Psalm 101

In less than 2 minutes I read this psalm of David. This is not the last psalm attributed to David. This psalm is a song that focuses on God's love and justice. It seems like our society can not marry those two concepts, yet David saw them as godly attributes that flow directly, and simultaneously, from God's nature. Our culture focuses a lot of attention on love, but shy's away from justice; especially God's justice. I think that God's justice has been relagated to the same cultural closet as death. Neither one of these topics are "crowd pleasers." David not only shouts his praise to God for his love and justice, but writes about looking for those people who exhibit those traits so that he can surround himself with people who's lives more closely reflect God's nature. That should probably be the same focus for us.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 15-16

I took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.  As Paul was closing out his message to the Christians in Corinth he explained that he was going to stay in Ephesus for a while.  In 16:9 explains that a large opportunity has presented itself in which he could work effectively.  But opportunity wasn’t the only thing present; there was also opposition.  I wonder which one fed the growth of the other?  It makes sense that growing opportunities would spur the enemy of our souls to incite opposition. But doesn’t it also make that the more opposition the more opportunities?  That seems to be the way that God has worked through the church throughout history; the greatest growth has occurred when the church held the position of underdog.  Knowing this truth, Paul could have seen the growing opposition and realized that God was at work to produce a great reward.  Sometimes I’m pretty sure that I look at life from a wrong perspective.

Stuart

Psalm 100

The question should not be how long it took me to read this psalm, but how long will it take me to memorize it. With only 5 verses, and most of those words are set to a childrens worship song, it should take no time at all to memorize. And what a message the psalmist was inspired to give us. Which part of the verse is most important? The most weighty? The deepest? I'm not sure, but the overall tone of the psalm is one of God's greatness, and that greatness not only DESERVES our worship, and not only DEMANDS our worship, but that greatness DRAINS into the lives of those who worship him filling them with a spirit of supreme joy.
Stuart

Psalm 99

It took about a minute for me to read this psalm. I like how the psalmist focused on God's relationship with justice; he love justice. Now we know that justice is not really a noun but rather a verb. Justice is evident in the lives of those who actively display justice. They speak about it, render just decisions in whatever conflict they find themselves. If they are leaders then they let justice spearhead their policies and choices. Justice could be defined as the display of God like character in the decisions of people. God loves to see justice displayed by his people.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 12-14

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  In Chapter 12 Paul talks about the different parts of our physical bodies and points out the similarity to the church as a body.  In verses 14 and 15 he points out the strength in diversity. (Isn’t it amazing how slow it takes the world to catch up with what God has taught for centuries, but also how quickly they can pervert it into something so distant from the original meaning?)  Human nature has a tendency to value what we don’t possess with greater value than what we do possess.  Paul points out that the gifts God has bestowed upon any one Christian is EXACTLY what that Christian needs and will best use.  We will find the greatest fulfillment in this life when we exercise the God given gift under our stewardship than if we strive to do something that we might value more.  But we not only have to use the right gift (the one God has given us) but in chapter 13 Paul explains that we need to exercise that gift with the right motivation; love.  In the first part of chapter 14 Paul offers an example of how not to use a God given gift.  These are all important instructions that we need to keep in mind as we live out our life in Christ.

Stuart

Psalm 98

One minute was all I needed to read this psalm. I wonder who wrote this uncredited psalm? I wonder why God chose this person to reveal a picture of the judgment day; that day when God will set all of creation and every person right. There will be a celebration of God's greatness by all of creation and God's people are encouraged to join in. In verse 2 the psalmist speaks of the wonders of God salvation, a reality created in Christ, but recorded here centuries before Jesus' ministry and death. The wonder of God's creation was celebrated in the lives of historic Jew before Christ's nativity and in the lives of Christians today. A picture of an eternal celebration.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 9-11

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage of Paul’s letter.  In 10:16-17 Paul drives home the changes that have happened in our lives when we became Christians.  And the changes are not all invisible or internal.  Some of the changes are focused in our relationship with others; in particular other Christians.  The Message summaries Paul’s words in verse 17 like this; “We don’t reduce Christ to what we are; he raises us to  what he is.”  It is wonderful to note that God not only make Christians spiritually pure in his sight but also relationally pure as we deal with other people.

Stuart

Psalm 97

It took me less than 2 minutes to read this psalm. I noticed that the first line sets the tone for the rest of the psalm; worship God for he is in control. Because of his righteousness displayed under his reign we have many reasons to celebrate. Even those who reject God can celebrate because he continues to lavish his gifts upon those who he loves. And God does indeed love everyone. Though Christians are the recipients of the full measure of his grace, I don't believe that we are God's favorite people. All people share equally in God's loving kindness. The murderer, the cheat, and the saint are equally precious in God's sight. But those who have surrendered to God's grace are recipients of greater gifts; his eterna presence and, as this psalm points out, his protection and deliverence (vs 10). Those are the greater gifts for the redeemed.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 6-8

It took me right at 15 minutes to read this passage. As Paul continues his rebuke of the believers in Corinth he comes to matter of civic legality. In 6:12 he points out; "Just because soemthing is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate." We are called to live by a standard higher than most civil codes. We are part of the family of the living God ands risen Christ. We need to act in such a way that Jesus is honored and God is glorified, and not just so we won't get a ticket and fine. Paul lays down this priciple and the applies by address questions that the believers sent to him; on marriage, and on approaching spiritually confusing topics. These are lessons that I still need to understand in my life.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 3-5

It took about 18 minutes to read this passage. Paul explains the real way to become wise. It is not through being knowledgable of current trends and having access to the right connections. The Message translates Paul's admonition with the words; "Be God's fool - that's the path to true wisdom" What does it take to be a fool for God? I think that part of it is to abandon our kind of thinking and continually surrender to the commands and guidence that God gives, to accept the scriptures as his revelation to mankind, and stand in the faith that only Jesus offers the way to eternal life. These things will lead to ridicule and abuse from those who reject God's word, but it will lead us into friendship with Him. And that is what we seek for our lives.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 1-2

I spent about 15 minutes reading Paul's introductory comments to the believers in Corinth. In 1:4 Paul mentions how thankful he was to know that these believers are anchored in their faith in Jesus. And then in verse 10 of the same chapter he tells them that they need to get along with each other. Probably the first step in creating that cooperative spirit is to take Paul's attitude; giving thanks for all the believers in Christ. When we begin to comprehend the multitude of people to whom God has extended his grace we will have a better understanding of the promise in God's grace for each of us. Then we can take then next steps in unity living.
Stuart

Psalm 96

In just a little longer than 1 minute I read this psalm. A question came to mind; what do we know of God's beauty? In The Message the psalmist use the word "beauty" three times; each time focuses on God. Verse 4 says that God's beauty is so overwhelming that it is scary. Verse 7 describes his beauty as awesome. Verse 8 calls us to worship before his beauty. His beauty can be seen in his reflections: creation, the remnant of goodness that shines out from every person, anything that is good and right is a reflection of God's nature. When we consider this magnificence there is little else that we can say beyond; "Wow!!"
Stuart

Hosea 12-14

It took me about 15 minutes to read the last 3 chapter written by this prophet. Throughout all of Hosea's writing, and speaking, God's message is very similar; "You are not worshipping. You are only giving me empty lip service. I will punish you for ignoring me." Yet the last verse of the final chapter of Hoeas; God's terminating statements is not focused on Israel's sin, but rather on the one true hope for Israel in Hosea's day and all of the world today; God will provide for those who seek him. God's instructions provide guidance. Only God's principles will save us from our sinful lives. Walking in the light of God's words will enable us to live an abundant life. These truthes haven't changed from the days of Hosea; they have only become clearer through the revelation of Jesus the Christ. 
Stuart

Psalm 95

It only took about 1 minutes to read this passage. There are countless times in my life when I have made a statement that began with this phrase; "If I had known then what I know now . . . . " The equally painful reality is that I am still ignorant iin many areas. But I have learned that God has been warning me about temptation that I will face before I face them. Just like God did with Israel, he offers hints as to what the future holds. He doesn't reveal too much, but he does give us enough help so that we can enter each new day with the confidence that God has provided was a way to overcome or escape the sin that seeks to entrap us.
Stuart

Hosea 7-11

It took me about 20 minutes to read through this sad section of God's lament over Israel and Judah. Again and again God presented the sins of the nation and how they had repeatedly rejected God. He hope that they would see that every good and perfect gift is from above, but they looked everywhere except towards God. These were people of covenant. I believe that the church is guilty of some of the same sins. Have we substitued our culture for God's plan for fellowship? Are we caught up in buildings and men rather than Jesus who died for us? Do we wrestle with philosophies and theologies rather the the changes God is seeking to bring about in our lives? I know that I have been guilty of these errors. I hope that I am listening and following the lead of God in my life.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 7-8

It only took about 5 minutes to finish reading this love song of Solomon. In 7:2 the man makes a proclamation regarding the beauty of his woman; "The work of a master artist." What this poem spoke regarding the shape of a woman's body, God delivers the same message to all mankind. The message that we are a wonderful work of our God and creator. Our very existence declares the effort that he poured into our creation. We are special to him. We cannot be replaced in his sight. He loves us with an undying passion. He wants us to love him the same.
Stuart

Hosea 1-6

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage. God not only directed Hosea to live in a relationship that was a reflection of Israel's unfaithful life toward God. The Message sums up God's judgment on Israel in 6:11 "You've been sowing wild oats. Now it's harvest time." We can't expect to live a wreckless life with out a wreck. We should anticipate a life that is full of the fruits of our lifestyle; holy or wicked. We can't speak the name of God and claim him as our own while we ignore his standards and reject his calls for obedience. That was Hosea's message to Israel, and God's message to 21st century believers.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 5-6

It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage. The events of 5:3-5 speak of my reaction to Jesus' prompting in my life. The one who loves me so much that he died for me seeks my company, yet many times I am distracted by other focuses in my life. When I finally surrender to his persistent calls, he's moved on; but not in abandenment. He is about the task of working with all his people to touch the lives of those who don't know him. I may not recognize his presence in my life, but thankfully he is still there working to make my life an object of glory for his name.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 28-29

It took me about 10 minutes to read this section. David gives us a wonderful example of how we shoulkd respond to God's control of our life. David had a desire to build a place of worship for the name of God, and unlike other leaders of Israel he had the means as well. God had provided David and his army with victory upon victory, completing most of the task that Joshua had begun. Yet in spite of David's overwhelming desire God told him no. But God didn't just leave David's passion to deflate. God directed David to make all the preperations because, and God told David this message, Solomon would build the place of worship. David could have responded with his own stubbornness, and begun construction of the temple anyway. But David was still a man pursuing God; so he accepted God's choice and acted in the area where he had God's permission. In 29:4 the amounts of the offering that David made and had been collected to that time are listed. The amount of wealth is amazing. That is what God can do with a willing heart.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 24-27

It took me 18 minutes to read this passage. The chronicler details the people who served king David. It is noteworthy that the first people mentioned where those whose work was to lead in the worship of God. I think David knew that for his rule to be prosperous he had to put God very first in his personal life AND that priority in his life should be reflected in his professional lifestyle. David's life was not absent of sin, but throughout his life he was consistently known as a man after God's heart.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 4

What do we call a man who can not stop speaking about the love of his life? A hopeless romantic. An infatuated fool. A man lost in love. When I hear such terms they are often presented in a way that indicates such men are not being honored for their devotion to their wives. But is less than 1 minute of reading I visualied Solomon doing that same thing. And his words of admiration for his life persist thousands of years after he penned them. Maybe God is more interested in honoring those who express their love and devotion to their wives then the heroic acts of warriors.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 21-23, Song of Solomon 3

The first refernce I read in about 12 minutes earlier today; the second I read in a couple minutes later in the day. I can hardly imagine what a day Araunah the Jebusite had as recorded in chapter 21. Verse 20 says that he and his four sons were on their threshing floor working on their wheat. (Which means this was close to the festival of firstfruits, or of tabernachals) There was some sort of comotion and Araunah noticed an angel approaching his threashing floor. This angel must have been very frightening, because Araunah's sons saw him and took off to hide. Araunah stayed to watch and was soon greated by king David who offered to buy his threshing floor. Surely this man understood that God was always about the work to protect his people and draw them closer to him.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 2

There are times that I wonder if having a greater appreciation of poetry would benefit my Bible reading; this chapter is one of those times. It spent 2 minutes reading this chapter and am left only with a picture of a husband and wife who love each other; physically and emotionally. That is not a bad thing, but to my thinking there is something missing.  This passage carries a message of physical intamacy as well as enduring friendship between this husband and wife. I believe this is exactly the picture that God had intended for every marriage.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 18-20

It only took about 7 minutes to read this passage that records some of the victories that God gave David in battle. Kingdom after kingdom fell in defeat to David and the army of Israel. This was because they had king whose heart was fully committed to serving the God of Israel. In 18:14 the writer summarized David's rule. It was characterized by fairness. That is a true reflection of a heart committed to God; a focus on right so that all people are treated with dignity.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 1

In the 2 minutes it took to read the opening of this song I understand the lead roles in this opra. A husband and wife, who are growing in passion and concern for one another. They both speak of sacrificial gifts for each other, and how they long for the closeness of each other. I have heard it said that this song is a picture of Christ and his church; and I certainly hope that my attitudes toward him can match the passion displayed in the opening stanzas.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 15-17

It took me 20 minutes to read this passage.  Chapter 17 is full of lots of information that leaves me with a question; why didn’t God respond directly to David?  But it is so encouraging to see that David was not deterred by God’s words spoken through a “middle-man”.  David listened to the heart of the message to realized what was happening.  God had promised to respond to David in an eternal way because David had been faithful to worship God alone.  David understood that what he was only what God expected, and shouldn’t have received such a lavish reward, but that is how God works.  When we give him all that we can, he heaps on us promises of untold value and filled with words of hope.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 12

It only took a minute to read the conclusion of Solomon's writings on life. Though he claimed that everything was smoke he did find one thing that was not. He discovered the respect and obedience of God makes life worth while. I wonder when he discovered this truth. The accounts of Solomon's life in other Hebrew texts reflect a man who though wise became foolish before God. He neither respected nor obeyed God from all indications. I wonder if this book was a last minute compiling of thought of an old king who knew he was about to die. We should take his words as that type of warning.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 12-14

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage. It is interesting to note that one of the first acts that David commanded as king was not to build himself a palace or monument.  His first act to bring the ark of God’s covenant, the earthly “throne” of god, to the city from where David intended to rule.  I believe this is because David was so dependent upon God they he knew his leadership would fail if he did not continue to give God first place in his life.  Though there was a three month delay in completing this tasks David did center the leadership of Israel under the reign of God Almighty. 

Stuart

1 Chronicles 9-11

I spent about 15 minutes reading this passage during two settings. I know that I neglect the details regarding those who returned from exile. Tens of thousands were taken into exile, maybe hundreds of thousands, but only a few thousands returned. Were they the only ones faithful to God? I don't think they hold that claim because we see over the next few centuries how Jews would travel to Jerusalem from all over the modern world. There was a remnant that returned to the promised inheritance, but there was also a remnant that remained throughout that part of the world which God was using to prepare the world for his Christ.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 11

It only took 1 minutes to read this short chapter. I believe the key lesson to learn is in verse 5; God's work in beyond our understanding. We should indeed give him thanks when we face difficulties; because he is working out our good. We should be in awe of his power; because when life seems to be winning our battle God steps in to change things in amazing ways. Scientist have only scratched the surface of understanding in all of the areas of creation. With God's vastness how can we ever expect them to grasp everything. When events in life pass by in unexplainable ways, Solomon says that is proof that God is at work in those events.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 5-8

It took me 18 minutes to read through this list of the generations of Israel. Chapter 6 details not only the descendants of Levi, but also the cities that they inherited.  They were given no property in the land, but rather cities from each of the tribes. They were to be an influence throughout the tribes to remind them of God living and working among the people. Christians are to be the same type of reminders to people today. No matter where we find ourselves we are to act and speak in such a way as to display Jesus living and working among the people of this world. That way that will have a reason to hope and look to God for their salvations.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 10

It took me just 2 minutes to read through this string of proverbs that Solomon include with his collection of thoughts. Most of these thoughts focus on the benefits and advantages of wisdom and experience. He dosen't mention an age, because wisdom is not reserved for the aged. There are young and old fools alike, just as there is a population of sages in both age groups. We are challenged to review the strength of those who pursue God and his standards. To do so not only displays the foolishness of our lives.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 1-4

I spent 20 minutes, although it seemed longer, reviewing the genealogies in the first 4 chapters of this book of history.  I have a hard time following the family connections.  I’m sure it wasn’t much easier for those charged with keeping the records by the kings.  But the genealogies were important for tracing the inheritance of the people.  What might be a lesson that I can take from this section of 1 Chronicles? (The genealogies continue for 5 more chapters)  One lesson might be that we often forget about the “small” people who were in God’s covenant with Abraham, but God did not neglect any of them.  So does he watch over the lives of the “small” people in his new covenant.  Everyone serves the same God and everyone under grace will receive an inheritance with each other.  As John recorded from his revelation (Revelation 20:15); everyone who’s name is recorded in the book of life will enter into that inheritance.  Their name is written; not the accomplishment they completed, just their name. 

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 9

It took me about 4 minutes to read this passage. In verses 7 through 10 Solomon gives us some very sound, though rather unusual, advice on how to conduct ourselves before God. In verse 8 he advises that we dress up. Deck oursleves out for a celebration. The question is; a celebration of what?  Not a celebration of our coming death. Not a celebration as a reason to indulge in drunkenness and debauchery. Make it a celebration of thanks to God; for he has given us all our provisions. Celebrate the life and purpose that God has given us through Jesus. Celebrate God's presence in our lives; the God who want to be near us. Celebrate Gods Almighty.
Stuart

Amos 7-9

I spent about 11 minutes reading the last passage from God’s prophet named Amos.  In 8:10 God describes the coming judgment day for Israel in terms that the people could understand.  He describes it like having your only son murdered.  To a people whose name was passed through their sons, to loose your only son was tragic.  But God understands exactly what the sorrow of losing an only son to murder is like.  The day of judgment of Israel would come just a few years after Amos spoke; they would be carried into captivity.  The day of judgment for all mankind came one Friday a few hundred years after Amos spoke God’s word.  On that day sin was judged.  The son of God was cut down in the prime of life by a jealous crowd with murder on the hears.  But that day of judgment was not the end, but rather the beginning of something wonderful.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 8

I finished this chapter in about 3 minutes of reading. After being granted great wisdom and having observed the lives of the people around him Solomon makes a profound observation in verses 12 and 13. No matter how long the life of the godless may be Solomon was convinced that that their days will be empty. Those who fear and revere the Lord God will have days full of meaning and purpose regardless of the number. Life is not found in the quantity of anything, but rather is the closeness to God and the amount of worship, love, and service we pour out on others in the name of God.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 7

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter that Solomon wrote. This passage is filled with insightful wisdom, cynical ramblings, and one very profound observation. The very last verse in the chapter makes a note of what God did in us; he created mankind in purity. Solomon's wisdom led him to notice that the evil in this world is not God's fault, rather it is the fruit of mankind seeking our own way, and rejecting God's way in the process. The Message states it with these words; ". .we're the ones who've made a mess of things."
Stuart

Amos 5-6

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage; a passage where God lays out the truth in a painfully complete manner.  The words of God through Amos in 5:14 speak to Christians today as strongly as they did to Israel centuries ago: “Don’t just call God your best friend, act like he is your best friend.”  We can have a vocabulary that speaks of the greatness of God Almighty, but if we don’t know him, as he has revealed himself, how can we really be his friend?  Do we shift our priorities to line up with his?  Am I listening to him speak so that he can bring about the change in my life that I really need? These are good questions that we all need to ask ourselves, and then let God reveal the whole truth of the answers in our lives.

Stuart

Amos 1-4

It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage.  Americans today have a picture of God Almighty that only allows him to show his loving kindness.  There is no question that he desires to pour out his love on all people, but he is not only a God of gentle love.  He is also the God of tough love.  The people to whom Amos spoke had a picture of God Almighty as one weak god among many.  In chapter 4 God laid it out clear that it was by his hand that pantries were empty, that crops were destroyed, that wells ran dry.  God wanted his people in Amos’ day, and today, to recognize how great and powerful he really is.  Has God been bringing about the plagues, droughts, and famines that we see around us today?  I don’t know.  If he is his purpose is to draw his people to a time of repentance, just as Amos sought to do.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 6

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter. Solomon moves back into his cynical perspective of life in this chapter. It is hard to blame him for his view. Though he doesn't name names Solomon recounts the lives of two people, who did not enjoy the things of life that they were given. He calls this meaninglessness. I know that I can relate to that empty feeling. Yet I also believe that there is so much more that God has to offer us then what we see in this life. We must be careful not to follow Solomon's example and focus too much on this life. God has plans for his people that carry worth far beyond anything we can imagine in this life.
Stuart

Luke 22-24

It took me about 18 minutes to read this passage. Starting at noon on Good Friday the city of Jerusalem was in darkness. Total darkness. I wonder if it was a darkness that could be felt? I wonder how similar this darkness was to the darkness in Egypt that lasted three days? (Exodus 10:21-22) The big difference was who was impacted by this darkness. During those three days in Egypt Israel had been spared the darkness. Now during these three hours of darkness it is Israel who are the oppressors.  It is God who is the one being beat down. It may have looked like the light of God's promise was being extinguished, but we now know that this was the darkness just before the dawn of God's glorious new day; the day of Jesus' resurrection.
Stuart

Luke 19-21

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage of Luke's Gospel. Luke 19:47 points out that Jesus was teaching the people in the temple. Yet we have very little content of what Jesus taught. Most of what we see written has to do with Jesus' confronting or correcting the religious teachers of the day. I wonder what it must have sounded like to hear Jesus speak of grace. How many times did he tell the crowd about the cost of the cross? Did he urge them to search the scriptures to understand all that he was? I would have loved to hear it.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 5

In about 3 minutes I read the passage in which Solomon pens the words which are the direct overflow of God's wisdom into his life. At the begining of this chapter Solomon gives the best way to approach God; seeking to learn. God wants to teach us much. When we ask that he pour out his abundance on us he will gladly do so. Solomon ends the chapter with equally wise words; work is a gift from God. Therefore, we are to use it for his glory and praise. It is also intended to fill our life with appretiation of God's provision.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 4

It took about 3 minutes to read this passage. In the middle of his obsession with meaningless work Solomon catches a glimps of why we're exist; relationship. We experience it in this life first by seeing the value and strength of the people around us. We have to understand the good that exist in our earthly relationships before we can begin to understand how priceless is the relationship God seeks to have with us. In relationships we can share our burdens and our rewards. Relationships promote healing, recovery, safety, and strength. And those are the benefits from earthly relationships. What God has to offer a relationship with us far exceeds our imagination.
Stuart

Luke 16-18

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  Jesus told a parable that featured two men; a Pharisee and a tax collector.  The point of the story was to show that it is not religious position that produces God’s reception, but rather that it is the attitude of the heart.  If we wanted to archive the same level of “offense” for today’s hears as was felt by the people who heard Jesus tell this story, what occupations would we assign the righteous (tax collector) and unrighteous (Pharisee) men?  Would it be a garbage man and a preacher?  Would it be a homeless person and a legislator?  Would it be a child molester and Bible college professor?  I think any of those combinations would drive home Jesus’ point that righteousness in God’s sight is based upon the actions of God’s grace in a life, not the noticeable actions of the person coming before God.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 3

It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage. How powerful is God's will? That is a question with which Christians have struggled for centuries. Solomon continues his musing as he writes. He says, in essense, that God's will is undeniable. There is nothing we can do to avoid it. He's still pointing to God, but now there seems to be an accusitory bent to his words. Keep in mind; Solomon is not done writing. Part of the learning process is to bring the students along in the struggle. We have to be careful not to jump to conclusions yet. We need to wait for the rest of this wise man's thoughts to be fully expressed.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 2

It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter. Solomon continued his throughts from the first chapter. Then in verse 15 he asked the question; "What is the benefit of wisdom?" Indeed. Though he still hasn't concluded his thought he does start heading in the right direction; away from selfish desires and towards God. It is a lesson that Solomon's father learned at a young age. Though Solomon had been granted an extra measure of wisdom beyond king David, there are some areas of David's life that far surpassed his son in wisdom.  This chapter reminds me of the first few verses of 1 Corinthians 13.
Stuart

Luke 13-15

It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.  What about the people who died when the tower of Siloam collapsed?  I have struggled with this passage before. Apparently there were contemporaries of Jesus who were struggling with it as well.  Was it an act of God’s judgment?  I think that Jesus is saying; “Accidents happen.  Everybody deserves to die because of their sin.”  Maybe Jesus was focusing on the free will that God has given people.  Then his focus shifted to the people asking the question; “unless you turn to God, you too will die.”  Each person who has not accepted salvation in Jesus will stand before God’s judgment seat alone.  They will be found guilty of rejecting God with no one to pardon them.  All of us our guilty.  But Jesus has given a pardon to those who believe his claim of being God’s sacrifice for salvation.  It is terrible and wonderful news, all in one.

Stuart