Psalm 119:65-80

In psalm 119:67 the psalmist looks back on a time before an affliction. That time of suffering was a turning point in his life. Before that time his commitment was flimsy. The affliction hardened his resolve and strengthened his faith. In verse 71 there is the confession of a mature believer; "It was good for me to suffer". Was this stanza of psalm 119 a favorite of James the author of the epistle? The encouragement that he offers those facing suffering (James 1:2-4) seems to fall in line with the truth set forth in this psalm. It also raises many painful questions with which we must wrestle. Can we really be faithful before we have relied upon God in our suffering? Can we truly know God without seeing him at work in our agony? Was there anyway Jesus could have faced death on the cross had he not trusted in God through his passion? 
This passage in the psalm adds to my understanding that God has always allowed his people to enter suffering.  Then he can lead them through the turmoil and out of the anguish by faith.
Stuart

1 Timothy 1-3

Chapter 2 of 1 Timothy begins with Paul's challenge for Timothy to be a man of prayer(vv 1-2). So when there is a call to pray for those in authority I don't see Paul speaking of the leaders of the church (though he doesn't prohibit that prayer). But just what is the point of that prayer? The latter part of verse 2 would lean toward a prayer the calms persecution or blinds the civil authorities to overlook Christians. But that idea doesn't fit with verses 3 through 6. What is the means to creating a just and orderly society? Paul indicates that it is the salvation of all people. We need to keep that focus alive as we pray for our leaders. I have practiced praying that their actions and attitudes would benefit me. Paul says that our prayers should be of benefit to them; spiritually.
Stuart

Nehemiah 12-13

In Nehemiah 12:8 the writer mentions one of the Levites who returned from the exile. His name was Mattaniah. He and his relatives carried the responsibility and privilege of leading, and perhaps writing, the songs of thanksgiving to God. This show that offering thanks to the LORD is a vital demonstration of our worship of him. This example should be an encouragement to every Christian who is an artist. For these ancient believers have blazed the trail for the generatIon that follow. The family of Mattaniah was gifted in singing and possibly composing songs. Their memory is the pattern which defines the mold for modern worshipers.
Stuart

Psalm 119:49-64

In psalm 119:50 the writer makes note of the one thing that comforts and revives him. Yet what is that one thing? At the end of the verse he calls it a promise. At the beginning of verse 49 he identified the single form of God's word. I would not take this to be his spoken voice but rather the revelation of his nature. We call it the Bible. Yet what is the one promise that revives the writer? Is it love, presence, protection, or inheritance?
Stuart

Nehemiah 4-7

Nehemiah 4-7 details the rebuilding, revival, of the wall of Jerusalem. The work engaged very person of the assembly of Israel. Yet it was not a construction project as we might think. This was construction in a war zone. A vital aspect of the city's identity was missing. The work was intended to restore the integrity of the city. The last part of 4:23 summarized the work; "Each had his weapon even when he was getting a drink of water." Such should be the description of the church. We have been task with the rebuilding, revival, of the relationship between God and humanity. Yet it is construction in a war zone. There are detractor and myriad of enemies surrounding us. Their hope is to halt the construction. Our hope is to be in God. Though our hands touch every "brick" and "stone" he provides the strength to complete the work.
Stuart

Psalm 119:33-

The 8 verses of psalm 119:33-40 list nine requests that the psalmist asks the LORD to accomplish through his word.
1. Teach me (v 33)
2. Give me understanding (v 34)
3. Guide me (v 35)
4. Give me a desire (v 36)
5. Turn me (v 37a)
6. Revive me with your word (v 37b)
7. Confirm me (v 38)
8. Relieve me (v 39)
9. Revive me with your deliverance (v 40)
This one stanza demonstrates the many ways that God's living word works in our lives. This prayer develops our dependence on God's word.
Stuart

Nehemiah 1-3

Nehemiah was a cheerleader for rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. One of the families he motivated was Shallum son of Hallohesh (3:12). His family joined him in the work. But the passage is somewhat confusing because it states that his daughters worked with him. Was Shallum a hard driving man who forced his daughters to toil on the wall? Or was Nehemiah such an effective motivator that the daughters of Shallum desired to participate in the effort? If Shallum had no sons then it seems likely that the daughters sought to participate in the work with their father.
Stuart

Psalm 119:17-

Twice the psalmist speaks of his collapse. Both times he trusts in the LORD to bring him back up. In verse 25 God used his word to revive the psalmist. In verse 28 God's word sustains the writer through the collapse. Though the psalmist only touches on this truth he opens to us a reality of the power of God's word. Through words and the faith he provides God is able to re invigorate the believer as well as carry them through the difficulties of life. We should never forget that truth.
Stuart

Ezra 8-10

When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem he found a group of people who were not maintaining the ethnic and faith purity required by the Law. Inter marriage with those outside of Israel was being practiced with the requirement of submission to the Law by the outsiders entering into marriage. In Ezra 9:6 we find the beginning of Ezra's prayer. It is a prayer that is punctuated by the plural first person pronoun. Ezra had just arrived and was a strict observer of the Law. Yet he included himself before God as a transgressor. Why? Because God's people are always one community. Modern believers would do well to adopt that same attitude.
Stuart

Psalm 119:1-16

I long to be able to live the words of psalm 119:16. "I do not forget your instructions." Though I know that I am capable to having more of the Bible committed to memory I struggle to keep it all straight. I am so thankful for concordences and search tools. But there is nothing like having the word written on my heart. Then they are always ready to recall and ponder. If only I could always recall those words. I be convicted when I sin but I would also have more weapons to fight the tempter's attacks. God's words strengthen me in my weakness and they heal me when I sin. They remind me of God's presence when I feel alone and guide my steps when I am confused. I treasure those words and look forward to the next lesson these old friends will reveal.
Stuart

Ezra 5-7

In Ezra 5 we come to a critical point in the story of rebuilding the temple. The work has been halted for some time. At the prompting of Haggai and Zechariah the leaders of the former exiles lead in the resumption of rebuilding. When they are confronted by the secular leaders they respond by citing the decree of Cyrus. Why didn't them mention that the first time? I have responded like that numerous times. I face a situation that leaves me stunned. Then sometime later I call a truth or am led to a scripture passage that renews my conviction. But do I act as the leaders of Israel act? Do I resume the work that God initiated in me at first? Or do I live with the new status quo? My challenge should be to take up God's initial charge and act. When someone challenges me anew then I should respond as I've been taught and trust in God to act.
Stuart

Psalm 117

All of my life I have been amazed by tall things. In my early teens climbing trees was an enjoyment and escape for me. The higher up the tree I could climb the more I enjoyed it. And the tallest trees were also the oldest trees. Their endurance increased their endearment to me. In 1974 we visited New York City. We went out on the roof of the south tower at the world trade center. That was impressive. But our visit to the Statue of Liberty was equally as memorable. Lady Liberty is tall and much older than the twin towers. When we think of God, two of his attributes that are most endearing are his love and faithfulness. The psalmist who penned 117 described those traits majestically. He called God's love a tower. A tall monument to the greatest characteristic of God. But a tower in ancient times was also a place of safety and protection. We might think of God's love as a vault full of treasures. God's faithfulness is describes as enduring.  Since I'm not sure when this psalm was written I am left to speculate what moved the writer to focus on the timelessness of God's faithfulness. Was it the presence of God's temple after generations? Was it God bringing his people back to the land of their inheritance after the exile? What were the circumstances that triggered this expression? I don't know. But I agree with the assessment.
Stuart

Psalm 115

Three times in psalm 115 (vv 9, 10, 11) God's attributes of deliverer and protector are mentioned. Three times (vv 12, 13) is the promise of God's blessings. These truths are the centerpieces of this psalm. Even modern believers can find hope in these verses.
Stuart

2 Corinthians 10-13

In the closing chapters of 2 Corithians Paul is attempting to lead the believers into correct living via the letter so that he will not have to confront them face to face. He summarized this in the first part of 13:10. In the latter part of that verse he acknowledges that he has God given authority. He also mentions the purpose of that authority. It is not to make believers act rightly; his prayers were for God’s leading in that (vs 7). The purpose of God’s authority in Paul’s ministry was to build up believers. If that was true of the apostle Paul then surely the authority of all the other apostles was the same; to build up the body. That sounds remarkably similar to the command Paul gave for the selection of elders in Titus 1:9. The idea harmonizes with Paul’s thought in Ephesians 4:15-16. We need to be very careful with the authority that we have been granted. We should monitor that we are using it to build up the body. Paul’s letters to the believers in Corinth give us multiple examples of how to exercise this expression of authority. Repeatedly he works to redirect the actions of all the believes without downgrading his audience. He calls out people only when necessary but seldom places the blame on any one person or group. We need to be careful in following that example in every circumstance.

 

Stuart

Psalm 114

The release of an individual from slavery was not unusual in ancient times. But that is probably not true for an entire ethnic group. Except for Israel. In verses 5 and 6 of Psalm 114 the writer asks three questions to creation. All three have the same theme; why did you withdraw from blocking Israel? The Red Sea, the Jordan River, every mountain and hill allowed Israel to pass by; unhindered by them. Why? Because the God of creation traveled with Israel. Nothing in the natural world is foolish enough to set itself up against God. We can learn a few lessons from the world God created before us.
Stuart

Psalm 113

From the east to the west is a phrase that most Christian know. They are the words of assurance that we have received regarding the disposition of our sins (Psalm 103:12). In psalm 113 there is another reference of east and west; the measure of praise for God's name. We know that eternity and infinity are the measures of the distance between our soul and the sins Jesus removed. We should use the same measure when seeking the define the end of possibilities of our expressions of praise to God. We should not take praise to be the speaking of words. The measure includes; actions, behavior, choruses, dancing, employment, friendships, gardening, helping, inventions, jumping, kissing, listening, mending, nursing, offerings, praying, quietness, rest, serving, trading, uplifting, vending, waiting, xeroxing, yodeling, or zealousness.
Stuart

Psalm 112

I wonder why verse 1 of psalm 112 is not presented as a rhetorical question? The rest of the psalm spells out the details of God's nature that the obedient will see and experience. It is not so much that God make the obedient super-human. I think that their obedience to God enables them to live in the manner God created us to live. That would be in constant fellowship with him.
Stuart

Psalm 111

Psalm 111 recounts God's greatness by considering what he did in granting Israel his inheritance. All of their present and future needs were provided by his inheritance. So it should be natural for us the understand the breadth of God's grace as an inheritance for modern believers. He provides us all that we need in Jesus. Not only for the present but also for the coming of eternity.
Stuart

Obadiah

Is there a message for Christians in the book of Obadiah? What was the message for the Israelites who first heard his message? I see a three fold message. First there is the rebuke of Edom's participation in the abuse and mocking of Israel. All life is created special by God. Even if a person is your enemy they are God's creation. Treat them as special before God. Second is the assurance that God is aware of every offense Edom committed. They may have killed or plundered in secret but the LORD saw it all. He saw it as it happened and he saw it in all the details. Some of those listening would have carried the scars, physical and emotional, of Edom's abuse. Finally God declares that justice will rule. There will be punishment for the guilty. He will bring humility upon the proud. The thief will loose their plunder and their possessions. The righteous God will declare his rule over all nations. These are the messages for today's Christians.
Stuart

Psalm 110

Psalm 110 seems to be focused on battles and vengeance. Descriptors that hardly fit in with our understanding of God's gracious nature. But is there a picture of our redeemer in this psalm? Christians hold this psalm up as an example of messianic foretelling. But that tends to paint a picture of a military messiah. Yet I think that the last verse shows us a picture of the God who restores. This vanquisher of foes, noted in the psalm, looks to someone outside of himself for refreshment and strength. That too is messianic; since we know that Jesus was fully engaged in prayer during his ministry years. We too can follow Jesus to the flowing stream of prayer and drink deep.
Stuart

Psalm 109

Throughout the Bible the most valuable friend or subordinate is found at the right hand of the leader. Stephen saw Jesus standing at God's right hand. The sons of Zebedee argued over who would be at Jesus' glorified right hand. The symbolism of the power is seen in good and evil people in scripture.  But who is the valuable friend of the oppressed? Who stands at the right hand of the defenseless? Psalm 109:31 says that it is God Almighty. The LORD stands as a defender of the oppressed and the champion of the neglected.
Stuart

Psalm 108

Psalm 108 focuses on God's provisions through victory for the people of faith. So what should the faithful do? Verse 3 indicates that among all other actions of faith there should be public thanksgiving and praise to God. The audience should include non-believers. I don't think this should a taunt to those who are ignorant of God. In David's day as in ours we should make the love of God attractive to all people. Then by our words we can hope that the ignorant will come to a saving knowledge and the rebellious will see anew the gracious love of God, and return to him.
Stuart

Psalm 107

God was, is, and always will be in charge of creation. The psalmist who penned the 107th psalm recounted how God expressed this truth in the way he dealt with those who rejected him. In verses 33 and 34 God is credited with converting the bountiful land of the unrepentant into a desert. Then in verses 35 through 38 God changes the wilderness into a fruitful garden for the benefit of his people. There is no reason to think that God will act any differently today than he did when Israel was delivered from Egypt.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 22-24

Athaliah had adopted some very bad from her mother, Jezzabel. For 15 years she was a corrupting influence in Jerusalem; eight as the queen, one as the queen mother, and six as the ruling queen. Jehoiada the chief priest led the revolt against this evil queen. Her punishment for usurping God authority was the loss of her life. She was executed between the temple of God, which she despised, and the palace, where she had led her dictatorship. The summary of the atmosphere in all of Judah is found in 2 Chronicles 23:21; "All the people of the land celebrated." We don't know how many served her during those 16 years. But there were few who were loyal to Athaliah in her death. The reason is given in the next summary phrase; "for the city had rest now that they had killed Athaliah." Not only did she reject the LORD God of Israel but she was continually stirring up the people. The majority of people is Jerusalem were oppressed, frustrated, or downtrodden during her time in Jerusalem. With the end of Athaliah's life there was a time of peace and tranquility.
Stuart

Psalm 106

The writer of Psalm 106 points a condemning finger at his wandering ancestors in verse 24. An accusation that connects faith with attitudes and actions. "They rejected the fruitful land;" was their action and attitude against God. The second part of the verse explains how these actions were a faith issue;"they did not believe his promise." The problem wasn't that they couldn't see past the giants. The rebellion was because they WOULDN'T look past the giants. They had repeatedly seen God perform wonders but when he called them to act before he did they said "No!" Do we act the same way?
Stuart

2 Chronicles 19-21

Jehoram was 32 years old when he became king of Judah. His father, Jehoshaphat, had trained him to be a leader among his brothers and over the people. It seems like Jehoshaphat had taken the time to develop his oldest son into a wise and God fearing leader. But in a possible attempt to reunify Israel Jehoshaphat arranged a marriage between his son Jehoram and Ahab’s daughter; Athaliah. The influence of a bad wife was greater on Jehoram than his wise and honorable father. In no time Jehoram’s reign in Judah conformed to the pattern of the house of Ahab. Elijah the prophet wrote a letter to the king of Judah. The gist, if not the whole letter, is recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15. I don’t think it was a coincident that the prophet who relayed God’s words of condemnation to Athaliah’s parents was the one who penned the letter condemning her husband.

 

Stuart

 

Psalm 105

Psalm 105:11 reminds us of God's promise to Abraham. An inheritance that they will inhabit. When I think of inheritance I picture a possession. When God speaks of inheritance he imagines habitation. So it should come as no surprise to Christians that God has promised a double inheritance; both of which deal with a habitation. We all know about the eternal habitation that Jesus promised to prepare for us (John 14:2). But we often forget about the inheritance of habitation we have in this life; the Holy Spirit who inhabits us now. Its as if God couldn't wait until we come to Heaven. So he put a piece of himself in us as a picture and promise of what is to come.
Stuart

2 Chronicles 16-

In 2 Chronicles 17:10 we are told that God placed fear of Israel in all the
surrounding nations. Why? We see the reason in verses 7-9; the king sent out leaders to teach the people the God's revelation. I think there is more to the reason of God's protection than the acts of obedience by the king. I believe we can say that those leaders believed and lived what they taught the people. The tested doesn't state that but that fits in line with God's nature. If we continue that same train of thought; it also make sense that God would not extend his protection over Jehoshaphat's kingdom if the people being taught did not respond to God's word why would God extend his protection over them? The same principle applies to Christians today. Can we expect God's protection from evil if we claim to have faith but reject his commands? Grace will keep us close to God in spite of our ignorant disobedience. It will preserve us while we learn and grow. But do we want to test God by our stubborn refusal to act as he's convicted us? I know I should not.
Stuart

Psalm 104

There is an ebb and flow to this psalm. The psalmist sets the praise tone of the song with the opening verse. The he alternates to audience of his words. First he sings to an audience of listeners, presumably joining him in worship. He does not close out God. Maybe this is a chorus that all of the congregation sings to the LORD. Then he sings a solo to God himself. The switching of intended audiences, or collection of voices cycles through the sequence four times. Then the final 3 verses are a closing chorus of praise. Maybe this was sung by the psalm leader, the congregation, and the All Mighty. I think that would make an interesting arrangement.
Vs 1-to God
Vv 2-6 - to others
Vv 7-9 - to God
Vv 10-13a - to others
Vs 13b - to God
Vv 14-19 - to others
Vv 20-30 - to God
Vv 31-32 - to others
Vv 33-35 - to God and others
Stuart

Psalm 103

I find verse 21 of this psalm very intriguing. It is a "normal" praise extended by a king to a loyal warrior or servant. But in this case the heavenly King is speaking in absentia through an earthly king. When God honors a warrior the person he pictures is probably radically different then the idea that forms in our mind. Those both warriors are brave one faces an enemy who is mortal. God's warriors encounter unnamed spiritual enemies including the accuser of our souls. That takes a different bravery along with a great faith in God's hand. In the same manner God's servant intentionally looks for the Master's desires. Then seeks to fulfill them with total focus. God's servant may abandon other things just to keep his thought on God's Kingdom.
Stuart