Psalm 25

It seems that those who humiliate us are enemies with us. It seems like those who want to hurt us the most don't stop at physical pain. They unleash their anger on us with words as well as fists. In the times of those attacks we have a shelter in God. Whatever he does in our lives is for our protection. Though the insults and humiliation may continue we can find rest in God's presence, and peace in his word. Like Paul and his thorn that may be all we need to endure the humiliation. That's what got Jesus through the cross.
Stuart

Hebrews 4-6

In our culture there is a tension between work and rest. But that is not what God intended. God designed work and rest to be in harmony with each other. They reflected that harmony in God's creation. Maybe it was sin that created the tension. Maybe it was the additional knowledge that came from the tree. Maybe it was the result of our pride. Only when we are depending upon God will the balance and harmony of work and rest come into focus.
Stuart

Hebrews 1-3

Hebrews 2:18 reminds us that Jesus was tempted and struggled through those temptation. But I don't think the point of his victory over temptations was to show us that life COULD be lived sin free. I think the Hebrew writer reveals that Jesus' temptation were to enable him to empathize with us. So that the untemptable God could experience to agony of sin's attraction. Because God in the flesh chose to stand beside us as our peer he could offer us a gift; to choose to stand beside him as a peer in his glorified righteousness. A gift he had prepared before the beginning of time.
Stuart

Proverbs 17

That which is of great value must be refined. The goal is absolute purity. Men seek to purify gold and silver. God sees the hearts of people as the greatest treasures. Therefore, he seeks to tests the hearts of his people. Not to turn them away from his presence but to prove their value.
Stuart

Leviticus 25-27

There is a heightened level of anxiety among people in our society.  Anti-depressants and sleeping aids are some of the most frequently prescribed medicines.  I am sure that part of the anxiety is the result of a sin crippled world.  Yet I wonder if some of those prescriptions are the result of those who have rejected God?  God gave the example in Leviticus 26:36 that the sound of a leaf blowing would send the crowds fleeing in panic.  Do people argue and bicker for survival as a result of the hopelessness in this world because of the long term effects of sin?  Or because they are fleeing from God’s standards.  Do my anxiety levels climb when I am struggling against God?

Stuart

Levitcus 15-18

 In Leviticus 18 we find the description of a "sexually liberated" culture. God said that the people of Egypt and Canaan were very focused on expressing themselves sexually. In verses 27 and 28 God said that the land became unclean because of their perversion. And this obsession with excessive sexual expression caused the land to "vomit" those cultures out. If we believe that God created all of nature then this passage indicated that nature reacts to sin in a similar fashion that God does. And if the land of ancient Canaan was revolted by a population of immorality how will the land of 21st century react to a similar culture? If nature rebelled against their abusive and selfish rulers in the 10th century BC what will nature do today?
Stuart

Leviticus 12-14

With a casual reading of Leviticus 12-14 the treatment of those impacted by life changing circumstances beyond their control seems very calloused and extreme.  For those with a skin disease to be isolated outside of the camp comes across as inhumane.  But I wonder how such people were treated outside of the community of Israel?  I find a common picture from US history in the 1980’s.  In those early years of AIDS the reaction of many people across the USA was very calloused towards those who contracted the disease.  Ryan White became the public face of unjust treatment.  Because he regularly received blood transfusions to combat his hemophilia he became an innocent victim of AIDS and the discrimination that accompanied it.  Where the people of Kokomo Indiana failed the community of Cicero excelled.  I believe the edits of the Law where intended to reflect the attitudes and actions of the people of Cicero.  Though the infected people were separated from the community, so that the disease would not spread unchecked, they were still a part of the community.  When the camp of Israel moved those who were unclean moved with the camp.   They were not kept from collecting the manna and there is no indication that their inheritance was taken from them.  God’s Law had found a balance for maintaining human dignity and preserving life while controlling the threat of pandemic in an age with no medical practices. 

Stuart

Proverbs 13

Verse 3 gives us some very clear instruction regarding our words. The message of our words will bring fruit into our lives. Good fruit, wisdom, will be a joy to partake. Rotten fruit, folly, will rot the foundations of our life. Since we have the choice as to what message our words will convey we will also choose the fruit we will receive.
Stuart

Leviticus 9-11

Too often the comments I hear about Leviticus 11 center on confusion about why God would forbid certain animals for food. The questions arise from the same lying twist that Satan used on Eve;"That food isn't going to make you dirty." Instead of focusing on the literal meanings of the words Moses used perhaps we should look at the root message: "Be holy as I am holy."(Leviticus 11:44-45) The message God wants to teach has nothing to do with food, but has everything to do with obedience and being visibly different from the world. 
Stuart

Leviticus 5-8

In Leviticus 8:23 Aaron and his sons were being set apart as priest of God. It was the blood of the sacrifice that first set them apart. The blood marked them as holy men. But the last part of their ordination was the meal. In verse 31 they were commanded to eat a part of the sacrifice. This too was a part of their ordination. The pictures of Jesus are hard to miss in this setting. Not only does his blood mark the Christian as holy but his body is the continual meal reminding us of the sacrifice.
Stuart

Proverbs 13

We need to watch what we say. That is the truth spelled out in Proverbs 13:3. Well thought out words seldom opens the door for slanderous rebuttal or retaliation. The idea is not to say nothing but rather to ration our speech. The concept is supported by passages such as Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome words come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." So our few words should be purposeful. And James 1:26 - "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." So our few words should be godly. And 1 Peter 4:11a - "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." So our few words should be holy.
Stuart

Leviticus 1-4

The details of the sacrificial rituals are explained in the book of Leviticus.  The reasons, the foreshadows fulfilled in Messiah, are not as clear as the blood.  In 4:3-12 the requirements of the sin offering for a priest are specified.  There is an eye-opening practice regarding the blood described in verse 6 and 7.  Not only is the priest to sprinkle the blood against the sides of the altar of burn offering, a common practice for sin offerings, blood must be taken into the Holy place of the tabernacle.  Then the blood is applied to the altar of incense.  Since this is the place and picture of the prayers or the priest the message seems to be; cleansing of blood is required for our prayers to be acceptable.  For the Christian then the presence of Jesus’ blood in our prayers is what makes them acceptable to God.

Stuart

Acts 26-28

Acts 28:3 records that Paul was bitten on the hand by a snake. Now there are some things about snakes that I appreciate. They eat mice and other pests. They don't spread diseases. And they generally tend to avoid people. But I don't like to be startled by a snake and I definitely don't desire to be bitten by a snake. Fortunately a snake bite in this part of Indiana would not prove life threatening. But it would prove to be painful. So even though Paul suffered no ill effects from this snake bite I'm sure that it still hurt. But enduring that pain was a great way to introduce the message of Jesus to the people of Malta. I don't know if that is why that snake was in that brush pile but that is definitely shows what God can do with a snake bite.
Stuart

Acts 22-25

Paul met the fate that Agabus had said what would happen. But it was not to the extreme that Paul had expected. Then Paul, the apostle, was locked in a cell for 2 years. I wonder how long into his confinement before Paul began to catch a glimpse of God's purpose in this phase of his life. I wonder if this is when Paul began journalling and them moved to writing letter while he waited for the next part of God's plan. We need to adopt a similar attitude when we find ourselves "stuck" in some situation beyond our control.
Stuart

Acts 19-21

Paul understood the risks to traveling to Jerusalem.  Like David walking out to face a giant, this wasn’t the first time death had eyeballed the man of faith.  Ever since Paul began his traveling work for the Gospel he had been threatened and abused.  His passion to serve God kept him moving; even when the pain was immense.  But all of those beatings, insults, and torments were only preparing him for the greatest injury; the rejection of his own people.  Paul was so engaged in God’s plan that he would let nothing stop him.  Like Jesus he resolutely set his sights on the temple in Jerusalem.  But what he saw was not the building Herod had constructed.  He saw above it a glorious temple waiting to break forth from the spiritual realms.  Nothing could take that prize away.

Stuart

Acts 16-18

Why did Paul circumcise Timothy?(Acts 16:1-3)  It wasn’t to insure his salvation.  Paul made that very clear in other statements he made throughout the New Testament.  I think Paul was laying down a very important principle for the leaders in the church.  Paul’s mode of evangelism was to reach out to the Jews in a new area and then preach to the gentiles.  The Romans would have no concern if the preacher and his support staff were circumcised or not.  But that would be a big issues for the Jews.  So rather than go into a situation with a known conflict of interest Paul removed that which would become an obstacle to the message of grace.  That is a valuable lesson for leaders and evangelist today.  There are some American unbelievers who would have a problem with a smoking, drinking, gambling preacher.  When we find some cultural objection to a freedom we have in Christ and we see that it could hinder the progress of the Gospel we should consider which if of greater value; the exercise of our freedom or the opportunity to plant the seed of faith?  Paul’s example tells us that the opportunity to plant the seeds of faith always takes precedent.

Stuart

Proverbs 11

The American culture has many obsessions. One of them focuses on the accumulation of wealth. Verse 28 of this chapter reveals the weakness of this obsession. Though many seek to stabilize their lives on the collection of money they eventually find that it is a weak ally for this life. Wealth can keep none of its promises, and instead of bouying us up it can become a burdensome weight upon our lives. Those who fear God base their lives on his standards and desires for us. Then we shall be set free.
Stuart

Acts 10-12

Cornelius obeyed the angel's command and sent three men to Joppa. It took great faith for Cornelius to tell those men what happened and why he was ending them to Joppa. He wasn't concerned about their opinions he was only focused on obeying God.  Did he wonder how Peter would respond to his request? Did he suspect that a Jew from Jerusalem might refuse an audience with him? Had he ever heard of Peter before?
Stuart

Acts 7-9

I seldom consider the faith of Ananias of Damascus.  He had heard the rumors about the violence against the church by the hands of Saul.  Maybe he had fled Jerusalem after Stephen’s death.  When he heard that Saul was coming to town did he hide?  What did he pray?  What did he think about the rumors in town that Saul had been blinded by a light from heaven?  Surely God had answered the prayers of the saints and Saul had finally be stopped from his acts of terror.  But God does not want to stop tyrants!  He wants to convert them.  He wants to adopt them.  He wants them to be a vital and growing part of his family.  Imagine the look on Ananias’ face when Jesus gave him the assignment to share the full Gospel with Saul.  At this point Saul knew that Jesus was at God’s right hand, and that Jesus was the leader Moses had spoken of (as per Stephen’s speech).  But Saul didn’t know about grace.  He needed to see it acted out by someone who’s faith was greater than his hate.  Ananias was that man.  Ananias was willing to enter the home of a Jewish leader looking for a blinded man.  Then in front of that Jewish contingent he would share the same message to got Stephen, and many other believers, killed.  Somehow in between the call to go and end of that prayer time with Jesus Ananias’ fear and hatred was converted.  He saw Saul the same way that God looked on him;  a blind man searching for the light of life.

Stuart

Proverbs 10

Verse 27 offers the promise of reward for obedience in this life; long life. But how do we harmonize that truth with Jesus, or Stephen, or the millions of believers who have surrendered their lives rather than deny their Lord? Does God have two standards? One based on the Law and one on Grace?  Noting the names of OT prophet who were killed in their faith seems to nullify that idea. So where is the harmony with this verse? I'm not sure.
Stuart

Acts 4-6

I am really as dense as these guys?  The report of the Jewish jailers to their rulers is reported in Acts 5:23 “We found the jail locked securely and the guards standing at the doors.  But when we opened them, we found no one inside.”  What was the response of all the Jewish leaders?  “They were greatly puzzled concerning it, wondering what this could be.” (Act 5:24)  For people who claim a history full of wonders by the hand of God how could they be puzzled?  The only answer I can surmise is that their theology would not let them acknowledge miracles.  And because of this spiritual blindness they were unable to see the hand of God working in their midst.  We face that danger as well when we try to limit what God can do to what we understand or expect. 

Stuart

Proverbs 9

There are two voices that vie for our attention. Two suitors who call out for our companionship. They both promise to stay with us to the very end. They are ruthlessly faithful to those who heed their call. But they walk in opposite directions. Wisdom walks toward God in justice and humility. Folly walks toward death in selfish arrogance.  Both may lead through abundance. The follower of each may face pain in sorrow. But the end of each path is the difference between light and darkness. We must choose to follow only one.
Stuart

Acts 1-3

I have a couple of questions regarding the speaking in tongues by the disciples on the day of Pentecost.  There were 15 languages mentioned.  So who was doing the speaking?  Of the approximately 120 believers at that time did they all speak in different languages?  Was there only 15 languages spoken?  (I presume there were Jews and proselytes from more language groups then that)  Secondly; what were the great deeds of God of which they spoke?  I doubt that it was about the things that Jesus had done, though it could have been.  I don’t think it was the message of Jesus’ resurrection, even though that may have been it.  I wonder if it was something that Joel had written prior to the passage that Peter quoted?  Which caught the attention of the 5,000 more that morning; the fact that Galileans were speaking perfect Arabic or that they were proclaiming the wonderful works of God to the crowd in Jerusalem? 

Stuart

Exodus 38-40

Throughout the last few pages of Exodus there is a phrase that is often repeated; "They did all that God commanded...." This idea captures the primary attitude that God desires to see in his people; obedience. Sometimes his call for obedience will make some sense to us. Sometimes his reasoning is hidden from our eyes for a time. And there are also those commands that will be understood only in eternity.  But in each case believers need to follow the example of Moses, Israel at Sinai, and Jesus at Golgotha.
Stuart

Exodus 35-37

In the wilderness of Sinai the freed slaves where asked to consider giving an offering for the work of the LORD. In these gifts God was looking for two characteristics.  He was depending on the people to give in order to construct the tabernacle. The offering requested was not a sacrifice for sin that would be consumed in the fire. It was a practical gift that would be remade into an instrument of worship.   God was also looking for willing hearts among his people. Exodus 35:29 indicates that the people gave both.
Stuart

Proverbs 6

Proverbs 6:20 offers instruction that every child needs to recall; no matter how old they are. Our parents speak from years of experience beyond what we can know. Even if they are worthless as a parent that does not mean they lack all wisdom.
Stuart

Exodus 31-34

God said that he would lead his people in the displacement of those who currently control the Promised Land. Then he told Israel that for three separate weeks out of each year all of the men were to leave their newly acquired inheritance and appear before him with gifts. The men whom God would use to over throw bigger and stronger nations would leave their new homes, the ones they didn't build, empty. They would leave their harvests in their barns and travel some unknown distance to spend a week in celebration with God's people. In Exodus 34:23-24 God promised Israel that for those three weeks each year he would protect their homes and harvests. That was a powerful display of faith.
Stuart

Proverbs 4

In verse 24 the writer challenges us to clean up our speech. He offers words of godly wisdom as an appropriate substitute for those words that are devious and perverse. I wonder if this passage is what Paul had in mind when he wrote in the Ephesian letter; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." (Eph 4:29)
Stuart

Exodus 26 - 30

There are so many details in these passages. They are accompanied with the warning to follow the example given. Though I'm sure there are many pictures of Jesus in all of these details we need to heed the overall message from God: I have created a plan and I expect my people to follow my commands.
Stuart

Proverbs 3

Verses 9 and 10 offer instruction on the way we can express our worship in gifts. The gifts of the people in Soloman's day feed and supported the families of those who serve in leading the worship of God. Abundance is one fruit of generous giving toward God's work.
Stuart

Exodus 24-25

In 24:7 Moses introduced the people to something wonderful; the Book of the Covenant.  This is the first record of God’s words being recorded.  No longer would human memory be the only source of recalling God’s promises.  From this point on the written word would provide the back bone for the continuation of God’s work among his people.  A benefit we still enjoy today.

Stuart