Psalm 100

I see a model of worship in these 5 verses. The God of creation, who revealed himself to Israel, is the one whom we are to worship. These last verse protrays three attributes of God's nature that deserve our praise; his goodness, his eternal love, and his faithfulness that spans generations. The first 4 verses show what the worshiper should do. There is the attitude of reverence and thanksgiving that permeates the entire psalm. But the writer also includes 7 verbs (at least in the English translation) that display the worship; make noise, serve, come, know, enter, give thanks, and bless. Acceptable worship cannot be spectated, it must be lived out. I wonder if every other passage defining worship throughout both testaments falls in line with this psalm?
It doesn't take very long to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 1-4

If we understand that 1 and 2 Chronicles were written as one book then to understand the beginning of Solomon’s reign we need to look at the message that immediately precedes it.  The last subject in 1 Chronicles is the death of David; Solomon’s father and king of Israel.  As a part of his outreach to the people Solomon stopped in Gibeon to worship before the tabernacle that Moses had led Israel to build in the wilderness of Sinai.  I picture centuries old tent as being in pristine condition because of God’s favor.  Maybe David had visited here frequently during the previous 40 years we don’t know for sure.  Solomon offered a thousand Thanksgiving sacrifices on the altar constructed in the wilderness.  I believe that Solomon’s actions were not politically motivated, but the expression of a genuine thanksgiving for all that God had done in his life.  That is why God appeared to Solomon in the dream that night and sought his heart’s desire.  It is an interesting twist on prayer; God asking his faithful son what he wants.  What was God’s motivation?  To honor the one who had honored him so lavishly.  I believe that God still seeks to work in our lives the same way.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 98

Yep, I messed up. As I read I normally check off the daily reading from a checklist. But sometimes I forget to check the list. I thought that I had read this psalm two days ago so I skipped ahead. Now it wouldn't be right to claim to have read the whole Bible in one year and to have skipped a psalm. Of course that is not a point of salvation. And it was well worth the back tracking to pick up this psalm. Verse 2 led me to ask; How did God reveal his righteousness to the other nations of Israel's day? How had all the earth (physically and politically) seen God's salvation?  The only answer I have is that Israel's existence was the witness to the world of the mighty acts of God. He had raised her up from a gathering of slaves to an unstoppable kingdom. Then he judged them for their sin, punished them for their rebellion, refined them in their exile and restored them to the inheritence he had promised. So is the church an example to the world today.
It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 15-16

We don’t talk about the resurrection of Jesus very often.  I know that I take it for a fact and it is a key stone in the foundation of my faith in God.  What would happen to my faith if I found proof that Jesus had not risen from the grave that spring time Sunday morning nearly 2,000 years ago?  Paul gives a picture; what we have believed and upon which he gave his life would be a pack of worthless lies.  In the final analysis Christians would be pitied more than pagans.  Paul leaves no wiggle room; either everything he said about Jesus is absolutely true or it is all a series of laughable fables.  There is no in between place to stand.  Without the resurrection Jesus is neither Savior nor God.  But Jesus is not only resurrected he has ascended to God’s right hand and rules with him.  Because of his position of power and authority Jesus continues to empower the lives of those who have followed him in faith.  Finally he is preparing a place of glory and rest for his people.

It took me about 10 minutes to read the end of Paul’s letter.

Stuart

Psalm 99

God is a great and mighty ruler. His reign is over all that is seen. He is king even over that which dwells in the depths of the sea. If we were to focus exclusively on his majesty and power we would fall into the same state as the people and earth mentioned in verse 1; fearful. But the end of the psalm offers us a view of God that brings balance to his nature; he is holy. This does not just indicate his seperation from the sinfulness of the world. God's holiness indicates his natural bent toward gracious loving-kindness. His holiness points him toward all people with an unquenchable love and passion for fellowship with us. 
It took me about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 12-14

Spiritual gifting is topic sure to ignite a lively discussion among any gathering of believers. Paul spends the three chapters of this letter dealing graciously with this firey topic. Paul gets to the bottom line on the subject; spiritual gifts are God's tools to build up the church in unity and love. This is a potent lesson for all Christians, those who are passionate about their gifting and those who are not, to not only comprehend but live out. A struggle we need to daily surrender to God.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 9-11

In chapter 9 verses 15 and 16 Paul spoke about his boasting because of the Gospel.  It seems strange that the man who spoke so much about interdependence and humility would also write about boasting.  But his boasting was not like the world boast.  He was not focused on personal gain and attention, but rather that his needs were met in the provisions that God directed his way.  He wasn’t going to ask for help from the people he served.  He seemed to walk in faith that God would move people to serve him in return.  Paul’s passion was not in filling his stomach or a comfortable night’s rest.  His passion was in sharing the Gospel.  I’m sure Paul looked for every little opportunity that God provide to sneak in a word about what Jesus was doing in his life.  That is a terrific challenge for me to follow.

It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 97

I know what if feels like to know the owner of a store. You can walk in whenever they are there and ask them for something. If you are closely related then you may get it for free. If not that close you may get it heavily discounted or at cost. There is little concern about the circumstances and comfort in knowing that that the owner is someone you can trust. The same is true when you have the trust of a reputible political leader. They give you good reasons to trust them in return. When their rulings are passed it is a source of joy. That is the same experience we should have every day because God is in control. Creation recognizes that and rejoices.  We should do the same.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 6-8

Chapter 6 verses 9-10 sound like Paul is calling down condemnation on those who rebel against God. But I'm not sure that was his intention. Earlier today I was speaking to a teenage girl who enjoys running. I encouraged her to carry pepper spray with her unless she wasa running with a group. My motivation was not to see her react but to help her to realize the dangers she faces as a young woman out running. I think Paul was presenting the same message. Beware of the spiritual dangers of this life; those selfish desires that will draw us away from fellowship with God. When he finished his list of concerns he took the next step in reminding those believers in Corinth that God had delivered some of them from those very same dangers.
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 3-5

Once again Paul brings up the concept of foolishness. In 3:18 he encourages the believers to give up their worldly wisdom in favor of the foolishness of the world; as displayed in the Gospel. That is where true wisdom is developed. The foolishness he addresses here is to not consider the one who delivers the message of Christ but to always focus on Christ. That is a wisdom that is needed in the church of America today. There are too many times that we adhere to the wisdom of one leader rather than keep our focus on Christ and his Kingdom. I have been guilty of that. When we rightly assess who we are and keep our eyes focused on Jesus we will let the trivial arguments of this world crumble. That will reveal to real wisdom of God unfailing love as displayed in Christ Jesus and his sacrifice.
It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 96

No one wants to face a judge. Normally in our culture a person faces a judge when they are involved in some crime.  But what we fail to realize is that we all HAVE been involved in a crime. Everyone of us has stolen God's rightful position as ruler of our life. Even when we realize that our lives are broken and out of control we don't want to give God control. So we will all face the eternal judge. This may lead us to fear but we should not. We can take comfort in the last words of this psalm: God judges in righteousness and faithfulness.     That is the type of judge that we need when we approach that throne of mercy.
It took me about 2 minutes to reads this psalm.
Stuart

1 Corinthians 1-2

Foolishness.  I don’t even like to say the word let along seek to apply it to my life, my words, and the Bible.  Paul repeatedly  points out that the Gospel is foolish from the world’s perspective.  In this world everyone eventually looses because we all die.  The Gospel says that dying to self in this life, even if it brings an “early “ physical death, is how we win.  And I have always agreed with that principle when it comes to death.  But what about foolish talking?  I haven’t been keen on that.  Yet Paul indicates that when we share the impact of God’s grace in our lives we will sound foolish; even to ourselves.  I struggle with saying things that sound foolishly out of place.  But isn’t that the whole purpose of being “salt” and “light”?  Our words should cause us to stand out and be noticed.  Not because of fantastic accomplishments like leaping talk buildings in a single bound, but because of our irresponsible statements based on faith.  I think Paul is driving at the point that seeking to be a noticeable Christian will require serious words and actions on our part that will cause others to mockingly laugh at us.  I don’t mind making people laugh at my own expense, but only with hyperbole.  I know that I’m not comfortable with a mocking laughter when I am being serious in getting a point across to them.  I think God is using Paul to tell me to quit taking myself so seriously and be more serious about speaking the foolishness of the Gospel.

It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 95

There is a stark contrast displayed between the first 7 verses and the last 4. The readers/singers are encouraged to raise their voices as an expression of praise for who God is and all that he has done. Ine of the great acts of his kindness and provision can be seen in the 40 year deliverance and provision of Israel. In those 40 years the people repeatedly ignored, rejected, and tested God. If we fail to recognize who God is and all of the wonders that he displays for his glory, we may become hardened like that generation of Israel. A hardness that will leave us ignorant of God's nature and empty of his blessings.
It only took a minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Hosea 12-14

In 13:3 Hosea repeats a phrase that was used earlier (6:4) to describe the depth of devotion that Israel displayed toward God; “..like the dew that goes early away.”  In this later passage God is declaring what Israel will become because of their lack of devotion to him.  Paul repeated this same message, in a much condensed form; “A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7)  But this is not Karma.  It is the results of an active God responding to the rejection of his laws and standards by any person or people.  Israel walked into that trap, and all people face the choice to seek out God’s standards or ignore them.

It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Song of Solomon 7-8

Through out this poem the bride speaks to those listening to her. She warns them not to awaken love too early. Is it the passion that she warns against? Or is the warning based on the need for maturity? Maybe the warning is based on the search for a groom that is self-controlled and mature enough to take on the responsibilities of marriage. It could also be a submission to God's timing; an allusion to waiting for the arrival of Messiah.
It took me about 8 minutes to read the end of this poem.
Stuart

Hosea 9-11

Do we ever wonder what what lengths God will go to take care of us? In 11:4 Hosea mentions three ways that God had reached out to Israel.  With kindness and love, easing their burdens, and bending down to feed them. That last description really grabs my attention. God, the Almighty ruler and creator, the eternal provider, the everlasting Father; he bends down in order to feed those whom he seeks. And we eat. After we have eaten will we respond like Israel or like God deserves?
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Hosea 5-8

In 6:4 the LORD calls out to Israel and Judah about the brevity of the love for God.  He compares their devotion to him like the morning dew; though it wets the feet in the early morning it doesn’t last.  That reminds me of times in my life when I lived one way on Sunday mornings and another way the rest of the week.  I was devoted to the exercises and careful to watch my words and actions when I needed to, but the majority of my life was devoted to my selfish desires.   A life like that is described in  8:7; sowing wind results in a harvest of more wind.  If there is no substance in our investment into God’s Kingdom how can we really expect him to return a harvest that has any more substance?  When I look back on my life I realize that it was when I redirected my passions toward God’s work that I began to receive a harvest of peace and purpose that had real meaning.  There have been harvest times when the return was sparse.  But there have been more times when I know God has provided me with much more than I planted. 

It took me about 9 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Son of Solomon 6

The proclamation in verse 3 is very stark and imposing in its location. It is set among the intense volley of adoration between a couple deeply comitted to one another. And in verse 3 the committment is stated clearly; one for each other. There is to be no one else between them. They are the coupled married to honor God and not kings of other lands. 
It took only a couple of minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Hosea 1-4

To whom do we attribute our prosperity? Where do we place the blame when troubles abound? Is our life really based on faith in God or on what we can see. Hosea points out Israel's dependance upon God yet their reaction was to credit the idols of the people around them. I fear that way too often I am more focused on what I can accomplish than where God wants to lead me for his glory. I am thankful that just as God was patient with Israel he is equally patient with me. That is one of the messages from Hosea.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Song of Salomon 5

The bride was asleep in her bed when the groom came to her door (2-5). This passage reminds me of Jesus' parable of the 10 virgins. While they waited they all fell asleep. Some where ready for when they would be awakened and the others where not. The bride of Salomon neither expected her groom nor was she ready in case he did arrive. Because of her negligence she missed one opportunity. Graciously, God will provide another opportunity while we remain in this life. But the day is coming when we will have exhausted all our second chances. It that day not matter how hard we pursue him God's grace will be out of reach.
I needed about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 28-29

Chapter 27 verses 25 through 31 lists those men whom David put in charge of the various work of the king's house. Jaziz the Hagrite was one of those stewards. I wonder if he was David's favorite manager. Jaziz had charge of the flocks. I can picture in my mind that there were times when the king came out to the flocks to play his harp and sings songs to his God. Surely there were times when he snuck away and recalled all the wonders he had seen tending Jesse's flock. The stary nights; maybe even an aurora of two. He would have watch the moon wax and wane over the months. And he was taught to tend the helpless, defend the weak, and fight off those who sought to take advantage of those in this care. And the songs he sang to God. I wonder if his eyes teared up each time he rested with the sheep and sang a song of his youth. How wonderful God had been to him! I can see him saying good night to Jaziz and slowly wandering back up the hill to his palace, and wives, and judgement. But he kept playing those song of his youth that he learned to play in the fields with only the LORD and a flock to hear him. And he knew that was enough.
It took me 16 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 4

It takes only a couple minutes for the words of adoration from the groom to be read.  In those few moments there is a real sense of facination that this young man expresses toward his bride. For our society to comparison to domestic and wild animals may seem weak but I believe this song caught the attention of its first listener and many women after her.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 24-26

Cymbals, harps, and lyres were the instruments of choice when David commissioned the Levites to lead the songs of worship in the temple.  I don’t believe that cymbals have changed much over the years in their construction.  The biggest difference is that modern cymbals in praise music is a part of the percussion group.  I haven’t found a clear distinction between the harp and lyre of which David referred, but I believe one was very similar to the modern hand harp where the melody is plucked on the various strings, in a similar manner to a modern piano.  The other appears to be a chorded instrument, that was strummed, with a sound board much like a modern guitar.  So it appears that the idea of a praise band for leading the people in worship of God was first conceived by king David as he planned for the temple that Solomon would build.  Kind of interesting when viewed from that perspective.

It took me about 12 minutes to read through all the assignments of priests and Levites for the temple.

Stuart

Song of Solomon 3

The begining of this section has the bride seeking out her groom. In verse 4 she says that once she found him she held him very near. That is to be the picture of how we Christians pursue Christ. Though he is not far away the sin nature in our life makes it difficult for us to see him. By the strength of the Spirit we are able to overcome this world and pursue the will of our God and king. Then while we cling to God he will give us a new heart and a reason for hope in this life and in the life to come. That is the type of relationship I know that I need with Jesus. I am thankful that he is offering me, and all believers, that level of closeness.
It took me less than 2 minutes to read this passage from the Biblical love poem.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 21-23

Even though David was a man always seeking God's heart and will the beginning of chapter 21 reminds us that the prophet/king was only human. Just like Judas David plunged head-long into Satan's plan to dishonor God. Unlike Judas when David realized his sin he did not take judgment into his own hands. Instead he surrendered to the cross (though he couldn't have know that at the time) and sought out the mercy of God for his forgiveness. I assume that the 70,000 killed in God's plague may have been those who wee boasting in what Israel could accomplish with such a large army and not giving God the credit for blessing Abraham's seed as was now evident. God displayed his power to over come sin by turning the point where judgment halted, a display of mercy and grace, into the holiest sight of woship under the law. Oman's threshing floor was where judgment was stopped. After David arrived there it became the place of mercy and forgiveness.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Song of Solomon 2

The words of verses 10 through 15 are chocked full of pet names shared between spouses. I think these phrases of these verses could be superimposed over pictures of the couple through out their lives would make a wonderful 12 month calendar for a married couple as an anniversary gift. A reminder of their comittment to each other and to their God who wrote the script of love long before the creation of the world.  I see in this section a love song that never ends. And since it is founded on God's word it could be called an eternal love song. I wonder if these words were shared between Adam and Eve while they were still in the garden?
It took me about 2 minutes to read these stanzas.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 18-20

It is well documented that David sought God’s heart.  This passage displays what happens among the people when the leader of that people is godly in attitude and action.  Joab was a man of ambition but because of David’s godly leadership he evoke the name of the LORD when entering into battle.  The men of valor surrounded David because of his display of valor in his everyday life.  David also combined his faith in his diplomacy.  When visiting kings sent gifts David dedicated them to the work of the temple that was always on his mind.  Though this passage doesn’t address it we know that David’s speeches were often prayers to God rather than words of encouragement to the people.  When a leader publicly display such faith they may face ridicule from others but they will always be rewarded by God for their stand.

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

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

Song of Solomon 1

Whether this poem uses to romantic passions of marriage to reveal the intimacy, comittment, and longing of God for his people, or it is a divine picture into the depth of marriage as God intended it I'm not sure. It may be a message that hits both truthes; because that sounds like God to me. The yernings of the bride and her groom are starkly displayed from the begining of the book.  We should not stray from the message God presents. He created physical intimacy for the benefit of the husband and wife relationship just as surely as he created the stars. In his sight both are equally good.
It took about 2 minutes to read the first part of this love song.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 15-17

David brought the ark into Jerusalem, but the rest of the tabernacle remained at Gibeon (16:39-40).  I’m not sure why I never caught the details of this passage before.  What was it about this arrangement that was acceptable to God?  It seems to me that David altered the patter than God had given Moses in his attempt to draw near to God.  Maybe part of the acceptance was rooted in Israel having already separated the ark from the Tabernacle.  God saw David’s move as the first in many steps to reunite the heavenly picture but to also to bring the sense of permanence to picture with the temple of stone, wood, and gold.  We know that in Solomon’s days the ark, the tabernacle, and the temple mount would be united in a glorious picture of worship and splendor of God’s power and providence on that mountain in Jerusalem.  Maybe that is why God accepted David’s move of the ark.

It took me 13 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 12

The writer begins this chapter with the exhortation to remember God when we are young. Focus on God all through youth. The faith that we plant in our youth will sink deep. As we continue to feed that faith God will sink those roots deep into him. And when the days of trouble come upon us, whether by age or other struggle, our faith will enable us to stand firm; like Job. That which we learn in our younger days has the endurance and simplicity to carry us into eternity.
It took me a little over 2 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 12-14

In 12:32 the statement is made about men of Issachar who "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do....." When it was made know that king Saul and his sons were dead these men of Issachar were moved by God to act. Maybe they looked back to the times of the judges as saw the lawlessness of Israel when they had no king. Maybe they considered how Saul had elevated himself and neglected the pursuit of God. Whatever their reasoning they understood that it was time for David to be proclaimed king of Israel. And that was their purpose in coming to Hebron.
It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 11

We humans claim to know very much. And the amount of information that we learn grows at nearly exponetial rates. Yet as verse 5 points out we still have no explanation of what really animates a newly conceived child.  Life is still a mystery. And if we can't understand something as basic as life how can we consider that we know with certainty that God does not exist or that he did not act in a specific manner? God is indeed beyond our understanding. So we must simply act on faith that he knows what he is doing. Sometimes that might make us look silly. But thankfully he understands us completely.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 9-11

“..Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of the breach of faith.” This is the introduction to the returning exiles in 9:1.  Babylon had not defeated Judah; God had turned the kingdom over to exile because of their faithlessness.  That is the explanation of how God deals with the people of his covenant.  But God will always seek to bring his people back to where they belong.  It may take a generation or two, but God will work toward that end.

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 10

I set out the Japanese beatle trap today. Because it has been a couple years since it was last set out I needed to attach a new lure to the trap. The bait to attract the beatles emits a strong floural scent. Yet after a few days the sent of the lure will be overwhelmed by the dead and rotting beatles in the trap. Eventually the smell of flowers will be unnoticable until an empty trap bag is exchanged for the bag with the dead beatles. I think that provides me with the same picture in verse 1 of this chapter. That is also the best comparison I have heard of foolish words being offered along side wisdom.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 5-8

The beginning of 1 Chronicles is full of what seems like an endless list of names.  Sons and fathers with a few daughters and wives mentioned sporadically.  Generation after generation of people are listed.  Some were faithful to God throughout their lives, others rejected him and took up gods of their own making.  The names include valiant leaders, troublemakers, and bold men of faith.  The Bible does not hide the fact that there were many people who refused to follow God among his people Israel.  But in spite of this lack of faith, and the judgment that resulted from their disobedience, God’s plan of redemption moved forward.  We are the recipients of the fruit of God’s work, and for that I am very thankful to these early believers for their faith.

It took me about 18 minutes to read through this listing of genealogies. 

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 9

The writer seems to be blinded by disrespect death has toward men. It appears that regardless of position or experience death brings every person down to the same hopeless fate.  God inspired the writer to lay out the hopelessness of humanity apart from God; exposing its emptiness. Yet even in this emptiness the benefit of wisdom shines through. The greatest wisdom is found not in the learning of this life but rather in the closeness we have with our heavenly father. That is the piece of the puzzel missing from Ecclesiasates 9.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Chronicles 1-4

The genealogies in the beginning of the Chronicles (they continue for 5 more chapters) teach us a very important lesson about inheritance; it was traced through the sons.  When we read in the New Testament that we are all sons of God by the grace of Jesus’ blood we can take encouragement in that.  For God didn’t just adopt us as his children, he adopted all Christians as “sons”.  Therefore his inheritance has been passed on to us regardless of our gender.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 8

Among the other things that are recounted in this chapter there is a subtle truth hidden there. It is a fate common to both the foolish and wise; the righteous and the wicked. Everyone speaks with confidence of their understanding of God's nature yet not one of them is completely accurate. The fool says that God is not even though he enjoys the fruits of the creation. A wicked man may say that God does not, or can not, see, yet his sins find him out and expose him to shame. The righteous speaks of God's ability to provide and then witness believers in terrible want. So what are we to do? One answer that is always true is also difficult; don't surrender the faith.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Amos 7-9

The two verses 9:9-10 explain in poetic verse who has the final say in our lives.  We often think we do, and in many many areas God does allow us choices that could be our last in this life.  Yet when eternity comes completely into view it will be God alone who will pronounce the last word in every life that has ever lived.  For those of us who know and revere him that is comforting because as Christians we have already received his promise of eternal forgiving grace.  But for those who continue to reject that assessment is contrary to their notion of a loving God.  There were people in Israel in Amos’ day who spoke favorably of God, but only in regard to those areas where they agreed with him.  When it came to sole worship of him they rejected him; which is why God spoke so harshly toward them.  So how can I expect to be dealt with any differently if I choose my own way over God’s directions? 

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Ecclesiastes 7

Verses 21 and 22 offer a gentle remind of how we should respond to the less than complimentary comments of others; remembering how we have spoken about others in the past. Does it matter if we've repented of such speech; we are still guilty. Do we see others glaring at us? Recall the times we have glared. This is not to say we are still making the same wrong choices that others are now making, but rather it is a recognition of where we once stood, and to be willing to extend the necessary grace, even if we never received such grace. We are to reflect what God is shaping us to be and not the things that, in Christ, we have left behind.
It took me about 5 minutes to reasd this chapter.
Stuart

Amos 4-6

God speaks a very strong word to Israel and Judah through Amos; a message that I need to review as I examine my life in Christ.  Am I going through the motions (as Matthew West sings in the song of that name) when I approach God?  That is what Israel and Judah was doing when Amos spoke.  They were making a big show regarding the rituals that God had prescribed but their hearts were not impacted and their actions regarding justice and righteousness were absent.  In 6:12 God described their acts of justice as poison and the fruit of the righteousness as bitterness.  So I need to ask myself when someone needs mercy (whether they verbally ask for it or not) do I offer what God has given me for that need or do I offer lip-service or rejection?  Do my actions betray a shallowness toward God and an insensitivity to people around me who are struggling just like me, or is compassion and hope overflowing from my response?  I want a right response not to please God, but rather to reflect him to others.  I think that is some of the greatest expressions of worship I can live.

It took me about 9 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Amos 1-3

Amos announces to Israel God's judgment on 6 nations that surround Israel, including Judah, for their abuse of Israel and rejection of God's law. But Amos' most detailed punishment was reserved for Israel. I think it was because they should have known better.
It took me about 10 minutes to read these chapters.
Stuart

Ecclesiates 6

Do I have a wandering appetite or a wondering appetite? Verse 9 makes an interesting statement that could be equated to the word play I stated in that question.  Do I look about at what God has created in awe or are my eyes consumed with the search for that which will satisfy an impulse that I feel? God has set forth such detail in his creation that I should look at the whole or the details in amazement of who he is and his wonderful nature and loving kindness. Yet too often I find my self preoccupide with some selfish whim. I need to keep my focus on what God has done and is doing all around me.
It took me about 2 minutes to read chapter 6.
Stuart

Luke 22-24

In 22:8 Luke tells us that Peter and John were sent to prepare the passover meal.  I assume that they not only secured the room, but also coordinated the collection of the food and purchacing the lamb. They may have gone to the temple to buy the lamb and then welk into the court of Israel to find a priest. It was Peter and John who laid their hands on the lamb's head. They took up the knife and cut the throat. Then they watched as the lamb's body was skinned and gutted in preperation for them. Finally they would have carried the little body, broken and lifeless, back to the room.  There they tied it to a stake and put it over a fire for roasting. After a few hours they lamb was cooked, the fragance was evidence of that, and the other disciples arrived to celebrate God's redemption. I wonder if Peter or John relived any of the events from the sacrifice of the lamb during the 6 hours of Jesus' execution the next day?
It took me 18 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 5

"...let your words be few." This phrase in verse 2 can virtually stand alone as an attribute for believers. when we consider it in the context of the writings it grows in the value of its meaning. We need to allow God to speak more often then we speak. His words are always just. When he speaks it is appropriate to say that all of creation listens and heeds his words. We need to follow suit. If we keep our words few we will be less likely to create a situation where we will challege God's position of authority by our words. We will also avoid the tempation to boast of our accomplishments and will leave room to give God the credit that he deserves.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 4

What is it that distinguishes the oprpessOR from the oppressED? Verse 1 says it is power. A position of authority and control over others sets up the environment for oppression to occur. It is a struggle that we all face. The winner is not those who gain authority it is those who use it as a tool for God's glory rather than their own. I wonder if the rest of chapter 4 details the characteristics of those who sucumb to the control of authority and those who overcome. We want to control the presentation of our neighborhood so we strive against the "Jones'" in landscaping and decoration. We sacrifice contentment for toil. We pursue accomplishments rather than relationships. We would rather be king, even if we are foolish than child-like and filled with wisdom.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Luke 19-21

How often am I like the Jewish leaders in Luke 20?  They heard Jesus speak in the temple and the claims he was making they judged to be inconceivable coming from this un-school rabbi. The leaders heard his teaching but because they saw no basis for his statements they rejected them without consideration. His words didn't fit their theology. I know that I've been there before. I read a passage of scripture and a truth jumps out that I have never grasped before. But it doesn't fit my theology. I find that the longer I meditate of the scripture the weaker the foundation of my belief becomes.  As I open up to the Spirit's leading the scriptural truth eventually out weighs that which I had claimed to be true. The older I grow in my faith the more ready I am to admit my misunderstanding of scriptural truths in favor of Jesus' words expressed from the text.  
It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Ecclesiastes 3

My life is too often rules by time. But that is part of our lot in this life. We are given a very precious measure of time and part of our developing faith is to divide it in a way that pleases God. The time of our birth and death sets the limits of our life. Yet this knowledge is a frustration because though we know the first well and celebrate it annually the second is a complete mystery. And that mystery is complete. Only God can comprehend our deaths and I believe he will prepare us for that time. If we allow him he will lead us to and then through the throws of death. And then, by his grace, we Christians will fully understand the greatness of the God whom we serve.
The time for me to read this chapter was about 4 minutes.
Stuart

Luke 16-18

Tragedies make strange bed-fellows.  There were 10 lepers who met Jesus as he travelled to Jerusalem.  They were a mix of Jews and Samaritans but they shared the common bond of rejection from society.  When they asked for mercy were they seeking healing or simple an audience with him?  Jesus’ response may have sounded like the words others had shouted at them, “Go away.”  But that is not what Jesus said; he commanded them to present themselves before the priests.  They could only go to the priests if they were healed.  I picture them slowly turning away from Jesus with their heads bowed, trudging toward the synagogue.  But with each step toward the water of cleansing they must have noticed a difference in how they felt.  Eventually, they realized they had been healed,  and quite possibly restored of missing parts.  With 10 toes on their feet and 10 fingers on their hands their trudge turned into a sprint as they anticipated their close reunion with family and friends.  But the one man stopped.  This moment wasn’t about him being made clean.  It was a moment of giving thanks.  He turned and ran to Jesus to offer his thanks to God.  Wouldn’t it be neat if this Samaritan was from a city called Sychar? (John 4)

It took me 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart