Another Year's Worth of Reading

Thankfully I have been able to complete the reading through the Bible in one year yet another time.  I finished up Sunday night 12/27.  On average I probably spent between 5 and 20 minutes for the longer reading of the day and no more than 5 for the shorter reading.  I have learned a number of new truths about God and asked a lot of questions for which I don’t see any answers.  One lesson that I am continuing to work to apply is my need to lead my reading time with a period of prayer.  I have been asking God for his wisdom to see what he wants me to learn and what he wanted the first audience to understand.  I believe that sometimes the two topics are not the same.  I look forward to the same challenge in 2010.

Stuart

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

Isaiah 66

There are two predominate characteristics that God desires to see developed in his people; humility and a contrite spirit (vs 2). A truth that God had revealed to David (Psalm 51:17) generations before it was repeated to Isaiah. It makes sense that these are two character traits that God still desires to see in the lives of his people today. The development of these attitudes in our lives should become a part of our regular prayers to God.
It took me about 6 minutes to read this last chapter of Isaiah's writtings.
Stuart

Revelation 21-22

In the closing lines of John's writing there is an invitation to those who are thirsty for God; come and drink from the river of life. Then in the warning about taking away from the words of prophecy is the punishment; seperation from the tree of life. God has returned to the punishment that was placed upon Adam and Eve. But that first seperation was conditional. In Jesus there is access to the tree of life. This seperation will be eternal.
It took me about 9 minutes to read the glorious close of John's revelation from Jesus.
Stuart

Isaiah 65

God clearly displays the contrasts of his action toward those who revere him and those who reject him. Verses 10 and 12 offer a clear picture. The people dwelling in the same place will encounter different sides of the same God. Those who seek him and faithfully call on his name will find their homes like a valley of rest for the flock or herd. While those idolaters in Israel will meet the sword in the same valley. God explains that he showers blessings on those who surrender to him and judgment upon those who calliouslly reject his commands.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 19-20

Some of the first words that John recorded was to proclaim a blessing upon those who read the words of the revelation. The declaration of blessings is repeated throughout the book. In 19:9 John hears another blessing pronounced.  This one is one those who have been invited to the lamb's wedding feast. I can't help but wonder if Jesus had the parable of the feast (Luke 14:16-24) in mind when he directed the angel to speak that blessing.
It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 64

Isaiah looked to the past and recalled time after time when God worked wonders for Israel's benefit. God had taken a nation of slaves and built them into a glorious kingdom. The crown jewel of their nation was the glorious temple in Jerusalem. Then as Isaiah looked to the future he saw God's judgment coming upon unrepentant Judah. A judgment that would culminate with the destruction of the centerpiece of their national identity of God's covenant people. Isaiah wanted to know how God could remain silent as that day of finality approached.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 17-18

The imagry of these two chapters centers on the meaning of Babylon.  Here she is portrayed as a woman of audultry and a city of wealth. I believe the focus should not be one WHO she is but rather how God acts toward her. She represents to lives of those who serve themselves and reject God's grace. So the end of her existence is rejection by God. No matter how many other people and nations depend and defend her the fianl condition of her choices is unchangable. Judgment from God is eternal.
It took me about 9 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 63

Merry Christmas! God looked down from his throne and took notice of we people. His response to our need was to send a beautiful reminder of his love for us; Jesus.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter after Christmas eve service.
Stuart

Revelation 15-16

All through the revelation John heard creature and people speak of God's greatness and power. In 16:7 John heard the altar of God's temple speaking of the rightness of God's judgments. Much like the stones' shouting that Jesus mentioned in Luke 19:40 this part of the vision displays the witness of God offered by every aspect of creation.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 62

In Isaiah's day Jerusalem was the center of the Jewish world. Though the northern kingdom had been destroyed by Assyria God's people remained in the southern kingdom of Judah. But the hearts of many of the people and most of the rulers had grown cold towards God. Because of their unfaithfulness to him, God had whittled Jerusalem's political influence to virtually nothing. To this former powerhouse Isaiah had been proclaiming the coming of God's judgment. I'm sure the leaders of Judah were tired of hearing Isaiah speak the same message of God impending punishment. In this chapter it almost sounds like Isaiah has changed his message. Instead it is the message of what will come AFTER Jerusalem and her leaders receive their punishment. God is never caught be surprise. He has a plan for every rebellion we can throw his way; a remedy for all of our sins.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Isaiah 61

The first two verses of this chapter are well known among Christians because they are the words that Jesus read to his hometown followed by his statement that he was the completion of the words of the prophet. If someone made the same claim in front of me I would be skeptical. At this time of year it would be good to lay God's words from Isaiah on the picture of a baby boy in a feed trough. That gives us a better picture of God's plan of redemption.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 13-14

There is a rumor that Satan wants everyone on earth to hear.  He would like it even more if we would all believe it to be true. But it is only a rumor.  And a falsehood.  John heard it in the revelation that Jesus showed him.  He wrote it down in 13:4.  This is the rumor that Satan seeks to spread over the whole earth:  “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”  Satan wants us to think that he is greater than sliced bread.  He wants us to buy into the lie that there is no one like him on earth and there never was or will be anyone who can compare to his majesty and power.  He also wants us to accept the “inevitable”; we can’t fight against him and expect to win.  As I mentioned this rumor is false.  There is nothing in creation to support his claim to fame and power.  In order to accept this rumor as true we have to adopt his definition of victory; temporary control over our teeny-tiny domain of influence.  Jesus offers us something more substantial; adoption as children of the one and only eternal ruler of the universe.  The day is coming when the rumor, along with the one who originated it, will be cast into eternal destruction by God’s had of judgment.  And those who fought against the enemy of our souls will be given a glorious victory through the blood of Jesus.

It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 60

The first 11 verses depict Judah's future if they return to God. A future of bounty and prosperity. It is a wonderful picture of abundance promised to the people that hold fast to God's word. But the contrasting description of a nation the rejects God is summarized in a few words; perish and laid waste. It should not surprise people of faith that selfishness and irreverence has always led to national collapes. We think we are different. We think we are so wise, but we are just like ancient Judah. And we deserve God's destructionif we refuse to obey him.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 11-12

When we compare the events in Heaven when the 7^th seal is broken and the 7^th trumpet is sounded there was a notable difference in what  John experienced.  The seal was opened and Heaven was silent.  The trumpet sounded and a new chorus of voices filled heaven.  The message of the voices told of God’s ultimate victory over sin and Satan.  All authority in earth has surrendered to God and his Christ.  The same message that Jesus shared with his followers before he physically rose from the earth.  What a wonderful message of hope in the middle of a world caught up in feeding its own passions and desires.

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Revelation 9-10

The little scroll that John ate was probably a representation of the message of the Gospel. It is wonderfully tasteful but as it works into our inner being it is bitten toward our worldly nature.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 58

Should our refusal of food be the sole activity when we fast? What self-denials is God searching to reveal in our lives? We all have the ability to abstain from eating food for a short time, but some of us have within our influence the opportunity to do something to impact the lives of others through acts of self-denial. We may not all be able to forgive someone's foolish debt but we can offer the forgiveness from any sin committed against us. That may be one of the greatest sacrifices we can make.
It took about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 7-8

John's first vision of Heaven was very similar to what Isaiah and Ezekiel saw in their visions. What he heard was also similar: a heavenly chorus that never ceased to praise God. It is worth considering that this chorus has proclaimed God's greatness since the creation of angels. But when John saw Jesus ipen the seventh seal of the scroll the chorus stopped. Silence. John doesn't say what happened in the 30 minute period. We don't know if all of heaven was mourning or silenced in awe by a greater display of God's judgment or power. I look forward to finding out why Heaven was silent.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 57

Where do I place my trust? In human institutions? In myself? In the church? In God alone? The list could go on and on. Only one of those in any list will ultimately prove trustworthy. God himself sets the standard of meeting whatever I need in any and every situation. At times that is a struggle. But Isaiah spends the first 13 verses of this chapter contrasting the lives of those who place their trust in God with those who center their confidence on anything but God. the last verse of the chapter presents the summary: "There is no rest for the wicked."
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 5-6

I’ve never had a song written about me.  I have had a song sung to me but it was not about the wonderful aspects of my nature.  If I recall properly it had something to do with looking and smelling like a monkey and belonging in a zoo.  But Jesus is different.  Not only do millions sing to and about him throughout the world today that chorus pales in comparison to the assembly of heavenly creatures and departed saints who raise their eternal voices in praise of his wonderful nature.  By faith I believe that God’s grace will allow me to join that eternal chorus that sings something more moving than the Hallelujah Chorus; the song of the lamb.

It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 56

Isaiah delivers God's promises to those who choose to worship him over other things in life. He mentions the foreigner who leaves his native people to yoke himself under Israel. To them God promises a spot in his temple and acceptance of their offering. To the eunuch who commit themselves to serving God instead of mourning the children who will never be God made a promise as well. A monument and eternal life. Isaiah records these messages to reassure those outside of the main stream of covenant people that they will not be forgotten.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 3-4

Jesus said that there were some believers in Sardas who were walking in the graveyard of the church.  Jesus said they are easy to pick out because they are the ones wearing white.  Those who have conquered the enemy that was attacking the believers in Sardas were given three promises; In 3:4 Jesus said that they are walking with him.  In 3:5 Jesus said gave the reassurance that the living one in Sardas would never have their names removed from the rolls of the book of life.  He also said that he would speak their names in the presence of God and his angels.  When we remain in Jesus regardless of what the other believers might be doing the immediate and eternal rewards are worth every struggle we may face.

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 55

Isaiah spoke of a day that was yet to come. A day when food and drink would be purchased; but not in the way the world buys and sells. He doesn't denote what denomination will be required to buy this refreshment. Verse 6 may lend a hint as to the means of payment; through the LORD. From the Christian perspective of history I see the hand of Jesus in this chapter. It is God's messiah who will purchase both the sinner and the refreshment from God. It is his blood that brought the two into unity.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Revelation 1-2

Jesus gave John a wonder message of comfort; he is involved in the life of the leadership of the church and in the lives of the people that make up the church.  That was what his words meant in Revelation 1:12-16, 20.  Though the message was initially intended for the 7 fellowships under John’s influence it is easy to extend our Lord’s words to every congregation of faith.  As we continue to read the letters to the seven churches we see that a church doesn’t have to be faithful in all areas of doctrine to be under Jesus’ care.  Of the four churches mentioned in chapter 2 only Smyrna received no reprimand from Jesus.  What does that mean to the churches who are still waiting for his return 21 centuries after he ascended?  Strive to conquer.  Jesus ends the letter to each church with a promise for those who conquer.

It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

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

Isaiah 54

We willingly recognize that God is the creator of all the original matter.  But we might hesitate to credit God as being the creative force behind technology. Isaiah didn't hesitate to pass on that attribute (54:16-17). Because of his position as originator of EVERYTHING he is also the king of EVERYTHING. The metal in the sword is his and still obey's his command. The lead in the ammo round is God's and it will still obey his call. There is no free will in any of God's creation, except us.
It took me about 6 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Malachi 3-4

Chapter 3 begins with God’s declaration that he will send a messenger to prepare the way for his arrival.  I wonder how many things God prepared?  Paul explained that God prepared to send Jesus before the creation of the world, and Jesus told us that he would prepare a place in eternity for those who follow after him and is preparing our hearts to come into his presence.  And his preparation work is not limited to spiritual realm.  Jeremiah knew that God had prepared him to be a prophet to the people of Judah.  Today God is actively preparing good works for us.  With all of this preparation it is difficult to consider that God might not be prepared for any struggle in our lives that we face.

It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 52-53

"We sure could use a little good news today." With that though Ann Murray closed out her hit song from the early 80's; a song that struck a chord of familarity with many people. Too often we only hear the bad news and we grimis when we see a messenger who only offers bad news. But we rejoice to hear the footsteps of one who carries good news. As believers we have news better than Isaiah could offer. We have the news of eternal hope in Jesus. That is, as the angels declared, good news of great joy for all people.
It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Malachi 1-2

We people have an uncanny ability to justify almost anything in our own eyes.  In the first two chapters of this minor prophet God identifies three areas where ancient Israel justified evil in front of God.  When they gave God tarnished offerings, when they withheld the good that they had promised to God, and when the rejected their marriage covenants.  How could they expect to be real people of God when they acted in that manner?    They couldn’t.  I know that these same topics are struggles that many Christians encounter today as well.  We need to encourage one another to avoid the same pitfalls that the ancient believers justified in their hearts.

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 51

I don't recall ever catching the message in the first three verses of this chapter. The picture is beautifully clear in displaying God's consistency. The prophet was conveying God assurance to those few in Judah who still sought his favor. He tells them that they were hewn from the same quarry of faith that birthed Abraham.  Those who display the same faith as Abrahm can expect to receive the same blessings that Abraham received. Paul also refers to Christians as the true seed of Abraham. Therefore, it is safe to assume that we too will receive Abraham's reward from God.
It took me 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Zechariah 10-12

I forgot to send this out yesterday.
It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Zechariah 13-14

There is a special day that God has planned. Zechariah describes it in 14:7 as a day like no other. A day when the sky is never dark and the climate never cold. It will be a day in which the unifying work of God will be complete. A day that we cannot understand in any way other than wonderous. This was a promise not only to the exiles who were rebuilding God's temple in Jerusalem but it is a promise to those of us being built into God's temple today.
It took me about 7 minutes to read the end of Zechariah's prophecy.
Stuart

Isaiah 50

How can we display our reverence towards God? One way Isaiah describes in verse 10 is to obey the words of God's servant. When we accept the words of God spoken through his servant we allow God to impact our lives.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Zechariah 7-9

For 70 years the remnants of Judah mourned the destruction of Jerusalem. With the restoration work of the temple underway some of the remnant that had returned wondered what they should so. They sought God's guidance: keep the traditions or not. God's response through his prophet consisted of a series of questions. When we do something today we need to ask ourselves the same questions.  Are we doing it for ourselves or to honor God?
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 49

Verse 16 explains that God has a tatoo. That is probably the best secular description of what this verse reveals. God is so consumed with his desire to fellowship with his people that he puts a picture of his people is the place where it is most visible; the palm of his hand.
It took me about 6 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Zechariah 4-6

Zechariah was given a vision that included two olive trees.  The prophet sought to understand what their presence meant but God did not clearly reveal to him who they are.  In 4:14 the angel referred to them as God’s two anointed ones.  But that does not make clear to me their significance.  I know that one of God’s anointed is Jesus.  But who would be the other?  David?  Melchezedek? Aaron?  All of these men, and many others, were anointed for God’s work.  This may be one of the mysteries of God that we may never fully understand this side of eternity.

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 48

In verse 13 God declares his power in terms that the first hearers and modern readers can understand. He speaks of the foundations of the earth and the population of the heavens. But God doesn't speak of them in past tense as those they are bygone relics of creation. God still commanded their movement in Isaiah's day. Today we know that the heavens are "alive" with stelar and galaxtic activity, and we can stand in faith that he who commanded the heavens in Isaiah's day still moves the nebula and novas at his command.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Zechariah 1-3

When we rebel God will deal with us as he deals with all rebels.  That was the confession that the Jews to whom Zechariah spoke made to God.  And that is really a reason to praise him; because he is eternally consistent.  I know that I need consistency in my life.  My thinking is sometime confused.  My actions are often inconsistent with the spiritual desires I have.  My attitude frequently needs adjusting.  Too often I let the appetites of my flesh win the battle of wills and I end up on the bottom side of sin.  Thankfully God is consistent and he deals with me just like he did that thief on the cross; with grace.

It took me about 7 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

       

Isaiah 47

I don't know if I am feeling guilty but the words of ancient Babylon sound very familar to some of the voices in 21st century America; "I am, and there is no one beside me." And God's warning to those who seek pleasure in verse 8 could be a warning to many in out culture as well. The church needs to touch our society and re-introduce the God of the Bible to our neighbors. I need to share the foundation of my faith with those with whom I interact.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Haggai

When the returning exiles turned all their strength to doing what God had commanded they received his blessing. He also made a promise for them. A promise through which we also have received fruit. God propmised that the glory of the new temple would exceed that of the old. I wonder if he was refering to the messiah's redemptive work or something else?
It took me almost 10 minutes to read the words of Haggai.
Stuart

Jude

Cain, Balaam, and Korah. All three men knew the creator God. All three men rejected God's standards in a selfishly motivated rebellion. They each were guilty over honoring themselves over God. Each one grabbing for something that God had refused to provide each one. Not because God is selfish but because God's just nature demanded it. I know that I have to watch for the same temptation, and pray that God will provide me the strength to overcome.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this book.
Stuart

Isaiah 43-46

In 44 verses 9-20 Isaiah describes the foolishness of those who worship idols. they take a tree and cut it down. Part of the tree is used for firewood. Fuel to warm the house, heat the water, and cook their food. From the same tree which is a servant to this man's needs they fashion an image and pledge submission. The servant of the man is also the master over the man; how foolish. In modern terms the same through could be expressed like this:
A man brings home a paycheck. Part of his pay is his servant; used to pay the electric bill, part to pay for his shelter, and part to buy his food. The same paycheck he also credits to making him the man that he has become. He buys those things which elevates his social staus among his friends; fancy house, vacation trips, luxury cars, elegent dining, and distinguished clothes.  The servant of the man is also the master over the man; how foolish.
It took me almost 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Zephaniah

Our God is great. The judgment pronounced in 1:2-3 is not beyonf his reach. Applied literally it would be no different than his judgment in the days of Noah. But his judgment in the context is against the Promised Land. Judah had rejected God's law and so defiled the land with their idolatry.
It took me about 15 minutes to read the book of this prophet.
Stuart

Isaiah 42

What becomes of those in covenant who refuse to listen to God? Isaiah pointed out that those under the Law who became blind to God's correction might remain blind to the purpose behind God's actions. God explains his frustration over the way Israel had turned his back on God. So he planned something new. It will include a new song; no longer will they sing the song of Moses. John passed on from his revelation that the new song will be the song of the lamb.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Habakkuk

When we ask God a question we need to remember to follow Habakkuk’s actions and wait for an answer.  That is what he said he would do in 2:1.  And because he waited and heard God’s response he went to God in praise of his greatness.

It took me about 12 minutes to read this book.

Stuart

Isaiah 41

In verses 21-24 Isaiah sets a challenge before the idols that Israel was worshipping: do something to prove your divinity. God wants all people to understand that he sets the standard to measure a deity. And there is no such thing as a god who sits about silently, motionless, cloaked in total mystery. A true god can explain the past and the future with equal clarity. Anything that we value more than God should be able to pass the same tests or we will be destined to receive the same fate promised the idolaters in Isaiah's day; abomination.
It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

2 Peter

In 2:19 Peter points out; "For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." So I wonder what I have allowed to overcome me? Peter doesn't mention him but I'm thinking he was hoping that everyone would read his unspoken connection to Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit. When I hear the word "overcome" what comes to my mind is the death of some one. "They were overcome by smoke." Probably Peter was thinking the same thing; that we will allow the Holy Spirit to "kill" our selfish desires so that Christ can live out his power in us.
It took me about 10 minutes to read this book.
Stuart

Isaiah 40

In verses 7 and 8 Isaiah repeats a phrase from the LORD; "the grass withers, the flower fades...." He declares the truth that we humans dread to speak; life is frail and fleeting. I don't say this with a defeatest attitude. God's grace has given me a purpose for living now; to serve others with joy. But I am continuing to learn that I can not expect my efforts to produce much. I will only be effective when I allow God to work in my place. I don't know how to do that many times but God will patiently lead me in all righteousness to serve him as fruitfully as I can.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Nahum

How terrible to walk into God’s judgment without an advocate.  If God did not spare the city where his name dwelt from utter destruction is there any reason to consider that he might space any place or people?  Nahum was the second prophet of God to speak to the people of Nineveh.  Jonah’s mission trip produced in the hearts of the people the repentance and faith that God treasures so highly.  But the children and grandchildren of those who had heard the first prophet did not hold on to the words of judgment spoken to their forefathers.  In 1:3 Nahum pointed out not only God’s slowness to anger but also his great power.  And the only thing that restrains his judgment in its full power is his patience.  When that is gone so is all hope.

It took me about 10 minutes to read the words God spoke to Nahum.

Stuart