Psalm 72

The psalmist begins his writing by describing his struggles to not be like the wicked. There was an internal conflict pitting his fruitlessness in faithfulness when compared to the gains of the wicked. Then he visited the temple and saw the error of wickedness (vs 16-17). What was it he saw at the temple? Was it the beauty of the structure? Was it the rituals of the priest? Was it the sacrifice of the animals? Was It the celebration of the Passover or harvest, or tabernacles? What was it that the psalmist witnessed that opened his eyes to the bounty of serving God and the bankruptcy of sinful rebellion?
Stuart

Psalm 72

In verses 12-14 the description of a wise king includes the acts of benevolence and protection for the weak and vulnerable. These are traits attributed to God himself. So the king, the leader, is to be a reflection of God's benevolent nature as well as that of a judge and law giver.
Stuart

2 Samuel 11-12

Though David was a man who chased after God he was still mired in the works of the flesh. Nothing exposes this fatal flaw clearer than the situation with Bathsheba. David allowed his eyes to wander to another man's house and coveted another man's wife. Then it went downhill from there. David's attempts of concealment led him to violate commandments 10, 7, 9, and 6. I wonder how Nathan reacted when he learned of David's sin? Was it revealed to the prophet in a dream, or vision, or angelic visitation? Nathan knew God's voice and was certainly disillusioned with his king. And must certainly had been afraid for his life when God convicted him to confront the king with his crimes and punishment.
Stuart

2 Samuel 8-10

The very first thing that is mentioned in chapter 8 was an event promised before the birth of Samson (Judges 13:5).  I’m not sure how many years passed between the time the Philistines began oppressing Israel and the day that God used David expelled them from the land.  The occupation lasted during the generation of Samson, and the lifetimes of Samuel and Saul.  The fact that the passage starts with “sometime later” could span a number of years.  I wonder if the victory and expulsion was finalized not because of David’s military prowess, but rather the holy example that he set for Israel to follow.  Was it the righteousness of the leaders of Israel and shifted the culture of Israel back into a submissive relationship to the God of Israel.  The fact that David was king as God answered all of the promises he had made to Israel before they entered the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:12-26) seems to indicated that the change in leadership had be accompanied by a change in the hearts of the people.

Stuart

Proverbs 30

Verse 30 of this chapter tells a powerful truth. Honoring the Lord is more profitable than charm or beauty. A truth that I need to remember for my own life and in the lives of those I befriend.
Stuart

2 Samuel 4-7

God continued to give David exactly what he promised to give him, and David continued to credit God with those blessings.  The people may have been in rebellion from God, but they knew that David was pursuing him with all of his heart.  When David prayed to build a temple for God’s name Nathan returned God’s message of refusal.  But David was not dissuaded from seeing God at work.  As he bowed before the tent of meeting he called out to God about his greatness and then in 7:21 David saw a greater purpose in God work; “you have done all these great things in order to instruct me.”  What was the lesson that David saw God teaching?  Was it about God’s faithfulness?  Was the lesson on trust for the long haul?  Did David need to learn that God moves slowly and not at our speed?  Was God seeking to teach all of Israel that we need to be faithful without expecting to see the fulfillment of God’s plans? 

Stuart

2 Samuel 1-3

The young Amalekite who brought David the news of Saul’s death was also the person who ended Saul’s life.  But he felt that he had good reason; Saul was about to die anyway (1:10).  The problem he faced was that the timing of Saul’s death  was not going to be convenient.  So the Amalekite euthanized Israel’s first king.  This young man assessed the situation.  The Philistines were approaching that location.  Saul was mortally wounded.  The young man knew that David was to be Israel’s next king.  And the point that sealed the deal was that it was Saul’s wish to die at that time.  Saul didn’t want to be disgraced by the Philistines.  Those arguments sound very familiar to statements made in modern times by the euthanasia movement.  But David saw the young man’s actions for what they were; the selfish desires of a selfish king and young man both of whom ignored the value that God places on human life; life made in his image.  David called it murder and carried out God’s sentence for murders.

Stuart

Proverbs 30

Jesus' model prayer included the request for daily bread. I wonder if that request was "inspired" by verses 7-9 in this chapter. Too much of anything will tempt us to trust in ourselves, or what we've been allowed to accumulate. Having too little will tempt us with covetousness and greed. Receiving our daily bread will teach us trust in God, contentment in his provisions, and how to find joy in the simple things of creation.
Stuart

Philippians 3-4

As Paul closes his letter he notes that the believers had sent to him a gift as an expression of their concern for him. Not that had quit caring about him but rather that they lacked the opportunity to display their care. We need to look for opportunities to put on a display of love for others. It does not need to be evident to anyone other than the recipient (there is nothing to indicate that the details of the gift Paul received was public knowledge). But it does need to be intentional. Especially to those who have mentored us in the faith.
Stuart

Proverbs 29

We have a tendency to desire to please ourselves first. Sometimes that desire spills over into accumulating the accolades of others. It can reach the point where we become obsessed with what strangers say about us with no concern for those who know us best. That is the danger recorded in 29:25. We have the innate desire to seek external confirmation of our worth; but the designed audience is God. Sin has perverted that desire to crave the confirmation of fallen and sinful human over the perfect and holy God.
Stuart

Philippians 1-2

After his salutation and introduction Paul repeats to his letter's audience the prayer that he has been raising on their behalf. The final though of the prayer was for the believers to grow in their knowledge and judgment. The fruit of this growth will be good qualities. Traits, which Paul points out, are the work of Jesus Christ in their lives. He gives us a subtle reminder that even as we grow in knowledge it is God who produces the increase.
Stuart

1 Samuel 29-31

After David and his men lived under the rule of Achish for a long time the Philistines prepared to battle Israel again. Achish sought to include David's group among the Philistine fighters but the other kings refused; fearful that David would turn on them. Achish must had been impacted by David's faith because when he proclaimed an oath he leaned on the God of Israel. Maybe he heard David sing of his love for the God from whom he had been cast out. Maybe he had heard the intensity of David's prayers. Maybe he was just being kind to David. Whatever the reason the God whom David worshiped had receive the notice of one of the Philisitine kings.
Stuart

Proverbs 28

How can we learn about justice? Verse 5 in this chapter points to the lifestyle of worshiping God. God's nature defines love. So do his every action portray justice. There is no perversion in anything that he does. Nor is he prejudiced for or against anyone. He sees how we speak and how we act. When he lays that against the motives of our hearts he is able to rightly render justice.
Stuart

1 Samuel 26-28

Saul did not learn the lesson from Israel’s failure to follow God in Eli’s day (1 Samuel 4-5).  The time when God was not answering Israel’s petitions but the sought to force God to act by carrying the ark into battle.  Saul’s desperate desire to find some sort of spiritual guidance led him to violate the principles he had left; he sought out a medium.  Earlier in his reign Saul had waged a war of sorts against those who practiced witchcraft, and had succeeded in driving those who remained underground.  But Saul was desperate for some spiritual guidance.  I imagine Saul muttering to himself as he summarized the situation; the Philistine army before him, the attention of Israel divide between the chase after David and the defense against invaders, and the ever present silence from God.  “If Samuel were alive I could go to him and seek his council.  But Samuel is not alive.  If only there were a way…….”  Once again Saul came up with a plan that not only violated God’s law, as the sacrifice Saul had made did, but totally rejected God’s involvement in Israel.  As a precursor of how future kings of Israel would act Saul went  “around” God to gain guidance by seeking out a medium.  Was Saul’s plan successful?  Saul did received spiritual guidance, though not the news for which he had hoped.  More importantly we can see the lesson that there is only one choice to make when God is not working in our lives; repent of our sin and seek out God on his terms.  I think that Saul’s plan failed and it cost him his life.

Stuart

1 Samuel 23-25

David's heart must have been torn. The Philistines, who he despised, were attacking the people he loved even though Saul despised David (1 Samuel 23:1). Saul had a bounty on the head of his former general, and all of David's companions faced the same threat. He didn't know what to do. So he asked God for guidance. God said "Go." But David's men lacked the faith of their leader. Why would they volunteer to save a city with the Philistine army on one side and the army of Saul on the other?  (A concern mentioned by some later followers of the Son of David (John 11:16)) David went back to the LORD and asked again. God didn't rebuke David or question him. Much like God responded to Gideon, David's prayer was answered with clarity.  Two affirmative answered convinced David's men to follow his steps of faith. They were all rewarded.
Stuart

1 Samuel 20-22

In 1 Samuel 20:41 the writer notes that David's grief was greater and Jonathan's.  What were their griefs?  They shared the grief that Saul's paranoia and selfishness would separate them in spite of their close friendship.  They shared the grief that Saul had attempted to kill both of them.  But David also carried the grief that he would displace his dear friend as king over Israel.  Maybe David's greater grief was also in knowing that he would rise to the throne upon Jonathan's death.  That would be a terrible burden for David to carry throughout his reign. 

Stuart

Proverbs 27

There are weighty situations in life that are greater burdens than a heavy load. We all need to be on our watch.
Stuart

1 Samuel 16-19

Chapter 19 begins detailing Saul's actions against David. By this time David had proven himself a capable fighter, a man of faith, and a wise and compassionate leader. He had also taken the affection of Saul's youngest daughter. Saul realized that God no longer favored him, instead favoring David. He became jealous which led him to act in rage. Yet God frustrated all of Saul's plans. David's response was always to trust in God for his deliverance. God always provided.
Stuart

1 Samuel 13-15

After one victory Saul went from a king with “some” advisors to a having a 2,000 man army with him at all times.  These three chapters describe the fall of Saul from God’s chosen king to a rebel against the LORD of Israel.  When his son Jonathan killed a Philistine commander Saul claimed the victory and called all of Israel’s fighting men to join him in the battle against the Philistines.  But Saul misunderstood the purpose of God’s sacrifices.  He thought they were the means to appease God rather than an expression of recognition for what God was already doing among his people.  So Saul took control of the altar and led in the sacrifice; a very costly choice.  Later, when Jonathan was again given a victory, Saul refused to wait on God (14:19) to answer his requested for guidance and chose to attack on his own terms.  God gave Israel a victory in spite of Saul’s rash behavior and vow.  Once more God guided Saul to encounter Israel’s enemies, but this time Samuel was very clear in God’s commands to Saul; dedicate everything to God on the battlefield.  Nothing of the Amalekites is to be left alive.  Saul neither restrained himself of his men, and brought shame to Israel in spite of God’s victory.  I know that I need to beware of falling into the same trap as Saul.

Stuart

1 Samuel 10-12

Saul was now king over Israel. Then he went home a different man. In addition some powerful men followed Saul home.   The only obvious difference between Saul before and after were his bodyguards and advisers. For the next month nothing was different for Saul. Then the Ammonites attacked and Saul made his choice to lead Israel depending upon God. Because of his faith God provided a victory for Israel under Saul.
Stuart

Proverbs 26

The first 12 verses of this chapter deal with the traits and troubles of fools. Solomon saw many who were foolish, and found creative ways to share the lessons he had learned from observing their lives and the fruit of those who had the misfortune of encountering. I know that I have lived as a fool before I completely surrendered to Christ. I know that I have acted and spoken foolishly since that day. I know that there are many people around us who fall into both categories. And I know that there will always be such people. That is why God's grace is so important to us.
Stuart

1 Samuel 7-9

In the narrative of 1 Samuel twenty years pass between the death of Eli, and the capture and return of the ark of the covenant.  Samuel was now a young man and spoke out against the wickedness of the people.  The call for Israel to discard all that they were worshipping in order to follow after God was followed.  The people gathered en masse at Mizpah for a “camp meeting”.  The Philistine saw the gathering and thought it was a war party so they set out to attack Israel’s “challenge”.  But with the idols gone and the people of Israel seeking God there was no hope for a Philistine victory.   The memory of their slaughter of the Israelites a generation before was wiped out when God caused confusion through the army of the Philistines.  In fear they ran from the Lord, but this time Israel acted as God led.  They followed and killed many in the Philistine army.  God still brings about great victories when his people repent before him.

Stuart

Proverbs 25

Verse 25 focuses on good news from a distant land. When a family member is deployed with the military overseas it is never too soon to receive a message from them. A good report from a love one separated by great distances is precious. Solomon said that such news is as satisfying as a drink of cold water when you are thirsty. 
Stuart

1 Samuel 4-6

When Israel went out to fight the Philistines was God ready to deliver them?  They had been ignoring God for years and so he had sent the Philistines to oppressively rule over them (Judges 13:1).  Though Samson had demoralized the Philistines they did not surrender their control of Israel.  Scripture isn’t clear what precipitated this engagement, but the first day’s loss of 10,000 men (4:2) should have let them know that God was not with them.  But rather than seeking to find the root cause of their oppression Israel chose to “force” the God to fight for them.  This foolish choice was more costly than their previous battle.  Thirty thousand warriors of Israel died during the battle in which the ark of God’s covenant was present; three times the loss as when they fought on their own.  But Israel learned that the external appearance of the God of Israel was not a guarantee of the presence of the God of Israel.  Nor would it force him to display his power.  In actuality they were treating the LORD in the same way the Philistines treated Dagon.  That idol required human hands to lift him from the ground when no human put him there (1 Samuel 5:1-4).   This is a visual reminder of the truth that Paul shared in 2 Timothy 3:5 when he warned Timothy of the emptiness of people who would surround and infiltrate the church; “having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Stuart

Proverbs 24

If we witness an injustice and have the ability and opportunity to intervene we need to act(vss 11-12). That may be the situation in which God's power is made most evident in our life. Such is the repeated example that Jesus left for us to follow.
Stuart

1 Samuel 1-3

I have heard of the similarities between Hannah's song of praise and Mary's magnificant (Luke 1:46-55). One noteworthy difference is when the singing was offered in relationship to the respective son's birth. Hannah sang after she had dedicated Samuel to service at the tabernacle. Mary sang before Jesus was born. So I wonder if Hannah's example for Mary might be an overstatement. Or could it be that Mary was dedicating her son to God's service before he was born?
Stuart

Ephesians 4-6

Paul tells us that we need to beware of the danger of anger; it offers a shortcut to sin.(4:26-27)  When we allow uncontrolled or unabated anger in our lives we also welcome the work of our enemy in our lives.  James supports Paul’s assessment by stating that “man’s anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose.” (James 1:20)  This warning from Paul tells me two truths;

1.      Anger in itself is not a bad thing.  Anger is a powerful emotion that God gave us intending to move us to action when needed. 

2.      Anger can get out of hand.  Like our desires for food and sex if we express our anger in inappropriate circumstances we will sin.  If we direct our anger at the value of another person we set ourselves up as judge and destroy relationships that God intended us to build up in love.

Though it has a good purpose we must very careful of the potential danger that anger presents to our lives.

Stuart

Ephesians 1-3

When we surrender to Christ we also join in fellowship with him.  God predetermined that fellowship be match his eternal intentions for children of Adam and Eve.  We are

·       holy and faultless (1:4). 

·       Sons of the inheritance (1:5).

·       Freed from sin (1:7).

·       Recipients of God’s secret plan (1:9

The fact that these traits are what God has always wanted for us should be a very encouraging message.  Even more encouraging is that Jesus’ sacrifice made the implementation of these realities in our lives possible.  Paul points back to these truths throughout his letter, so it is very important for us to grasp these truths from the start.

Stuart

Proverbs 23

The shortest verse in this chapter is the one that caught my attention; "Don't try to talk sense to a fool; he can't appreciate it." This will even apply to me when my actions and attitudes are foolish. If I reject reason and common sense then there is no reason for a wise teacher to offer me his teaching. Primarily because I will not be willing to listen. Pride will have overtaken my thinking and nothing of righteousness will be able to penetrate that shell. God will have to first break me open, then my vulnerability will be God's entry into my life that will bring about the change that he wants to see and that I need.

Stuart

Ruth

The story of Ruth has many lessons to teach us about life in God's kingdom. Chapter one gives us an example that we should not follow. Naomi complain that when she had left Bethlehem 10 years she was full but now she had returned empty. From God's point of view just the opposite may be true. When Elimelech took his family away from the land of Judah he emptied her life. He surrendered his God-given inheritance in favor of the "greener grass" of Moab. Though Naomi felt that she had returned empty-handed she was blind to the blooming faith of her pagan daughter-in-law. She could never imagine what God was preparing to do through this young believer's faith.
Stuart

Romans 14-16

I am so thankful that human nature has not changed over the last 2,000 years. I know that I would be lost if the Roman believers did not struggle like I do. In chapter 14 Paul tells the believers not to impose their personal convictions on other believers. What I find unacceptable, when the Bible says nothing about it, another believer will accept readily. This has been one of the most difficult lessons for me to grasp. And I'm not sure that I yet fully understand it still. So I need God's firm yet gentle reminders to keep growing in this area of my life. Just like those first century believers in Rome.
Stuart

Romans 12-13

The last warning Paul states in chapter 12 is in regard to our interaction with evil. Even as believers we will interact with evil every day of our lives. Selfish people will come after us with evil intent. Immature Christians will react in circumstances and display the evil actions of their old self. Evil will come at us from those around us but Paul wants us to consider how we respond to the affront of evil in our lives. God is seeking to develop in us the reflex of good. He wants our first response in every situation to be love motivated. Any other reaction sets us up for defeat at the hands of evil.
Stuart

Proverbs 22

The last verse of this chapter offers a good reason to work diligently: the fruit of that labor is more than a job well done. The company of those who are skilled in their work will bring them honor.
Stuart

Romans 9-11

When I read Romans 11:29 I got to thinking about how long God blesses the descendents of those who had followed him faithfully.  The second commandment says that God will punish up to “the third and fourth generations of those who hate him but shows love to a thousand generations to those who love him and keep his commandments.”  Paul says that those whom God chooses to bless he will continue to bless.  So are the people living today in countries such as the US living off of God’s promises to those who came before us?  I think in part we are.  Paul wrote his words during the lives of the first generation of Jews to hear and reject the good news of Jesus.  But even today I think the fruits of God’s blessing on Israel is still evident.  How long will God bless Israel because of Abraham’s faith?  I don’t know.  But I think the duration of God’s promise to this point indicates to us how much God really loved and blessed Abraham.

Stuart

Romans 6-8

Paul gives us a double promise in 8:1 & 34; that there is no legitimate condemnation for those who are in Christ.  I need to understand the full extent of that promise, as well as its limitations.  As a Christian, my eternity will be free from condemnation because of Jesus’ sacrifice for me. (thought I speak in the first person all Christians can claim this promise)  As a Christian I am free to discard the guilt from my sin.  However, I will still see the consequences of sin in this life.  The full measure of the cross will not realized until I leave this physical body.  Unless God provides a complete healing past drug abuse and other foolishness will still cause physical and mental problems.  The criminal activity associated with past sins must still meet the civil punishment. The consequences of immoral acts will remain.  People, well intentioned believers and malicious individuals, will still accuse and slander me.  Paul encourages us to keep our focus on the eternal, and use that perspective to address the situations in the present.

Stuart

Proverbs 21

Verse 25 and 26 contrast two types of men: lazy and righteous. We can learn much about each man from these verses. First a lazy man is not righteous, therefore persistent laziness is a form of wickedness. Second the righteous man is not lazy, therefore one who is living righteously works diligently at his tasks. Regardless of how we view our work investing our lives in a fruitful labor is an expression of a godly life.
Stuart

Romans 4-5

Our rebellious nature resulted in a two step problem.  It led us to sin and separated us from God.  So Jesus’ work of redemption was also two parts, which Paul explains in the last verse of Romans 4.  Jesus’ sacrifice took obliterated the sins of those who seek after him in faith.  Then his resurrection from the dead laid the foundation for our full restoration to God. 

Stuart

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

Proverbs 20

The very last truth in this chapter always hits home with me. It seems that failure and pain have been two of my best instructors. Sometimes they have taught me who is most interested in my well being. Physical and emotional pain are both excellent tools in the teacher's toolbox. God uses them quite proficiently.
Stuart

Romans 1-3

The Jewish people were set apart to God centuries ago. They were the earliest believers who were called to model their lives and society on God's truth and under his leadership. That is what separates Jews from all other people. But in Christ Jesus God extended his rule to all people. There is no difference between Jews and gentiles living in sin; all are equally condemned. In the same way there is no difference Jews and gentiles living by faith in Jesus. That is very good news for me.
Stuart

Proverbs 19

Verse 21 should not be taken as a deterrent to making plans. But it is best understood when we read James 4:13-17 along side of it. Our plans will proceed, and succeed, when they are rooted in God's will. That is one truth that I need to remember.
Stuart

Judges 19-21

The story of the Levite and his concubine reveals how quickly sin perverts and how easily sin justifies itself in the minds of men. The story begins and ends with a summary explanation that is also an excuse: there was no king in Israel. With no single person to persistently enforce God's law there were many people who chose to ignore God's law. There were men in Gibeah who sought only their own passions like the men of ancient Sodom. In the end God convicted his people to carry out his judgment on those wicked men along with the people who protected them.
Stuart