Psalm 119:81-96

It took me about 2 minutes to read this passage. Fashions baffle me. I am not interested in clothing fashions, so my wardrobe is far from contemporary. I didn't know that there were dining fashions until a few years ago. I couldn't name one local or global fashion model's name since Twiggy. And I'm sure that there are other areas of life with their own level of fashion, of which I am completely oblivious. It seems like fashions change overnight. For those who seek the latest "whatever" there is something new available every week. In the Message, verse 90 points out the God's word is always in fashion. That is because the truth is always the truth; it never changes. Subsequently God's word is not subject to change either. Though that can be frustrating, it is very reassuring. I can go to God knowing he will be the same today as he was in Abraham's day, as he will be in the day of my trouble. That is the kind of stability that I need in a life that is ever changing and provides no security or persistent hope.
Stuart

Psalm 119:65-80

It took about 2 minutes to read this passage. I seldom consider what my life would be like without God's word. It doesn't take any imagination to speculate; the world around us sadly lays out the truth of Godless living. In verse 67 the psalmist describes that life as "wandering all over the place". But God's word provided an anchorage upon which to fix his life. That is still true today. Without the Word to guide us we would be, quite literally, lost in our own selfishness. That is a trap for which we all must be aware. It can sneak into our thinking and capture our attention. Like the psalmist we need to allow God's spirit to lead us down the path of God's word. A path the leads to eternal life.
Stuart

1 Timothy 4-6

It  took me about 15 minutes to read through this passage.  Paul moves from reminding Timothy of his task as a church leader to the areas of life that he is to allow God to develop in him.  But he also gives Timothy practical advice in dealing with people; in general and in specifics.  One of the troubling areas that Timothy, and Paul, was facing involved those people who wanted easy money.  They didn’t care how they got it as long as it was easy and they got plenty.  Paul said that there are more valuable riches on which to focus;  doing good deeds, helping other people in their needs, and overflowing with generosity.  All of these are not only expressions of an active and growing faith, they are actions that imitate God Almighty himself.  These things don’t make us like God, but the do allow others to see God at work in us, and then give him the glory that he deserves.

Stuart

1 Timothy 1-3

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.  Paul lays out the primary function for Timothy at the beginning of chapter 2; pray.  Since Timothy had the job of working with people that was to be the target of his prayers. (of course all of us have the focus of dealing with people, so we all should have the same focus in prayer)  Just keep praying for all the people you know.  I think the idea was; for those who don’t know Christ, pray for their conviction and conversion.  For those who have surrendered their lives to Christ, pray for their growth and strength.  Paul picks out government leaders as one group who needs the prayers of saints.  Not because they are good or bad, but rather so that the church can express itself without having to deal with problems and interference from the government.  What is the goal of all these prayers?  The salvation of every  person.  Not a small task.  So we’ve got to get busy, and pray.

Stuart

Psalm 119:49-64

It took about 2 minutes to read this passage. How many times have I forgotten God's plans for me? As God spoke his revelation to Judah through the prophet Jeremiah he told that nation that God had plans for them. (Jer. 29:11) Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10 that God has prepared good works for us to do. We have ample reminders that God has a plan; for each person, the church, and all of creation. How many times do we get caught up in the fear or anxiety of the moment and forget the plan God has for us? In verse 61 the psalmist proclaims that he hasn't forgotten God's plans for him; even when the wicked has him surrounded. If God can deliver Jesus from a hostile mod in Nazareth so that his mission could be completed(Luke 4:28-30), surely he can carry us through the trials we face in order to complete his plan in us.
Stuart

Nehemiah 11-13

Nehemiah closed his record of activity by confronting exile who had returned to Judah and failed to follow God's law in three areas:
Meeting the needs of the preist and Levites.
Not honoring the Sabbath.
Marrying foreign women.
In each of these cases he spoke harshly to the leaders and those who were disobeying God. We might view his reactions as excessive, because the transgressions he confront seem to be insignificant. If we do then we are very wrong. God's word was violated in each of those cases, and because of that God was dishonored. Those who serve a king would understand the depth of the offense of such action. We must be careful never to trivialize that which God has proclaimed as sacred.
Stuart

Psalm 119:33-48

It took me about 2 minutes to read this passage. The psalmist six specific  requests in these two stanzas:
Lessons for living.
Insight to do what is right.
Guidence in obedience.
A desire for God's words.
No desire for posessions.
Godly love to shape attitudes.
And the writer recognizes two products of receiving the requests:
Standing firm against mockery.
Telling the world what God has done.
These are prayers that we can lift up to God for ourselves and for those believers around us.
Stuart

Nehemiah 8-10

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage. All of chapter 9 is a prayer of praise and repentence. The Levites led the people in coming to God with this prayer. Its not clear to me whether is was sung or recited. Whether the people listed or joined in. But it is a wonderful prayer that recognized how faithful God has always been to the people of his covenant. He was faithful even when Israel repeatedly rejected him. That is a reassuring message to the church as a whole, but also to the individual Christian.
Stuart

Psalm 119:17-32

It took me about 2 minutes to read this passage. Verse 23 teaches us where our focus is to be in this life. There are two choices; allow the words of those around us to shape out hearts, or allow the word of God, which contains his wise counsel, to shape us into the people he desires to see. If we choose the former we may be build up. But more likely we will be slandered and torn down in their eyes and in our own. Those who are held in the grip of this world seek only to build up self, and will lower any who stand in their way. They will make up rumors and divine half truthes to pave the way to our ruin. However, if we immerse our thoughts in the word of God we will blossom and live a life sactified by God's living word.
Stuart

Nehemiah 4-7

Over two settings it took me about 20 minutes to read this passage. I was struck by the leadership style of Nehemiah, as mentioned in 5:14-18. I would like to see political leaders follow this example: doing nothing to be a burden on the people. For twelve years Nehemiah refused to require the people to provide the his food. This was a priveledge that the king of Persia gave to the govenors of each province. Nehemiah saw the need of so many people and knew that he had the provisions to meet his needs as govenor. Nehemiah refused to allow himself to be pulled into the trap of self-service as a leader.
Stuart

Psalm 119:1-16

It took me just a minute to read the first two stanzas of this psalm. The whole psalm speaks of the word of God; how precious and powerful it is. In verse 4 the psalmist points out that God has set down the standard for right living. His foundation work is done, but ours is not. Now he expect the people who pledge our lives to him to live by those standards. There could be no greater understanding of his trust in us then to allow us the freedom to choose to follow his law with all of our strength. Living by God's standards leaves no room for regret.
Stuart

Nehemiah 1-3

It took me about 10 minutes to read through this passage. God had burdened Neheniah with the task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. The exile punishment was over, and Nehemiah was the cupbearer of the king of Persia. God had not only given Nehemiah the passion for the task God had also given him the ability to lead the people in the effort, and the favor of the king. Nehemiah was sucessful in motivating many people to work on the wall and the gates. Two of them were obviously not builders; Uzziel and Hananiah. The first was a goldsmith and the second a perfumer. They were not skilled in the tasks of gate construction and wall building. But they placed themselves under the supervision of Joiada as the worked to rebuild the Jeshanah gate for the city. And when they finished the gate they worked on the wall as well. The goldsmith and perfumer were clearly outside of their areas of expertise, but the allowed God to use them in the important task that he had placed on Nehemiah's heart. God may call us to do the same type of thing; lay down our primary gift for a short time. That way we can work under the leadership of another who has a God given passion to fulfill. The child of God will readily take up this task.
Stuart

Psalm 118

It took about 3 minutes to read this psalm. There are times when we need physical strength in order to complete a task. More often we will need a strength of spirit and attitude that will enable us to be victorious against those attacks; God provides that kind of strength. There are times in life when we are so happy because of the events around us. But when we see God at work in our lives we experience a joy that leads us to talk, and sing, about all that God has given us. On top of all this, scripture tells us, God sent Jesus to save us from the sins on our life. As this psalmist said "now he's my salvation."
Stuart

Psalm 116 & 117

It took me just a minute to read both of these psalms. The first of these psalms speaks a great truth of how God responds to our pleadings. The Message says, "He listens so intently . . . " God is focused on every detail of our requests to him. He doesn't assume anything, but he waits for us to share the details of all our struggles and sins.  When we have poured out our total selves to him, holding nothing back, then God is able to take that which is left of our lives and give us a season of rest. And that is what we really need anyway.
Stuart

Ezra 8-10

It took me a little more than 15 minutes to read this passage.  The command of God for Moses to give to Israel was not to marry those who lived in the promised land.  The reason was that those marriages would lead God’s people away from the exclusive act of worship of Israel’s God.  And it did.  Beginning with Solomon and continuing through most of the kings and many of the people of Israel foreign marriage led the people into rebellion against God and his law.  After a seventy year time out Israel returned to God’s promised land.  But they also returned to the practice of marrying those outside of the covenant.  Ezra was broken hearted.  Though he was not guilty of this sin, he understood the pain that it had cause God and Israel.  Chapter 9 verses 6-15 is Ezra’s prayer of repentance for the people.  Twice he tore his close before God.  He mourned for hours waiting the proper time to approach the throne of grace.  I believe that Christians today have the same opportunity to approach God on behalf of our nation; as long as we do so with the same attitude that Ezra had.

Stuart

Psalm 115

We become like that which we worship. That is the message of verse 10 in this psalm. In years gone by false gods were put on display in pagan temples. The likeness of something known was hoped to gain acceptance of the mysteries of the heavens. Many Americans worship ideas or accomplishments, but never consider the creator of dreams and giver of abilities. Ideas change; and those who worship them find that there is no long term stability to support the difficulties of life. Accomplishments are surpassed, and a life based upon past victories become a shell of nostalgia and regrets. The idols of today look different, but their affects on the lives of those who worship them are the same; emptiness, hopelessness, and dispair. It only took me one minute to read this psalm, and I was reminded of the power and hope available to those who put their trust in the God of creation, and his Christ.
Stuart

Ezra 5-7

It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage.  Have you ever stated something as fact, with the full assurance and knowledge that you were right, only to be proven wrong?  I have, and it really stinks to find out I am wrong.  That’s where Tattenai and his council stood; they knew that the temple in Jerusalem should not be rebuilt.  He was sure that the stories of Cyrus’ command to these Jews to rebuild the temple were a fabrication; a figment of their over-zealous imaginations.  Yet Tattenai couldn’t use his political persuasion to deter the Jewish builders so he went to plant B – bring in the authority of the king.  The only problem was that he included a reference to Cyrus.  Darius did a search of the records and found that Cyrus’ command was valid and that they kingdom had not been carrying out the previous rulers’ orders.  Tattenai had to eat crow because he was wrong.  But that wasn’t the end of it; he also had to make sure that the work was being completed, the workers being paid, and the proper sacrifices were made daily.  But that is just like God; always setting the record straight to the glory of his name.

Stuart

Psalm 114

It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm. If we ever wonder how we should respond to God's presence he need to look no further then the responce of creation as God led him people Israel out of Egypt. When the Red Sea seemed to block their escape, God called out and the sea responded to his command. When the flooded Jordan river looked like a roadblock God spoke and the river moved out of the way. All of creation is in awe of the great and mighty God. So should we be.
Stuart

Ezra 1-4

It took me almost 20 minutes to read this passage. I think that there are times when God sets a task before us that takes dependence upon him. Then he may allow other obstacles to get in the way of progress to see if we will continue to turn to him during difficulties. That is the situation that the returning exiles faced at the reuins of Jerusalem. There had been selfless actions of generocity, but God was proving the people's resolve. As we face these difficult times we must increase our dependance upon God's provisions. Then we will see him work even greater wonders.
Stuart

Psalm 113

In just one minute I think I picked up the jest of this psalm. Yes it praises God for who he is, but it also focuses on those whom he intentionally pursues. They include the dirt poor, the cast off's of every society, and the childless. Three groups of people who's needs are often overlooked or marginialized by the people of this world, but always catch God's attention. When I consider that God pursued, and continues to pursue, me I am reminded that I fit in one or more of these catagories. There may be times that I feel on top of the world but this psalm reminds me that I am there because of God's choice and action.
Stuart

2 Corinthians 10-13

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.  Paul is pouring out his heart to the believers to whom he introduced Jesus.  These last 4 chapters depict a man who was willing to do anything to help people grow in their faith; even if he was dishonored in the process.  Paul explains that the believers in Corinth were more important than his comfort.  When he was with them they were his only focus, and now while he was away they were another burden that he was willing to carry to see them enter into the presence of God.  That is a picture for me as to how I am to act toward other believers.  I know that I haven’t been able to live up to Paul’s example, but this passage gives me a picture of the work that God want all Christians to be doing to express our faith within the body of Christ.

Stuart

Psalm 112

One minutes was the time I needed to read this psalm. The last verse speaks of the desires of the wicked. They amount to nothing, and there is not much that can be said about nothing. So the first 9 verse speak about those dreams that have substance; the hopes of those who have faith in God. when a life is valued and guided by a limitless God, the words to describe that life are limitless as well. The psalmist describes some of the most noticable indicators of the lives of those who hold fast to God. These people will live a life of freedom and joy.
Stuart

2 Corinthians 7-9

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage. In the first part of chapter 7 Paul speaks of the trials that God sends our way. In verse 10 Paul points out that any source of pain, grief, sickness, loss, or sorrow can drive us towards God. Because of the ending proximity of our lives in God's shadow, such pain is a source of joy and leaves no regrets. Though it sounds contrary to our normal thinking Paul drives home a very important truth for 21st century Christians; embrace suffering as a means to draw close to God and seperate us from this world.
Stuart

Psalm 111

It took me almost 2 minutes to read this psalm. One of the last statements in this psalm is; "The good life begins in the fear of God." This phrase tells us at least two truthes;
1 - that respecting God and all his teachings is a source of great blessings. We can't allow God to make things right between us if we won't first humble ourselves under him, and submit to his rule, his will for our lives and in this world.
2 - there is a life that is not good. A life of one misery following another, hopelessness built upon sorrows and loss. Though the psalmist doesn't address it we know from other Biblical that such a life of sorrow doesn't end with our last breath in this body. The pain and loss becomes our life into eternity.
Stuart

2 Corinthians 4-6

After about 15 minutes I finished this passage, pondering one thought that I could note. Paul had much to say to those first century believers; words that are just as alive 20 centuries later. In the first part of chapter 5 Paul notes one of the truthes that keeps him motivated to live out his faith; a picture of heaven. In the Message he says, "We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies!" I have to ask myself how often I ponder Jesus' resurrection, as well as my own? Jesus promised that each person would face the judgment, but some would be cut off because of their rejection of Jesus, while others would be resurrected through God's grace. Paul understood that wonder. He understood because of the contrast with the conditions of this life.  This life is filled with pain and loss, but dotted with an occasional joy. The eternal life in Christ is continual joy without a speck of pain and loss. When we can fully grasp that difference, the lure of this world will fade away.
Stuart

Psalm 110

It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm. God gave David a peek into the events of heaven. He heard the Father speaking to the divine Son promising him an inheritence of a mighty rule, and the royal priesthood first pictured in the life of Melchizedek. What a wonder to witness the giving of these promises in the heavenly realm. Yet we hold the seat in history of greater joy; we live in the time when these promises have been fulfilled. Even now we Christians live in the glorious kingdom of God's Christ. We bask in the shelter of the eternal priest of God; Jesus, our sacrifice. We can look back on scripture and see God's movement in history to bring to fullness the promises that were made in David's hearing.
Stuart

2 Corinthians 1-3

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage. In chapter 3 Paul paints a picture that displays the glory of the Law of Moses, God's new revelation of himself to the nation of Israel, and the Gospel of Christ, God's new revelation of himself to ALL nations. The movie The Ten Commandments depicts a fabulous presentation of God's glory to Moses and the nation. And the movie doesn't do reality justice.  How much more wonderful is the glory of Jesus' Gospel; an angel announced birth, a mountaintop transfiguration, an impossible resurrection, and an unheard of ascension. All of that so that God could offer people, of all nations, his grace and righteousness; completely free of charge.
Stuart

Obadiah

It took me about 3 minutes to read God’s revelation to Obadiah regarding Edom.  God’s pronouncement of coming judgment against Edom is an example of the warnings that await nations today that persist in rebellion against God.  The arrogance of each nation will come back upon them, with another nation ruling over them unjustly.  Such responses are not the “law of karma”, but rather the intentional actions of the God of justice who seeks punishment for the oppressor.  That is not his first desire; which is to pour out his love on all people.  That is the message of Christ; the message of the cross.  Obadiah is proclaiming God’s judgment to a people who had already rejected him.

Stuart

Psalm 109

I was startled as I read this psalm. Though it took just a couple of minutes I was shocked as David's bluntness to God. He pour out all of his frustration and anger to God regarding those who were insulting and cursing him. Yet David sets us a powerful example of faith by his lack of action. David grew up with danger all around him. Before he stood on a battelfield against Philistines he had faced lions and bears as he guarde the flock. The stone he sunk in Goliath's skull was the first of the "ten thousand" that he slayed for God's glory. Yet this valient warrior, the man of valor and courage, David the giant slayer would not raise his sword against the people of God's covenant. He understood that God had bought Israel. David knew that he did not rule over them; God did. So he took his complaint against God's people to their king. Then he trusted that God would administer his justice as well as his grace on the offending judge. We need to learn to follow that same path of faith when we face conflicts with other believers.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 34-36

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage. I wonder what kind of king Jehoahaz would have been? In 2 Kings 23 he is noted as an evil king rejecting the God of his father. The writer of the Chronicles doesn't note any of this; he only states that Jehoahaz was removed by the king of Egypt. His brother, uncle, and cousin who served after him were just as bad. None of them shared Josiah's fear and respect for God and his law, none of them sought his favor or repented of their sinfulness. They left the God of justice no choice but to act in vengence. Likewise we cannot reject God's rule over our lives and expect to receive his favor.
Stuart

Psalm 108

In about 1 minute I read this psalm that David penned. I picture the warrior-king rising before the sun so he can come to God before Israel enters a battle. As soon as he stirs he thoughts, hopes, and yearnings all move to God's throne. I picture the army of Israel waking to the melodic voice of their worshipping leader. David doesn't be a drum or raise a trumpet to prepare for battle; he sings a song of God's power. Before the dawn breaks over the hills or the birds start to sing David sings; "I'm ready, O God." A song before the battle makes about as much sense as a march around a walled city(Joshua 6), or 300 men with torches and trumpets surrounding an army of thousands(Judges 7). But God never looses a battle.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 31-33

It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage.  At the end of chapter 31 the chronicler summarized Hezekiah’s rule with the phrase; “Everything he took up...he did well in a spirit of prayerful worship.  He was a great success.”  Hezekiah’s prayer life was not an endless list of requirements and petitions; it was full of a worshipful expression of his life to God.  I know that I need to be reminded to fill my prayers with the language and attitude of worship.  The God who opened his throne room to us in prayer is worthy of honoring, sacrificing, humble, surrendering worship.  It is also equally true that Hezekiah’s worship was not restricted to singing and music.  Hezekiah reappointed the singers and musicians that king David had assigned to the Levitical family, but he encouraged them to be in prayer as they brought their worship to God.  We need to remember to blend these two avenues of access to God in our lives as well.

Stuart

2 Chronicles 28-30

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage that speaks of the recovery of Judah from decades of idolatry by returning to the worship of the God of Israel.  The first Passover of Hezekiah’s rule turned into a 14 day camp meeting of praise.  What a wise decision by a ruler merely 25 years old.  I wonder what the young prince had thought about his father’s rule that collapsed into defeat and national humiliation by one nation after another.  With Ahaz’s rejection of the God of Israel what led Hezekiah to pursue the faith of his ancestor David?  Scripture is silent on that matter.  But Hezekiah’s reign shows the fruit of God’s blessings because he was faithful from day one of his rule.  One lesson for us is to consider the nation of Judah.  They had rejected God for generations, until the days of Hezekiah.  When he began to rule the people turned back to God and God accepted them back.  God is wondrously willing to pour out his forgiveness on those people whom he has called to be his children.  It is a grant picture of invitation to all people to never give up on turning to Christ.

Stuart

Psalm 107

It took me about 5 minutes to read this psalm. There are 7 stanzas in this psalm and there are two repeated statements in each of the first 5:
"Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
He got you out in the nick of time."
"So thank God for his marvelous love,
For his miracle mercy to the children he loves." (The Message)
That, in a nutshell, is a summary of the life of every person who has followed God in Jesus. Our lives had become desperate pits of doom and despair from which God rescued us. For that reason we should be offering our thanks to God. Thanks for his love and mercy which he bestowes on those who have put their confidence in him alone.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 25-27

I spent about 12 minutes in two settings reading this passage. Chapter 25 tells of the rule of Amaziah. Of particular note is how God addressed the kings "purchase" of Israeli warriors for an upcoming battle. In verses 6-10 we read of these warriors being hired.  But when God spoke they were fired. Yet Amaziah was concerned about the money he had spent to buy the service of these soldiers in advance. In verse 9 God's prophet pointed out, "God's help is worth far more to you than [whatever you spent]." That is a truth we need to grasp as well.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 22-24

It took me about 15 minutes to read the stories about kings Ahaziah and Joash. Ahaziah learned from his father how to do evil. Fortunatley for Joash he never learned from his father. God did not permit Ahaziah to continue ruling Judah. But 2 year old Joash wasn't ready to rule. After 5 years Jehoiada, Joash's surrogate father, proclaimed Joash as king of Judah. Jehoiada was a positive influence on Joash. But Joash only learned to respect Jehoiada and not the God he served.
Stuart

Psalm 106

It took me about 5 minutes to read this psalm; a psalm that repeatedly speaks of the wonders of God admidst the sin and rebellion of the nation of Israel.  This should be a message of both warning and encouragement to the church. The Almighty seeks to encourage us that he understands our frailities. His expectation of his people is to struggle with sin. God knows that as long as we live in this life we will constantly be faced with the opportunities to choose our own ways; to device our own stand of morality. God has provided grace so that through him we can overcome a culture of death; just of Israel did. God also warns us not to be in continual and open rebellion toward him. If we accept the standards of this world we reject the standards of God, and he will soon reject us.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 20-21

It took about 7 minutes to read these chapters. It should not be too hard for us to understand how Judah could act in faith on the words of Jahaziel the priest. Christians have been listening to preachers speak God's word week after week, calling us to lives of faith and obedience for centuries. Chapter 20 gives us a picture of what the church accomplishes everytime we act with a similar faith: a great victory from God. We should take courage that our God has not changed. As he was in the days of Jehoshaphat so God is today; no matter what day that might be.
Stuart

Psalm 105

It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm that recount toe wonders God work among his people Israel all because of his promise to Abraham. Because of God's faithfulness the psalmist instructs those who have seen God's work to proclain this good news to everyone. It reminds me of the command that Jesus gave the man who had been passessed in Mark 5:18-20; "Tell everyone the good things God has done for you." It is a good reminder to us to recount the wonders that God has work; in our lives as well as the lives of others. As we share the works of God with others they will recognize the power of our God, and praise his name.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 16-19

It took me about 15 minutes to reads this passage. God gave king Asa a peaceful reign after the attack of Ethiopians until the 36th year of his reign. Then Asa's kingdom was attcked. The chronicler doesn't explain Asa's motive but Asa sought out help first from the king of Aram before he sought guidance from God. God confronted the king with his failing and Asa became angry with God. As far as scriptures explain he never sought out God again. One of the dangers we face in a land of peace is to forget that God continues to provide us with all that we have; whether it is little or much. When we grow comfortable we need to remember that God's rebukes, when they come, are always for our good, and our good should always be for his glory.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 12-15

I spent about 15 minutes reading this passage. Rehoboam was the son of Solomon.  Abijah was the son of Rehoboam.  Asa was the son of Abijah. But the difference between the rule of Rehoboam and his son and grandson were vastly different. In 12:1 the chronicler wrote that Rehoboam had given up on God. So God gave up on him and his people. But God didn't completely abandon his promise to David. Because of that faithfulness that God showed Asa and Abijah followed after David's example and pursued God. One lesson in all of this is that our parents wrong choices do not have to become ours as well.  We are free to choose to follow God. When we make that choice God will honor us, just as he did David.
Stuart

Psalm 104

It took me almost 4 minutes to read this passage. The psalmist looked at the details of God's creation and began to list the wonderful and amazing things that he did just to create all that we see. But the psalm doesn't stop with these truthes; the psalmist proclaims how God sustains his creation. It's one thing to make something magnificent; it is another thing to keep a complex system like the earth's entire ecosystem functioning effectively. Our God did both of these wonderful things.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 8-11

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passagem. The Chronicle writer deals with fewer details than the writer of the books of the kings. So the details of Solomon's faithlessness are not mentioned. But Rehoboam's foolishness is discussed. I wonder if the new king spent ANY time in prayer during those three days of waiting?(10:5) From all indications all that Rehoboam did was discuss he plans with the old and young advisors. We run the same risks if we only seek guidence from those around us.
Stuart

Psalm 103

God gives and gives. He doesn't quit giving even we we look or turn away from him. David points out just some of the multitudes of his blessings that God pours into our life. Then David details what we can do in return; recognize God's provisions and give him all the honor that we can offer. It took me about a minute to read David's psalm of praise to God.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 5-7

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage. With the completion of the temple Solomon led the nation of Israel in a two week celebration of the feast of tabernachels. Solomon's prayer to God on behalf of the people shows his concers for those who joined him in worship, as well as those who would live in the years ahead. His request in verse 6:35 shows Solomon's understanding of God's wisdom and man's corruption. Solomon's request was for God to answer the people's prayer in a way that would provide what they need, if not necessarily what was requested. Solomon was confident that God would indeed respond to his people in all of his wisdom.
Stuart

Psalm 102

It took two minutes to read this psalm of anguish. This song began with a cry of desperation for help. The tears of sorrow and ashes of mourning flavor this writer's words. Yet the longer the psalmist mourned before God, the quicker his words began to change. The tone of his anguish was moved to praise for God. They were praises not because he sent the sorrow, but because God was faithful and presence in the middle of the battle with the pain. When sorrow was about to overwhelm this writer of faith the light of God's presence broke in. In the end God's nature remains true and untarnished; and it rubs off on to our lives.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 1-4

It took me about 20 minutes, in three different settings, to read this passage.  The first four chapter of this book addresses Solomon’s dream from God and the construction of the temple.  Something struck me when I read about Solomon’s dream.  God promised to give Solomon the wisdom to rule rightly, because that was the young king’s request, and also wealth and honor to surpass everyone before and after him.  Because all people have the will to choose to follow God the one promise that God didn’t make was that Solomon would always obey God.  The opportunity to obey and live under God’s continual blessing was ever present before Solomon, but it was up to Solomon to fulfill that part of God’s covenant.  God had prepared Solomon by giving him David as a father and example.  God had gifted Solomon to live his wise, wealthy, and honorable life like his ancestor Abraham had.  But God left the acts of obedience squarely in Solomon’s hands; just as he leaves our choice to obey completely up to us.

Stuart