Reading for Saturday, June 22, 2019
Psalms 46 – 50

Psalm 46

This by far is one of my favorite Psalms. I remember singing it in the church choir growing up. It was a great arrangement, in which you could sense the power of the strength of God and the peaceful tranquility that also comes out of the dwelling in the city of God. Check out the video below to sense the power of these words, put to song.

Psalm 47

Can you sense the joy? Do you want to get up, clap you hands and shout for joy? These words should inspire just that, as we “sing praise.” Five times those words are used in just a few verses. Together, let us “Sing praise” to our God!

Sing praises to God, sing praises;
   sing praises to our King, sing praises. 
For God is the king of all the earth;
   sing praises with a psalm. 
(verses 6 & 7)

Psalm 48

“Zion.” We haven’t heard or seen this title much in our reading through our Year of Scripture. Yet here, the Psalmist refers to “Mount Zion.” In case you haven’t put two and two together, it is another name for Jerusalem. I remember growing up as a kid at Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky, Ohio, listening to the Bible being read during worship and hearing the words “Zion” come from the readers lips. Granted it was an old building, and a congregation steeped in tradition, and I was young, but I can’t tell you how many times I was amazed that God’s word spoke direct about our congregation.

Zion, mighty on a hill
Zion, be glad
Zion, walk about it, count its towers

That was my church . . . or so I thought. Even as a kid, I was disappointed to see that Zion refereed to Jerusalem, and not the congregation that helped to form my faith!

Psalm 49

I will admit these words were slightly confusing, as I approached the final few verses. Are the rich to be praised and comfortable in their wealth? If you are reading the NRSV as I often do, you might sense what I am referring to. So I paged over to the NIV and then to the Message, and got a very different feeling. Here’s what I’m referring to: (verses 16-18)

NRSV:
Do not be afraid when some become rich,
when the wealth of their houses increases.
For when they die they will carry nothing away;
their wealth will not go down after them.
Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy—
for you are praised when you do well for yourself—
they will go to the company of their ancestors,
who will never again see the light.

NIV:
Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
    when the splendor of their houses increases;
 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them.
Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
    and people praise you when you prosper—
they will join those who have gone before them,
    who will never again see the light of life.

The Message:
So don’t be impressed with those who get rich
    and pile up fame and fortune.
They can’t take it with them;
    fame and fortune all get left behind.
Just when they think they’ve arrived
    and folks praise them because they’ve made good,
They enter the family burial plot
    where they’ll never see sunshine again.

Did you sense it too? The comfort of being rich found in the NRSV, to the the cautionary not of being rich in the other two. While we live with many blessings, I think the Psalmist wanted to warn all of us, that our true treasure should be found in God, and not in our material wealth.

Psalm 50

In a world were we often speak ill of one another, I I found these words quite fitting for our own time and place:

You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.
You sit and speak against your kin; you slander your own mother’s child.
These things you have done and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one just like yourself.
But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you.
Mark this, then, you who forget God,
or I will tear you apart, and there will be no one to deliver.
verses 19 – 22

Again and again, we need that kind reminder. Think before you speak, and when you speak, speak with the tenderness and compassion of our God!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57
Monday, June 24: Psalm 58-65
Tuesday, June 25: Psalm 66-69

Readings for Friday, June 21, 2019
Psalms 40 – 45

Today was our final day at camp. Instead of a day of service, we were allowed a “camp day” to play and explore the grounds of Lutheran Memorial Camp. Togther we took on kayaking, volleyball, time at the pool, and closing chapel in the woods. All it all it was a great week, and I am super proud of our youth! Thanks to all who help financially make this trip possible, and to everyone who kept us in their prayers as we traveled. After dropping our youth off, I went back to my normal routine of reading and and reflecting on our text for the Year of Scripture. Unfortunately for you, that means it back to just me and my thoughts as we continue to read together.

Psalm 40

“Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering,
you have not required.”
verse 6

How many days did it take for us to read through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy? As we read, nearly every day had some reference to making a sacrifice to God. A grain offering, a fellowship offering, a sin offering, and on the list could go. Yet here the Psalmist speaks unusual words, “Sacrifice and offering you do not desire.” Wow! If God doesn’t desire offerings, what does God desire? The only thing we can give . . . an open generous heart ready to praise God with all our being!

Psalm 41

In Matthew 26:11, Jesus states, “You will always have the poor with you,” and here we are reminded of the poor. “Happy are those who consider the poor.” Not only are we blessed in our care and compassion to those who are living on the margins of life, those who receive the care we offer, are blessed as well!

Psalm 42

This Psalm begins the second “Book” of Psalms. As you are reading, the first verse might sound familiar. It’s a hymn that we sing from time to time in worship. “As the deer, comes to the water, so my soul belongs to you.”

For more information on how Psalms in structured in various “books” take a look at this video from Thebibleproject.com

Psalm 43

Here is a plea for help. Can you sense it in these words. In not so many words, you hear the Psalmist crying out: lead me, guide me, protect me. Even in the longing, there is still praise, trust and hope, knowing that God will indeed provide.

Psalm 44

As I read though Psalm 44, I divided into four distinct pleas. Pleas that seemed to be stating a case, as if in self defense of what we or God is doing in life.

verses 1 – 8: Look what I have done, as I trust in the Lord.
verses 9-16: Look at what God has put us through in the presence of our enemies.
verses 17-22: Even though we feel abandoned, we have not forgotten you, O Lord.
verses 23-26: Why God? Why!

Psalm 45

We all know the text from 1 Corinthians chapter 13. “Love is patient, love is kind . . .” We hear it at nearly every wedding, as it provides a model of how we ought to live in love. As we read Psalm 45, I can’t help but wonder if this was an used as a similar reading in weddings of the Isaelites, as it speaks of the relationship of marriage.

Then of course, comes the question. Who is the bride? Who is the groom? Who is it that the Psalmist is referring to? Is it you or me? Is it God or the king? Could it be all of the above? Just as 1 Corinthians could easily speak of our love for one another, or God’s love for us, so too can Psalm 45 do the same.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 46-50
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57
Monday, June 24: Psalm 58-65

Today, our mission Trip Youth took on some projects as Camp Mowana, as sister camp of Lutheran Memorial Camp. Together we helped to spruce up the property (indoors and out) as they get ready to welcome their summer campers in the weeks to come. Fortunately, for us, it was our first day with out rain. Or so we thought! The morning was beautiful, then as we were finishing up our projects, the heavens opened. We were soaked! Guess that means fresh mud for tomorrow.

As evening settled in, we returned to our Year of Scripture text and I let the youth decide how they wanted to dig deeper into God’s word. In the end, we have an interesting variety as we look at today’s text.

Today’s Readings:
Thursday, June 20: Psalms 36 – 39

Psalm 36

This trio of youth decided to take on a bit of acting. There interpretation of the Psalm essentially said:

Evil is bad!
Evil people will not survive!
Good people will be rewarded and climb to the top
Of the mountain of God!
(And they yodeled all the way!!)

Psalm 37

Because of it’s length, I took this one on and we shared some discussion. Three key words appear repeatedly in this Psalm: fret, wicked, and righteousness. All in all a simple summary of this Psalm, might sound something like:

Do not fret over the wicked
For with God you are righteous.

I then asked the youth to ponder those three key words. Here’s what they came up with:

What do we fret over?
Fire, School, being safe, ticks, robbers/murders, illness/death, the unknown, strangers, test, getting caught when we do things bad, one even said they have nothing to worry over!

Who in our word is “wicked”?
People like Hitler, those who start wars, terrorists, murders, school shooters, ticks, wiccans, devil worshipers.

Who in our word is “righteous”?
God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Pastors, teachers, people who do good, people who use their popularity for the betterment of others, ourselves (for doing mission work)

Psalm 38

This trio took to the drawing board to explain the Psalm. Here’s what they had to share:

Psalm 39

Our last trio shared with us the cycle of life as reflected on by the Psalmist. Their words of encouragement came with the reminder that “Life is short, make the best of it by following God.” This of course, included the highlight of the day, as one of the youth gave birth. You had to see it to laugh along with it, but for now enjoy the photo!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 40-45
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 46-50
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57
Monday, June 24: Psalm 58-65

Again, I am blessed to have so many youth interested in being the hands and feet of Christ willing to work and serve in the world God made. Today took us to Hemlock Falls near Mansfield, Ohio where we learned about Garlic Mustard. It’s an invasive species that was brought to the United States in the 1800’s as a spice. Unfortunately, it has spread beyond garden cultivation, and is taking over many woodland areas. Because it is foreign to our area, there aren’t any animals or insect that depend on it as food, so it grows with no known predators, and it grows quickly. Thus, chocking off the “good” species of plants that nature depends on. So, we started pulling, and pulling, and pulling. What a task! We even had our first tick in the group and it has all the girls constantly checking or reapplying their bug spray. What a hoot! My personal highlight – I got the van stuck in the mud on their trails. The youth had the task of pushing me out. I’ll tell you it was extremely tempting to floor it and coat them all, but I was nice and together we had success getting back on the road.

OUr evening Devotions took us bake to the Psalms where I gave the youth the task of “acting” the Psalms out. I’m going to work on getting some videos uploaded when I get back to the office. It was great! Here’s a recap of what they had to share:

Today’s Reading:
Wednesday, June 19: Psalms 32 – 35

Psalm 32

Three of our ladies “danced” for the Lord, as they retold the Psalm:

Oh, God you have wiped away our sings (with a giant swoosh)
I have groaned (with a huge moan) in them.
I will admit the to you
And rejoice because you have taken them away!

Psalm 33

Our three guys took on the mighty acts of God. Like mighty warriors they retold the strength of God posing as sumo wrestlers. It was an absolute laugh, and I had the joy of trying to narrate, take photos, and notes at the same time. What a hoot!

Psalm 34

Our other three ladies took on Psalm 34 with an action/drama skit that retold the Psalm in this way:

Voice 1: God’s followers are dumb. Why do I want to be one of them. (Stubs their toe and seeks help).
Voice 2: Believe in Jesus and God will help save you.
Voice 1: Go away. (Pushing voice 2 off scene)
Angel’s Voice: Non believers should be condemned to hell! (The angel flys in to shove voice 1 to the neither world)
Angel’s voice: (to voice 2). God will save you for believing in him!

Psalm 35

By that point we were laughing so hard we left this to read on our own. I hope you do the same.

I’ll do my best to recap this with videos if I can figure that out when I get back. Super proud of what our youth are doing, as we continue to worship, work, learn about and serve God!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 40-45
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 46-50
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57
Monday, June 24: Psalm 58-65

Super proud of our youth again today. Our adventure/service took us to the Ohio Bird Sanctuary just outside of Mansfield, Ohio. Our task was to weed a butterfly garden. Can’t say any of us knew the difference between the “good” plants and “bad” plants. Either way we made a huge difference in pulling something “green” from the butterfly garden. We also had the joy of feeding some injured birds in one of their enclosed walk though cages. What a blessing. Our evening took us to the rock wall. Most of our youth were brave enough to take on the 30 foot wall and zip line. Way to go! We closed our day in small groups where they were asked to read the Psalm together and then share their thoughts. This is what they had to say:

Today’s readings:
Psalm 26-31

Psalm 26

The youth’s interpretation:
We should stay true to God and not go along with the crowed. We should continually ask for God’s protection, and God will continue to give it to us.

Psalm 27

The youth’s interpretation:
God will always be there for us. God will always take care of us. God continually gives us courage and confidence to make us stronger.

Psalm 28

The youth’s interpretation:
Hear me God, because I’ve done good! I don’t want to be (an I”m not) like those who have done bad.

Psalm 29

The youth’s interpretation:
These words summarize the great things God does for us. We should all try to follow in God’s footsteps.

Psalm 30

The youth’s interpretation:
No matter how bad things my be . . . joy will come to you . . . because God is with you.

Psalm 31

The youth’s interpretation:
We love, trust, and follow you. Please save us from those evil people.

My Thoughts:

I didn’t make too many notes as the youth were trying to dig in to God’s word themselves. But a few things are note worthy in the last three Psalms. Psalm 29 calls on the name of the Lord and reveals the power of God’s voice. What would you hear if you heard God calling? How does God speak? What does God sound like. Is it mighty and loud, or soft and compassionate? Listen as God is still speaking . . .

There is one verse in Psalm 30 that speaks well to me, verse 5:

For is anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.

What a great summary of the love and mindset of God. Does God get upset when we do something wrong? Sure. Yet, thanks be to God, that moment of disappointment only last for a moment! For we then quickly return to the loving embrace of a compassionate parent.

As you read through Psalm 31, one verse should sound familiar. Check out verse 5. These are Jesus final words from the cross. Isn’t it reassuring to know Jesus knew the scriptures! Even at that, the rest of the Psalm speaks of anguish and suffering. Certainly as Jesus spoke these final words to us, he knew first hand the anguish and pain of the cross as he died for you and me.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 40-45
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 46-50
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57
Monday, June 24: Psalm 58-65

What a joy it is to spend with the High School and Middle School youth of First Lutheran. Our first full day at Lutheran Memorial Camp was great. We spent the morning and early afternoon with the ladies of Advent Lutheran learning about their quilting program for Lutheran World Relief. They brought samples expecting us to learn and be curious. By the day we had two full quilts fully assembled!! We even had a few of our guys behind the sewing machine. I was impressed!! The rest of our day took us to the archery range, pool, campfire, and allowed time to spend with friends new and old. Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without mud. There is plenty of that as rain continues to fall on Ohio. Our prayers go out to our farmers and those who make a living off the land. Our night ended with conversation on the Psalms, and rather than simply read and reflect, we challenged each other with some interesting questions. Here’s what they had to say:

Our reading today:
Psalm 21 – Psalm 25

Psalm 21

Verse 7 says that the “king (shall) trust in the Lord.” What if our leaders placed their trust in God? The world would be:

• Better
• Different
• Gentle
• Peaceful
• Thing would run smoother

Why don’t our leaders put their trust in God?

• Because they are selfish
• They think they are better than God.
• They have too much power
• They think they are God.

All in all they felt it was better to rely on God, hence the them to their cabin banner:
Y’all need Jesus!

One comical/practical footnote came out of Psalm 21 and our archery lesson. Verse 12, “you will aim at their faces with your bows.” Please, don’t do that! Number one rule, do not aim at anyone!!!

Psalm 22

This is a familiar Psalm to us as we read it every year on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. These words help us to recall the suffering of Christ. Here’s were our youth saw Jesus in these words:

• They cast lots for his clothing. V. 18
• All who see me mock me. V. 7
• My hands and feet have shriveled up. V. 16
• Son of God from birth. V. 10
• I am poured out like water. V. 14
• He has done it. V. 31
• They stare and gloat over me. V. 17
• My mouth is dried up. V. 15

Overall, our youth felt there was a “creepy vibe” to these words, as lions are tearing things open, tongues stick to the roof of their mouth, hearts are melting like wax, and death is seen in nearly every word.

Psalm 23

From Palm 22, we go into the 23 Psalm, one of the most memorized and familiar passages of the Bible. Here are “Happy Vibes”!

Good things happen, and we nearly seem invincible because God is with us. We are all common, protected, and loved. Even our enemies??? That part we struggle with. Can we poison them? I was asked. No! Instead God invites all all to dine at the table together. So we are challenged by that image, yet realize that God loves them too.

One word of warnings, especially for Camp Life: The still waters, are flowing, and if you step into them your boots are going to get full of mud and gook.

Psalm 24

Lift up your heads, O Gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors!
That the King of Glory may come in.
(V. 7 & 9)

Repeated this Psalm asks the question, “Who is the King of Glory?” The first time we read through the Psalm as a group, the inflection was spot on, you could hear the question. I think it actually was a question. “Who is this” that we want to welcome in? God of course! Our task is to open the gates and doors of our lives so that God can enter in.

We have to remember that these words were written in a day when city walls and guarded gates were real. They provided protection. They kept people out, and they kept people in. As an image of the day and time, it makes sense to the early readers/hearers to open the gates so that God, could come in. While the same image might not work for us it sounds better than “opening your garage door!”

Psalm 25

Two constant images appear here, especially in verse 14:

The friendship of the Lord
is for those who fear him.

So what does it mean to be a friend with God?

• We like God, God likes us
• We can confined in God.
• We follow where God leads/guides
• We trust God
• We love God

Then what does it mean to fear God?

• We should respect God
• We need to obey what God says
• God is like a parent (we need to respect/obey them)
• We don’t want God to be disappointed, so we try our best.

All in all, great insight on behalf of our youth. Keep their in your prayers as we continue to work, worship, serve, and study together this week!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31 
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 40-45
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 46-50
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57

Today’s reading:
Psalms 17 – 20

I have the pleasure this week of spending it with nine of our youth from First Lutheran on a week of service, mission and fun at Lutheran Memorial Camp. For our evening time together, we shared the Psalms with one another. It was a rewarding read, and I asked for their comments as we reflected together. Here is some of their insight:

Psalm 17

Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
v. 8

There is a sense of God’s protection in these words, as God continues to give second chances. We need to remember that some people aren’t always on our side, so we have to deal with it, but don’t be rude to those who are rude because it’s not worth it. In the end God will protect us, because we have obeyed him.

Psalm 18

The response from our youth was, “that was long.” At 50 verses it is the longest Psalm we have encountered so far. In it our youth hear:

• Words of praise
• A sense of redirection. (V. 20 He as recompensed me).
• With God, we can do all things.

Then there is the tie in to a familiar song often sung at camp. Although we haven’t sung it yet. It is highlighted in the opening and closing verses:

I will call upon the Lord. (I will call upon the Lord)
Who is worthy to be praise (Who is worthy to be praised)
So shall I be saved from my enemies. (So shall I be saved from ny enemies)
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock
And may the God of our Salvation be exulted.
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock,
And may the God of our salvation be exulted!

Last thoughts, came in the description of God found in verses 7 through 15. Scary stuff. Some honestly wondered if this was Satan. No, not the case. Instead a mighty description of the power of God that David needed and called on in times of trouble.

Psalm 19

Many of the though noticed the title “For the Musician” and quickly noted, “where is the music.” The closest we came was in verses 3 and 4 where “the voice” goes out, but no words are spoken. While music may/may not be spoken, the description of God is awe inspiring: finer than Gold and pure than honey in the comb!

On a personal note, I reflected with the youth on the closing verses, that often helps o sharpe my sermons. While many pastors say this as a prayer before their message, these words are constantly on my mind as I go about the ministry of God:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
v. 14

Psalm 20

Our youth quickly noted that this would be a great Psalm to read in times of war, especially for the commanding officers. There is victory, strength, guidance and direction. All things needed from God, especially when in harms way.

Great insight from our youth. Glad I can share it with you, and I am looking forward to reading more with them in the days ahead.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Monday, June 17: Psalm 21-25 
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31 
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 36-39
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 40-45

Today’s Reading:
Saturday, June 15: Psalm 9-16

Psalm 9

The wicked shall depart to Sheol. (v. 17)

There’s a happy image! What is Sheol? In our modern interpenetration, we would say “Hell.” However our modern understanding of Hell is much different from the Sheol of days gone by. For those hearing the Psalm in the days in which it was written, Sheol was the fringe of town. It was the local garbage dump. It was the sewage substation. It was the home of the outcast and the diseased. It was not a happy place. In fact the fires of our modern day understand of Hell might seem like a bit of a vacation from Sheol. So let the wicked depart and have a nice trip!

Psalm 10

Some earlier versions of the Bible link Psalms 9 and 10 together, as they combine the image of bringing down the wicked and putting them in their place. In the midst of the oppression of the word we proclaim as the Psalmist once did, “Rise up, O Lord God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed!” (V. 12)

Psalm 11

I love the imagery in this Psalm. I can image David “fleeing like a bird to the mountain” and from his place of refuge overlooking Jerusalem. There reflecting on God’s greatness and the Tabernacle below, proclaiming in wonder, “The Lord is in his holy Temple.”

Psalm 12

If there are words for us that still speak today, perhaps we would cry out the words of Psalm 12:

Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly;
The faithful have disappeared from humankind.
They utter lies to each other;
With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

Psalm 13

It’s always exciting, as a Pastor, when you read scripture and find portions that are used throughout the worship service. Psalm 13 has a phrase that comes up on Good Friday as part of the Solemn Reproaches. Hard words to ponder as we take in the mystery of the Crucified and Risen one, “Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!”

Here, much like Good Friday, the Psalmist longs for God’s presence and asks over and over again, “How long?” How long will you abandon me? How long will I be in pain? How long will my enemies persecute me. How long, O Lord? Even in our hardest days, we may recite Psalm 13, yet let us remember our hardest days, do not compare to the trials Jesus faced on the Cross.

Psalm 14

While Psalms 9 & 10 refer to the “wicked” here Psalm 14 refers to the “fools”. Biblical wisdom literature often equates these to the same individuals. Either way, verse 3 provides a good summary for our wicked fools.

They have all gone astray,
they are all alike perverse;
Ther is no on who does good,
No, not one.

Psalm 15

Psalm 15 asked who is worthy to abide in the house of God? People who speak truth. People who do no evil. People who despise the wicked. People who stand by the truth. Even in this short Psalm, the list goes on. While the Psalmist makes room for good honest people to be able to walk in the house of God, I would say, without the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, none of us would be worthy enough or able to walk in the light of God.

Psalm 16

Together we find peace and security in the hands of God. Fitting words as I prepare to travel with our Mission Trip Youth.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
In the night also my hearts istructs me.
I keep the Lord, always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
My body also rest secure.
(V. 7-9)

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Sunday, June 16: Psalm 17-20
Monday, June 17: Psalm 21-25
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39
Friday, June 21: Psalm 36-39
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 40-45

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 1 – 8

For the next month, we will spend our time reading through the Psalms. Typically we’ll read 3 – 5 a day. If at all possible, I’d encourage you to read them at different times throughout the day. This way they don’t all blend togehter adn you can apperciate the message of each Psalm as it is written.

Also remember these are songs that were often sung, its poetry written from the heart. All in all, this is the hymnal of ancient Israel. I don’t expect you to sing them, but keep that in mind as you read, and maybe it will help bring their message to life.

Psalm 1

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked . . .
their delight is in the lay of the Lord . . .
They are like trees planted by streams of water.

In our recent trip out west, you could always tell where there was water as we were driving through the desert. How? Somewhere in the midst of the beautiful shades of brown and red sand and rock, greenery would appear. Trees would stand tall. Life was found. Most of us are familiar with the image of a desert. Can’t say we saw anything quit as beautiful as the Hollywood movie version, instead, we saw natures version which was beautiful in its own way. Yet, as the Psalmist sings, we can recall that image as the people of God. Gathered by the River of Life. Living in the joys that only God can give. The rest of the world, “They are like chaff, that the wind drives away.”

Psalm 2

While this Psalm was likely written by David as he was anointed King of Israel, there are images of Christ present . . .

“You are my son; today I have begotten you . . .
I will make the nations your heritage
and the ends of the earth your possession.”

With one mighty ruler, be it David, or ultimately Christ, nations will fall, kings will bow down, and all will be happy if they seek refuge in the one provided by God.

Psalm 3

Here is our first reminder that the Psalms were songs. As you are reading you may find the word “Selah” inserted every few verses. Other Bibles (or hymnals) insert an R. While the meaning is unclear in the Hebrew text in which it was written, many believe this was a phrase to tell the reader to repeat the opening verse, much like a refrain in today’s music.

This particular Psalm was written while David is living in fear. He is on the run, there may even be a price on his head. (2 Samuel 15-18) As David laments, he cries out, “O Lord, how many are my foes?” You can sense his longing, fear, and the depth of his concern, especially when you repeat that phrase over and over again at each refrain. “O Lord, how many are my foes?” Then to know that those foes have been diminished as the Psalm comes to a close, “Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!”

Psalm 4

Even as the Psalmist pleas for help, comfort and deliverance comes to those who trust in the Lord. Peace is found in God:

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O lord, make me lie down in safety.

Psalm 5

Much like Psalm 4, there is a great image of safety and well being that is found in God. The closing verses sing the psalm well:

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let the ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
So that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 6

Can you sense the longing. The Psalmist who wrote these words is either deeply wounded or very ill. Even while in anguish, God is still there!

I am languishing . . .
Heal me . . .
My bones are shaking with terror . . .
In death . . .
I am weary . . .
My eyes waste away . . .
(Yet) the Lord has read my supplications

Psalm 7

One can only wonder if the story of Job was a basis for the words of Psalm 7. Sin, repentance, destruction, pleas: “If I had done this.” It all sounds vaguely familiar as we just finished reading through Job. While the foot notes in my Bible attribute this to David, their statement “a prayer for help of a person who has probably been falsely accused of some wrong.” (Harper Collins, NRSV Study Bible revised edition, pg 738) reminds me of Job and the accusations made by his friends against him.

Psalm 8

There is some great imagery in Psalm 8. Some of these words are my favorite.

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

When I look at your heavens, and the work of your fingers
The mood and the stars that you have established:
(and I ask) What are humans beings that you are mindful of them,
Mortals that you care for them?

Yet, you have made them a little lower than God,
And crowned them with gory and honor.

Despite our sinful and rebellious ways, God still made us, and has clothed us with honor. Honor given through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Aren’t we blessed!!

Looking ahead for the week:
I’m going to be traveling with our Mission Trip Youth and a camp. Where we are going is pretty rural, so I am not sure if I will have computer access. I’m hoping to still be able to post my thoughts. Even better, I’m hoping to read each day with our youth, and share their thoughts as well. If not, I’ve got a journel that I’m taking along, so I’ll have notes to share. Keep us in your prayers as we travel!!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Saturday, June 15: Psalm 9-16
Sunday, June 16: Psalm 17-20
Monday, June 17: Psalm 21-25
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39
Friday, June 21: Psalm 36-39
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 40-45

God Speaks!

In response to Job’s lament . . .
In response to the speeches of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar . . .
As if being introduced by Elihu . . .

God speaks!

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
 Gird up your loins like a man,

I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding. 
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it? 
On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone 
when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
 “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?
— when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band, 
and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said,
‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped’?
Job 38:2-11

God’s words are majestic, meaningful, full of wisdom, power and might! They speak for themselves, and put us in our own place. We are nothing more than small, fallen, broken, sinful individuals, who are made in the likeness of God and loved by God always! If you haven’t read any of Job, read chapters 38-41. They are moving!!

Life Restored

After God speaks, Job is humbled and repents. His friends are put to shamed. Then, somehow, everything Job had is restored. We aren’t talking, poof, everyone is back. No, quite different, in time, Job has a new family, his flocks, fields, home, grow to so much so that they are greater then they every had been before. Was this God given? Was it part of the test? We will never know? All we know is the ending, “And Job died, old and full of days.” (Job 42:17)

Peace,
Pastor Bailey