Readings for today:
Thursday, July 4: Psalm 106 – 107

Psalm 106

Just as Psalm 105 retells God’s work in the story of Israel, Psalm 106 is a retelling of the people of Israel and the sins they have committed. Despite the constant shortcomings that they had (and that we continue to have) the Psalmist reminds us that “many times he delivered them,” (v.43) and that God “showed compassion according to the abundance f is steadfast love.” (v. 45)

Psalm 107

Here we begin the fifth “book” within the Psalms as God gives deliverance in times of trouble. Trouble that comes to those who are:

• living in the desert waste land
• living in darkness and gloom
• sick in their sin
• on the sea in ships

No matter where you are in life, God “raises up the needed out of distress” (v. 41). Thanks be to God that God rescues us our of our distress!!

Readings for the next few days: 
Friday, July 5: Psalm 108 – 114 
Saturday, July 6: Psalm 115 – 118 
Sunday, July 7: Psalm 119
Monday, July 8: Psalm 120 – 125

Readings for today: 
Wednesday, July 3: Psalm 103 – 105

Psalm 103

Last night we had our Healing Service which is held on the first Wednesday of the month. After our opening hymn we shared these words. Sound familiar?

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
Bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
Bless the Lord, O my soul,

Who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Along with the familiar litany of the Healing Service, Psalm 103 revealed to us the vastness of God’s love. Higher then the highest heaven (v. 11) and as far as the east is from the west. (v. 12)

Psalm 104

As the Psalmist proclaims God made . . . springs, streams, mountains, valleys, grasses, trees, birds, lions, the sun to rise and so much more. Knowing that America is about to celebrate the 4th of July, this song popped in my head as I was reading.

This land is your land, this land is my land
From the California to the New York island
From the Redwood Forest, to the gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me!

Psalm 105

Psalm 105 has a wonderful retelling of the story of God’s people. From the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, to Moses and Aaron, all the way through the wilderness to being provided with water from the rock, and manna and quail to eat. Indeed God has cared for and provided for his people. For that we “Praise the Lord!” (v. 45)

Readings for the next few days: 
Thursday, July 4: Psalm 106 – 107
Friday, July 5: Psalm 108 – 114 
Saturday, July 6: Psalm 115 – 118
Sunday, July 7: Psalm 119

Readings for Today: 
Tuesday, July 2: Psalm 96 – 102 

Psalm 96

Sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord! This triple annunciation introduces the Psalm to the reader. It draws you in, lifts you into a mindset of praise and thanksgiving. In the same way, the Psalm comes to a close . . . Ascribe to the Lord! Ascribe to the Lord! Ascribe to the Lord! From our words of praise we make a faithful commitment to walk in the ways of God.

Psalm 97

The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the lives of his faithful;
he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
(v. 10-12)

Psalm 98

I love the words of verse 4, and I often use them as a reminder for those who hesitate to sing and participate in worship. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord.” Never does God ask for perfection. Never does God ask for the most beautiful music or voice. God only says, “make a joyful noise!” Together let us lift our voices of noise in praise and thanksgiving to God!

Psalm 99

Here is an interesting side note to Psalm 99. Very few Psalms recognize any one individual by name. Yet here Moses, Arron, and Samuel are all listed as ones who answered the call to God. While we may not be mentioned by name in a Psalm, may we be ever so faithful!

Psalm 100

One verse summarizes this Psalm and much of scripture:

Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us.
We are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
v. 3

Psalm 101

I will be honest, I read this one late last night and simply put “??” in my note book. Either I was uninspired, or just didn’t connect, so I’ll let you make your own interpretation of Psalm 101.

Psalm 102

Verses 6 and 7 refer to an “owl of the wilderness.” As I read these two verses I recalled an owl that I encountered while working at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary on our Youth Mission Trip. Can’t tell you the specific type, but it was gray and white and stood about a foot tall. It was big, and it seem fascinated with me, just as much as I was with it. Every time I passed by, it would start to sing. I never knew owls could sing. It would turn, and watch me go too and fro, bobbing its head up and down, singing as I went. Then when out of sight, it would stop. Once I stepped into view, it would start all over. Oddly enough, none of the other youth had such a connection.

Watching / experiencing nature at its best, I took in the mysterious nature of these beautiful creatures. Then the words of the Psalm prompted the thought of the mysterious majesty that God brings into our lives, and how much God must sing and dance when we come into his presence.

Readings for the next few days: 
Wednesday, July 3: Psalm 103 – 105
Thursday, July 4: Psalm 106 – 107
Friday, July 5: Psalm 108 – 114
Saturday, July 6: Psalm 115 – 118

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

Readings for today: 
Saturday, June 29: Psalm 80 – 85
Sunday, June 30: Psalm 86 – 89

Psalm 80

Perhaps you are familiar with Jesus’ words, “I am the vine, you are the branches,” (John 15:5), or Jesus’ parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9). These words sound similar when looking at Psalm 80: 8 as God brings a “vine out of Egypt.” A vine that has been tended to and nurtured so that out of Egypt it might flourish.

Psalm 81

“I am the Lord your God.”
v. 10

These words of course recall the words spoken to Moses, “I am, who I am” (Exodus 3:14) or any one of Jesus’ “I am” statements. And of course, there are direct ties to the First Commandment, “I am the Lord your God.” Perhaps that is the best connection to make with the Psalm as the Psalmist speaks of the many false gods to whom the people have been captivated by.

“For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”
Exodus 20:5

Psalm 82

This Psalm speaks for itself:

“Rise up, O God, judge the earth;
for all the nations belong to you!”
v. 8

Psalm 83

These are harsh words spoken against the enemies of Israel. Essentially the Psalmist says, wipe them out, do to them . . . all the things listed in 13 – 17. Then, in the end, let them know that you, and you alone are God.

Psalm 84

I found this Psalm refreshing after all of the doom and gloom of the last several Psalms. Just in the first two verses alone we fine a sense of refreshing hope as there is a happy home for all of us.

Verse 10 then brought a song to mind, “Better is One Day” by Matt Redman. If you don’t know it, you should look it up. It’s a great song of worship and praise.

Psalm 85

As I pondered this Psalm, I sensed the longing to hear the voice of God speaking. “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,” the Psalmist pleas in verse 8. And what would we hear, in hearing God speak? The answers lie in verses 10 -13, steadfast love, faithfulness, peace, and righteousness.

Psalm 86

Verses 11 & 12 are great verses to live by:

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.

Then there is this oddity that comes in verse 16. The “servant” and the “girl” that are lifted up . What an honor, especially knowing that servants and girls were pretty low in the chain of society for the time and day that many of the Psalms were written. What a bold prayer wanting to include them, lifting them up and commending them to God’s strength!

Psalm 87

Where were you born? For me our birth place is always a place that we call “home.” Its a place we might always long to return to. Here the same image is presented for us, with the joy of calling Jerusalem “home”.

Psalm 88

The NRSV includes the title, “Do the shades rise up to praise you.”(v. 10) As I read this I was instantly transported to the writings of Dante and his Divine Comedy where the dead were all referred to as ‘shades.’ These were given this title by Virgil (Dante’s guide) as the dead had not yet received their ‘resurrected’ bodies after the time of Judgement.

Certainly that image of darkness, horror, Sheol (Hell), and the depths of doom and gloom linger throughout this Psalm. Did it stir the vision Dante once had before writing his Divine Comedy? Did he perhaps read this Psalm before he entered the gates of Hell?

Psalm 89

From the depths of Hell in Psalm 88, we move to a Psalm of Praise as David is lifted up. Firstborn, mighty, loved, and promised that his linage would be protected forever.

Readings for the next few days: 
Monday, July 1: Psalm 90 – 95 
Tuesday, July 2: Psalm 96 – 102
Wednesday, July 3: Psalm 103 – 105
Thursday, July 4: Psalm 106 – 107

Readings for today:
Friday, June 28: Psalm 78 – 79

Psalm 78

What a bold message this Psalm sends, as the failure of the Tribe of Ephraim is called out. Not only that but to be called out by name!! Oh, how they have forgotten all the great things that you have done, the Psalmist cries out. And as promised, the Psalmist recites this Psalm like a “parable” (v.1) retelling the story of Israel from the parting of the Red Sea to living off of manna in the wilderness. If only, Ephraim would have taken part in the goodness of God!

Psalm 79

How often have you said, or heard, “if you do . . . then we will . . .” Here is a great example:

If you . . . lay waste to those who have destroyed Jerusalem . . .
Then we will . . . give thanks to you forever!

Readings for the next few days: 
Saturday, June 29: Psalm 80 – 85
Sunday, June 30: Psalm 86 – 89
Monday, July 1: Psalm 90 – 95
Tuesday, July 2: Psalm 96 – 102

Readings for these two days:
Wednesday, June 26: Psalm 70-73
Thursday, June 27: Psalm 74-77

Sorry for the delay, our family has been busy at home doing some remodeling. All in all, the project looks great, but by the time we wrapped things up for the day, making a post on my Blog, was the last thing on my mind. I still took some notes on my reading that I wanted to share.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Psalm 70

Here our Psalmist pleas for help. Not an uncommon theme in our reading of the Psalms. Take note of the wonderful contrast that is played out in verses 4 & 5:

“God is great!”
“But I am poor and needy!”

Psalm 71

“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress,
to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.“
v. 3

As I read this I thought instantly of Martin Luther and pondered whether or not these words inspired the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”. After taking the time to do a bit more research, Luther was actually inspired by Psalm 46, and looking back at those words, I just don’t see it. Do you?

Psalm 72

This Psalm is introduced as being “by Solomon.” Think back to 1 Kings 3, and what was the one thing that Solomon asked for as he began his reign over the nation of Israel? Wisdom. And what is part of being wise . . . being “just.”

This Psalm retells Solomon’s gift of wisdom/justice, and then overflows with all the other great things that Solomon was granted because he sought wisdom over and above all other things.

Psalm 73

We enter the third of the three “books” within The Psalms. Like many other Psalms, we are asked, what should we do when all else fails? We turn to God.

²⁵Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
verses 25 & 26

Psalm 74

We don’t often hear much of what happens to Jerusalem during the time of exile to Assyria and Babylon. Here, we have a clue, and it is heart wrenching. After countless days reading of the beauty of creating the Tabernacle and later the Temple, everything is now left in complete and utter ruin. Starting at verse 4, everything seems hopeless. Yet, even our Psalmist knows with God there is always hope! Even as the Psalm comes to a close, starting with verse 12, hope is found knowing that all things lie in the hands of the one who created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 75

I loved this part . . . what do we do with our wicked enemies? Why not get them drunk! (v.8) The end result, “Then I will rejoice!” (v. 9) Why? Are they easier to defeat? Or, just more fun to be around? Guess we’ll have to think on that one!!!

Psalm 76

You indeed are awesome! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?
v. 7

What doe is mean to have an angry God? Can anger still bring about love and compassion? Absolutely! Think of your parents . . . ever make them angry? I know I did. Yet I was still loved. There was still compassion. When we read of the “Angry God,” we need to think of God in much the same way as we do a loving/compassionate parent.

Psalm 77

This Psalm recalls the exodus. From the mighty storm . . . to being led through the waters!

Readings for the next few days: 
Friday, June 28: Psalm 78 – 79
Saturday, June 29: Psalm 80 – 85
Sunday, June 30: Psalm 86 – 89
Monday, July 1: Psalm 90 – 95

Readings for Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Psalm 66 – 69

Psalm 66

Here the Psalmist sings a song of thanksgiving, and it is much like the song Miriam sang after the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea (Exodus 15). Good news is shared as the Psalmist tell once again of crossing over on dry ground, traveling with cloud and fire, passing on foot, until reaching the spacious place (i.e. Promised Land).

Psalm 67

Psalm 67 starts with reiterating Moses’ words to the people (Numbers 6:24-26), with a slight variation. The Psalm states:

May God be gracious to us and bless us
Nam make his face to shine upon us.
(V. 1)

Great words, but there is one additional phrase, with which we can relate all the more that repeats a few times throughout:

Let all the peoples praise you, Or God;
Let all the peoples praise you!
(V. 3 & 5)

Psalm 68

Right in the middle of this Psalm an image of this holy/triumphant procession is painted for us as the people journey up to “the sanctuary” (v. 24) or the “Holy Place” (v.17) . This grand procession is complete with:

• Singers (who come first)
• Musicians (who are last)
• Girls with tambourines
• The tribe of Benjamin (in the lead)
• The tribe of Judah
• The tribe of Zebulun
• The tripe of Naphtali

Could this be the procession that led the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, where David danced and the people rejoice? (2 Samuel 6) I think it could be!!

Psalm 69

As I read our last Psalm for today, I wonder how many enemies do you have? Do you know them? Do they know they are your enemies? Could you count them? What made them your enemies? Here the Psalms states, they are “more in number than the hair on my head” (v. 4) . That’s a lot of enemies.

Can you imagine the guilt? What would you do? Where would you turn?

The only thing to do is to turn to God. Make your plea. A plea that starts at verse 13, crying out . . . at an acceptable time . . . answer me . . . deliver me . . . draw near to me . . . redeem me . . .set me free!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Wednesday, June 26: Psalm 70-73 
Thursday, June 27: Psalm 74-77
Friday, June 28: Psalm 78-79

Readings for June 24, 2019
Psalms 58-65

Psalm 58

This is pretty cut throat writing on behalf of the Psalmist as utter vengeance is wished on all those who are evil. And evil, where does it come from . . . birth. Once evil, always evil

Psalm 59

As I read through this Psalm, I can imagine David living in fear, on the run, seeking safety in the mountainous caves. “Each evening they return” he pleas as if for help, seeking safety in his time of trouble. For David, even in these darker chapters of his life, “signs of God’s great might” are revealed as God is David’s fortress and strength.

Psalm 60

If you are David, and you have experienced defeat, where do you turn? God of course! Take a look at v. 7 and following, does it sound familiar? As I read, I was reminded of St. Paul’s words to the Ephesians (6:11-17) as we are called to put on the Armor of God.

Psalm 61

Lead me to the rock
that is higher that I;
For you are my refuge,
A strong tower against the enemy!
(v. 2b – 3)

Psalm 62

Last week in my sermon I reflected on Elijah hearing God in the silence. (1 Kings 4-15a) Similar themes come up here, as our “Soul waits in silence.” True silence is hard to find, just take a moment to be still an listen . . . silent? Probably not. Yet, here we are reminded to find that inner silence sot hat we can find God.

Psalm 63

The Psalmist is desperate for a relationship with God. There is true longing for something greater . . .

My soul thirst (v. 1)
My flesh faints (v. 1)
My soul clings. (v. 6)
all for the Lord!

Psalm 64

Reading through the Psalm surprised me with words of “Shooting” and “Ambush.” Honestly these weren’t words I expected in a song of praise to God. Not words I like to hear much in life, and too often we hear them again and again. Together let us seek the peace that only Christ can give!

Psalm 65

From the dawn of creation to the depths of the sea, to the stillness of the valley . . . God created it all! Here, praise is given as God reveals power and majesty, in the gift of nature that surrounds us.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Tuesday, June 25: Psalm 66-69 
Wednesday, June 26: Psalm 70-73
Thursday, June 27: Psalm 74-77

Readings for Sunday, June 23, 2019
Psalms 51 – 57

Psalm 51

This Psalm is traditionally read for Ash Wednesday, and it sets the tone of lament and sorrow for the Lenten Season. However, as I read through this I paid attention to the title and introduction. “A Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone into Bathsheba.” Well that changes things doesn’t it. The remorse, guilt, shame, that David must have felt as he was called out on his lust and sin. (2 Samuel 12) It’s all here. Deep in lament. Steeped in sadness. Humbled in wrong doing.

Then came another realization. For years, our worship has included a song based on verse 10-12 as part of the offering. These are the words we used to sing . . .

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
And take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
And uphold me, with your free spirit.

So knowing we sang those words, Sunday after Sunday, and knowing this was part of David’s lament over Bathsheba, I asked myself the question, were we supposed to be lamenting too? Is this our mini confession for not giving as God calls us to give? Are we asking for cleanliness in the midst of our sin/greed filled life? I’ll have to wrestle with this the next time it comes up to sing in worship, and ask myself, what a we singing and why.

Psalm 52

In reading through the Bible you will find that there is a tree in the beginning and one at the end of Scripture. Genesis starts with the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Revelation, ends with the tree of life. Rob Bell in his Nooma Series has a great reflection on life between the two trees. Where are we, and where is our place? Here in Psalm 52, we get a small glimpse of a possible answer as we encounter another tree, and Olive Tree. As we read, we are that tree! Sought after for its fruit. Fruit that can be pressed into oil. Oil that is sought after to give light. Light that provides a way to guide others to God. May we be blessed enough to to live as a tree amongst the trees!

Psalm 53

I’ve recently been watching a series on Netflix called “Hill House.” Its a bit of a horror drama, and a good escape from all things church. In the last few episodes the house is described as evil. Evil enough to eat and consume everything, everyone who lives in it. Those lines came to light as I read Psalm 53, verse 4:

Have they no knowledge, those evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call upon God?

Its a similar image. Evil befits evil, and it grows and grows, consuming everything. Yet, in the end, God will put all terror to shame and deliver his faithful people.

Psalm 54

This is one of those that speaks well for itself:

I will give thanks to your name, O Lord for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
And my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
(verses 6b-7)

Psalm 55

Can you sense the longing. Can you tell that something isn’t right? Like Job, here is a constant plea for help, because torment is all around. Torment comes, not in enemies or adversaries (v. 12). No, Torment comes from ones friends. This is what happens when friendship goes wrong. So where do we turn to find a true friend? God! It reminds me of another great hymn . . . “what a friend we have in Jesus!” May you remember that Jesus is the one true friend who will never betray you!

Psalm 56

When fear and evil seems to be lurking in every corner, where do we turn? God!

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you!
(verse. 3)

Psalm 57

Take note as you read this Psalm the image of “wings.” In verse 1, we are hiding under the protection of them. In the final verse, they are lifting us up to the heights of heaven. Here is the reminder, in darker times, we find shelter in the comfort of God, who reassures us, and lifts us up, so that we might soar to the heights of heaven.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Monday, June 24: Psalm 58-65
Tuesday, June 25: Psalm 66-69
Wednesday, June 26: Psalm 70-73