Readings for Today:
Monday, July 1: Psalm 90 – 95 

As I sat down to read last night, I shared with my wife how disappointing I’ve been in reading the Psalms. Its not that it isn’t good stuff, but with one Psalm after another they begin to blend in and seem a bit monotonous. If I had to do the Year of Scripture over again, I would probably read a Psalm a day, and then read them twice through over the period of a year. So something to note for next time. Then, we wrapped up our quick conversation and I hesitantly went to reading the day’s Psalm. Much to my surprise these five Psalms were a great variety and a breath of fresh air to read. I hope you find them to be the same.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Psalm 90

We start the Fourth Book with the Psalms with what is believed to be the oldest Psalm of the 150 written. These words are attributed to Moses, and is said to be written before he encountered God in the Burning Bush (Exodus 3). With that in mind, we have to remember that Moses knew “his people” were enslaved in Egypt. Moses knew the hardships they were experiencing. He was living in Midian after having fled Egypt for killing an Egyptian, perhaps even pondering the events of his past. Did all of that inspire these words:

Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us,
and as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be manifest to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
v. 13-16

Can you imagine pondering those words, in your heart, only then to hear, “Moses . . . Moses.” Then turning around to see the Burning Bush not yet realizing that your life was about to be forever changed! What a moment that must have been.

Psalm 91

After just reading the first few words, I was quickly singing in my heart. For me this Psalm is much more familiar in the words of the hymn “Eagle’s Wings.”

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, “My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust.”

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Psalm 92

I’m giving serious thought to making a sign to place in my office that simply says: “Psalm 92:6” I’ll let everyone look it up on their own, and I would encourage you to read the NIV for this one. Its a great way to bring a smile to your face, and believe me, I have those days too!!

Psalm 93

Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, I have a fond love of the water. There is a sense of peace and tranquility that comes in watching the sun rise over the smooth still waters. There is power and awe in the might of the rolling waves. Majestic . . . indeed. That same image translates well into Psalm 93 as the Psalmist proclaims the majesty of the mighty roaring waves.

Psalm 94

Ever have one of those moments when you start to fall, and some how catch yourself and find your balance? In spending the week with our youth a few weeks ago in the woods of camp and all the muddy paths we walked on, we had plenty of those. Some how we all managed never to fall. Then I read, “”My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.” (v. 18) and I knew I had found my way once again!

Psalm 95

Jesus spoke, “Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) That invitation is always there before us. Come. Come as you are. Come when you are read. Come and find the rest and restoration you need. Just come. Psalm 94 is much the same. Come and sing. Come and worship. Come into God’s presence. Come. Perhaps those same words inspired these familiar words:

Come, now is the time to worship.
Come, now is the time to give your heart.
Come, just as you are, to worship.
Come, just as you are, before your God.
Come.

Readings for the next few days: 
Tuesday, July 2: Psalm 96 – 102 
Wednesday, July 3: Psalm 103 – 105
Thursday, July 4: Psalm 106 – 107
Friday, July 5: Psalm 108 – 114