Psalm 150

So why does the psalmist call out to all life; charging each one to praise God? I think the psalmist is not attempting to coax the praise of God out of the birds and bears. I think the psalmist is recording his words of praise that are joining the chorus already being lifted up by creation. Sure the creation is under a curse, but it still speaks of God's power. Even the rocks declare the majesty and beauty that God hides within them. If we look at the natural world around us, we would understand that the only creature that may not be praising God right now is man.
It only took 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Micah 6-7

One of the perpetual reminders of the curse are the thorns. As a plant they serve no purpose for food, though some produce edible berries. The whole message that thorns project is almost anything except "welcome." God saw the actions of many people in Israel in the same way that I look at throns; they were not welcoming to him. Their rejection of his Law would result in a repeat of his initial curse pronouncement.
It took me about 9 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Micah 4-5

In the first three chapter God gives Micah a message of the punishment that is coming to Israel because of her rebellion. These chapter offer a contrast of God's restoration that he is planning. Here Micah offers the covenant people not only a glimpse of the survival of God's people but also a picture of the one whom he will raise up from among Israel; the great ruler who will reign over all the world. What a wonderful promise God made to all people through the children of Israel.
It took me almost 6 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 149

I don't know why verses 6-9 never caught my attention before.  I have held the belief that with the exception of the inhabitents of Caanan Land and any other kingdom that God explicitly commanded them to punish Israel was not God's means of judgment on other nations. It was not God's plan to send Israel's armies on a global conquest mission to lead the world to him. But that is the apparent meaning of these 4 verses. So there has to be more to this message than meets my eyes or my theology needs some adjusting.
It took me less than 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Micah 1-3

In 2:6 Micah parrots the words that the other "prophets" had been saying to him; "Do not preach of our disgrace." Their theology wouldn't allow them to see God as a destroyer. They seemed to have limited their definition of God as the keeper of his promises; that Israel would inherit the land. But as they reject God's ways they also forgot about the conditions of his promises. The condition that Israel must remain faithful to God's law in order to live in the land. They didn't like that part of the covenant so they chose to ignore it and developed a false hope based on their own selfish desires. Micah was reminding them of the painful truths of God's law.
It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 148

Who should offer praise to our God? All of creation. And they do speak out his wonder and glory, but it is not with audible words. Creation praised God through its obedience to his command. Even under his curse creation conforms to his will.
All of the heavenly hosts should speak God's praise. Scripture indicates that there is a vast majority of the angels still bow before the majestic throne in worship.
Finally all of mankind should offer God praise, but like the heavenly host far too many have rejected God and are in rebellion against his commands.  We should strive to keep a submissive attitude toward Jesus.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Joel

Joel gives a picture of the judgment and blessing of God. Both are superabundant in their display. The judgment of God is revealed in the onslaught of the locust. The blessing of God is a picture of his grace. When he pours it out the end of the blessing exceeds the awe of the judgment. What a wonderful picture of God's grace.
It took me about 11 minutes to read this book.
Stuart

1 Thessalonians 3-5

What guidence did Paul give to the early believers on how to live out their lives? In 4:11 he says to live quietly, mind your own business, and work hard. This presents an admirable image to the outside world and provides a freedom from dependance upon other for individual needs. We can also be thankful when God enables us to live in this manner.
It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 147

For most of my life the exercises that I have enjoyed focused on my legs. Though I was never a world-class athelete I was always confident in the ability of my legs to walk, run, or bike for many hours at a time. But this psalmist reminds us that God does not take pleasure in the strength of our legs. Its not important to God that in my youth I could squat over 200 pounds. His concern has always been focused on my reverence and faith toward him. I can say that when I was confident in the power of my legs I was a cripple in regard to my faith.  Now adays I know that my faith is much more mature then it was 30 years ago, and I am less focused on what my legs can accomplish. I am still thankful for the lessons God taught me using my legs, but I now know that he is more important than anything that I can accomplish on my own. 
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

1 Thessalonians 1-2

Paul commended the believers in Thessalon for their imitation of the believers in Judea; that they remained faithful to God in spite of the abuse they received from their neighbors. We will face all sorts of hardships in this life but all of them are to help us comprehend God's faithful provisions in our life through the faith he has given us.
It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 146

The psalm writer gives God the credit for insuring justice is served and the hungry are fed. God is responsible for freedom of those imprisoned, sight resatored for the blind, and honoring the down trodden. God keeps watch over the wanderer, window, and orphan. But there is no mention of God's plans for the wealthy, self-confident, or politically connected. Is it because everyone in the latter group is also in the former group?
It took about 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

Daniel 10-12

In 10:12 Daniel received a specific message of encouragement and comfort from God. God spoke of the years of his youth when Daniel put his life in jeapordy by seeking after God alone. That was a sacrifice that was pleasing to God. Since that time all of Daniel's words were also pleasing to God. This is the same message we should all pursue: forsaking all other things in order to pursue and honor God. While we may not receive a vision as Daniel did God will show us the extent of his love through Jesus' sacrifice.
It took me about 14 minutes to read about Daniel's last vision.
Stuart

Psalm 145

For a king or other high political leader to speak highly of someone else points to the character of the one the king praises. Some may explain away David's devotion as the expressions of superstition from a bygone age of man. That is where faith plays a big part; in David's life and in ours today. Our God IS greater than all of our triumphs and our trials. But we cannot see him do anything without faith.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Daniel 7-9

When I encounter a Bible passage that I do not understand I find myself wondering for the meaning, but that is about it.  When Daniel encountered a vision that he did not understand it weighed much heavier on his life.  He was appalled.  Over his life God had given him great insight into the mysteries of visions.  Now he saw a vision from God but received no understanding.  Maybe he thought that God had given up on him.  But he did not give up faith.  He continued to pray to the God who did not reveal all to him.  Daniel’s faith carried him through the time of ignorance with a longing for the future when all would finally be revealed.

It took me about 22 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 144

David the warrior took up his harp and played a new song (vs 9). A song about God's victory and provisions. David looked back on his life and saw how God prepared him to fearlessly lead the army of Israel into battle.  God proved his faithfulness to David through conflict and abundance.  Just as God delivered David from the savage Philistines so will he bring us through the ravages of our moral questions in the 21st century.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Daniel 4-6

It is interesting to see what situations God creates to lead pagans to turn to him.  God had gifted Daniel in such a way that he became a high advisor to king Darius.  Daniel’s manner and honesty made him very valuable to the king.  So when the trap of Daniel’s political opponents fell into place the king was distressed.  In 6:16 Darius lifted up a prayer of intersession on behalf of Daniel as the man of God lie on the floor of the lions’ den.  And God answered Darius’ prayer by delivering Daniel from the den of the Lions.  I wonder if Daniel slept while the king stayed awake all night?  Daniel had slept before when king Nebuchadnezzar had called for his execution (2:19).  Darius’ song of praise to God (6:26-27) still speaks of God’s power and love.

It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 143

I have been reciting this psalm all year so I should be prepared to share my thoughts on what David wrote. The begining of verse 8 has become a wonderful way for me to greet God as I rise out of bed; "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you." If I can walk through the day remembering the faithfulness of God's love, and trusting him to guide me in the right way I can be confident that He will carry me through any trouble.
I read this psalm in a little more than a minute.
Stuart

Daniel 1-3

Sometime I wonder why I don’t put together the pieces of God’s puzzle earlier than I do.  As I read chapter 1 of Daniel I saw the foundations of the malicious attitudes toward Daniel and his friends were laid from their early training days in  Babylon.  This group of young men from Judah, maybe as old as teenagers, were made into eunuchs.  But in spite of such an affront to their future these four Jews stood out among their peers by choosing to remain faithful to God.  That probably didn’t set well with their fellow Jewish students.  Then the four remained committed to the dietary requirements of the Law.  God bless Daniel in such a way that the other new eunuchs had their lavish food and wine taken from them.  I’ll bet that didn’t set well either.  At the end of their three years of school Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah proved to be better trained than not only their classmates, but also their teachers and all the other wise men of Babylon.  The stage was set for the continual finger-pointing and accusations that were to be made against these faithful four for the rest of their lives.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 142

If I were writing the script for a play or movie on Peter's life this psalm might be the words that he lifted up to God while in Herod's prison (Acts 12).  Though Luke doesn't include many details about the time of Peter's imprisonment I think that David's words recorded here might fit that New Testament's situation.
It took about a minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

John 19-21

As John was recording the events of crucifixion day he reached the gruesome description of the soldier thrusting the spear in Jesus’ side and he paused in his story.  He wanted to make absolutely sure that everyone who read his words understood that John had witnessed Jesus’ death.  In 19:35 John supported his testimony by pausing in the narrative and asserting that this is exactly how Jesus’ time on the cross ended; with his death.  The punctuation of the soldier’s spear was the final event on the cross.  John agreed with Jesus that it was finished.  I wonder if John could tell any part of that story and keep his composure?  Did the tears of sorrow mix with tears of joy over the wonder of Jesus’ sacrifice? 

It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 141

The picture that David paints in verse 2 was one of great familiarity and affection to the believers of his day. All of the men had stood before God's altar their hands raised high in the air with their portion of the sacrifice they had brought. As the grain, oil, and incense were cast onto the blazing fire of the altar they would watch the smoke ascending higher and higher. They believed that it continued up until it reached the throne of God. The prayers that they offered were envisioned to travel the same heavenly trail that the smoke of their sacrifice had blazed. There was a confidence in their prayers and in their sacrifices. A confidence based upon the promises of their faithful God.
It took me less than 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

John 16-18

When Jesus began his great prayer he acknowleged that his time of ministry and life were at the end. "The hour has come." But he was able to look past the pain and insults that he would receive and he saw the work that would bring the Father the greatest glory. The Father would in turn restore Jesus to his former glory. We can look at the struggles of life in much the same way. When we stand fast for God he will lift us up.
It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 140

In the first 8 verses of this psalm David makes three request of God in the face of his enemies. For deliverance, protection, and the blocking of their requests. David knew that the only sure defence against those that were oppressing him was through God's hand.  That is the same attitude that Jesus displayed and that Paul eventually adopted. When we stand only in our weakness then God can more easily display his strentgh in our lives. 
It took me less than 2 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

John 13-15

Many time before chapter 13 in John's Gospel the writer points out that Jesus' time was not upon him. Jesus said that to his mother when he turned the water to wine, and many time when the Jewish leaders attempted to arrest Jesus the reason given for his escape was that it was not his time.  But chapter 13 starts with the acknowlegement that there will be no more delays; Jesus' hour had come. But this would not be 15 minutes of fame. The hour of Jesus would be a terrible and gut wrenching ordeal for Father and Son alike.  But the end result would bring about our liberty and Jesus glorification.
It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 139

David closed this psalm with a call for God to search out his heart. When was the last time I asked God to do that in my life?
It took me almost 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

John 10-12

I think it is interesting to note that different people heard different things when God spoke to Jesus in John 12:28. Some people in the crowd did not recognize a voice speaking that short phrase. But other people did attributing the words to an angel. I wonder what made the difference in what was heard. Faith in Jesus is the easiest answer, but since the scriptures don't say we are left to speculate. However, the most imporant point of the passage is that we seek top live in such a way that we will recognize God's voice. We will need to petition God to develop in us the same unwritten attributes that he gave to those who heard him speak that Psalm Sunday.
It took me about 19 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 138

In our world power corrupts. For the majority of people the more exalted they become the less concerned they display toward other people. That is the rule. There are the exceptional few who follow the model of God. He his more exalted than any man yet from the heigth of his glory he lowered himself to become a poor and unknown carpenter living in a forgotten area of a mighty political empire. God has persistently shown his regard for the lowly just as David noted in the 6 verse of this psalm. Jesus' life reminds us that the greatest works of God's Kingdom will not be conducted in the halls of any government but in the hearts of the forsaken and forgotten multitudes.
It took a little over 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

John 7-9

John recorded in 7:15 that the Jewish leaders marveled at Jesus' wisdom because he had never studied under the teachers they knew. They could not begin to realize that Jesus had inspired the words that were written. I wonder if Mary witnessed the very young Jesus moving his little lips in sync with the reader at the synagogue? I wonder how old he was when Jesus first noticed the familar ring to the written word? Did Joseph notice that memorizing the Law came especially easy for his oldest son? Did Jesus ever correct the emphasis or pronounciation of someone who was reading from the Torah? When did people begin to notice that Jesus spoke differently that other Jewish men when he would say, "It is written....?
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 137

I think that this is the saddest psalm in the Biblical collection. Though there is a hope of a future restoration of Jerusalem there can be no songs of joy for God's people when this psalm was written.  Those who took them captive desired to hear the songs of God's people. While the Jewish exiles hung up their harps and refused to sing believers today need to strike up the band and sing our hearts out. That is the example of Paul and Silas from the prison cell (Acts 16:25) and that is the example of worship we need to display. Sing like you are imprisioned for the Lord. For any captive that we face can only limit our bodies; not God's message of hope that is alive within us.
It took me just over 1 minute to read this psalm.
Stuart

John 1-3

John the Baptist talked about the gift of contentment in mission as well as possession (John 3:27).  John conveyed a grand understanding of God’s position in our life.  Jesus later said that there was no one greater born among man than the Baptist (Luke 7:28) and we catch a glimpse of what God considers great in his Kingdom; a person who puts all their effort in living out their divine purpose and not comparing themselves to any other worker in God’s Kingdom.

It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage yesterday, but I didn’t get my thoughts out until today.

Stuart

John 4-6

I don’t believe that Jesus’ challenge to take up his flesh and his blood (John 6:53-58) is either physical or metaphorical.  The truth that he presented was a spiritual truth and we must overlay his life and his sacrifice on top of our frame of mind, our way of thinking, in order to live the life that he desires for us.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage. 

Stuart

Psalm 136

The psalmist spends much of the song praising God because he is glorious and thanking him for the historical wonders he performed to free and establish Israel. And then in verses 23-25 the focus comes to the present; how God is providing for the needs of his people. God remembers his humble people, rescues those who are weak, and feed those who are hungry. And every one of the 26 attributes of God mentioned in this psalm agree with the word John penned hundreds of years later in 1 John 4:8b ".....God is love."
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Psalm 135

The psalmist begins and ends this psalm with instructions for the reader/singer; praise the LORD and bless the LORD. In the middle he explain why God should be praised and blessed. The psalmist takes the time to worship God as he puts down the words of adoration.  He also draw a contrast with the false gods and their representative idols.  Both the people and their idols are worthless because they are based on falsehood.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Ezekiel 46-48

The LORD is there.  That is a very interesting ending for the book of Ezekiel’s writings.  What a wonderful title for congregations to wear.  When we look and see the evidence that God is working then we proclaim “The LORD is there”.  But any gather of believers falls under that title.  Whether we see them at work or if the congregation is struggling with a myriad of problems God is among his people.  He will not abandon us individually nor collectively.  No matter what the struggles may be we need to remember his faithfulness to the church.  It times of loss God is there.  It times of pain God is there.  In times of persecution God is there.  Whenever there is a failure of the members God is there.  When this is a failure among the leadership God is there. 

It took me about 18 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalms 133-134

In the 133rd psalm David writes about the greatness of unity. Though the context may be the extend family of Israel the truth applies to the body of Christ worldwide. It is a wonderful and pleasant experience for believers to dwell in unity. The harmony of the faithful is greater than all that we can imagine from any group of united people.
It took me just over 1 minute to read these two psalms.
Stuart

Ezekiel 43-45

Ezekiel receives a vision of a new temple. And he is given instructions about the resumption of worship through sacrifices in Jerusalem. It must all have been a wonderful message for Ezekiel to pass on to the people in exile. For us it is a wonderful picture of the way God gives us second chances.
It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 132

When God makes a promise he does not turn back. His promises to bless are always based upon the obedience of the people. Like wise his promises to curse are dependant upon the continued disobedience of the rebel. So when God's conditions are met the promises are unchangable. That is a great message of confidence for those of us in the faith. We can rest confidently in his grace that his promise of eternal life will never fade.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

Ezekiel 39-42

God gave Ezekiel a wonderful vision that revealed the promise of restoration of the temple to his name. Fourteen years after Solomon's temple was destroyed God gave Ezekiel a tour of the future temple. All around this temple was a great wall. But this wall was not intended for protection. This wall was the centerpiece on that which  seperated men from God; the holy from the common. This massive wall presented the picture of the difference sin makes in our life. This is the wall that Jesus tore down with his death.
It took me over 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 130-131

When David wrote of the weaned child did sheep or people come to mind. The children I have know who were done breast feeding still clung to their mother's side. I'm not sure of the reasons but I know that they continued in their confidence of their mothers even when they did not feed directly from her. Their sights were not set on things far away; they look no further than the close proximity of their mother.  I wonder if that is the trait David discribed?
It took me less than 2 minutes to read these two psalms.
Stuart

Ezekiel 36-38

God spoke to the land of Israel through his prophet about his promise to restore Israel to the Land of Promise in chapter 36.  To the land that had seen bountiful harvests from God’s abundance he proclaims; “Behold, I am for you….”  When he speaks of the coming harvests and the abundance of people I wonder if he is giving a similar message to his church; the seedbed of the saints of God?

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Ezekiel 33-35

Twelve years of exile were devestating to the people of God. They might have felt that as long as Jerusalem stood they could have hope. Then there was the day in the 10th month when the messanger came with the aweful news; "Jerusalem has been struck down." All hope was gone. When their lives could fall no further God showed his power. He would restore his people. But that restoration would come in his perfect time.
It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Ezekiel 31-32

God always puts down those who challenge his authority. Many have sought dominion over those whom God did not put under their rule. When those leaders over step their limits God steps in. Sometimes his judgment is swift. More often God works to reprove them while offering them the opportunity to honor him. (Daniel showed that God gave Nebuchadnezzar 7 years to repent and recognize God's supreme positiion).
It took me about 10 minutes to read of God's words against Egypt.
Stuart

Ezekiel 27-30

Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt were all political powers that challenged the armies of Babylon.  God told Ezekiel to share with the captive Jews that none of these kingdoms will stand against God’s chosen army of punishment.  Israel had gained much from these three kingdoms, but in the end they too would fall because of their rejection of God.  In the same manner that God would punish Israel he would punish these rebellious kingdoms.  Maybe Ezekiel’s audience thought he was trying to make points with the rulers of their captivity.  But the only heart whom Ezekiel sought to capture was that of God.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 128-129

"The Lord bless you.". When was the last time you spoke this phrase when some one didn't sneeze? I seldom speak it. This must have been a common greeting among believers in the days of psalm 129.  But I am guilty of not sharing the greetings of God's blessing. I can explain why I don't, but is anything I offer really a legitimate reason. God has blessed me with a great abundance. Since I recognize this shouldn't I ask for God to bless other believers as well? Is he waiting on me to pass on his blessing?
It took about 2 minutes to read these psalms.
Stuart