's writtings present a wonderful summary of how our God desires to deal with all people and how he does treat those who are following him. Micah speaks of mercy and forgiveness as two of God's most obvious traits. And he mentions how God is faithful to the promises that he made to Jacob and Abraham. The promises that God made to them are now bearing fruit in the lives of Christians 21 centuries after Jesus' ministry in the flesh. Our God also keeps his promises to forgive and show mercy; two of the gifts we need most.
Stuart

Isaiah 40

I spent about 6 minutes reading this chapter. Why is it that some people reject God? I suppose some don't like what his word says, others don't want to surrender to anyone. But there are others who have felt like God abandoned them or that he was unable to protect or deliever them from certain difficulties. Isaiah explains that our God isn't crafted by the imaginations of men. It was mankind whom God created. And God is just as powerful today as he was while Isaiah spoke to Judah.
Stuart

Micah 4-5

It took me about 5 minutes to read through this passage. Toward the beginning of chapter 4 Gosd reveals to Micah the coming power of the Gospel; "Nations will quit fighting each other, quit learning how to kill one another." I saw the fruit of this on a trip to a Christian mission in Austria. It is a place and time when people belonging to former political enemies joined together to worship God and grow in service to each other, and study of God's word. A place where Russians and American hugged one another. A time when people raised under conflicting worldviews join together to celebrate what they havew in common. The key event was the gathering together of believers from 14 countries to worship together and share the one load and one cup of the one body of our one Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ.
Stuart

Psalm 150

Where? Why? How? Who? The unnamed psalmist who claims last place in order provides the answers to the four questions about worshipping God. I spent about a minute reading this psalm, but quite a few more pondering the writers thoughts. Was the writter listening to critics who voiced numerous excuses for not worshipping God? Why doesn't the psalm address when to worship God? Since the bulk of the psalm dealing with musical instruments was the writter one of the levitical musicians? Was this psalm the fruit of a long time battle with sorrow or a flash of inspired writing? Whatever the circumstances surrounding its origin I'm thankful that God led someone to include it in the text.
Stuart

Micah 1-3

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage. Micah lived in a day when "justice" was for sale. Leaders held on to their power at all costs; especially whatever price they could get out of the vulnerable. What is God's responce to perverted justice? Micah 3:4 says that God turns his back on such leaders in their day of need. When they have no where to turn God will NOT be near for them.
Stuart

Psalm 149

It took me a little more than 1 minute to read this psalm. The psalmist says that God deserves a new song. Throw together a new stanza of notes and words that declare the greatness of our God. In verse 8 he asks why? Why all of this festive celebration? It is not a rhetorical question but instead is a leading question. The psalmist has an answer burning in his heart. Apparently no one else would ask the question that is answer is begging to be voiced. The answer to why is salvation. But not "skin-of-the-teeth" salvation. Not "just-squeaking-through" salvation. The salvation that God bestowes on his people could be described as "niagric", "titanic", "stellar", or even "galaxtic." God lavishly pours out his salvation and his love on the people whom he claims as his own. And that is a wonderful picture of his overflowing grace.
Stuart

Joel

It took me about 14 minutes to read the words of Joel.  Joel wrote to Israel in a time when they were suffering the consequences of the persistent disobedience to God and rejection of his covenant.  “Locust are coming” was the warning God sent through Joel at the beginning and end of the message.  Then right in the middle of the word God gave a message of hope.  In 2:12-14 God said that repentance is the way to God’s heart.  Dying to self, changing the focus of our hearts from self to God is what he still wants in the lives of all people.  Some may argue that to do so would be to ignore the needy in the world.  However, when we put our focus on God he will direct us to the needs of the people.  He will move us to heal the sick, protect the rejected, strengthen the weak, and speak out for those locked in silence.  God’s message of repentance is the same today as it was when Joel spoke.

Stuart

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Paul of Tarsus

Psalm 148

It took me almost 2 minutes to read this psalm. The psalmist points out in verse 14 that because of his greatness God desided to build a monument. When men of power and influence choose to build a memoments they select stone and build them tall. They cover them with precious metals and fill them with pictures of themselves. Yet when God planned a monuments he passed over the durable materials of this world and instead chose the most precious part of creation - people. With the skillful hand of an artisan he is building a monument that will last longer than Mount Rushmore.
Stuart

Psalm 147

It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm of praise. There I times when I feel all alone. When it seems like everyone around me is either ignoring me or attacking me. I'm quite sure I'm not the only person to feel that way. It may be safe to assume that everybody feels that way at least ome time in theier life. It is during these times of vulernability that God shows himself as the psalmist describes in verse 6; "He puts the fallen on their feet again" when we are at our weakest that is the time that God chooses to come beside us to offer help. If we accept his help by faith then we will open the door for him to work wonders in our lives.
Stuart

1 Thessalonians

I had the opportunity to read all of Paul's letter today. It took me about 20 minutes. Paul spent a good deal of the beginning of the letter encouraging the believers from the report that Timothy had returned to Paul. Then at the beginning of chapter 4 Paul offers one more word of encouragement; keep living to please God. The Message contrast that kind of life with these words; "..not in a dogged religios plod, but in a living, spirited dance." God has set before all Christians a life defined by his presence. Living in a way that acknowledges his presence and power will become a source of endless joy. When we face difficulties in life, God will be with us to raise our eyes above the troubles. When we loose connection with a loved one through the seperation of miles or death we can know that God will be the one who encourages and comforts us until we find peace. That is a wonderful life.
Stuart

Psalm 146

It only took about a minute to read this psalm.  The psalmist mention a number of God attributes that focus on the needs of those ignored or rejected by society. God's eyes are always focused on the outsider. God takes up the cause of the weak, and those who have lost their familial foundation, whether parents or husbands. God sees the weakness of those who are indeed without strength, and he knows they are the people who are living most dependant upon him. God is their advocate. And it will always be God who advances his plans exactly on his timetable. There has never been a deviation in his plans and there never will be. God is in charge - always.
Stuart

Daniel 10-12

I spent about 13 minutes reading this passage. The message of Daniel's vision is confusing and troubling. Yet what God passes on in 12:113 are the words of greatest importance: be faithful, without concern, and trust in God. There is a reward in store for those who live that way before God. Until God opens our hearts to the meaning of this revelation/riddle we must trust him to be in control of our lives and the future of humanity. Are all of the event Daniel heard about in our past? I don't know. What I do know, by faith, is that the God who revealed these things to Daniel sent his one and only Son to die for the sins of mankind. He is just as trustworthy as he is gracious and forgiving. That is where we need to place our hope.
Stuart

Psalm 145

It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm. After a quick review I counted 13 attributes of God's nature that David calls out in this psalm. God is:
Magnificent
Awesome
Beautiful
Greatness
Merciful & gracious
Good
Faithful
Merciful
Generous
Righteous
Listening
Active
Persistent
We can use these traits that David recounted to remind us how God is working in our lives. He will always show himself to us in ways that we can understand; the same way that he showed David all these things in his nature.
Stuart

Psalm 144

It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm. David mentions a number of points that detail God's loving nature. Then he ends the psalm with the fulcrum point of the entire psalm; we will be blessed when the God of Israel is the center of our worship. There are many people in this life whom we are tempted to worship, but all of them will fall from favor or die. There are numerous activities to which we can devote our life's energies, but they will always seek to enslave us. There are a multitude of things that tempt our appitites, but none of them will satisfy us if we are seeking our own satisfaction.  Only a relationship with the God of creation will fulfill all of our desires and enable us to love those people who are special to us. Only God.
Stuart

Daniel 7-9

It took me about 18 minutes to read this passage.  Daniel’s prayer of confession and repentance is very moving to me.  Know that God was moved by that prayer teaches that Daniel’s example of how we should pray is just as true today and it was over 2,000 years ago.  After admitting his own sins and the sins of the leaders Daniel called on God to display his compassion on his people(vss9, 18).    I believe that God is just as compassionate today as he was when Daniel offered up his prayer.  We can be just as confident of God acting in his loving compassion on behalf of his people.

Stuart

Psalm 143

It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm. David points out one of the attributes of God that distinguishes him from all the false dieties; he answers the request of his people. Idol worshippers pray to the false gods that they set in vain. There is no way that an inanimate object of stone or metal can respond to a personal request. But the living God of Israel; he's in a league all by himself. He can actually hear the words. It doesn't matter what language in which they're spoken because God understands all languages. God sees the attitudes and desires of each heart. It is to those request that are aligned with his will that God give his uniquely wonderful gift; an answer.
Stuart

Daniel 4-6

I spent about 15 minutes in two sittings to read this passage. (My job got in the way of my reading) There are three different kings mentioned in this passage. They share a few things in common: God's handiwork is very evident in their life, God singles out Daniel as his choosen vessel in which to display his handiwork, and they all receive a message about God's position of power and authority.
Stuart

Daniel 1-3

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  This part of Daniel’s book gives us a sampling of the lives of four young Hebrew captives; Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  Just by looking at their names we see that their parents honored the God of Israel.  When we examine their early lives it is apparent that their parents succeeded in impressing a reverence and respect of the Lord Almighty on their young minds.  These four young men supported one another as they entered an adventure into the realm of Babylonian language and mysticism.  In spite of the attempts to indoctrinate them they would not surrender their commitment to God’s covenant.  Though they had no control over the circumstances they did have control how they reacted to their plight.  When they were removed from their inheritance they resolved to be true to God.  When they were taken from the place of God’s temple they made their lives a reflection of his law for God’s glory.  In chapter 1 verse 8 Daniel recognized that the food they were being served was not acceptable to God.  So he refused to eat it.  The four didn’t need to seek God’s guidance; they knew God’s standards for food.  Within the kings provisions they found the answer to their dilemma was to eat only the vegetables the king provided.  After a test to show God faithful to their steward they lived in obedience to God first.  Chapter 3 is another example of their resolve to honor God first.  They knew the first and second commandments, and to honor the king by worshiping an image he created was to dishonor God.  They didn’t have to pray for God to guide them on this topic.  He nature had not changed.

I see this lesson for Christians today: We don’t need to seek God’s guidance on topics that he has already made very clear in his word.

Stuart

Psalm 142

It only took me 1 minute to read this psalm. David wrote how God's omniscience reveals the truth about our individual lives. Just as God knows all the details of our thoughts he also understands the smallest part of our circumstances.  Because of this knowlegde we can go to him with the expectation that he also knows the best way to deal with our difficulties. And we can be sure that when we put our trust in him God will guide us through the painful maze of life's ugly situations. What response does he want from us when he had helped us through a path of pain or suffering? That we publicly give him thanks for his power and salvation.
Stuart

John 19-21

It took me over 15 minutes to read the end of John's gospel. Pilate faced a terrible choice; convict an innocent man to death or risk the Jews starting a revolt. Surely he had the troops on alert, ready for anything that the Jews might attempt. But their rabbid hatred toward Jesus must have been unsettleing. Surely Pilate wanted to find some justification for sentencing Jesus to death, but Jesus would offer nothing that Pilate could use to support such a wrong choice. In the end Pilate made the more politically correct choice; at least fromhis perspective.
Stuart

Psalm 141

It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm. David looks to God alone for his guidance; that is what he says in verse 5. It is God's justice that will lead us correctly, not the sweet talking lies of the ones who hates God and us. David sought to avoid their influence. Instead he sought out the godly; anyone whom God would bring in his path and help him on his chase after God.
Stuart

Psalm 140

It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm. There is no note of the circumstances David faced when he composed this psalm. But from his prespective he was facing a number of detractors. They were attacking his character and pushing an evil agenda. This type of attack may have been more difficult then facing Goliath. It's possible that these "enemies" were fellow Israelites; members of his family. As was his trademark behavior many times before he deferred judgement to God. We need to remember to do the same.
Stuart

John 16-18

It took me about 18 minutes to read this passage in two sittings.  In chapter 16 Jesus was explaining to those close followers that very soon they would have a time of great grief followed by a time of great joy.  This all centered around him leaving them for a while then after a while being back with them.  The record of the time between Jesus’ arrest and resurrection prove that they did experience great sorrow followed by great joy.  In verses 21 and 22 Jesus compares the time the disciples were about the experience with the time of birth of a baby.  A time of intense pain and then while the pain is still fresh a wonderful time of joy for the new life that is being revealed.  I wonder if God’s curse on women to “multiply the pain of childbirth” (Genesis 3:16) was intended to lay the foundation for this speech that Jesus gave to his followers?  I don’t think that is beyond God’s plan.

Stuart

Psalm 139

It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm. In the last two verses David lays out a request to God. It's not a challenge because he has already acknowlegded God omniscience. His request is an open invitation to allow God to open his heart for examination so that God would make him right. Then with a right attitude and motive David would be able to follow God's lead in his life.  It is interesting that David received the same call as we Christians have; to die to self daily.
Stuart

John 13-15

It took me around 15 minutes to read this passage.  In John 14:6 Jesus describes himself with three words pictures; the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Trying to understand how his nature is portrayed in each and all of these pictures is difficult.  The Way is probably the easiest to define.  In the western states there is a lot of open range.  This is where herds of cattle are allowed to roam as they will searching for food and water.  Though the animal in the lead  might be followed by hundreds there is no set course for the herd to follow.  They all move where the leading animal moves.  But intersecting the open range at various intervals are road, read Ways.  These roads have been intentionally laid out for various purposes.  It was along these roads that the road builders put landmarks, supply stops, and settlements.  The roads are normally smoother than the range, though not necessarily flat.  When Jesus claimed he was THE Way he was also indicating that the road he has built was the only road in the entire range.  It was along his road that markers have been set.  These markers provide information, guidance, and assurance for those who are travelling on the road.  Jesus built supply stops on his road; the range will provide food for the herds, but there are not charted or planned.  The food is only where the seed fell.  And it’s on the road where the settlements are, I see these as the church.  The people seeking the road builder live on the road, and they help out others who are travelling the road.  When Jesus calls himself the Way he describes an intentional action of guidance and provision.

Stuart