Proverbs 4

In verse 3 the writer recalls a memory of receiving instruction from his father. I wonder if David taught Solomon lessons by singing him songs? I picture times in the palace when sat down near his children with his lyre and began playing children's songs that spoke thelogical messages that they would understand. I can almost hear the King singing an ancient Jewish version of "This little light of mine" and "Oh Be careful little eyes what you see." I wonder if David wrote children's songs about wisdom and doing right? I wonder if some of the psalms we have preserved were intended for the tongues of children?
I read this passage in about 2 minutes.
Stuart

Exodus 21-24

Many couples describe a romantic meal as including lavish settings, an abundance of food, soft light, and subdued classical music. I think the idea behind such a setting is that it is abnormal; something very different then the everday gathering around the table. In Exodus 24:11 there is the description of a romantic dinner hosted by God Almighty and 74 leaders of the people upon whom he was pouring out his love. The description given doesn't detail a huge physical presence for the LORD. I picture the love meal like this:  There is a clearing before the mountain as the setting for the devine picnic. The 74 men carried up the meal from the camp of Israel. They set the meal on the ground before the presence of the LORD. God motions the stuned leaders of Israel to sit down near him and eat. Then God sat down with them. The light from his glory providing the light for the meal that continued past sunset. A romantic meal that those men never forgot.
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Proverb 3

The jewlery of a life of favor and success receives mention in verse 3 of this chapter. In order for steadfast love to warrant the attention of God and men its focus must not be limited to one's immediate family. Love must be persistently poured into the lives of neighbors and enemies alike. When someone is loving toward their family it is expected. When they seek to love all people the nations will notice. A life that is faithful to God's standards will be a life honored by God and people who meet such a person. And a neighbor who is faithful to those who dwell nearby will be the topic of many positive conversations. The proverb writer presents this truth well.
It took me a little over 2 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Proverbs 2

In verses 21 and 22 the writer puts together his thoughts with regard to the character of the people and their relationship to their inheritence. Those who are upright and live with integrity will possess and be steadfast in their inheritence. But the wicked and treacherous will have no stability, no permenance in the inheritence from God. When we Christians understand that righteousness and integrity come from God's grace then we will also understand that the inheritence of God is ours through the blood of Jesus.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Exodus 18-20

I have seen God’s handy work in the realms of nature.  This week we had nearly 12 inches of snow in 24 hours.  No wind, the flakes fell and settled over everything.  It was magnificent.  Then last night the sky cleared and the stars burst forth in their light.  The night was clear and there were planets, stars, and galaxies glowing all over the sky.  It was awesome.   I can’t image what it would be like to stand at the foot of a mountain and watch the effects of God invading the physical world.  When Exodus 20:18 says that the people of Israel “trembled” I can understand that.  I felt safe looking up at the stars because I was confident that they wouldn’t fall down on me.  But to witness a seething, boiling cloud full of thunder and lightning on a near-by mountain I would be filled with concern.  To know that the God of all creation was somehow housed in that storm would make me tremble as well.  I am so thankful that through the blood of Jesus we are no longer separated from God’s presence.  We can approach him because he has made himself available to us.

It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 1

Assuming the Solomon is writing to prepare the next king of Israel Rehoboam is the intended audience. Solomon warned his son about rejecting God's words of wisdom; the same act that introduced sin to the world through Adam and Eve. God offers wisdom for those who recognize their ignorance. Those who knowing reject God's guidance will also receive something from God; his rejection of their requests for help. Like the parent who lives by "tough love" God seeks to allow failure in order that his children might choose to return to him. Actions that are still true today.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Exodus 15-17

Victory, water, food, water, and victory.  These three passage paint a picture of God’s provisions for his people.  Moses’ song of victory deals with all of these realities and even more.  In 15:11 Moses asked “Who is like you,” when he sang to God.  As my Dad approaches his 80^th birthday my family has spent a number of hours looking at old pictures.  Every time we find a new picture I wondered whose face I was admiring and if anybody in the family looked similar.  I saw no resemblance between my great-great grandfather and any living relative.  I guess some genes don’t travel very far in the lineage.  God still displays his majesty through his holiness and his awesomeness in his deeds and wonders.  For those of us who have experienced his great acts is there any question about his greatness.  And we know that the half has not been told.  I think that I may include that question in my corporate prayers; “Who is like you?”  We Christians should carry some resemblance of God’s gracious and loving nature.  But in power and reverence we will never match that we he possesses.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 23

The last thought of this psalm is the name of a contemporary worship song; Forever. I know that I can't begin to imagine that time frame. I have a hard time with the 48 years God has given me in this life. David spend the early parts of this psalm recognizing all that God had done for him, and probably for every believer before and after David's time, in this life. David saves the punctuating emphasis for the very end of of the psalm. It's almost like David is saying; "God has been so good to me how can he top this life?" Then David receives the answer from God. "The one thing that is better than all of God's provisions in this life is to dwell in God's presence without end.
It took just 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Exodus 12-14

Egypt had lost so much.  Surely Pharaoh understood the devastation that had befallen Egypt through the plagues from the hand of the God of Israel.  There were no crops, no trees to bear fruit, and virtually no animals let alive.  Every house in Egypt mourned because of the death of the first born.  And the people had given those of Israel gifts of gold and jewelry as they left the country. Was it all of this sorrow that drove Pharaoh to chase after Israel?  Did he find himself riding past the empty houses of Israel in Goshen with a growing rage against a God he could not see?  A God who had demanded Pharaoh’s obedience and who took so much because of Pharaoh’s refusal to submit?  Did he reason that he would get back at the God of Israel by taking his first born; the people of Israel?  I can picture Pharaoh energizing his army with speeches of vengeance upon Israel.  To “pay them back” for the pain that their God has caused Egypt.  Was it revenge, or sorrow, or pride that motivated the pursuit of Israel?  Two armies drove through the wilderness ready for battle.  Those same two armies entered the canyon of water; one humble and scared, and one proud and angry.  God exalted his people and humiliated the proud.

It took me 14 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 22

Is God close by or far away? From David's words in verses 11 and 19 he must have felt like God was a great distance away.  Yet David continues to make God the focus of his praise and worship. What do I see in the life of this man of turmoil? Truthful speech to God. David isn't mincing words; he let's God have the entire gambit of emotions with nothing held back. That is what gives us the full picture of David's faith. He was comfortable with God's greatness that he could clearly state his pain without fear that God woulkd squish him. I think that is why God called David a man after his heart.
It took me a little more than 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Exodus 9-11

I think that the attitude of Pharaoh toward God matches the attitude of many "enlightened" people in our culture today. And just like Pharaoh this attitude is displayed in the comment found at the beginning of the plagues; "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his word.....?"(Exod. 5:2) God made it very plain to Pharaoh why he should have listened; because he is God almighty. Those people that God seeks to bless will be blessed. But those who reject God will be rejected by God and will suffer the loss that will accompany their rejection.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 21

A ruler who writes songs. A leader who is also a poet. Very seldom have I heard of such leaders. A number of years ago there was a govenor of Louisiana who was a Gospel singer, but I don't know if he wrote any songs. I can imagine David in modern times as a king sitting on his throne struming his guitar and singing country music and the blues. David said that God fulfilled his heart's desires. Maybe David would sing some up-beat pop songs too.
It took me a little over 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Exodus 5-8

In Exodus 5:5 Pharaoh makes and observation about Isarel's action in response to God's call to worship him. By calling Israel idle and lazy he is seeing God's expression his redemptive work of Sabbath in the lives of his people. For God is always about providing rest from our burdens. He does not lead us away from work, but when God sees us facing overwhelming burdens in this life he seeks to bring his people to a point of rest in him. Some people will call us lazy. Others will say we are unproductive. I say that to spend time with God is the most productive and active work we can do. It is also the most fruitful.
It tookme about 13 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 20

Quite often I receive a chain e-mail from some other Christian. The message promises that God will answer our prayer if we pass it on to some number of other prople.  David pronounces 6 blessings on those who read this psalm. If we share this psalm with others we will in turn pass on the blessings that David began. It's almost like a chain letter that has been going on since David's day; but I think it is better. We have the privledge to repeat this psalm to other believers. When we do we should look for the ways in which God will indeed pour out his blessings on the recipient. This psalm is not a magic chant, but becomes an expression of our faith and a way in which we can encourage each other and seek to glorify God.
It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Exodus 1-4

When God encountered Moses at the bush he revealed to the future law-giver his name, his nature, and the part Moses would play in his plan. Moses didn’t want the assignment so he objected. Then God did something that we see his son do in the Gospel accounts; he seemed to abruptly change the subject. They were talking about Moses going to Egypt and God asked Moses what he was holding. That staff which was a key tool of his trade for the last 40 years was grasps firmly in his hand, even as he hid his face from God’s presence. Moses didn’t say “My staff” he said “A staff”. Maybe it wasn’t that special to him when he met God, but God made it something special. And Moses recognized that as well. By the end of chapter 4, verse 20, it was now referenced as “the staff of God”. That’s a picture of what God does in our lives as Christians. We may not be anything special; just another person. But then we meet God through Jesus and God makes us something special. By the blood of Jesus we cease to be “A person” and we are remade into “the person of God.”

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 19

The words that begin verse 14 are in a song I remember from years ago.  The phrase describes two actions that we can offer God. Two actions that are involved in every part of our daily living.  The first is the words that we speak. My first consideration was the words that I speak about or to God.  But David doesn't limit our words to worship and praise. So I wonder if David intended us to consider if our everyday words are pleasing to God?  The second actions deal with the topics we ponder everyday.  Once again David doesn't limit our meditations to the subject of God's Law. So I wonder if David hopes that we'll examine our casual thinking and adjust those thoughts until God is pleased by our mental focus?
It took me almost 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Mark 13-16

The way that I understand Jesus’ ministry  the Passover that he attended in Mark 14 was the third one as a rabbi; teaching his disciples.  The Gospel accounts indicates that he cleared the temple of money changers and sacrifice sellers on this trip, and maybe on an earlier visit.  We also know that he taught many people when he went to Jerusalem for the festivals.  I am curious why we don’t see any Passover meal preparation recorded prior to this last visit.  The disciple’s question in 14:12, as to where they should go to prepare the meal, seem to indicate that they had done meal preparation before.  And the description of the site selection tells me that the disciples had never eaten at this place before.  Maybe the special circumstances of this feast held the reasons that this Passover meal was recorded.  Maybe the words Jesus spoke here were essential to understanding his heart.  Other than Jesus creating a new memorial out of the meal I wonder how different the previous Passover meals in Jerusalem were?

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage

Stuart

Psalm 18

Why does God give to us our needs? Why does he deliver anybody from the struggles of the oppressive people? In the last part of verse 19 David gives of a reason; because God delights in his people. It is nice to know that I cause God delight.
It took me about 7 minutes to read this psalm..
Stuart

Mark 10-12

There is a TV game show called “Are you smarter than a fifth grader”.  I’ve never seen it but the premise is intriguing.  Who understands the lessons we are taught in school?  Is it those of us who are mature of those who are still in school.  I’m thinking that the Pharisees and Sadducees thought that they were a whole lot smarter than Jesus when it came to the Law.  In chapter 12 I think that they brought him the two questions which they had been pondering and arguing over.  They couldn’t come to any conclusion so they were surely confident that this “wanna be” scholar of the Law would show himself the fool that they knew him to be.  Too bad for those learned leaders; they had spent more time learning about their arguments and traditions, and too little time actually listening to what Jesus said.  There was at least one teacher who was listening to Jesus.  In verses 28-34 of chapter 12 his discourse with Jesus was notably different.  For his attention and humility he received Jesus’ commendation.  So I need to examine myself and see which teacher I am more like; the know-it-all’s or the 5^th grader.

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 17

David had a burden to bring to God. The burden was the assults of someone who did not reflect the nature of God in their life. They pursue David like a lion stalks prey. Except their motives are not survival; they desire victory, even at the cost of someone else's reputationor life. David sets his case before God. Then while he struggles with the oppression he waits on God to act. David knew that God's actions will be most righteous. That is more important than our time expectations. It took me almost 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Mark 7-9

Jesus’ response to people is so different than mine.  When people disappointed him he asked them a question.  When people wouldn’t trust him he asked them a question.  When his closest followers couldn’t grasp the truth he spoke he asked them a question.  When the religious leaders frustrated them with their pious sounding “gobbledygook” he signed then asked them a question.  Sometimes Jesus waited for an answer.  At other times I think he moved on without waiting.  And then there were the time when the disciples stared back at him like deer in the headlights.  At those times he often ended up answering his own question.  The question in 8:21 is the one that always gets me; “Do you not yet understand?”  There are many passages that I read and I answer no.  There are burdens placed on my heart and I ask why; not understanding God’s purpose.  There are events that I witness and I am dumbfounded at my response, wondering how this could be from God or be used for his glory.  It is in those time that I think I understand Jesus’ disciples the best; those times when I don’t understand.

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Mark 4-6

The first part of Mark 5 tells Jesus’ encounter with the man possessed by a multitude of demons.  The man confronted Jesus, and Jesus confronted the demons.  I’m not sure why Jesus gave the demons permission to invade the herd of pigs.  By I have a bigger questions; how was this wild man clothed?  We don’t know the amount of time that passed from when the demons were cast out until the people of the city came to see what had happened to this cemetery dwelling man.  But somewhere the man was given clothing.  I presume that the group that accompanied Jesus gave of what they had; an outfit and shoes.  They may have even tended his wounds from their supplies.  Because Mark mentions that he was in his right mind he must have been carrying on a conversation with Jesus and his followers.  In many cases Jesus met the physical needs of the people before he taught them.  In this case Jesus addressed an immediate spiritual need, then took care of the physical.  The last encounter with this man was when Jesus commissioned him to speak of God’s power and mercy to those who knew him.  

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 16

In David's day the Promised Land had already been divided up for many generations. But there were still obstacles to some people to fully possess their inheritance. But David did not have that problem. Jesse had possession of land passed to him from Obed, who had received land from Boaz. It must have been on some of this land that David grazed the flocks. The only thing better than any inheritance would be a plot of ground that was filled with beauty. When David surveyed the land he hoped for it was that better inheritance(verse 6). But was it about the land that was so favorable? Quite possibly the fact that God was a part of his inheritance. That is the same promise that all Christians posess in our inheritance.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Mark 1-3

The Pharisees were very particular about obeying Sabbath rules. From their words they made it clear that it was better to suffer infirmity and want than to violate a Sabbath rule. Jesus pointed out that honoring the Sabbath was much more than following a set of rules. Honoring the Sabbath was kept when dependance on God brought healing, satisfied hunger, and freed those in bondage. We in the church today should examine those things which we hold most dear. Are they leading us to a greater dependance upon God or mearing making a good show.
It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Genesis 47-50

I wonder how many years into the famine it was before Joseph realized God had used the difficulties of his life for the salvation of Egypt? And then his brothers walked back into his life. God's purpose must have hit him like a ton of bricks. Seventeen years later, after their father was dead, the 10 oldest sons of Israel still feared Joseph's power. In Genesis 50:19-21 Joesph repeats the lesson that God taught him to his frightened brothers. Joseph learned about the way God uses suffering to shape people of faith. It affected him the rest of his life.
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 15

In Ephesians 6 Paul details how God's spiritual army will help us stand against the enemy. In this psalm David describe the character traits that will enable us to stand upright. Integrity, respect, and sacrifice all enable God's people to stay true to the covenant conditions.
It took about a minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 42-46

Israel was hesitant to send Benjamin down to Egypt with his brothers.  When he faced their dwindling food supply and the threat of starvation he found that he had no choice.  Surely he must have been begging his God to save him from the threat of losing Benjamin.  Eventually he relented.  In 43:14 Israel prayed for mercy before “the man” in Egypt.  Mercy from his own son.  The prayer was answered twenty some years before it left Israel’s mouth.  God had spent the years forging Joseph’s heart into a mercy turbo charged engine.  When Israel was asking for mercy God was planning in Joseph’s heart blessing upon blessings.  I don’t think Joseph’s deception was intended to punish his brothers, but to see if their hearts had grown any softer in the two decades he had been absent.    I picture old Israel watching with longs the caravan that took his ten sons down to Egypt.  I imagine his following them until he could walk no further and watching until the horizon eclipsed them from his sight.  The days of their absence must have been horrifically painful, and each night a test of faith.  I could see the old eyes lifted often to the hill where Israel last saw his family; anticipating the day when they would crest the hill again.  I wonder what filled his mind when the caravan returned; not just 10 men and their donkeys, but 11 men with donkeys and wagons with their teams of oxen.  And then to hear the news that Joseph was alive and for the LORD to speak with him and tell him to travel to Egypt.  What a day that must have been for Israel.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Genesis 40-42

There are two questions recorded in this passage that caught my attention and got me thinking.
The first is asked by Joseph in 40:7. He addressed the cupbearer and baker and asked, "Why are your faces dowbcast today?" I think that my mouth would have hung open. I wanted to shout; "The're in prison!!! Why wouldn't the faces be downcast everyday!!" But that wasn't the response from these two political prisoners. It was the dreams that we're making their miserable lives unbearable. Joseph was able to lift that burden by listening to God and giving them an interpretation.
The second is in 42:28 when the 9 fearful brothers looked at each other and asked, "What is this that God has done to us?" For more than twenty years they have been arguing over what they did to Joseph. It seems that whenever anything ill appeared in their lives Reuben would bring up Joseph. The eldest brother may have carried the heaviest guilt because he had been unable to rescue Joseph. Now, they stood around looking at the grain they had "stolen" wondering what evil was in store for them. But they were unaware that God was working to restore Israel's family and to save them from the famine.
It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 14

I am assuming that David's opening phrase refers to those Israelites who rejected God. Those who received the inheritence, who saw the fruit of Abraham's faith firsthand, who's ancestors were delivered from Egyptian slavery. I believe it was these people who repulsed David so much that he called them "fool." Since they rhad ejected God and his standards their actions reflected their lack of godly direction and none of them could do good. In spite of having access to the revealed word of God Almighty they did not seek after God.  I wonder if it was the thought of these foolish Israelites that motivated David to become a God chaser?
It took me less than 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 37-39

This story brought to my mind a number of questions: 

I wonder how Potiphar’s household fared after Joseph was put in prison? 

God blessed the Egyptian’s household under Joseph’s management and I am assuming that Potiphar profited well from Joseph’s management.  So I wonder how long that prosperity remained in the house? 

How quickly did God pull away his favor because of Joseph’s imprisonment? 

I wonder if Potiphar found himself in a terrible financial situation soon afterwards because of his rash decision? 

I wonder how many other managers Potiphar put over his house and failed to live up the godly example that Joseph had continually displayed? 

I wonder if Potiphar ever found out that Joseph was innocent of his wives charges? 

How did Joseph treat Pharaoh’s captain of the guard after he was Prime Minister over Egypt? 

What were Patiphar and his wife’s initial reaction to the news of their slave running all of Egypt?

Our imaginations could run wild with what might of happened.  I believe that Joseph continued to live a life of godly integrity and never sought revenge on his former master and his wife, just as he never sought to harm his brothers for their evil actions.  Though Potiphar may have been uncomfortable in Joseph’s presence he must surely have seen the light of faith in the life of this Hebrew.  This leads me to one more question: 

I wonder what Potiphar believed about the God of Israel before he died?

It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 13

"How long, O Lord....?" When we are hurting, or struggling, or watching someone we love leave we want to know the duration of the pain. I know that I don't like pain, especially the type of pain that keeps me awake at night. When the pain persists at a level that we can find no relief the question of how long becomes very personal. David asked this question four times in this psalm, but I don't think he got the answer he was expecting. At the end of the psalm David is singing about God's bountiful provisions. Maybe "How long?" is the wrong question to ask God in the midst of our pain.
It took me less than 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Psalms 11 & 12

In 11:3 David points out that the righteous depend upon a sure foundation for their high standards. The he warns that if that foundationis removed then the righteous are left helpless. Maybe David wrote those words as he looked at the problems Israel faced because God's people were not standing on God's word. They were seeking their own purposes; their own foundations. God's throne is immovablely fixed. He has laid the foundation. He still sets the standards. Because of that truth the righteous have nothing to fear. God will provide for them.
It took me a minute each to read these two psalms.
Stuart

Genesis 33-36

The reunion of Jacob and Esau is a wonderful picture of how time can heal wounds.  God had provided an abundance to Jacob and his family, as is recorded in Genesis.  But God had also given Esau much.  We don’t know the struggles that Esau faced during the 20 years of Jacob’s absence, but what we do know is that Esau forgave his brother’s deception.  Because of the forgiveness what was once a broken heart bent of murder had become a heart willing to rejoice greatly at the sight of his brother.  Esau’s embrace and tears tell the story of memories lost between the brothers because of the selfishness each of them displayed when they were younger.  The truth of the healing is seen when Isaac died; the brothers were together when they buried him.  The event had been the intended timing of Esau’s murder became a time when brothers could mourn together over their shared loss.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Genesis 30-32

Jacob's life had been a struggle. He grew up in the shadow of his older brother, seeking to gain his father's affection the eventually stealing his blessing. He struggle to buy a wife from his uncle and served for 14 years to receive her. Then he struggled against his father-in-law to provide his growing family an inheritence. Finally his struggles led him to flee a situation of conflict facing a possible bloody reunion with his brother. With all of these burdens in his life he faced hand to hand combat with God himself. Because of Jacob's strength and endurance God gave him a new name, Israel, a new blessing, and a painful reminder of God's power and grace.
It took me 16 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 10

Twice in this psalm the writer brings the needs of the afflicted to God's attention. We know that God was attentive to the suffering of Israel throughout her history; during the times of her weakness. In those time the faith of the people grew and they joined together as one people. The writer looks upon the suffering of the weak, or quite possibly is the one suffering the abuse, and he cries out for God to act. In Peter's letter he urged Christians to endure the abuse when we have done nothing wrong. Then Christ will receive the glory by showing the strength and peace that he provides for us to bring us through the struggle (1 Peter 2:20-23).
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 27-29

God continues to show his people, the first audience of this book, that he is a God of wonderful promises. The promises of inheriting the land and be a blessing to all people on earth were given directly to Abraham (chapter 15), then to Isaac (chapter 26 ), and now to Jacob (25:13-15). Jacob believed God and made a vow to serve God and dedicate a tenth of all that God will give him as an offering. From this point in Jacob's life he slowly begins to depend upon God for his provisions and less upon his own wits.
I read for 13 minutes to complete this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 9

David looked toward God and his actions and what came to his pen was the nature of God's justice. In the English Standard Version (ESV)David mentions some form od the word judge six times. Normally I tend to think of judges as those who render the guilty verdict. But they also make the declarations of not-guilty in many cases. The greatest judges are those who listen wisely and rule fairly. And God exceeds every human standard in those two areas of judgement.
It took me almost 3 minutes to read the psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 24-26

Rebekah was a young woman of beautiful character and amazing faith.  She responded to a stranger’s request for a drink and went the extra mile to give his camels their fill as well.  Her family must of told her about how Abram had left his family on a journey of following the God of creation.  For her to come face-to-face with the very man’s servant must have been startling.  But she accepted the invitation to follow in Abraham’s footsteps.  I wonder how long she paused when her family asked her if she would go with the servant of Abraham?  Was her surrender motivated by her faith?  Did she desire to leave home and see what God would do in her life?  God didn’t pass on the passions that Rebekah held.  We know that she left home and married a man following God.  Because of that faith God used her to carry on the line of the faithful from Abraham.

It took me 20 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 8

I think it was Michael W. Smith who the first line of this psalm and put it to contemporary music. Like David's original it was a song that praises God because of his greatness. But David's song asks one BIG question; "Since God is so big why does he give insignificant man any attention?" David doesn't answer his question but he continues on to show that not only does God care about each of us, he has also made mankind the chief steward over all of his creation. God has displayed his greatness in what he made and he shows how much he values each of us humans. There can be only one reason why he has lavished this honor on us all.......
It took less than a minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 21-23

The greatest joy in Sarah’s life was surely the long anticipated birth of Isaac.  Her amazement with the pregnancy surely turned into month and then years of laughter because of this son.  I wonder if she gave God praise with the convulsions of morning sickness?  How does a 90 year-old woman deal with labor pains?  For 37 years she was allowed to encourage her son to grow into the man that God wanted him to be.  Even though she never saw her grandsons there is no doubt in my mind that God’s gift of Isaac was a tremendous source of joy and laughter for the last years of Sarah’s life on this earth.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 7

The same Spirit who prompted David to write these words must have moved the man who wrote the letter of James. Verse 14 in this psalm uses the same imagery that James recorded in 1:15 of that epistle. The sin tendencies of man hadn't changed between the times of David and James. It would make sense that they are still the same today.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 18-20

In chapter 18 God disclosed to Abraham his judgment on Sodom.  Abraham understands that God’s just nature is tempered by mercy.  What Abraham doesn’t understand at the beginning of his conversation with God is how great his mercy really is.  Since Lot was sitting at the city gate Sodom was a walled city probably of many thousands people.  As Abraham asks God about his mercy he grows to understand that a remnant of faithful people will stay God’s hand of judgment.  Throughout the history of Abraham’s children we see this expression of God’s nature revealed over and over again.  Centuries after Abraham’s discussion with God the prophet Elijah felt all alone in the corrupt land of Israel during the reign of Ahab.  He complained to God that there was no one else faithful in all of Israel.  God revealed that there 7,000 in Israel who had been faithful to God.  For the sake of those 7,001 God had not sent Israel away from his presence.  Both of these stories show just how effective a small witness for Christ can be in any community.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 6

David was quite possibly the greatest king to rule Israel. Solomon may have surpassed him in wisdom and splendor, but David was the standard for all the subsequent kings before God. What made David such a good king? It was his passion to pursue God and reflect the godliness that he found in his lifestyle. I think that this psalm offers a key to David's passion; he was familar with the pain this life offers. Since God spoke the curse in the garden life has been full of pain. Eve and all women were sentenced to physical pain in childbirth and Adam was to toil in frustration to produce food. Along with these pains were the pains brought about by a sin-stained world. When David encountered these pains he saw God respond with compassion on him. David eventually learned to live out that same response. That is why I think he was such a great leader.
It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 15-17

Hagar had run away Sarai’s mistreatment.  When God’s angel found her he asked a two part question.  Hagar only answered the first part; she had no plan as to where she would go.  It was a time of turmoil for this young woman; alone, pregnant, and without hope.  God showed up with a message of hope, a message that would enable Hagar to endure the difficulties at home.  Hagar’s life is a picture of the struggles we face.  Often times I know that I want to run away FROM a problem but I don’t know the direction that I should go.  God always has a plan.  Many times that plan is to stay where we are and watch God work in our lives.  Because Hagar went back to her home Ishmael had a father to raise him, and Hagar was enabled to witness God’s covenant with Abraham and then the birth of Isaac; the son of God’s promise to Abraham.

It took me 13 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Genesis 12-14

There was a different character in the house of Abram when compared to the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah and their neighbor kingdoms.  In 13:13 the text indicates that the men of Sodom were “wicked, great sinners against the LORD.”  These men apparently  had one pursuit in life; the please themselves.  Even when their homes were pillaged and their families taken the men of Sodom were more concerned with their own skins then their families; when they engaged in battle they fled.  They put on a big show about courage and conviction but it proved to be empty talk.  Abram had a promise of blessing from the God of creation.  He must have shared that with all the people in his household because the 318 men in his household were willing to take on the army of the invading kings and by God’s hand defeated them.  Then they recovered all that had been taken.  God continued to provide for Abram and his household by giving them this fantastic victory.  Because Abram trusted him God led Melchizedek to pronounce a blessing in the name of God on Abram.

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Genesis 10-11

God made a promise to Noah (Genesis 8) and God provided a new food for Noah and his descendants; meat. Noah's descendants flourished; growing in numbers. But they all died with only the promise of no more destruction and no additional curses. The end of chapter 11 list ten more generations that pass until we see another familar name; Abram. Considr all those generation of the faithful who could speak about the God of creation and curse, floods and food, but no promises about the future. I wonder what hope carried Shem through all his years?
It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.  I read it this morning but just not had the chance to ponder the passage.
Stuart

Psalm 5

Davids pointed out part of his morning routine; he lifts his voice to God and prepares a sacrifice. Then verse 3 ends with a note that reveals a great detail about David's view of worship. The truth that worship is not one way, rather it is a two way exchange between the creator and his creation. After David offered his first to God he took the time to wait on God's response. I take time everyone in a while to offer God a time of silence before him; a minute or two when I quiet my mind and activities. But I am not waiting on God. I can't think of the last time that I waited on God to respond to my worship.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Psalm 4

How do we attempt to establish security in our lives? Often the concept of security is defined by locks, chains, and bars of steel. We may also consider banks and safes that can be used to secure smaller objects that we value. But David learned the most important requirement to achieve security; faith in God. Men and the things than men create are temporary and flawed. When we depend upon the things which God seeks for us to pursue we find things that are less tangible but more enduring; like faith, commitment, and love. David explained that as he pursued the truthes of God's plan then he was able to lie down and sleep even as those tha opposed him surrounded his life. That is the kind of peace we all need.
It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 6-9

I am somewhat perplexed by God's words in 8:21-22. It sounds like his curse of the ground because of Adam's sin is being repealed. But it is still intact today. Possibly God meant that he would add no other curse as he did with the flood. While I ponder that question God does reveal how he will respond to the righteous obedience of one man. By the faithful obedience of the one man, Noah, all life on earth was spared. Noah is one of the first men of faith who foreshadowed the universal impact of the one man Jesus. The one man whom God has used to completely remove the effects of the curse for the people of faith.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 3

It was a desperate time in which David found himself embroiled as he sang out these words to God. Whenever David faced a change in life, be it good or bad, he began to sing. The faith behind his words is evident in verse 5; for he was able to lay down and sleep. We all need rest, but when anxieties are many sleep is not close by. So for David to sleep shows a wonderful trust that God was not through with him. It reminds of Peter who centuries later would sleep peacefully on the jail floor the night before he was to be killed. The angle had to kick Peter's side in order to interupt his rest. Peter, like David understood what God could do to rescue his people from their deaths.
It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Genesis 3-5

While the birth of Jesus has been called the GREATEST story ever told, chapter 3 of Genesis has to be the SADDEST stories ever told.  I don’t want to blame Adam and Eve for their actions, for  I am a reflection of them, but since they were the first to sin their story highlights the pain of that initial separation.  In the midst of the darkness created by the newly unleashed sin God shows his nature of mercy and grace.  He doesn’t curse Adam or Eve, an action that would have been justified.  Instead he curses evil Satan and the good creation.  When I consider the power of Jesus’ death in light of the first human rebellion against God I see that his blood protects us from the cursed serpent,  but provides no relief from God’s curse on creation.    That fact doesn’t make God’s grace any less powerful; I see that it focuses all of his power in the eternal, spiritual realm.  Which is the place where we Christians live now, and by God’s grace, will live throughout eternity. 

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 2

It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm. In verses 10 and 11 the psalmist offers some wise guidance to the rulers of the nations. If a ruler were to serve the God of Israel not out of compulsion but in respect of who God is I wonder what traits would stand out? Honesty and integrity would be paramount. There might be a greater emphasis on the people of the nation rather than the position of the leader. The government might restrain itself in many ways previously never considered. That leader's legacy might not shake the foundations of the world, but the people would know that they had been privelegded to live under such a wise and benevolent leader. The psalmist says that God would bless such a leader.
Stuart

Genesis 1-2

It took me about 8 minute to read the creation narrative. In 2:21-22 God shows the special relationship between a husband and his wife. All the living creatures before woman were called up from the ground. The animals by God's command and man formed by God's hands. But the woman had her origins in the man's body. The wonder of the marriage relationship can be seen best when we consider how it was the culminating act of God's creative activity.
Stuart