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

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