Isaiah 66

In verse 3 of this chapter God calls out those who are "going through the motions" but put nothing of themselves in their worship. They offer sacrifices without sorrow for their sins. The pour out blood neglecting their need for repentance. They march to God's temple with the same attitude with which they approach a pagan site. They are polytheists attempting to appease their many lords. Their approaching punishment is because they chose to disobey God and act out their evil intentions.
Stuart

Revelation 21-22

In Revelation 21:8 Jesus lists the traits of those who will rejected from eternal life.  There are eight traits that display the selfishness of men.  The first one listed is one that I seldom associated with faith; cowardice.  Yet, given the struggles that the church has faced and will face until Christ’s return it is not unusual for this trait to be mentioned.  Refusing to face challenges is evidence of a selfish life outside Christ.  It displays no confidence in God to deliver or sustain.  And it is often the foundational motivation that leads to the other seven sins that Jesus mentions.  All through scripture God tells his people to be bold and brave, and to depend upon him.  Faith will guide us to walk securely through the valley of the shadow of death.

Stuart

Isaiah 65

Am I guilty of not praying a prayer that God is ready to answer? Has there been an obstacle that fell in my path because I did not pray for deliverance? Has this economic downturn endured because I have not joined with believers in petitioning God. Are Christians in Sudan impoverished because I have not faithfully sought the heart of God with their plight? God does not need our prayers to act. Yet he may wait on the prayers of his church so that we will recognize when he has acted.
Stuart

Revelation 19-20

Death is a pit that we all face. Whether we want to admit it or not the reality of death is ever before us. It has been a constant in creation since the first couple ate of that tree. Jesus challenged death when he revived the corpses of many during his ministry. Jesus enter death on the cross but broke its power on Easter day. In Revelation 20:13 Jesus promised to shatter the power death holds over those already there. One day death will no longer trap those ensnared by the consequences of sin. They unbeatable foe will be forced to surrender its loot of souls. Then it will be cast into divine forgetfulness.
Stuart

Isaiah 64

This chapter is a continuation of a message that began earlier in chapter 63. In verse 12 there is a question asked of God. I don't know if it was asked by the prophet or the people.  "LORD, are you unmoved by all of this?" How many times have God's people asked this question? In all of the suffering that the faithful have endured surely many asked this question. When God didn't act to divert or stop a problem, was this question asked? To add frustration to suffering is a difficult burden to carry. When God doesn't respond when we want we will tempted to stop trusting God's judgment. But we need to remember that God always notices our struggles. God always has a plan.
Stuart

Revelation 17-18

In 17:9 Jesus relayed to John the need for understanding to comprehend this vision. The beast with seven heads is seven hills and seven kings. Surely Jesus was referencing a city-state well known to all who read the book. But I don't think his focus was on the city itself. Rather Jesus was probably targeting those evil traits of that city; characteristics that have and will define people in persistent rebellion against God in all ages. Rather than focusing on one city in the span of time, whether past or future, I think we need to take solace that God's judgment will be declared on every civic authority that was more concerned with gratification than obedience.
Stuart

Isaiah 63

One of God's most prominent characteristics is his unfailing love. Isaiah mentions it in verse 7 of this chapter. If we remember to view all of his actions in light of that trait we will understand that there is a greater purpose to the difficulties that we face. We can see that the trials of our life are allowed because of how much God loves us. That may not make sense from a worldly perspective but through faith we can begin to see God's greater purpose.
Stuart

Revelation 15-16

The last plagues of God's anger are being poured out. Just before the seventh plague evil is poised to fight. And it looks like they will win. But then Jesus speaks. He is preparing to return. And he will win.
Stuart

Isaiah 62

I don't recall ever seeing the connection between Christmas and this passage. Isaiah 62 is a recounting of the many promises of restoration and rescue that God will bring to Israel. In the example of Israel's return to God's favor we see a picture of what God will do with his people of his new covenant.
Stuart

Revelation 13-14

There is no way that I am going to attempt to solve the riddles of the visions that John saw. But I noticed a common theme in the three visions of 13:1through 14:5. Three times John said, "Then I saw..." (13:1; 13:11; 14:1). Each of these visions describe someone with authority and the people that follow him. The first beast persuaded people with it displays of power. The second beast threatened people with their lives if they refused to follow him. But the lamb welcomed those who were pure and faithful to God's word. All of this reminds me of what Jesus had said. "By their fruits you will know them."(Matt 7:16, 20)
Stuart

Isaiah 61

We recall that Jesus made the connection of Isaiah 61:1-2 to his ministry (Luke 4:18-19). I wonder if the people of Nazareth understood the connection to verses 3 and 4 in Isaiah 61 as well. Hasn't Jesus given joy to those who mourn? Doesn't he fill the hearts broken with grief with songs of joy? Don't his people praise him because his actions are always right? Jesus fulfilled more that just the beginning of Isaiah 61 he fulfilled more.
Stuart

Revelation 11-12

When the seventh trumpet is sounded there was a heavenly worship service. In contrast to the previous six trumpets which brought destruction and sorrow on earth. This could be a reminder that even though God delivers punishment to those in rebellion he has reserved a Sabbath time to call his people together in celebration of his greatness. We believers need to celebrate God's glory at all times.
Stuart

Isaiah 60

This chapter of Isaiah's book is very confusing because there are so many promises. Were all of them for the returning exiles? Were they all duplicated in the church? Is everyone a picture of the abundance that awaits the faithful when they enter God's eternal presence? Verses 19 and 20 sound much like the promise John heard spoken in Revelation 21:23.
Stuart

Revelation 9-10

I wonder why the scroll tasted sweet in John’s mouth but turned sour in his stomach? (Rev. 10:10)  What was written on the scroll that could create such a contrast in his life.  The Gospel message is one possibility.  When we hear it we gladly bring it into our lives, but then it begins to work on our flesh and leads us through unpleasant changes.  Like denying self and serving our enemies.  The proclamation of God’s judgment could have been on the scroll as well.  Though Christians long to see God set the world in order (sweetness) we will be sickened to see those whom we know, and maybe love, who have rejected his Gospel invitation (sourness).  Maybe the scroll held words that define God’s holiness.  This is a savory treat for which all believers long to realize, but the reality of that truth will cause us to reel at our own unrighteousness.  There is a day coming when we will finally see, or taste, what is written on that scroll.

Stuart

Revelation 7-8

In 7:9 John writes about a huge crowd of people who were worshiping God. One of the elders explained who made up this crowd. They were people whose lives were a contrast. Though they lived in a time of persecution they passed through that time safely. They plunged the filth of their clothing into the Christ's blood and it came out white. Neither of these situations make sense to us. Persecution is not a time of safety and blood does not make cloth white. I think that God message to his people is that he can make the impossible reality. We need to trust him because his methods do not match our perspectives.
Stuart

Isaiah 59

God's eyes are on the oppressed. When justice is withheld then God's attention is captured. But when the defenseless succumb to the trickery of their oppressors God acts. Just as he promised to intervene in Isaiah's day surely God acts the same way today.
Stuart

Revelation 5-6

Jesus is worthy! No on earth can stand with him! Not a single ruler can challenge his authority. That is what the creatures and the assembly of angels proclaimed. That is what we need to proclaim.
Stuart

Revelation 3-4

I noticed a comment Jesus made to the believers in Sardis.  It was what he said to the faithful in 3:4, “..you will walk with me…”.  I wonder if Jesus was referring to eternity or immediately?  The struggles of this life can be some desperate that Jesus’ companionship is the only way to get through those times.  I hope that Jesus’ comment was intended to be a message of what he is doing right now; not only in first century Sardis but also in 21^st century America. 

Stuart

Isaiah 56

Jesus echoed the desire of God's house first spoken to Isaiah; "My temple will be a house of prayer for the nations." Judah had begun the human work of exclusion. The temple of Isaiah's day was scarcely a house of prayer for Israel. By Jeremiah's day there was no one to stand in the gap before God on behalf of his people. Has the body of Christ, the temple of God, become a house of prayer for the nations? If not then the day will come that there may be no one to stand in the gap before God on behalf of his people.
Stuart

Isaiah 55

What is it that the thirst want? Water. What is it for which the poor long? Food. Charity often offers meek provisions and seldom an abundance. God offers more than enough.
Stuart

Malachi

As the people of exile settled the Promised Land God did not give them milk and honey. So they asked God these questions:
1. How have you shown your love for us? (1:2)
2. How have we despised you. (1:6)
3. How have we failed to respect you? (1:7)
4. Why don't you accept our sacrifices? (1:13)
5. Don't we all have the same father? Didn't the same God create us all? (2:10)
6. Why do we break our promises to one another?
Why do we despise the covenant that God made with our ancestors?
7. Why don't you accept our sacrifices? (2:14)
8. How have we tired God? (2:17)
9. What must we do to turn back to God? (3:7)
10. How are we cheating God?  (3:8)
11. What terrible things have we said about God?(3:13)
12. What is to gain by showing God we are sorry?(3:14)
The church in America  might need to ask God those same questions. And we need to listen to his answers.
Stuart

Isaiah 53

(I started at 52:13) What a terrible description of man's inhumanity towards another man. It's not clear whether Isaiah lived out this passage, but we know it described Jesus' passion. The second question in 53:1 speaks volumes; "Who could have seen the LORD's hand in this?" That is the same question we ask about suffering in our lives. "How is God in this?" When we look past the suffering and see the end of God's work we are more inclined to give him glory than to speak our grief.
Stuart

Zechariah 13-14

I think that the last thought Zechariah records is very interesting.  All of the instruments of sacrifice in the temple were holy to the LORD.  But the day is coming when even the horse bells will be holy to the LORD.  I don’t think the point was that all of Jerusalem will become holy.  I think it is that every aspect of a believer’s life will be holy. 

Stuart

Zechariah 7-9

Sharezer and Regemmelech came to the temple in Jerusalem to seek the LORD’s guidance.  For 70 years their fathers commanded a fast on the anniversary of the destruction of the temple.  Now that the temple was being rebuilt they wanted to know if they should continue the fast.  God knew the hearts of those people who had established the fast.  They were the ones who had rejected God’s law that led to his punishment.  God told these messengers that the fasts and the feast that the people had been observing were for their own benefit not in honor of God.  The answer to the question that Sharezer and Regemmelech asked is found in what God did not say.  But I think God has given modern believers a message as well; what is the purpose behind our traditions?  After 2,000 years the church has a lot of traditions.  Some of them are good, many no longer carry their intended meaning, and there are some that are purely a waste of time, money, and energy.  Church history is shredded by the divisiveness that was initiated by some of our traditions.  Some traditions are not harmful, but we need to ask if they honor God.  Do they help us seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness?  Do they challenge us to die to self daily?  Do they help us focus on our need to live expecting Jesus’ return?  Do they unite us at the foot of the cross?

Stuart

Isaiah 50

Verse 10 of this passage starts out really positive. He draws the listeners attention to the two positive attributes of a life of faith; reverence toward the nature of God and obedience to his revealed word. The verse ends with the encouragement to keep trusting in God. But in between the focus on godly attributes and a persistent focus on God Isaiah describes the path believers will walk; darkness. The darkness will not only come from our own sinful tendencies. We are surrounded by free willed sinners and a world corrupted by that sin and collapsing in on itself.  All of these ugly truths make it clear that the world is darkness. And believers have to walk in that darkness. How can we remain true? Through reverence for the LORD, obedience to God's word, and trust in a very reliable king.
Stuart

Isaiah 49

I think I know the origin of using our hands as a memory jogger. Whether it be a string on a finger, a wrist band, or a note in pen written on our palm. God came up with the idea first. See Isaiah 49:16.
Stuart

Zechariah 1-3

Zechariah mentions four visions (1:7-2:5) at the beginning of his writing.  Since they are mentioned all together the message of the visions are probably related (this is a case where the chapter breaks really confuse the reader).  The first and fourth visions seem to repeat the same message of God’s work of prosperity that is coming to Jerusalem.  The second and third visions also present a corollary message; that those who had oppressed God’s people would be made powerless.  Is there a message for the church?  I think it is this; God’s plan for his people is prosperity (always spiritual abundance, sometimes physical).  The oppressions of outsides may seek to overthrow God’s blessing but they never will.  As believers we are the undeserving recipients of God’s endless grace and protection.

Stuart

Haggai

God had fulfilled his promise to return Israel to their inheritance. But they had not done what they had been commanded to do. The foundation of the temple had been started but then the people quit. They were more focused on taking care of their own needs than doing the LORD's work. Because their priorities were out of order God withheld his blessings. They had expected their first harvests to be abundant. But there was a drought. Not because of global warming but rather because of their selfish disobedience. Haggai's message; seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you (Matt. 6:33).
Stuart

Isaiah 48

In what part of history do you live? Isaiah says that some in Judah were living in the past. They stake their being on the ancestor Judah. They always looked back on what God HAD done.  There were others whose focus was only on what they are doing in the present. They go to God's temple. They live in Jerusalem. They always focus on what God IS doing. But God wants his believers to focus on the future that he will bring about. We can see the past and present, but we must act in faith to live in the future. I suppose that is what God wants from us.
Stuart

Jude

Jude spends most of his short letter describing the works of people who reject Jesus' authority. In verses 20-23 he describes the two areas of action which believers should respond. By building their relationships within God's family and then relationships with unbelievers.
1. Build up your faith
2. Pray through the Spirit's power
3. Live in the love of God
4. Wait on Jesus' revelation of eternal life
5. Display mercy to those who have doubts about your faith
6. Help those consumed by their destructive actions to lead them into the faith
7. Act in mercy and caution toward those engrossed in their sins. Do not get caught up in their rebellion.
Stuart

Isaiah 47

In verse 6 God revealed that he would turn Israel over to Babylon for punishment. Babylon became proud of the position into which God had placed them and they took advantage of Israel's weakness. Babylon was merciless; forgetting that they were God's servant to rebuke his people. There are people today who may be given an advantage over modern believers. They may forget, or not realize, that they are only servants of God to strengthen his people. If they act arrogantly they will share Babylon's shame and emptiness.
Stuart

Zephaniah

Zephaniah was from the royal family.  Surely he had access to the king and the rulers of the people of Judah.  He must have witnessed the idolatry of the rulers; worshiping Baal and taking oaths in the name of Milcom.  In spite of king Josiah’s reforms he saw leaders turn their backs on God. They no longer went to the temple with sacrifices or sought his guidance in prayer (1:6).  The greatest danger of this infection was not the invasion of a foreign army, which was coming.  It was not the famine and death that would consume the people, which God sent.  Zephaniah’s sternest warning was offered in 2:2; to wither and die like a flower.  They were in danger of being cut off, spiritually, from the real source of life.  They were refusing to worship God and would soon be cut off from his fellowship.  That death is worse than any punishment that God would send their way.

Stuart

Isaiah 46

God's plans have never failed. So we can act know that no one will thwart his future plans either. Everything that he commissions unfolds by his pattern. The rose petals open according to his design. In that blossom we can see the beauty of God plan. A grandmother breathes her last when he chooses. The pain of that death may challenge our faith but God's plan of eternal redemption is not tarnished by our pain. Even through the tears we should look for the plan that does not, can not, fail.
Stuart

Habakkuk

I have heard of some Christians whose prayers are overflowing with sorrow for the injustices that they witness.  I wonder if the church in America has fallen into the same trap as the believers in Habakkuk’s day?  Is there more concern with personal freedoms and comforts than the display of holiness and surrender to God’s call for obedience?  Habakkuk longed for God to step in and correct the immorality in Judah.  He was shocked by the plan that God devised.  I wonder if God had waited to act until Habakkuk laid his complaint before the throne of grace?  When will I raise the same complaint before my God?

Stuart

Isaiah 45

Why is God so generous? Why has God placed in the hearts of all men a sense of right and wrong? Why did God create in us a capacity to love one another, even to the point of sacrificing our lives so that another can live? Where does the heroic strength of valor originate? Isaiah 45:5 says that these things come from God. But they are bestowed for a reason: to reveal the nature and presence of God.
Stuart

2 Peter

Beginning in 2 Peter 3:10 Peter talks about the coming day of Christ Jesus’ return.  In anticipation of that day we should, as Peter notes in verse 11, live holy and godly lives.  Then in verse 12 he said our waiting should be accompanied by action the will “make that day come soon.”  Wow!  We can impact God’s time-table on the end.  The great and awesome God of creation says that his church, made up of weak and sinful people, has a part in scheduling the end of time.  But that message also means that we are responsible for his delay as well.  Does that mean the 21^st century should not have come to be?  I don’t know.  But it does mean that I need to be engaged in sharing the hope of the Gospel more forcefully than I have.

Stuart