Ecclesiastes 2

The teacher looked back on his life and carefully examined all that he had done. As he scanned through the years he recalled sorrows and happiness. But where was the fulfilment of the godly desire that is built into all men? I was recently confronted with a heart-rending tragedy in the life of a dear friend. I saw in that situation some of the pain that still lingers in my life when I made similarly selfish choices. But I also look on the work that God has done before me and through me and it is in the godliness that I see my appitites were satisfied. The sacrifices of selfishness that God had led me to make produced the situations that brought me the greatest satisfaction as well as the most bolsterous joy. That is the summary of chapter 2 as presented in verses 24-26.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Luke 13-15

I had never connected the parable of the mustard seed and yeast with the healing of a crippled woman on the Sabbath (13:10-19).  Luke records a “therefore” as Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed.  Maybe I’m misunderstanding what Luke was being led to say, but they seem to be connected.  I wonder if the idea is that our faith cannot remain stagnated.  When we learn one lesson God is preparing to teach us another lesson.  We can’t become comfortable with our faith because the Holy Spirit will continually lead us into new and challenging encounters with the truth of God’s nature and how he wants to reveal his work in our lives.  Our Christian walk will start by obeying the commandments but we can’t sit still proclaiming how faithful we are to God.  He wants us to reach out with grace not commandments.  A servant’s attitude is a greater tool in God’s hand than a judge.  Maybe I’m wrong but that does make sense to me.

It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 1

The end of the first chapter is weighed down with words of frustration and insight. Frustration because that in which we tend to put the greatest value, this existence, offers us so little. As we learn more earthly knowledge we find ourseleves emptier. The more complicated our thoughts the more complex are the questions we face. That may be one reason why Jesus calls us to a "child-like" faith. If we complicate the truth of the Gospel we will only find it more complex. The simpler we explain it the less effort is required to accept it.  In this world great thinks need volumes to express themselves. In God's kingdom the greatest is not one who speaks but one who serves.
It took me a couple minutes to read the begining of this book of wisdom.
Stuart

Luke 10-12

Jesus’ talks about readiness in Luke 12:35-48.  He begins that discourse by challenging us to be dressed for action.  I wonder if this was the basis for Paul’s discourse on the armor of God in Ephesians 6?  I wonder if I am being as active as I should be?  The actions that Jesus desires to see in us include all the expressions of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), those actions to which the early church was devoted (Act 2:42-47), plus numerous other details spread throughout the Bible and written onto each of our hearts.  When we are active in the areas where Jesus has placed us I believe we will not tire or grow restless.  The Holy Spirit will enable to be about Kingdom work with joy and peace. Even if there seems to be no end.  The fruit of our service will be evident to us and God will encourage us daily.  That is how I see the servant being about the masters work.

It took me about 23 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 94

I believe one message from this psalm is that every battle I face as a Christian is not mine to win. My participation in each struggle is to remain faithful. But there is a confidence behind such an attitude; God WILL win every battle! Unfortunately for our egos God's victories do not always display themselves as human victories. Fortunately for us we serve a God who understands our egos and will help us through that struggle. The principles in this psalm are the foundation for Jesus' difficult commands. Turning the other cheek, carrying the extra mile, blessings in responce to curses. We are to act in this way because that is how God fights. He uses the ultimate weapon; love. And we know that love never fails.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Luke 7-9

If you had only one opportunity to encounter Jesus in person what circumstance would you choose? Would you choose the terminal illness of your only son (7:11-17), daughter(8:49-56), or most faithful servant(7:2-10)? Would you crash a dinner party knowing that you would be mock or completely ignored(7:36-50)? What about a graveyard where the "voices" drove you mad(8:26-39)? In truth I don't think that any of the people Jesus encountered in the above situations planned to seek out this teacher where they were. But they took the chance to approach Jesus just as they were and were rewarded with the full expression of God's power. We don't have to be ready to come to Jesus, but we do need to be willing. When we combine that surrender with faith God can and will do amazing things.
It took me well over 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 93

"Holiness befits your house" is part of the final stanza of this psalm. It refers to God's house; the collection of people who make up his family. The people who choose to follow his grace are seperated in purpose from the people who ignore or reject God. The phrase would fit well on every place of worship but also every Christian home. Holiness to the LORD should become our daily standard. And this holiness is tempered by the greatness of who God is and his desire to dwell with us. Jesus' blood is adequate to bring every person under Christ's sheltering love.
It only took 1 minute to read this passage.
Stuart

Luke 4-6

In chapter 6 verse 35 Jesus commanded the crowd that followed him to love their enemies with the actions of their lives. In chapters 4 and 5 Jesus had already lived out that difficulkt practice. Everywhere he went the religious experts nit-picked everything he and his closest followers did. Jesus persisted in proclaiming God's truth. Though his detractors sought to bring him down and ruin his reputation nothing they did could stop God moving on earth.
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 92

The heading on this psalm indicates that it was intended for the Sabbath. It is a reminder that God sets everything right. Those who seek God and honor him; they are the ones who understand who he is, how he works, and where he is leading. To grasp God's position is to also understand his expressions of righteousness and judgment. He does not ignore the rebellion of the sinner. He works to restore them, but only if they will. And those who hold fast to his truths; God refines so that they reflect his glory even more. He is a wonderful God.
One minute was all that I needed to read this psalm.
Stuart

Luke 1-3

Mary went to visit Elizabeth and Zechariah after the visit of the angle and the announcement of her miraculous pregnancy (Luke 1:39).  I wonder how many times previously Mary had visited this older couple.  Scriptures do not reveal the exact relationship between Mary and the elderly priestly couple.  Regardless of the relationship they were familiar people with whom Mary must have visited often as she grew up.  I wonder if anyone travelled with Mary?  I can’t imagine a young woman travelling all by herself.  She lived in Galilee to the north and Elizabeth lived somewhere probably south of Jerusalem.   How many times had the child Mary run up to Elizabeth and hugged her?  How many times did Elizabeth listen to the little girl chatter on about anything and nothing.  Did Elizabeth have a glimmer of understanding of what God saw in the girl on her lap.  What lessons did Elizabeth teach Mary about God and his greatness?  These are all questions that will never be answered.  I ponder such questions to help me picture the reality of the people that God used to bring about his plan of eternal redemption.  When I grasp the simple people that God used to do great things I can be encouraged that he seeks to use me to work out small parts of his Kingdom even now.

It took me about 22 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

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

Psalm 91

I often view the "shadow" of someone else as an obstacle to the things that I desire. This psalm speaks of God's shadow as a source of security and confidence. For someone to cast their shadow on me they must be very close to me. Someone far away can not interfere with the light that shines on us; they have virtually no impact on our lives. God's message of closeness is repeated throughout the Bible. I believe that this psalm was also written to help us through the difficulties of this life.
It took me almost 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Kings 22-25

Chapter 22 verse 2 describes Josiah’s rule as doing “what was right in the eyes of the LORD…”.  Yet it appears that Josiah had never heard or read the Law of Moses.  When the young king began to rule the worship of Judah must have been a composition of many gods including the LORD.  But his heart was attracted to the worship of the LORD.  He finally heard the revelation of God when he was 26 years old.  Before that he must have heard bits and pieces of God’s truth.  Maybe his theology was formed around the psalms and songs of worship that were directed to the God of Israel.  They were a good start, but it was not the full revelation of the Law.  It seems to me that the Passover had been ignored in the first 18 years of his rule.  When he read the Law his heart was changed.  He sought God whole-heartedly.  God looked at Josiah’s intent and addressed him accordingly.  I believe that God is the same today; desiring to put our pasts under the blood of Jesus when we surrender to him.  Josiah’s life is a prime example of how God works with believers in a corrupt world.  It offers us a message of encouragement as we deal with a culture that elevates selfishness and rejects God.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 90

Toil and trouble; that's how Moses described the events of our lives. I wonder how old Moses was when he penned this psalm? Did he compose these words as he prepared to climb the mountain to die? Or was this composition from his "early" years of leading the people of Israel. Was he in his 80's or older? He understood the contrast between God's eternal spirit and our mortal selves. I think that he presents the difference here in order to also show us God's power. That is one truth we need to fully grasp as we grow in our lives of faith. 
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Kings 19-21

In chapter 19 Isaiah responded to Hezekiah's plea with a poem. God is like that. In the midst of our great tragedies and threats God begins to sing. He reciunts the previous displays of his power and his ability to deliver. This was the very message that Hezekiah needed to hear. We should not be surprised when God responds to our situations in similar manner. Rather we should be encouraged that our God is able and willing to deliver us.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 89

As the psalmist recounts the circumstances of this world he finds little to celebrate except in the LORD. There is trouble all around and only one sure truth to provide stability; God's steadfast love. His love is not restricted toward his people when they rebel. He doesn't change to terms of his covenant or the end of his promises. Just as God's nature remains constant so does the results of what he has promised. The Father is persistently working to re-create us more completely in his image as he revealed in Jesus.
It took me 6 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Kings 15-18

Because Hezekiah followed David’s heart in pursing God he must have felt God’s heart ache as Samaria was besieged and eventually conquered.  He knew that God had provided the northern kingdom as a part of the inheritance for the people of Israel.  The sorrow of the Hezekiah was soon compounded by the fear of Assyria moving against Jerusalem.  “Will the LORD completely reject all of his people?” Hezekiah may have asked God.  And what did he do when he first heard the words of the Assyrian messengers?  His heart was overwhelmed with grief.  All he could do was present his case before the LORD.  Maybe God would stop this madman from pillaging all of God’s inheritance.  Hezekiah might have wondered if his reforms and dedication to God had been ignored.  When in reality God was refining Hezekiah’s faith.  The king had trusted God as he stood up to the immorality of the people he ruled.  Would Hezekiah remain faithful against a people who did not fear God at all, and sought only to build an empire?

It took me 21 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

2 Kings 12-14

What a loss it was to Israel when Elisha died. One of the few voices who fervently spoke the truth of God's word in the nation now lay silent. King Jehoash recognized his position and sought his guidence while he lay on his death-bed. But the last recorded words of Elisha where words of disappointment. Jehoash still did not have the LORD's fire in his life. He must have missed the urgency in the dying prophet's words. So he did not receive God's deliverence. What a memory to carry with you as a king leading a troubled nation.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 88

Do the dead lift up their voices in praise to God? When the psalmist asked this question I think he would have answered, "No." Whether it is true of not one thing is equally as true; the living will never hear the dead if they do praise God. I don't think that the righteous dead are silent even though the living rebels are mute. The living who know their position before God call out to God for help and protection. That is one lesson that I feel we need to learn; to trust in God to provide our needs.
I was able to read this psalm in just over 1 minute.
Stuart

2 Kings 8-11

I see one main lesson carried in the stories of the lives of these rulers of Israel and Judah. God does not ignore rebellion or take it lightly. These stories tell of the execution of hundreds, if not thousands, or people in Israel and dozens in Judah. But I see this slaughter as the fulfillment of God justice. The warning given in the garden has not changed. Those who rebelled against God were double dead. The leaders of the Israel knew that God sought their hearts, but their pride did not allow them to step away from the idol worship that Jeroboam and initiated. It seems to me that they were more interested in being king than in following God.  Which is the same danger every leader must confront.
It took me 20 minutes to read the stories of rebellion.
Stuart

Psalm 87

"Where were your born?" That is a very common question to ask a friend. It is often surprising to hear the answers. When the person answering is over 60 and from a rural area "at home" is a very legitimate answer. The state of Kentucky has the claim as the birth place for president Lincoln. And other notable people mention with fondness the place of their birth. This psalm speaks of the day of hope for which Israel look toward. The day when Jerusalem is not mentioned as a wasted city. One day the nations will honor those who claim Zion as their home. But I think that God looked past the physical city and the births that were recorded there. I believe he was pointing to a new birth for those of the nations; a birth of faith. And the birthplace will be the NEW Jerusalem (aka the church). That is how I view the ultimate fulfilment of this psalm.
It only took me a minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Kings 5-7

Naaman must have gone through some very emotional swings when he dealt with Elisha.  The first time he approached the prophet he was filled with hope.  He had been living with a dread disease for quite some time and his slave girl had spoken of a prophet of God who could indeed cure what was believed to be incurable.  His steps may have been somewhat tentative but he climbed the hill to Elisha’s house in faith.  When he left the house his mood was quite different.  2 Kings 5:12 said he was in a rage.  That is often the response we people have when we try to confront God on our terms.  He always gives us his terms and they never meet our expectations.  We see God’s message as either far too difficult to complete or as foolish and meaningless words.  Naaman’s response was quite normal when we consider the ravages of sin on our lives.  But Naaman’s initial faith had made his heart fertile ground for God’s word. The seed was planted by Elisha’s servant, and water by one of the general’s servants.  As the power of God’s word slowly melted Naaman’s anger he responded in faith once again and went into the water.  When he came up out of the water Naaman again walked in faith; not that he would be healed but that he would worship no other God but the LORD.  With the passion of a man saved from the brink of death he strode triumphantly back up the hill to the house of Elisha.  A truly penitent man he began seeking God’s favor in all of his life.  When his offer of a reward was refused he walked away in the peace of the LORD.  A new man. A man changed by the word of the LORD.

It took me 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

2 Kings 1-4

I wonder if God enjoys music above all the other arts? In chapter 3 verse 15 Elisha calls for a musician. We don't know what the musician played or if Elisha sang a song of praise, but we are told that God spoke to his prophet while the music played. I can imagine the picture of three kings pacing back and forth while Elisha sang a song about God's love. The worried looks on the faces of the kings was a dramatic contrast to the joy and peace of worship that shone from Elisha. I wonder how the musician felt playing to such an audience?
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage yesterday.  I forgot to send it out..
Stuart

Psalm 86

If I want to travel to a destination I need to learn a number of things. I'll need to learn where it is located, the best mode of transportation to get there, and what to take with me for the journey. Though the path I follow to reach the destination may vary and will impact the provisions I will need to take nothing I do will modify the location of the destination. Likewise we have access to God when we embrace the truth about God; that he is real, he seeks a relationship with us, and he sent Jesus to bring us back to him. David calls out to God to teach him God's ways that he may walk in God's truth. We all need to lift up that prayer. We all need to spend more time walking on the path of truth toward God's presence.
It took me almost 2 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 85

The psalmist recalls the restoration of God in the past and recognizes that it His righteousness that leads the way for his people. After his repentance and plea for forgiveness it is the request for God's steadfast love that caught my attention. In that love lives are changed, hope is restored, and attitudes are renewed. By God's love we see our value to the only creator and understand the depth to which he will reach to rescue us. I am so thankful for God's staedfast love.
I spent about 1 minute reading this psalm.
Stuart

Philemon

Verses 8 and 9 of this letter display the type of leadership that Paul sought to exemplify in his life.  He wanted to lead others to choose to do right, making the sacrifices that would please and honor God.  Throughout the history of the church some of the most notable leaders chose what Paul rejected; command.  God laid out the first commandment to Adam and then Eve; don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  He accompanied the commandment with an explanation of the consequences that awaited the rejection of this commandment.  But he allowed a choice.  Likewise Paul allowed Philemon a choice; to help Paul’s work or to hinder it.  It appears that Paul is explaining that Onesimus’ freedom, or the forgiveness of his indebtedness, is the key.  Weren’t we all indebted to God because of our sins?  Didn’t God set us completely free of that debt through Christ’s sacrifice?  Didn’t Jesus give us the commandment to forgive as we have been forgiven?  Did he limit that forgiveness to personal offenses of others?  These verses are a good reminder to me of how I should interact with others; displaying Christian love as the primary motive for any request I may wish to see advanced.

It took me about 2 minutes to read this letter of Paul.

Stuart

Psalm 84

In the days of the Jewish temple God revealed that his name would dwell among his people in that building. His presence would remain there as long as his people were faithful to him. Paul understood that the new temple of God is not a place; it is a people. Therefore the dwelling of God is in the midst of those who believe in him. That is where he places his name. We can "update" this psalm to apply to Christian by substituting parts of the church for parts of the temple. Verse 4; "Blessed are those whose lives are based among your assembled believers, ever singing your praise."
Verse 10; "For a day in the gathering of your people is better than a thousand elsewhere."
It took about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Jonah

Did you ever wonder what happened to all the men sailing with Jonah to Tarshish?  While Jonah spent three days in a fish belly those men continued on to their destination.  Imagine the stories the men told when they landed in the port.  The heights of the waves growing each time the story of was repeated.  “The crashing of the storm against the sides of the boat.”  “How many times were we nearly washed out of the boat? “ “How many time did the ship list so far that we feared we would capsize?”  “The sails were useless against the gale.”  “The oars were like toothpicks in the water.”  But every story centered on the strange man from Israel.  He said he was attempting to flee from his God so that he wouldn’t have to go to Nineveh.  This Jonah claimed that the God he worships rules land AND sea.  The men on the boat had never know any god to respond like Jonah’s God did.  Jonah said to cast him overboard and then his God would calm the storm, which he did when the men reluctant followed Jonah’s instructions.  Surely the story spread through Tarshish like wildfire after the boat was docked.  I wonder how quickly the story was passed along on the trade routes.  Maybe the story of a Jew named Jonah being sacrificed to the God of the land and the sea arrived in Nineveh before the prophet did.  I wonder if the people of Nineveh began looking for a Jew named Jonah?  I wonder if the sailors’ story prepared the way for Jonah’s message?   God could have used both to lead the people of Nineveh to humble their hearts before him.

It took me about 10 minutes to read this book.

Stuart

Psalm 83

What God establishes we are not at liberty to tear down. This song tells about those who sought to exploit and abuse Israel. The call is for God to act on behalf of his promises. He told Abraham that he would curse those who cursed him and his descendants. So God's justice should bring down judgment on those who sought to destroy the Israel of the Abrahamic covenant. Is it any less true for the "Israel" of God's new covenant of grace? Does that mean a persecuted church has fallen from grace? On the contrary; it may be refined into a more glorious witness of God's power through such troubles. The end of the psalm should be the end message of the church; the LORD is Most High over all the earth.
It took me almost 2 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Kings 22

If we persist in rejecting God how will he respond?  I think the final chapter of Ahab’s life answers that question.  God had been patient with Ahab and had rescued him a number of times.  But Ahab continue to focus on what Ahab wanted and not what the LORD desired.  The time came and God chose Ramoth-gilead as the place where Ahab would die.  God used a random arrow to bring down the arrogant king.  The prophet Micaiah had the difficult job of presenting the news to a king who was in constant rebellion against God.  I wonder what happened to Micaiah?  How long did he linger under the hand of Amon and Joash before he was released or killed?  Ahaziah probably didn’t spare the one who proclaimed his father’s death.  But Micaiah was steadfast and fearless in his passion to speak the word of truth from God.

It took me about 8 minutes to read this chapter.

Stuart

1 Kings 19-21

I wonder what the un-named prophet thought when God led him to seek a battle injury? (20:35) His request was very unusual; "Strike me, please." I know my Mom would be thrilled to know that I was polite in my request. It shows the extent that God would go to present a lesson that people could understand. When he finally found a friend who would strike him the blow was severe to the point of injury. But that is what God wanted. So this prophet approached king Ahab wounded and disguised and confronted him  with God's judgment on Ahab and his family. I think this paints a beautiful picture of the change that God will bring to our heart when we allow him to get ahold of us.
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Kings 16-18

This passage is full of subtle displays of God power over kings and flour jars. Ahab brought a queen and her idols from Sidon into God's promised land. So while there was punishment on the land, via drought, God hid his prophet in the land of Sidon. While Elijah was there he found a poor widow who feared God and took him in. I wonder if she emptied the flour jar everyday or was there still a little flour leftover when she want to bed? I picture her pouring the entire contents of the jars of flour and oil into a mixing basin. Then the next day she opens the jar to find the total amount of flour to feed her family for that day. In the same way God renews our strength in him day by day.
It took me about 21 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 82

One of the most important lessons in life is to learn that each one of us is accountable to someone in higher authority. The best lesson to learn in that the highest authority of all is an attentive, loving, powerful God. When we learn these two truthes then we can begin to enjoy the freedom that God has planned for us within his kingdom.
It took me less than 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Kings 13-15

I can picture a religious feast going on.  The king is celebrating with his invited guests the power of his rule and the security that he will bring to the land.  The new altar is all prepared and the appointed priests have slaughtered the sacrifices.  The king steps up to the altar to proclaim a blessing and place the sacrifice on the fire.  The music stops in preparation for the kings pronouncement, but a bystander speaks first; “O altar, altar thus says the LORD…..” is how he introduced his condemnation.  The king is aghast, who would dare to speak out over the king.  And what is this message of judgment that he is speaking.  The king’s anger flares and pointing at this rebel yells to his guards, “Seize him!”  As the guards swarm around the man they hear the king shout out in agony.  The frightened king might have shouted; “My arm.  My arm.  I can’t move it.”  Then a rumbling of an earthquake and to the horror of all the special guests the altar breaks apart spilling the fire and the ashes of earlier sacrifices on the ground.  Everyone is dismayed and as the shaking stops they begin asking one another what this could mean.  The only peaceful face in this tumultuous crowd is firmly in the grasp of some very confused royal guards. 

Finally king Jeroboam turns his fearful face from the destroyed altar to the man who had interrupted his speech.  Any thought of a swift execution has disappeared.  Jeroboam had heard the voice of an earlier prophet proclaim him as king over Israel.  This time God sent bad news; even if Jeroboam rebuilds the altar a son of David will come and destroy it.  Jeroboam cannot escape the family of David.  Too bad he didn’t realize that he had rebelled against God and not Rehoboam.

It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 81

We crave food to satsify the God-given need to sustain our physical bodies. There are a variety of meals that will satisfy our hunger. We seek relationships with others to fulfill the hunger of our emotional selves. We have multiple friendships that will complete the breadth of inter-relational longings that we have. This psalm expresses that truth and makes the subtle connection to our spiritual passions for which there is only one who can meet that thirst. That passion will be completely satisfied when we persistently pursue God's love for us.
It took me almost 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Kings 11-12

Solomon’s father lifted up a lament when he heard of the death of Saul and his sons. (2 Samuel 1)  Repeatedly he sang out the pained phrase; “How the mighty have fallen!”  God had raised up Saul and his sons to the height of influence and honor in Israel and from that place in God’s kingdom they fell.  Saul fell to his pride and Jonathan fell to the Philistines’ sword.  David expressed his grief over the death of the king whom God had selected to shepherd his covenant people.    The same song could be sung about Solomon and Rehoboam.  Yet both of these kings fell to idolatry; Solomon rejected God’s covenant and replaced him with false gods.  Rehoboam rejected God’s wisdom and replaced it with the wreckless plans of young fools.  In their fall they lost favor with God which is a greater loss than any worldly title.  The lesson I see here is to keep a tight control on my desires and seek God’s lead in everything.

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 80

When I was young my brother and I took turns mowing the yard. Over the years Dad bought many riding lawn mowers, and he expected us to mow the yards around our house, my grand parent's house, a lot my grandpa owned, and the grass at the lumber yard where Dad worked.  In one of thos yards Dad planted an apple tree. He hoped that it would produce some apples that he could enjoy. His hopes where dashed when in my inattention I mowed over the tree, chopping it to smitheriens. I can only think that Dad must have felt a little like God as this psalmist reflects. For God had planted a choice vine with the hope of sharing in its fruit. But malicious neighbors destroyed the vine. How else would we expect the God who cares for us to act? We would expect him to respond in any way to rescue the vine and rebuke those who destroyed it. I was rebuked when I mowed down the tree, but Dad displayed his grace by continuing to feeding and sheltering me.
It took me less than 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Kings 9-10

I know that I have read the Bible multiple times. In that process God has opened up the meaning of many scripture passages. Many of those passages have convicted me of my faults. All of them speak of God's faithfulness to his nature. The first part of chapter 9 deals with that as well. God reminded Solomon who had placed the king on the throne and what response Solomon and those that followed him would need. If Solomon would teach his children to obey God then surely his sons would pass on the same important truths to each subsequent generation. We need to follow the same practice. One major task of each generation is to prepare the next generation to carry the gauntlet of faith,
It took me 10 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 79

I believe there will be times in our lives when those who reject and mock God will prevail over the covenant people. Sometimes because of corporate sins and other times because of the need to refine our faith. Like Israel at the time of this psalm it will appear that God has abandoned his people to the whims of the worldly. But I don't believe that is true. God has promised to never leave his people and his indwelling Spirit is a seal of that promise. We need to hold on to God's presence.
It took me just over 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Kings 7-8

It was early one late summer day in Israel when the ark was picked up.  It had sat in a tent that King David had erected as a shelter that would be near his dwelling for a number of years.  Now the work on the temple that David had dreamed about was completed and Solomon finished the task of moving the ark of God’s covenant into its place at the heart of the temple.  It was a wonderful celebration in Jerusalem that began on the day the ark was moved and lasted for a whole week.  But what was happening around the globe?  Was there a strange hush in the forests of Europe?  Did the Chinese people sense any change in the appearance of the darkening sky?  Were the natives of the Americas disturbed in their sleep by an unusual feeling?  Did the herdsmen of Asia find their flocks unsettled?  As Solomon lifted up his voice to God he closed his prayer with the plea that God is using the church to answer. “..that all the peoples of the earth my know that the LORD is God; there is no other.” (2 Kings 8:60)  Have we Christians heard that prayer?  Are we open the God as he works through us to bring a positive answer to Solomon’s request?

It took me about 20 minutes to read these two chapters.

Stuart

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

1 Kings 4-6

The begining of chapter 4 is composed of a list of high officials in Solomon's court. One of the men mentioned was Zabud. He was the son of Nathan and was priest while Solomon was king. Zabud also had the distinction of being called the king's friend (verse 5). I wonder what it meant to be considered Solomon's friend? Does that mean Zabud and Solomon hung out with each other? Or was that a time when Solomon asked Zabud for painfully honest throughts on what the King had done or was planning to do. Maybe Zabud was the first to know that Solomon was straying from God's purpose for him. Being the friend of the king could be very demanding. I wonder what sort of friend I would have been to Solomon?
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Kings 1-3

What led Adonijah to proclaim himself as king? Had he been assisting his father in judging the people? Had he taken his father's place on the battlefield? Or was he following in Absolom's footsteps and rebelling against David's rule? The reason is not clear to me. What is clear is that the text gives no indication that he sought to be annointed by the priest as king. He chose instead to establish his rule through political alliances. Through that process he was ignoring God's involvement in the rule of Israel. In contrast 3:3 says that Solomon loved the LORD as was willing to wait for God's action to establish the next king on David's throne. That must be the primary reason that Solomon was selected as king.
It took me 17 minutes to read the stories of the begining of Solomon's reign.
Stuart

Psalm 78

How many displays of God's presence and power have I witnessed during my life? I can quickly name a few and after pondering the topic for a while I'm sure I could double that number. Am I just as prone to test God as Israel was?  Do I question what he is able to provide. Am I equally rebellious? I suspect that the answer for every Christian is yes. Knowing this I must take up faith as a weapon to check my attitude as I approach God's throne. Even if my words are acceptable I much watch my attitude and ensure that my actions reflect full submission to God.
It took me about 8 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Colossians 3-4

In Colossians 3:2 Paul charges us to set our minds on heavenly things; those things upon which Christ has set his mind.  So how do I set my mind on heavenly things when I’m staring at a computer screen for 8 hours a day?   Earlier this week I heard a portion of an episode of Focus on the Families series Adventures in Odyssey.    There was a line in that episode that captured my attention and connects with Paul’s words.  One character was commenting on faith and said that faith should “get in the way of everything that we do.”  Our faith should be so obvious in our decision making that we habitually consider whether our choices are based on heavenly things or earthly things.   It’s not that our faith is intended to be a burden but rather we should make it the first test we consider before proceeding with any action or statement.  The belief that Jesus died for us and has presented the standard by which we are to live should be an unshakable foundation in our attitude toward decisions.  I’d like to say that I am there, but that wouldn’t be true.  I have had some pretty frustrating experiences with my job recently and it is possible that the root of these problems are directly related to my approach to the job.  I haven’t seen my profession as an expression of my faith.  So I need to take those thoughts captive for Christ and change my approach.

It took me about 7 minutes to read this part of the Colossians letter.

Stuart

Psalm 77

The psalmist began his psalm with a lament. It appears that God had forgotten him. Or maybe God is off on other adventures. At least that is the way the psalmist feels. Then the recolections and stories of what God had done through the ages came to his mind. And the message was repeated; the God of Israel always rescues his people. Like the psalmist we need to meditate on the past acts of God's hand as we face our difficulties. When we recall the movement of God in history we too will see the pattern of salvation that God's invisible foot prints leave behind.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Colossians 1-2

I love to hear Paul tell how far God has brought us by his grace.  In Colossians 1:21 he points out that the believers of Colossae, and we modern Christians, were involved in evil actions and hostile attitudes.  By Jesus’ death on the cross all of that evil, all of that rebellion, all of our past that were focused on meeting our own selfish desires was removed from us.  Jesus made us “holy and blameless and above reproach” when we stand before God.  How can God take something that at one moments was repulsive and contemptible and then make it pure in the next moment?  By applying the blood of Jesus to the life of the believer.  That action not only take away the penalty of sin, but it takes away the presence of sin in our lives.  I don’t understand how that can happen.  But  I know that God wants me to accept the fact that he has done that. 

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 76

There is a praise song that asks the question; "How great is our God?" The answer in the song harmonizes with the words of this psalm. If we look at the works of God we will see his greatness. Through out history evil men have ALWAYS died. The rulers of all nations that have rejected God did not get in the last word. Though the Hebrew scriptures focused on God's covenant with Israel his prophets also reveal that God rules every nation. Those governments that reject him now, like their historic predicessors, will one day bow to his will. It may take generations to do so but I am convinced that it will happen. We mortals have no impact when we fight against God's plans.
It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Samuel 21-24

Chapter 21 tells of a famine that lasted three years.  I wonder why it took three years for God to respond to David’s plea for mercy?  Did he not seek an answer from God any sooner?  Was there any indication as to the source of God’s displeasure?  When God passed on the reason for the famine David must have been shocked.  When an oath is made calling God as a witness then God doesn’t forget the oath.  Centuries had passed since Joshua made a covenant with the people of Gibeon and Saul rejected it.  Perhaps Saul was seeking God’s favor, hoping that this display of faithfulness would persuade God to look favorably on the rejected king.  In the end Saul’s descendents received God’s wrath instead.  I think this is a picture of how important God’s name should be to us; whenever we make a pledge in his name he will remember that pledge until it has been completed. 

I wonder if Israel was ever released from Joshua’s oath to Gibeon?

It took me 20 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 75

Some men are honored and others are humbled. Though this action seems to be random it is really by the hand of the LORD that these events take place. Those who seek after God's righteousness will receive his reward. Those who reject God's standards earn the condemnation that justice requires. God is in control; even with wickedness calls the shots. That is a very difficult reality to accept. And twice as hard to live.
It took me one minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Samuel 18-20

Chapter 18 details the death of Absalom and David’s reaction.  Though the king’s response is confusing from a worldly viewpoint I believe that it shows how close David had become to mimicking God’s heart.  All people are God’s sons, and he desires none of them to die.  He is not please with the death of even the most vile person because of the image of God that makes up a part of each of us.  David requested mercy for Absalom so that maybe his compassion would turn his son away from wickedness, part of the same reason that God sent Jesus to us.  Yet Absalom was not given the chance to respond to his father’s compassion; as far as we know he was completely ignorant of the appeal.  Absalom died in ignorance of his father’s overflowing grace.  That is a reminder for me to share God’s grace and mercy more openly.  Such a message will sound like foolishness to the world but it is the message that leads to redemption for all people.

It took me 17 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 74

How often do we view God like this psalmist did in verse 11? Do we see God watching the activities of men but not moving his hand to intervene. Does out picture of God view him walking beside us through the valley of the shadow of death or lounging in a hammock sipping iced tea? Even when it appears that God does not move he is at work. He spares his people mountains of sorrow though it may cost us a few tears. This is the final message from this psalm; God is alive and working in his people.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Samuel 14-17

Absalom spent 4 years in Jerusalem undermining king David’s position of authority.  I wonder why David did nothing to reign in his son during those 4 years.  Was Absalom so persuasive and David so feared that no one spoke a word to the king about the conspiracy unfolding at the gates of Jerusalem?  Or was this a divine silence that kept the people’s grumbling far away from David’s ear?  What was David doing during those 4 years?  Was he waging more battles, or preparing for the temple?  What so engrossed his mind that he was deaf to the coming rebellion?  Perhaps he indulged himself in the arms of Bathsheba and her attention.  Maybe it was during this time that he was instructing young Solomon in wisdom and seeking God.  I wonder if David could have avoided the pain and sorrow of this uprising?

It took me about 23 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart