Proverbs 19

Verse 2 makes a very strong argument for education and the respect of experience. I remember the dreams of my youth. I had many desires that I wanted to accomplish. Fortunately I was encouraged to pursue education. That was the best guidence that I ever received. Not only was I able to study under some very capable teachers I was also allowed to experience some truely life changing events. The greatest was how I approached Jesus and his sacrifice. It took a few years and the consequences of some foolish choices, but God was able to teach me about his grace from my failures. Since that time I have grown in knowledge and am learning the truth of the second half of veres 2; haste often leads us in the wrong direction.
It took me about 5 minutes to read the wisdom in this chapter.
Stuart

Judges 16-18

After the Philistines captured Samson they had a celebration.  They claimed that their idol god, Dagon, had given them Samson.  But the title of the lesson from God could be; be careful what your “god” gives you since it may kill you.  We live in a society that has many “gods” even though those who worship them might not like that term.  But each of those things that are worshipped have the tendency to consume the worshippers.  We get pulled into the extremes of our worship and in the end that which we adore, to which we have poured out our devotion and time, separates us from life.  It kills us.  The Philistines were thanking Dagon for answering their petitions.  But Dagon’s answer led to the destruction of his temple and the death of those devoted to him.  Be careful what your “god” gives you.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 18

I know that I am guilty of this shame. I have seen others commit the same foolish act. But I find little comfort in knowing that we all grow impatient and presumptuious when we deal with other people. The foolishness is explained in verse 13; to give an answer before the entire question is heard. I can recall the cases when I caught myself with the realization that the answer I gave was more than just wrong. It was the answer to the question that WASN'T asked. No wonder it makes the answerer look foolish; they are foolish. The lesson I learned is to wait before giving an answer. Make sure the question is understood. I know there are times when the answer came to mind hours, and even days, after the question was asked. I think I need to leave the door open to answer those questions at a later time.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Judges 13-15

When Samson was ready to marry he sought out a wife from among the Philistines.  His parents knew he was a special gift from God and set aside as a Nazarite.  They must have been hoping that he would following God’s Law with all of his heart.  So they tried to persuade him to choose a wife from Israel.  But God had put the desire for the Philistine wife on Samson’s heart (14:4).  That is what makes God’s ways so difficult; they seem to change.  His ways are always just and true.  So how do we learn to understand what God is saying?  How do we know when a stirring of our heart is from God and when is it from our flesh?  There is no easy answer.  But that is what make the life of a Christian such a rewarding process.  When we learn to see God at work in the unusual circumstances of life we can give him thanks for being so real.

It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 71

We face a lot of difficulties in life. In verse 20 the psalms states that though God brings us into difficult times he will also raise us up from the despair of those times. Because of God we will see calamities, but also by God we will be revived. God does not desire for us to suffer but he also doesn't want to hide the harshness of this sin damaged world from our eyes. That would be just as wrong. We needs to approach life with the passion to get involved in the suffering we see as well as the trust in God that he will show us the light of his purpose in the darkness of evil.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Judges 10-12

I think the life of Jephthah is a wonderful picture of the value of people in God’s sight.  It doesn’t matter what our lineage or origins are.  When we respond in faith to God’s call he will use us.  Jephthah would have had trouble in our days as well because of his birth.  But God did not judge him based upon his father and mother’s immorality.  God equipped him to lead Israel, but for too many years they allowed their standards of worth to trump God’s standards.  Israel followed the pattern of the fathers and children in rejecting the person that God had chosen and equipped for the deliverance; blinded by their prejudices.  I know that it is a problem that I have faced and I have seen the church face repeatedly.  I know that too often my first reaction to someone who doesn’t match my theological prejudices is not positive.  I hope that by remembering the lessons of Jephthah’s life I will allow God to speak more quickly than I do.

It took me about 9 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Judges 7-9

Jotham son of Gideon survived his half-brother Abimelech’s slaughter of the other sons of Gideon.  But when he heard that the people of Shechem had made Abimelech their king he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim to accuse the people.  This is the mountain where half of the people of Israel stood to proclaim the message of blessings for obeying God’s Law.  I doubt that it was coincidental that Jotham spoke from this vantage point.  His allegory ended with a blessing or a curse, depending on the righteousness of the people’s actions.   Jotham’s message should ring in our ears as well.  As we choose any leader we need to honestly assess if they are the leader God has chosen or are they the leader that our cravings seek.  In the end both Abimelech and the people of Shechem fulfilled Jotham’s curse upon each other.  The spiritual conquences of rejecting God’s standards.

It took me about 18 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Judges 4-6

In Judges 6:11 we are introduced to Gideon son of Joash when an angel greets him. When Gideon hears the greeting from the LORD Gideon responds with two very blod questions and an accusation that God had abandoned Israel. Gideon wasn't spouting atheistic statements but he was definately frustrated by God's apparent indifference. God directed the boldness of Gideon toward those who were really oppressing Israel. It's as if God were saying. "If you're looking for a deliverer check out your own reflection. You are the deliverer I have chosen." Immediately Gideon's attitude reverses; God has taken up Gideon's challange. He will deliver Israel; by the hand of Gideon the cowardly complainer. I believe God often does that to us as well. When we argue with God about his performance he opens the door for us to make a contribution.  Itks like God is telling us, "Put up or shut up.". And normally he doesn't want us to shut up.
It took me about 18 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 70

There are basically two groups of people; those who measure themselves against others and those who depend on God. The first group may look at the struggles of another and feel elevated. Since they are not suffering the same fate then they rejoice; a joy based at the expense of others. There is a great difference in those who trust in the LORD. Their joy is based on their relationship with the God of eternity. If they face want they turn to God; waiting for the provisions that will come to them. They wait in confidence of the God of Israel.
It took just a minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Judges 1-3

Chapter 3 tells about the oppression of Israel under Cushan-rishathaim and later Eglon. Each king burdened Israel for 8 the 18 years before they cried out to God for help. I wonder why they waited. Was it because they spent those years wailing before the idols they chose to worship? Was Israel content with their oppression? God didn't reveal what event trigger their prayers but it must have been that enough people re-discovered their heritage in the LORD and then began to seek his face. I wonder if the time before their battles saw Othniel and Ehud proclaiming a message of repentance? I can picture those men and their followers as being some of the first to return to the tabernacle pleading with God for deliverance. Slowing watching God rebuild an army in Israel.
It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 69

The words of verse 3 speak for the multitude that has waited on God. Some wait in vain for God to submit to their demands. Others wait in confusion and agony for a clarity that makes sense only when sin and God's righteousness are ignored. But there are other who refuse to let the sorrow wash away their faith. The wait out of a stubborn determination that God may be silent but he is not idle. Others wait for a physical hope while stilling knowing that the eternal perfect hope is much better. Some wait, their eyes growing dim with age or fatigue, for God to close this chapter of life so that by his grace they might really have life in abundance. Verse 33 confirms the hope; "For the LORD hears the needy...."
It took me about 4 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Matthew 26-28

Jesus was convicted on the accusation that he would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days (26:61).  While hanging on the cross he was mocked regarding those same accusations (27:40).  He didn’t respond because he was fulfilling the very words that condemned him.  He chose to destroy the “temple” of his body, to tear it down because he had greater plans.  When Solomon’s temple was built it was spectacular in appearance.  When the temple was rebuilt under Zerubbabel it had much less splendor.  But Jesus would rebuild his temple with a glory unknown before.  It would possess an eternal glory that would never fade.  And he will pass on that glory to every person who follows him in faith.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this, with multiple interruptions.

Stuart

Psalm 68

Sing out praises to the LORD, the God os Israel. Verse 5 describes how God provides what the truely needy lack. The psalmist gives two examples; the orphan who needs paternal leadership and the widow who needs someone to secure what they have. God's eyes focus on the one who are the most vulnerable and who see the threats of deprivation daily.
It took me over 4 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Psam 67

What does it mean for "his face to shine upon us"? I think it is the glow of approval and acceptance as God looks in our direction. It might be the look of joy like a parent watching their child accomplish something great. There is an excitement in a parents heart with each new development toward maturity in the child. I think that is at least a small part of what the psalmist saw in God's attitude toward his people.
It took less than 1 minute to read this passage.
Stuart

Matthew 23-25

Jesus proclaimed seven woes on the scribes and Pharisees. Then he made a promise: that he would send to them more prophets, wise men, and scribes. I wonder if the idea that Jesus was sharing was a river of wise men so that even as the Pharisees abused and killed them more would follow in their steps? Because that is what happened. And they are still coming. Prophets are continuing to proclaim the message of Jesus and all of the auguments and abuses of the Jews have not been able to stem the tide. Jesus' words have again been proven true; the gates of death cannot stand against the church of the Christ.
It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 66

In verse 8 the psalmist proclaims a blessing on God. From that point through verse 12 the reason is given for that blessing; God's refining process. These words are not ones we like to assiciate with God: netted, crushing, ridden on, fire and water. These are the words of difficultiesn of pain, of strife, of loss. Yet these are the words of explanation of the blessing pronounced toward God. And the key is in verse 12: "You have brought us into abundance." It is not for the trials that God receives the greatest praise. It is the fruit of those trials that earn God the accolades. This was a truth that Paul and James taught Christians in the first century about the God who doesn't change.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Matthew 20-22

After his entry to Jerusalem like the king of the Jews Jesus visited the temple where he displayed his prophetic position and rebuked those who worshiped greed instead of God.  After that brief visit he went to Bethany for the night.  Surely it was a bitter-sweet day for him.  I wonder if he spent time in Gethsemane that night?  Though the greatest focus of his struggles is on the night that he was betrayed he surely knew this was the week on Sunday.  If he spent three hours praying on Thursday would he have spent more or less time in prayer each night before?  Would he have gone alone each night, or would he have taken all of his followers to join him?  I wonder if he longed for the prayer time more than the time with the people each day?

It took me about 20 minutes to read this; with a 15 minute interruption in the middle.

Stuart

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

Psalm 65

"Remember you did not choose me, but I have chosen you..." These words from Rich Mullins' song That Where I Am voice are God's words that he chose us. The writer of psalm 65 shares the same point in verse 4. But the psalm also tells us that such a choice will bring us joy and satisfaction. Everything that God has given us is for his glory and our blessing. Even difficulties are provided to bring us closer to God; and that's a good thing.
I spent about 4 minutes reading and re-reading this psalm.
Stuart

Matthew 17-19

What Peter, James, and John witnessed on the mountain of transfiguration is recorded at the beginning of chapter 17. I wonder how long it took for the apostles to realize who the two men speaking with Jesus were? Did Jesus introduce them? Did they understand who they were by God's prompting in their minds? Moses was the lawgiver and he represented to words of the Torah. Elijah was the great prophet who symbolized the accumulated writings of all the prophets. But God wanted the future leaders of his church to listen to Jesus.  And he said so in. Verse 5.
It took me about 15 minutes in two sessions to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 64

I can't thinkg of the last time I complained to God. A time when I clearly stated the what I saw wan't right and that he needed to address the situation. (I can think of a number of situations where that would be a legitimate complaint) I have asked God for wisdom to deal with seemingly hopeless situations or people. I have told God about circumstances that I can't address and that he will need to work within their scope without me. But even in those times I don't think that I have complained to God. This psalm starts out by stating a complaint.  David sought out God's heart. Those two truths tell me that it is OK to complain to God.
It took me less than 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Matthew 14-16

In 14:2 Herod thought tha Jesus was John the baptist raised from the dead. I wonder if Herod thought of ressuection like I do, or if he was concerned that John was back to haunt him? Surely Herod must have had a guilty conscience for his unjustified execution of John. I wonder if the thoughts of John plagued him every day. When he finally saw Jesus I wonder if he was relieved or was there still a little bit of anxiety over John?
It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 63

What is better than life? When people find themselves in pain due to severe physical or emotional suffering many seek death as an escape from the pain. But do we ever consider the splendor of God's love as being better than a life of joy and peace? When this physical life is bad almost anything is better. But when we are surrounded by tranquility what do we value most? I think one point to keep in mind is that the attributes of our life are shared by others. If we choose to pursue the God of everlasting love then there are others who might pursue the same God. All we need to do is share our hope in God.
It took me less than 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Matthew 11-13

How different the world might have been if Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon still stood in their grandure. But God was not ready to display his wonders in their presence. I wonder why? Did Lot speak of the God of Abraham to the people of Sodom? Did the king of Sodom forget the victory that God provided through Abraham? It was not because didn't show himself, he just didn't show himself as clearly. The Jews around Galilee should have seen God's work in Jesus.
It took me 24 minutes to read this passage. Mainly because I kept being interrupted.
Stuart

Psalm 62

What is it like for our soul to be silent? If our soul is the source of our emotional self then a silent soul could be one that is neither angry or elated. Waiting in silence implies a duration of time when the soul is subdued. I wonder if the psalmist is speaking of a time of fasting? I have encounter times during a fast when I am emotional quiet allowing my spirit to battle the hunger of the flesh. That would lead into the opening phrase:"For God alone...." What will truely satsfy the spiritual cravings we have other then the one who gave us the appetite? The psalmist might have felt that God was always looking for souls that seek to wait silently for God to act.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Matthew 8-10

The response of the people of Gadarenes has always troubled me.  Why did they ask Jesus to leave when he displayed God’s power by casting out the demons?  Surely the people knew the men who were possessed.  Some of them must have been neighbors.  Were they concerned that the demons would return?  Did they question that the men were no longer controlled?  Or was Jesus’ power so great that they feared to have him in their presence?  I wonder if the men had become local legends and Jesus’ freedom for them destroyed some local misconception about the spiritual realm?  Maybe they were more concerned about the loss of pigs then the restoration of people? 

It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Matthew 5-7

I spent about 13 minutes earlier today reading the whole of the sermon on the mount. I love to read it over and over again. Jesus introduced so many of Christianities foundational lessons in this passage. I am so accustomed to them it is hard for me to imagine who different his words sounded to those who first heard it. Jesus was over-turning the basic theology of the day. He moved it from self-piety to self-sacrifice to meet the needs of those around us. It was a call to serve God by giving our energy into the lives of other people. Salt and light were the first comparitive lessons of the sermon. From that I think I need to learn to be available for others to taste my faith, and be illuninated by God's mercy that flows from my mouth.
Stuart

Psalm 61

In verse 5 the psalm writer credits God with the heritage into which he was born. A heritage of those who had revered God. It was that heritage that presented the LORD as a shelter, a high rock, a strong tower, a sheltering tent, and a refuge. It was that heritage that had brought life, godly love, and the instructions of the Law. Even if our heritage is pagan or rebellious God can use those troubled examples to lead us back to him.
It only took a minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Psalm 60

It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm. I'm still pondering the message written down. I see the confession of sin and God presistent adherence to his promise to provide an inheritance in spite of Israel's unfaithfulness. In the last two verses I see the recognition that it is God who provides the courage, it is God who fights the battles, it is God who brings the victory. I wonder if this is a poetic application the Paul's teaching in Romans 8:28?
Stuart

Matthew 1-4

Matthew recorded the baptism of Jesus in 3:13-16 of his gospel.  It was another humbling event in Jesus’ life.  Everything that Jesus encountered in this life was so foreign to his divine existence; a physical body, poor working parents, multiple siblings.  Then to further associate himself with sinful mankind he submitted to John’s baptism; a baptism physically symbolizing the spiritual act of repentance.  A rite to display to others that the individual has changed their outlook on right and wrong, sinfulness and purity.  Jesus had no change of mind; because he already was on the right course in each area of the Law.  But there are at least two aspects of baptism that Jesus shares with us;  obedience to God and public humiliation.  To be dunked under water has been a sign of weakness since I was a child.  To allow someone to dunk you was a display of submission in that weakness.  Jesus wanted to show us the depths of his humility; so he chose to act in a way that all believers would recognize as pledge of obedience by a heart humble before God.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage

Stuart

Psalm 59

There are people who speak evil in hidden places and plan traps for the innocent and unsuspecting where no human ear is near. But in verses 7 and 8 David dispels that myth; God hears every plan and scoffs at the evil plans of the wicked. He is not far from the side of his people. When deliverence will give him the greatest glory then he will deliver, and deliver, and deliver again. God's power is unending, and his protection never fails. We can have confidence that his grace will cover all of the threats against us.
It took me almost 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Joshua 22-24

There is an example of a conflict within the nation of Israel that shows the tendency of human nature to react wrongly in a situation brings about potentially serious situations.  The warriors from the East side of the Jordan are released to head back home in the beginning of chapter 22.  Before the soldiers went to their own homes they built a super-sized altar.  Someone in the western tribes saw it and thought the worst; these tribes have set up their own altar on which to offer sacrifices.  The news spread like wild-fire and a reactionary army was formed to punish those “rebels.”  When confronted with the accusation the trans-Jordan tribes could have responded like their brothers with anger and threats, but calmer and wiser heads prevailed.  A simple explanation of the purpose of the altar calmed all fears of insubordination against God.  The matter was defused and a war was averted.  But why did it come so close to begin with?  Why wasn’t a messenger sent to ask the question before an army was assembled and the threats were made?  I think that it is the same lesson that James shared in 1:19 of his letter; “…be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry…”

It took me about 19 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Joshua 19-21

Joshua 20 details the selection of certain cities to be places of refuge for those who have accidentally killed someone.  They are not murderers, but it was by their hand that another person was killed accidentally.  The Hebrew word used in Joshua 20:2 for refuge is miklat.  This word was unique in that it was only used to describe the 6 cities that were chosen out of the inheritance to protect those guilty of unintentional death.  The NIV uses the English word "refuge" for some other Hebrew words that aren't related to this desciptor for the cities of refuge, but at least one of them offers a picture remencent of such a city. In Psalm 9:9 David uses the Hebrew word misgab to describe the LORD as a refuge.  The literal meaning could be a "lofty place that provides shelter."  To my mind the description is very figurative of God, but to the psalmist it may have been much more practical.  For a lofty city was much easier to defend, and attacks agains such places would have been mostly fruitless.  Both types of refuge are important to me; for I foolishly make choises that hurt others without malicous intent and I need a secure place where I can safely reside. The refuge in Joshua is intended to stay an injustice while the refuge in the Psalm is designed to ward off oppressive attacks of the enemy.
Quite frankly I'm not sure how long I needed to read this passage.  It was more than 10 minutes.

Psalm 58

It is ingrained in our hearts; the bad guy should never win. Our stories, both factual and fiction, focus on this demand. We all want the good guys to win and the bad guys to loose.  But the selfish sinful nature wants to rebell against God's kingship, so it needs a reminder. God provide this reminder by always providing for the righteous. He may may not work out things the way we want, but he will carry us through all of the difficult time that. We face.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Psalm 57

When all is falling apart around you: where do your turn? When people set traps to ensnare you in whom do you place your trust? Our answer to every challenge should be God;s peaceful shelter.
It took me a little over 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Joshua 16-18

Most of these chapters deal with the description of the land that was being divided into the tribal inheritances for Joseph and Benjamin.   But in 17:16 we find the leaders of the people of Joseph complaining about their inheritance.  When they looked at the people living in Bethshean and Jezreel they were not happy because their war equipment.  They seemed to have forgotten how effective God had been in driving out the Canaanites throughout much of the land.  But the people’s complaint was rebuffed by Joshua, “You shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”  What the leaders of Joseph did not see Joshua did; God would fight for them.

It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Joshua 13-15

I can’t imagine meeting 85 year-old Caleb son of Jephunneh.  I think he would have been a very scary man.  Scary not because of his appearance, but because of his faith.  He completely trusted God to do amazing things.  Scripture doesn’t reveal what it was in his life that increased his level of faith to that point, but it was a faith that he had for most of his life.  Just as his strength had not diminished between the ages of 40 and 85, so had his faith remained constant.  At the age of 40 he believed God would deliver the Promised Land into Israel’s hand, and 45 years later he saw the fruit of that faith.  I would think that his faith would have grown larger, and I believe that the verses in 14:6-12 show that it did.  Caleb asked for the hill country.  If he were looking at the upcoming battles from a human perspective the hill country would have been the worst destination.  It would have been easier to defend, and the terrain would have repelled most attackers.  But Caleb believed that God could do anything; even conquer the cities on top of a hill.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 56

"In God I trust" This is the motto of the United States. Long before it was a political statement to counterbalance communism is was a statement of confidence in this and other psalms. The real power in that phrase is displayed in the words that follow; "I shall not be afraid. What can flesh (men) do to me?" David trusted in God in his times of fear. I don't know if the fear melted away or was gone in an instant. But trusting in God must have replaced the fear of men. Faith overcomes enemies and God receives the praise and adoration that he deserves.
It took me almost 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Joshua 10-12

Israel took on the armies of 5 kings at Gibeon. They attacked after an all-night march and God gave them the victory. In 10:11 it is recorded that God threw down huge hailstones on the fleeding Amorite armies, killing more soldiers than Israel did with the sword. Though Israel was doing her part God did even more. That is a lesson that God is still seeking to teach his people. When we are faithful to obey him he will provide us with the victory in our work PLUS he will accomplish still more for the glory of his name.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 55

The basic point of the psalm could be summarized in the first three and last verse. But we would not have access to the depths of dispair and fear that the psalmist lays before the LORD. When he gives God his situations he leaves them in God's very capable hands. I know that I struggle with knowing the situations with which God wants me to address and which ones he hopes I will give to him. (Actually he wants me to take every situation to him and then let him choose the ones he will give back.  Those are the ones upon which I must act in faith) So does this psalm help me? Some what. It's always good to have the reminder: give your burdens to the LORD.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Joshua 7-9

How bad were the Gibeonites?  Throughout the Law God explained that he was expelling the people who dwelt in the Promised Land before Israel because of their wicked lives.  Sexual immorality and abuse was rampant, idol worship was the normal, and children were often the sacrifices made to these false gods.  We can only imagine the decadence of the culture that dwelt in that land before Israel entered the scene.  The destruction of Jericho and Ai was enough to convince the leaders of the Gibeonites that they would not survive Israel’s assault so the ruse was developed.  They did not fight Israel because they knew they could not win, so they played a lie hoping to deceive God’s people.  It should not be considered coincidental that they followed the same tactic that Satan used in the Garden of Eden and every attack on people since that time.  The kingdom of darkness has no effective weapon against God’s truth.  The only hope is to catch God’s people unaware of the scheme.  Then in their self-confidence they will comply with the terms of an unholy covenant.  The lesson to me is “What out.  Your enemy, the Devil, roams about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devourer.” (my paraphrase of 1 Peter 5:8)

It took me 16 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 54

It took me less than 1 minute to read this psalm, but I had to read it a few times to consider the message. It must have been a very difficult time for David while he fled from Saul and the army of the LORD. David knew that Saul's intentions were based upon false claims against David's character. But to have a city of strangers seek to surrender David to Saul as if he were guilty must have been an extra heaping of discouragement. As David fled again he turned to God with a plea of deliverence. God granted David's plea but David was actively involved as he fled the area. I know that when I ask God to provide for me I want him to do ALL the work. God normally has different ideas. Growth in God's kingdom always cost the disciple something.
Stuart

Psalm 53

Why did the psalmist dispair regarding the lack of faith in God's people? Where there so many fools in the streets of Israel that justice was being perverted through out the kingdom? What salvation was the focus of verse 6? What fortunes, mentioned in the same verse, was lacking? This psalm looks not to people for hope, nor to any govenor as a savior. God is the one who would provide deliverence and provisions for his people. He would provided them in his time , and in his way. Just as he does today.
It took me just a minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Joshua 4-6

I wonder what the people of Jericho thought about the nation of Israel? First they had destoyed the kings on the east side of the Jordan. Then they camped there for 30 days mourning Moses' death. Their God stopped the flow of the Jordan so that the people could cross over on dry ground. When they had setup camp near the city all their soldiers were incapacitated for a few weeks by some strange rite (5:8) which was followed by a week long celebration of the Passover(5:10). The military leaders of Jericho must have been perplexed. If Israel was this unstopable army they didn't seem to be in a hurry.
It took me 12 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Joshua 1-3

I wonder how old Rahab was when the spies visited her?  Was she alive 40 years prior when Israel walked through the waters of the Red Sea?  She had heard the story and had lived in dread.  All of Jericho received the news of Israel’s victory over Sihon and Og on the east side of the Jordan River.  The unfolding of these events caused the people’s resolve to melt away with fear.  Rahab made a confession of faith in the LORD of Israel to the spies whom she hid from the king’s men.  As she explained the people’s concern over Israel’s unstoppable advance how did the spies respond?  I wonder how she felt the next week when eye witnesses told how the flooded Jordan went completely dry?  What did she believe about our God when she realized the power that he held over nature?  It would be a number of days before Israel came to Jericho; I wonder what stories Rahab shared with her family as they waited in terror?  How was her faith tested during those days of waiting for God’s destruction and liberation for her family?

It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 52

We can look back over history, both recorded and archeological, and see a variety of good leaders and bad leaders. All of them have died in their time, but who's names are remembered? What evidence remains of each kingdom? Rulers who rejected God may be remembered but only with disdain. Godly rulers and people or renown blanket the pages of history. Some were covert in their expression of faith to their contemporaries, but have left obvious trails to we who have inherited their work. Those are the same thought that begin psalm 52. The writter admonishes us to seek God. Almost like Jesus guided us in Matthew 6:33.
It took me slightly longer than 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

James 3-5

I noticed that James approaches the close his letter on the same subject with which he opened it; suffering.  In 5:10 he combines suffering with the need for patience.  When do we see the joy in suffering?  I think it is when we look at the end that God is seeking to develop in each of us.  What does it take to get to that end?  Patience.  So if the end of our trial is a long-time in coming that does not mean that God has forgotten or abandoned us.  It may mean that we need to develop a godly patience so that God can refine our hearts to be more in line with his will.  Even from my perspective I can see how God’s will is a good thing for me.

It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 51

Just like in psalm 50 there is the recognition in psalm 51 that God's reasons for requiring an animal sacrifice was for a different reason than pagan gods. The LORD does not look for appeasement through animals burnt on an altar. God looks closely at the heart of the one making the sacrifice. Is their heart broken over their sin? Do they realize the depths of God's mercy that results in their forgiveness? Do they understand that a slaughtered calf does not remove the stain of sin from a man or woman? This psalm begins with the recognition that the first offence in any sin is against God. THAT is the attitude I need to allow God to develop in me.
It took me about two minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

James 1-2

Why is that faith needs to be tested?  Since James opens his letter with the encouragement to embrace trials as a Christian “duty” I think it is important to find a satisfactory answer for my question.  I know that there are a number of things in this life that we take by faith only to have that faith proven unjustified.  I bought a washing machine.  I paid a lot of money for it, much more than I had planned.  It promised to wash my clothes while saving money and electricity.  Some “professional testers” claimed to have put that model of clothes washer through their tests and it performed well.  I demanded no other testing.  But over time I tested the machine, and it FAILED.  It did save water, but it didn’t get the clothes clean.  Now I am frustrated, dejected, and about to take a monetary loss because I did not test the washer.  God wants our faith to be tested to show us what he is doing in our lives.  He doesn’t want us to take somebody else’s word about him; he wants to display his grace in our lives firsthand.  When God’s grace carries us through the test we KNOW that God has prevailed and we have not FAILED.  Then we will continue to pour our thanks on him, and love him all the more.  At least that’s what I think.

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart