Acts 23 :: Where is the Nugget?

Acts 23 in The Message and TNIV translations

I'm afraid some people think that every time I read the bible, I find something inspiring or challenging or encouraging to write about.  I'll admit that most of the time I do.  I do believe that the bible is the inspired word of God and is useful to us today.  It's like panning for gold...sometimes it's easy and other times it's not.

Today is one of those chapters that is not easy.  I've read it twice and parts of it more than twice.  I may be tainted from my post two days ago, thinking that Paul's trip to Jerusalem shouldn't have happened.  Whether it's my disposition to day or the point of the story, I'm just not finding anything incredibly inspiring to write about from these verses.

So, what do we do when something like this happens.  Do we just check our box to show that we did read that day?  Do we beat ourselves up because we aren't spiritual enough to find the nugget here?  Or is there some solace in realizing that we are reading a story and stories have ebbs and flows.  There might be a time in my life later when something in this chapter jumps out at me and does inspire me or challenge me.  For someone reading this, you may have found that nugget today, and I'll hear from you and maybe receive my inspiration from God speaking to you...and that would be cool.

We believe the bible is God's word and has the right to command my belief and my action (Belief: Authority of the Bible).  "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way.  Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  We also believe that Christ-followers study the bible to know God, the truth and to find direction for our daily lives (Practice: Bible Study).  It is "sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or disease, laying us open to listen and obey" (Heb. 4:12).

I believe it's useful, but I'm just not finding that today - can someone help a brotha out?