Readings for: 
Monday, July 15: Proverbs 7 – 9 
Tuesday, July 16: Proverbs 10 – 12

Have you noticed the number of times that Solomon refers to the “prostitute” or the the fondness of women? Chapters 5, 6, and 7 have several references, that you could look back on to. They might seem off, but lets remember the inner courts of Solomon were likely filled with women as he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. (1 Kings 11:3) That’s a lot of women, and with that many ladies around I am sure they had an influence on how he saw the world and how his “wisdom” was shaped. Perhaps that helps refresh our memory on why Proverbs keeps pointing us to the prostitute, and lets hope that Solomon thought more fondly of his wives than as sexual servants!

As we turn to Chapter 10, we begin to get a better feel for how the rest of Proverbs will flow, with one short “proverb” after another. I had to laugh at the summary included in The Twibble, written by Jana Riess; She writes (or tweets) for Chapter 10:

“Here we get 20 chapters of wise sayings attributed to Solomon.
Or is court secretaries. Or random people 500 years later. Whatever.”
(The Twibble, pg 145)

So onward for another 20 chapters of wise sayings . . . .

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Wednesday, July 17: Proverbs 13 – 15 
Thursday, July 18: Proverbs 16 – 18
Friday, July 19: Proverbs 19 – 21
Saturday, July 20: Proverbs 22 – 23

Readings for: 
Sunday, July 14: Proverbs 4 – 6 

We are now two days into our reading of the Book of Proverbs, and as we are reading, we’ve been introduced to “wisdom.” This again recalls the gift of wisdom that Solomon received from God as he inherited the throne from his father David. For the most part this gift of wisdom is going to be revealed to us in short quips and sayings that are meant to make a specific point. Some of them will be well known, even to us today. Take for example:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction
1:7

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
3:3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
3:5

While these may not be super familiar, I promise we will encounter several that will be much more familiar in the days ahead. Another thing to notice is that “Wisdom” is often referred to as “she” or “lady” or “her”. Much of this is due to the fact that the Hebrew language is written in masculine and feminine forms, something we don’t see in our own English language. Given this, the Hebrew “Wisdom” is a feminine noun, meaning that references would then point back to Wisdom with ” “she” or “lady” or “her”. While this is grammatically correct, I also recall the book/movie “The Shack” where the Holy Spirit is given a female form. How beautiful. It gives a sense of love and compassion, and also portrays a sense of power and command when needed. I’d like to think the same her as we ready with “Lady Wisdom” and the compassion she pours our for us, and the sternness that is sometimes necessary, when we haven’t quite figured out how to be “wise.”

Lastly for today, a bit of a riddle. Proverbs 6: 16-19 states:

There are six things the Lord hates,
    seven that are detestable to him:
 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
 hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
 feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies,
 and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

How can there be six things that are hated, yet seven that are detestable? Read them carefully. Did you catch it? One is a duplicate. So there is a challenge for us as we read Proverbs, that we must be wise enough to understand the teaching and catch the challenge when presented. Here one of the six things that is hated is “Lies,” which makes sense being “thou shall not lie” is one of the Ten Commandments. As we read this Proverb, our lies become “detestable” as they are referred to as “a lying tongue” or as “a false witness who pours out lies.” One brings shame to ourselves. One brings shame unwantingly on to someone else. Thus making both “detestable to God.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Monday, July 15: Proverbs 7 – 9 
Tuesday, July 16: Proverbs 10 – 12 
Wednesday, July 17: Proverbs 13 – 15
Thursday, July 18: Proverbs 16 – 18

Readings for: 
Saturday, July 13: Proverbs 1 – 3 

We venture into the Book of Proverbs, which is attributed to King Solomon. If we recall the story of 1 Kings when God promised to give Solomon anything for which he asked, and Solomon responded with “wisdom.” For this he was granted wisdom along with everything else he could desire or imagine.

While Solomon’s reign and lust for women may have ended with questionable results. The Book of Proverbs helps us to understand the depth of his wisdom.

Before we read too much further, lets turn to our friends at “TheBibleProject” to hear there synopsis on the 20th book of the Bible:

Readings for the next few days: 
Sunday, July 14: Proverbs 4 – 6 
Monday, July 15: Proverbs 7 – 9
Tuesday, July 16: Proverbs 10 – 12
Wednesday, July 17, Proverbs 13 – 15

Readings for: 
Friday, July 12: Psalm 146 – 150

We have spent the past 29 days reading through the Book of Psalms. At times it’s felt like an eternity. I’ve got nothing against the Psalms, however I’m missing the story line, drama, action, and adventure found in many other areas of the Bible. So, I’m grateful that we are finally turning the page and moving on the the Book of Proverbs as we start the next week of readings.

Perhaps my feelings towards finishing our read through the Psalms is summed in a reoccurring phrase found in these last five Psalms. They are a short quick read, and I’m sure you will enjoy them. One phrase summarizes our 29 day journey, coming to an end. One phrase summarizes our faith and relationship with God. One phrase just about says it all:

Praise the Lord!

See you as we venture into Proverbs!
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Saturday, July 13: Proverbs 1 – 3 
Sunday, July 14: Proverbs 4 – 6 
Monday, July 15: Proverbs 7 – 9
Tuesday, July 16: Proverbs 10 – 12

Readings for: 
Thursday, July 11: Psalm 140 – 145 

Psalm 140

Talk about malice and spite for your enemy:

“Let burning coals fall on them!
Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!”
v. 10

Psalm 141

A great camp song came to mind as I read Psalm 141, “I will call upon the Lord.” There is plenty of similar language to that camp song and this Psalm. The rock (v.7), calling on the Lord (v.1), just to name a few. Our evening prayer service also, came to mind as a familiar sung refrain is mentioned here: “Let my prayer rise before you as incense” )v. 2)

Psalm 142

Here is a echo of Psalm 46 . . . God my refuge and strength.

Psalm 143

If you haven’t noticed these few Psalms return to being “Psalms of David” and I can’t help but wonder what was David referring to when he says, “I remember the days of old.” Is he dreaming of being a simple shepherd boy, long before he was anointed king? Does he long for the safety of his youth, long before he lived in fear of his adversaries? What is it that you long for David? How would it have brought you peace?

Psalm 144

Here’s another great camp song reminder. “He’s my rock, my sword, my shield” (v.2) Maybe after three weeks of youth activities, I’m youth’d out (Mission trip, day camp at church, and community VBS) Even with all of those now done, I keep singing in my head. Still great songs. Still great youth. Still a great God to give our thanks and praise too!

Psalm 145

Did you notice a constant here?

The Lord . . . The Lord . . . The Lord . . .

Who is the Lord? This Psalm will answer that question and a simple response may be summed up in verse 3:

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!”

Readings for the next few days: 
Friday, July 12: Psalm 146 – 150
Saturday, July 13: Proverbs 1 – 3 
Sunday, July 14: Proverbs 4 – 6
Monday, July 15: Proverbs 7 – 9

Readings for: 
Wednesday, July 10: Psalm 133 -139 

Psalm 133

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred life together in unity!”
v. 1

What would the world look like if we all lived together in unity? Think of how peaceful things might be when all God’s children might live in unity! Think of how much we could accomplish we set aside our differences. In my imagination, it would be quite a happy place. The best example of what things might look like come from the “Happiest place on earth” in the midst of one ride at Walt Disney World. If you haven’t guessed it, you’ll soon be singing . . . “Its a Small World” . . . after all. May strive for peace and unity in our small small world!

Psalm 134

I had one gentleman at an earlier congregation that I served, whom I recall fondly. Extremely faithful, but much different from the rest of us “normal Lutherans.” What made him different? He lifted up his hands to pray. It was awe inspiring to see his humble devotion. Psalm 134 reminds me of him as we are all asked to “Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord!” (V. 3)

Psalm 135

Did you catch the parallels in the opening and closing verses of this Psalm. We begin with “Praise the Lord” and then an example of how and why we are to praise the Lord. Then, we close the Psalm with “Bless the Lord” with examples of how and why we are to bless the Lord. In between the Praise and Blessings we get a small retelling of God’s power as Israel became a great nation. If only, God’s people were faithful enough from beginning to ending to bless and praise the Lord at all times!

Psalm 136

One phrase stands out as we reading Psalm 136, “for his steadfast love endures forever.” I can imagine this being read with two voices. One, telling the story. The other, shouting, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Its a Psalm of thanksgiving. Its a Psalm of praise. And try, if you want to read the “story” within the Psalm to read the first half of each verse (deleting the steadfast love forever part), then try to have that voice as an echo in your mind as you read, and sense the joy that the people have as they proclaimed, “God’s steadfast love endures forever!”

Psalm 137

Talk about dark, “Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!” (v. 9) Not even sure what to say to that!

Psalm 138

I see Jesus as I read this Psalm. “Kings shall praise you” (V.4), “I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies.” (v.7) As our Kings of kings was lifted high on the cross, Jesus found the peace/protection he needed in the hands of God, and in his resurrection all kings and nations praise him!

Psalm 139

“You have searched me and known me”

These few words occur several times throughout this Psalm. Think of the depth of the meaning behind these few words. To be known, inside and out, but God. Humbling, embarrassing, shocking, awe inspiring. To be known by God guess that means we all have work to do on how we live our lives.

Readings for the next few days: 
Thursday, July 11: Psalm 140 – 145 
Friday, July 12: Psalm 146 – 150
Saturday, July 13: Proverbs 1 – 3
Sunday, July 14: Proverbs 4 – 6

Readings for: 
Tuesday, July 9: Psalm 126 – 132

Psalm 126

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you won the lottery? It’s always a fun conversation in our house from time to time. New car, vacations, new home, etc. Then the bigger questions, would you keep working? Who would you donate to? The list of thoughts and questions could go on and on.

While Psalm 126 doesn’t win you the lottery, it asks for one thing, “restore our fortunes, O Lord.” (v. 4) In the days of Jerusalem’s decline and fall into the hands of the Assyrian’s and Babylonia’s, the beauty of Jerusalem was stripped away. What was something to hope for, the fortunes of the Lord!

Psalm 127

I’m sure you’ve seen the signs at people’s door, “God bless this house.” these words seem fitting with the first verse of Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” My God’s blessing be on your house!

Psalm 128

“Happy is everyone who fears the Lord.” We’ve heard this verse many times, yet Psalm 128 puts a different spin on it. In “fearing the Lord” we find that we are blessed. Those same blessings then pour our to our spouse, children, and all those whom we encounter. What a blessing to fear the Lord!

Psalm 129

Have you heard the phrase, “like a monkey on your back?” Here’s something similar, “The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.” (v. 3) Sounds agonizing, to have someone so entrenched in your life. This isn’t a good thing! Resbit is found as we move to verse 4. “The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.” Indeed it is the Lord who removes those monkeys and plowers from our back!

Psalm 130

For all of you Luther fans, this Psalm should sound familiar: “Out of the depths, I cry to you.” Here at First, we use this as our opening litany as we sing this somewhat familiar hymn that Luther wrote nearly 500 years ago. The tune is a bit haunting, which seems fitting for making our plea from the “depths” of our transgressions. Here’s a rendition by JS Bach that you might enjoy:

Psalm 131

Here’s a short Psalm with a shorter summary . . . wean yourselves from material things so that you may rely on the Lord.”

Psalm 132

Psalm 132 reminds us of the blessings bestowed on David and his future generations if they remain faithful to God. (We all know how that ended!) The Psalmist also reminds us of the eternal greatness that only God can provide.

Readings for the next few days: 
Wednesday, July 10: Psalm 133 -139 
Thursday, July 11: Psalm 140 – 145 
Friday, July 12: Psalm 146 – 150
Saturday, July 13: Proverbs 1 – 3

Readings for:
Monday, July 8: Psalm 120 – 125 

Psalm 120

I love the title of this Psalm, “A Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers.” Perhaps in our society today, it might be good for us to recite this over and over. “Deliver me, O Lord from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” (v. 2)

Psalm 121

Familiar words, that have been made much more familiar by many Christian music artist:

I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
(V. 1 & 2)

Psalm 122

One of the radio stations I listen to always has small daily clip of people who have called into the station offering their prayers for Jerusalem. Even today, prayer is needed, just as it was needed when the Psalmist wrote this Psalm. Together we pray for “peace in Jerusalem.”

Psalm 123

A great plea, “Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us!” (V. 3)

Psalm 124

In these words of thanksgiving, there is the constant reminder of who is on our side. And who would it be? Of course, it is none other than God!

Psalm 125

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abide forever.”
(V. 1)

Readings for the next few days: 
Tuesday, July 9: Psalm 126 – 132
Wednesday, July 10: Psalm 133 -139 
Thursday, July 11: Psalm 140 – 145
Friday, July 12: Psalm 146 – 150

Readings for: 
Saturday, July 6: Psalm 115 – 118 
Sunday, July 7: Psalm 119 

Psalm 115

What is the first commandment? “I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other God’s before me.” As we reflect on the words of Psalm 115, the impotence of false idols is stressed. Who is God, but God alone! Everything else, is simply the work of human hands and cannot be trusted.

Psalm 116

The first four verses are a great way to start the day.

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, save my life!”
(v. 1 – 4)

Thanks be to God, salvation is found in Jesus Christ!! Death no longer has victory over me!!

Notes on Psalm 117 – 119

An interesting trio, as Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verse) and Psalm 119 is the longest (176 verses). Sandwiched between them is Psalm 118, which marks the middle of the Bible with 594 chapters on either side of this Psalm. The very center verse comes with verse 8: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals.” What a great verse to depend and define scripture by!

Some other notes on Psalm 118

Verse 5 is one I often read a the grave side: “I called to the Lord in my distress, and the Lord answered by setting me free!

“Open now thy gates of beauty, Zion let me enter in” a common hymn we sing, was likely inspired by verse 19.

I hope you know and recognize verse 24: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Verse 26 should sound familiar as well. What did the crowd shout as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday . . . “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Readings for the next few days: 
Monday, July 8: Psalm 120 – 125 
Tuesday, July 9: Psalm 126 – 132
Wednesday, July 10: Psalm 133 -139
Thursday, July 11: Psalm 140 – 145

Readings for: 
Friday, July 5: Psalm 108 – 114 

Psalm 108

How many of you have your alarm set to wake up with music? While, I don’t it can be a great way to start the day, and Psalm 108 is no different. Like an alarm clock set to music, our Psalmist sings, “awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre!” (v. 1&2) Awakened to God, we find victory over our enemies (v. 7-9) and strength to meet the day ahead.

Psalm 109

Of all the pleas for help, one voice remains constant throughout Psalm 109:

Help me, O Lord my God!
Save me according to your steadfast love!
(v. 20)

Psalm 110

There is a question that I have pondered, and pondered again as I read the opening verse. What would it be like to sit at God’s right hand? Jesus tells James and John (Mark 10: 35-45) it is not his to grant. But what would it be like? Awe inspiring indeed, is about the best that I could come up with.

Psalm 111

We have heard several Psalms on the “fear of the Lord.” Here again Psalm 111, brings that to light, and it gives some clarification as to what that “fear” means . . . “for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (v. 10)

Psalm 112

Much like Psalm 111, “fear” return and this time it brings “Happiness.” Putting these ideas together, “Fear of the Lord” is not a scary/terror type thing. Instead is meant more for creating a relationship that has depth and meaning.

Psalm 113

“who is like the Lord our God,
Who is seated on high,
Who looks far down on the heavens and earth?“
(v. 5 & 6)

What can you say to this, but absolutely no one is like the Lord our God!

Psalm 114

Think about how many “water stories” we have encountered.

• Crossing the Red Sea
• Moses in the basket
• The gushing rock
• Crossing the Jordan
• Elijah and Elisha parting the waters
• And of course many others . . .

This Psalm gives praise to the “sea” who constantly turns back at the Lord’s command.

Readings for the next few days: 
Saturday, July 6: Psalm 115 – 118
Sunday, July 7: Psalm 119
Monday, July 8: Psalm 120 – 125
Tuesday, July 9: Psalm 126 – 132
Wednesday, July 10: Psalm 133 -139