With only 5 psalms to finish the book, lets go ahead and read all 5.
Psalm 146-150 over at BibleGateway.com
146) vs 8-10 The LORD values all the things that those earthly princes not only dislike, but even created at times.
147) What an incredible list of blessings from the LORD. Why not try to make our own list from time to time.
148) All praise the LORD! Just the very name of the LORD is worthy of praise.
149) vs 5- "...sing for joy on their couches" so long as we don't stay on our couches... We've got to go out so others can know the glory of God from our praises!
150) Praise Praise Praise
Great final 5 psalms to finish out the book! God is deserving of our praise for sure!
What are your thoughts?
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
-Peter
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Psalm 142-145
Here is a link to today's psalms over at BibleGateway.com.
142) A few images of crying out and poouring out the psalmis's complaints to God.
How do we do in this regard? Do we cry out or pour out our complaints to God, or do kind of mumble them out?
143) vs 5: in the grip of this despair the psalmist looks back at all that the LORD has done.
144) vs 12-15: blessing upon blessing! Grant them all to us!
vs 3-5: we mortal humans are so frail and temporary.
145) vs 4-7: proclaim the glory of God to all and the generations that follow. Regardless of how our message is heard, we still must proclaim it! Let God worry about how it is received.
What are your thoughts?
142) A few images of crying out and poouring out the psalmis's complaints to God.
How do we do in this regard? Do we cry out or pour out our complaints to God, or do kind of mumble them out?
143) vs 5: in the grip of this despair the psalmist looks back at all that the LORD has done.
144) vs 12-15: blessing upon blessing! Grant them all to us!
vs 3-5: we mortal humans are so frail and temporary.
145) vs 4-7: proclaim the glory of God to all and the generations that follow. Regardless of how our message is heard, we still must proclaim it! Let God worry about how it is received.
What are your thoughts?
Psalm 138-141
The psalms: 138-141 at BibleGateway.com.
Some of my thoughts look like they were a little longer to me... I hope everyone enjoys their Holy Week. We are almost through the book of psalms.
138) Before the gods I sing your praise. What gods do we still sing the praise of the Almighty God before? or do we make excuses and justifications? "My endless pursit of money at all cost is not my worship of the money god/idol; it is me seizing the opportunities and blessing that God as put before me!
139) Normally we get the first 18 verses and thing how wonderful it is to proclaim the omnipotent, omnipresent nature of God who knows our comings and our goings and knows all of our thoughts before we do. How wonderful to be hemmed in by such a God.
But then we finish the psalm and and the psalmist is asking God to destroy an enemy. Declaring that their motives for asking are pure and true, God can double check!
140) Yesterday was Palm Sunday... With all these psalms (and other scriptures) it's no wonder that the people expected the Messiah to be a conquering King delivering the people from their oppressors and re-establishing an actual kingdom.
141) vs 3-4 Be careful that your words or feelings don't get you into trouble or cause you to sin or do evil. This is a lesson or reminder that we could all use from time to time!
What were your thoughts reading these passages?
Some of my thoughts look like they were a little longer to me... I hope everyone enjoys their Holy Week. We are almost through the book of psalms.
138) Before the gods I sing your praise. What gods do we still sing the praise of the Almighty God before? or do we make excuses and justifications? "My endless pursit of money at all cost is not my worship of the money god/idol; it is me seizing the opportunities and blessing that God as put before me!
139) Normally we get the first 18 verses and thing how wonderful it is to proclaim the omnipotent, omnipresent nature of God who knows our comings and our goings and knows all of our thoughts before we do. How wonderful to be hemmed in by such a God.
But then we finish the psalm and and the psalmist is asking God to destroy an enemy. Declaring that their motives for asking are pure and true, God can double check!
140) Yesterday was Palm Sunday... With all these psalms (and other scriptures) it's no wonder that the people expected the Messiah to be a conquering King delivering the people from their oppressors and re-establishing an actual kingdom.
141) vs 3-4 Be careful that your words or feelings don't get you into trouble or cause you to sin or do evil. This is a lesson or reminder that we could all use from time to time!
What were your thoughts reading these passages?
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Psalm 134-137
Short and Sweet and Late today :(
Psalm 134-137
134) Prayer Vigil Psalm
135) our idols today are often silver and gold, wealth that takes over our whole thinking
136) Responsive Reading
list of the great things God has done in Israel's history
137) How can you sing songs to God when you feel so separated from God?
Psalm 134-137
134) Prayer Vigil Psalm
135) our idols today are often silver and gold, wealth that takes over our whole thinking
136) Responsive Reading
list of the great things God has done in Israel's history
137) How can you sing songs to God when you feel so separated from God?
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Psalm 130-133
Mostly shorter psalms today. Here's a link to them at BibleGateway.com.
My thoughts:
130) vs 4 - This idea that God forgives our iniquities so that we will revere God...? Remember earlier the psalmist asked God to save his life because he gave God the most praise... But God's forgiveness is steadfast and brightens the darkness of our lives.
131) My inner child is behaving at the moment. I have not worried about things above me.
132) That's a big promise from Dave and a bigger promise back from God.
Did God need David to set up the House of the Lord or did God use David? Does God need our work, or work through us? Does it really matter so long as the work is done?
133) Oh how good it is when families live in peace and harmony together.
Your thoughts?
My thoughts:
130) vs 4 - This idea that God forgives our iniquities so that we will revere God...? Remember earlier the psalmist asked God to save his life because he gave God the most praise... But God's forgiveness is steadfast and brightens the darkness of our lives.
131) My inner child is behaving at the moment. I have not worried about things above me.
132) That's a big promise from Dave and a bigger promise back from God.
Did God need David to set up the House of the Lord or did God use David? Does God need our work, or work through us? Does it really matter so long as the work is done?
133) Oh how good it is when families live in peace and harmony together.
Your thoughts?
Friday, March 27, 2015
Psalm 126-129
Here is the link for the day's psalms at BibleGateway.com
126) vs 5 - May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of Joy
LORD turn our fortunes around, bless us as you did before.
127) vs 1-2 without God our toils are worthless. It is God who makes our goals achievable.
vs 3-5 - Daughters are pretty cool too and just as important there Mr. Psalmist... :/
128) I'm more than pretty sure that my wife would not be appreciative of being compared to t a fruitful vine...
But these are what the psalmist values, what do we value that we would insert today into this psalm?
129) How many enemies do you think you have? We certainly live in a time and place that we really don't have to worry about any human danger against us. What other enemies do we have?
What are your thoughts?
126) vs 5 - May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of Joy
LORD turn our fortunes around, bless us as you did before.
127) vs 1-2 without God our toils are worthless. It is God who makes our goals achievable.
vs 3-5 - Daughters are pretty cool too and just as important there Mr. Psalmist... :/
128) I'm more than pretty sure that my wife would not be appreciative of being compared to t a fruitful vine...
But these are what the psalmist values, what do we value that we would insert today into this psalm?
129) How many enemies do you think you have? We certainly live in a time and place that we really don't have to worry about any human danger against us. What other enemies do we have?
What are your thoughts?
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Psalm 122-125
Delayed again... So Sorry for those of you trying to read this the day it is supposed to go live.
Here is a link to the Psalms on BibleGateway.com.
Pretty brief remarks today:
122) Sounds like the more rural folk idolizing the city as a proper place suitable for the LORD. Praying that it should stay that way.
123) vs 3-4 We've had it with these proud, boastful rich folks looking down at us like they're better than us.
Imagine if 122) was written on the first day the pilgrims come into Jerusalem and 123) is a day or two later after having met some of the inhabitants...
124) Thank you God for looking out for us in our times of Great trouble and distress.
125) Standing among the mountains in a valley with hills rising alll around you is an awe inspiring sight that certainly brings feelings of smallness. To picture God as the mountains surround us seems like a reasonable image to me.
What are your thoughts about these psalms?
Here is a link to the Psalms on BibleGateway.com.
Pretty brief remarks today:
122) Sounds like the more rural folk idolizing the city as a proper place suitable for the LORD. Praying that it should stay that way.
123) vs 3-4 We've had it with these proud, boastful rich folks looking down at us like they're better than us.
Imagine if 122) was written on the first day the pilgrims come into Jerusalem and 123) is a day or two later after having met some of the inhabitants...
124) Thank you God for looking out for us in our times of Great trouble and distress.
125) Standing among the mountains in a valley with hills rising alll around you is an awe inspiring sight that certainly brings feelings of smallness. To picture God as the mountains surround us seems like a reasonable image to me.
What are your thoughts about these psalms?
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Psalm 119
The sheer length of this psalm has created a sort of air of daunting in my mind. But it was actually not too terribly bad.
Here a link to BibleGateway for psalm 119. I'll point out that this is the NRSV, this is what I have used for all of my readings. As you'll see below I did a bit of a word study, so knowing the specific version of the psalm is ever more important to understand my stuff today.
I know I have been noting my study bible footnotes a lot these past few weeks and I kinda feel like I should apologize; but then again, not really because those notes have helped with a number of insights as well. Anyhow, those notes have driven my reading of psalm 119 today as well.
In Hebrew (which is what all of our "Old Testament" scriptures were originally written in) psalm 119 is an "alphabetic acrostic psalm." There are 22, eight line stanzas. Following the Hebrew alphabet, each line of a stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter. In other words, all 8 lines in stanza 1 begin with the first Hebrew letter; all 8 lines in stanza 2 begin with the second Hebrew letter; and so on. Obviously this artistic construction is completely lost when translated into another language, like our English. (Another reason to scratch your head when someone claims that God "wrote" the Bible as they swing around a King James...)
Another important note is that there are 8 different words used for "Law" in this psalm. They are:
Commandment, Statutes, Ordinances, Degrees, Words, Precepts, Promise, and Law. "Most of them are used in each stanza, all of them are used in 4 stanza." Like I said above, I did a sort of brief word study to look into how these different words were used in each stanza to see for myself how often they were used and that sort of thing. This is what that looked like:
Each word had it's own color, I highlighted each instance and was able to look back over them. Except for promise and ordinances the other 6 words were used between 20-26 times each. This also let me look at each verse. There were 4 verses that had 2 different words in them. And only 12 of the 176 verses did not have one of these words in them. This also made me wonder if some of those 12 did have the Hebrew word in them, but the translators chose something different. For example I think a couple of those may have been "ordinances" but I don't know any Hebrew to double check... Part of this is because I only see 2 stanza in the NRSV that have all 8 words, but a few that would have all eight if "ordinances" was substituted for "judgements" or something similar.
Any way, back to the psalm itself:
For clarity and consistency sake, I broke the psalm into 4 parts:
1) vs 1-48 or stanza 1-6
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law - not asking for some miracle, but help me to understand your ways in some small part.
2) vs 49-88 or stanza 7-11
You have made and fashioned me with your hands - I am wonderfully make by God!
3) vs 89-128 or stanza 12-16
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path - having light to see your way in darkness is incredible! not being able to see into the shadows is absolutely horrifying!
4) vs 129-176 or stanza 17-22
Again, so many instances asking for understanding! About 11 throughout the entire psalm.
The word study was fun and something different to try. What did you think reading this psalm?
Here a link to BibleGateway for psalm 119. I'll point out that this is the NRSV, this is what I have used for all of my readings. As you'll see below I did a bit of a word study, so knowing the specific version of the psalm is ever more important to understand my stuff today.
I know I have been noting my study bible footnotes a lot these past few weeks and I kinda feel like I should apologize; but then again, not really because those notes have helped with a number of insights as well. Anyhow, those notes have driven my reading of psalm 119 today as well.
In Hebrew (which is what all of our "Old Testament" scriptures were originally written in) psalm 119 is an "alphabetic acrostic psalm." There are 22, eight line stanzas. Following the Hebrew alphabet, each line of a stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter. In other words, all 8 lines in stanza 1 begin with the first Hebrew letter; all 8 lines in stanza 2 begin with the second Hebrew letter; and so on. Obviously this artistic construction is completely lost when translated into another language, like our English. (Another reason to scratch your head when someone claims that God "wrote" the Bible as they swing around a King James...)
Another important note is that there are 8 different words used for "Law" in this psalm. They are:
Commandment, Statutes, Ordinances, Degrees, Words, Precepts, Promise, and Law. "Most of them are used in each stanza, all of them are used in 4 stanza." Like I said above, I did a sort of brief word study to look into how these different words were used in each stanza to see for myself how often they were used and that sort of thing. This is what that looked like:
Each word had it's own color, I highlighted each instance and was able to look back over them. Except for promise and ordinances the other 6 words were used between 20-26 times each. This also let me look at each verse. There were 4 verses that had 2 different words in them. And only 12 of the 176 verses did not have one of these words in them. This also made me wonder if some of those 12 did have the Hebrew word in them, but the translators chose something different. For example I think a couple of those may have been "ordinances" but I don't know any Hebrew to double check... Part of this is because I only see 2 stanza in the NRSV that have all 8 words, but a few that would have all eight if "ordinances" was substituted for "judgements" or something similar.
Any way, back to the psalm itself:
For clarity and consistency sake, I broke the psalm into 4 parts:
1) vs 1-48 or stanza 1-6
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law - not asking for some miracle, but help me to understand your ways in some small part.
2) vs 49-88 or stanza 7-11
You have made and fashioned me with your hands - I am wonderfully make by God!
3) vs 89-128 or stanza 12-16
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path - having light to see your way in darkness is incredible! not being able to see into the shadows is absolutely horrifying!
4) vs 129-176 or stanza 17-22
Again, so many instances asking for understanding! About 11 throughout the entire psalm.
The word study was fun and something different to try. What did you think reading this psalm?
Monday, March 23, 2015
Psalm 117, 118, 120, 121
Remember, today we are skipping psalm 119. Tomorrow we will read it in it's entirety.
Here's the link on BibleGateway.com.
117) Great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! Amen. What more is there to say?
118) Wow there is a lot going on here.
vs 5-18 This level of confidence and faith in God can be considered... (moronic, silly, insane... I'm not sure what word I'm looking for...) at times. Look at verse 8 specifically: take refuge in the LORD over mortals. People take this literally even today and apply it doctors and medical decisions or rescue workers (during natural disasters). Most would say this is the wrong choice in those situations.
vs 22- Jesus is said to have quoted this in the Synoptic Gospels.
vs 26- part of what is sung during Jesus entry into Jerusalem; today we celebrate this at Palm Sunday.
120) Study Bible footnote insight: psalms 120-134 are inscribed as "A Song of Ascents" possibly describing the ascent of pilgrims into Jerusalem for holy days. These psalms are apparently shorter and deal with more "common" problems like family or agricultural life. With that in mind:
Apparently the psalmist is lamenting their home location among the warring people.
121) A traveling pilgrim's psalm asking protection from God on the journey. Taking refuge in that God's protection is steadfast.
What word from the LORD did you hear reading these passages?
**NOTE** tomorrow will be psalm 119.
Here's the link on BibleGateway.com.
117) Great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! Amen. What more is there to say?
118) Wow there is a lot going on here.
vs 5-18 This level of confidence and faith in God can be considered... (moronic, silly, insane... I'm not sure what word I'm looking for...) at times. Look at verse 8 specifically: take refuge in the LORD over mortals. People take this literally even today and apply it doctors and medical decisions or rescue workers (during natural disasters). Most would say this is the wrong choice in those situations.
vs 22- Jesus is said to have quoted this in the Synoptic Gospels.
vs 26- part of what is sung during Jesus entry into Jerusalem; today we celebrate this at Palm Sunday.
120) Study Bible footnote insight: psalms 120-134 are inscribed as "A Song of Ascents" possibly describing the ascent of pilgrims into Jerusalem for holy days. These psalms are apparently shorter and deal with more "common" problems like family or agricultural life. With that in mind:
Apparently the psalmist is lamenting their home location among the warring people.
121) A traveling pilgrim's psalm asking protection from God on the journey. Taking refuge in that God's protection is steadfast.
What word from the LORD did you hear reading these passages?
**NOTE** tomorrow will be psalm 119.
Psalm 113-116
Hello, Hello!
Please make sure you read to the end for special instructions regarding a change in the next 2 days readings.
Here's a link for psalm 113-116 on BibleGateway.com.
My thoughts:
113) This is the God we like to think about. Of course we also like to think about ourselves as the lowly that God lifts up. True or not.
114) Imagine: if the seas, and rivers, and mountains look and flee, turn back, and skip like rams; what then should our response to the LORD be?
115) My God is better than your god! We're still doing this today. But instead of statues we fight about the different words and images the other uses to describe our same God.
116) Lets all finish the first sentence of this psalm: I love the LORD because: ... ?
my family showed me what unconditional love is!
Also a great testimony structure: 1- what inflicted the psalmist and how the LORD helped. 2- some more general statements about the nature of the LORD. 3- ending with the psalmist response in the light of the first 2.
What are your thoughts?
**NOTE** Because psalm 119 is so long we will be reading it in one day. Therefore for tomorrow our psalms will be psalm 117, 118, 120 and 121. Then the following day we will only read psalm 119.
Please make sure you read to the end for special instructions regarding a change in the next 2 days readings.
Here's a link for psalm 113-116 on BibleGateway.com.
My thoughts:
113) This is the God we like to think about. Of course we also like to think about ourselves as the lowly that God lifts up. True or not.
114) Imagine: if the seas, and rivers, and mountains look and flee, turn back, and skip like rams; what then should our response to the LORD be?
115) My God is better than your god! We're still doing this today. But instead of statues we fight about the different words and images the other uses to describe our same God.
116) Lets all finish the first sentence of this psalm: I love the LORD because: ... ?
my family showed me what unconditional love is!
Also a great testimony structure: 1- what inflicted the psalmist and how the LORD helped. 2- some more general statements about the nature of the LORD. 3- ending with the psalmist response in the light of the first 2.
What are your thoughts?
**NOTE** Because psalm 119 is so long we will be reading it in one day. Therefore for tomorrow our psalms will be psalm 117, 118, 120 and 121. Then the following day we will only read psalm 119.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Psalm 109-112
A bit shorter today.
Psalm 109-112 at BibleGateway.com
109) Wow this guy needs new friends
vs 28- let them curse, but you will bless. Worry about God, not what other people have to say about you.
110) yea for the king I guess. I think I would like to do some research on Melchizedek sometime.
111) A lot of great praise for God.
vs 1- I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Is the LORD praised less or not at all outside the congregation? or in the company of those who are not upright?
112) Righteous dealings in business and life lead to a fulfilled and healthy life. Is this the case when those with more power are unrighteous? Who endures longer?
Psalm 109-112 at BibleGateway.com
109) Wow this guy needs new friends
vs 28- let them curse, but you will bless. Worry about God, not what other people have to say about you.
110) yea for the king I guess. I think I would like to do some research on Melchizedek sometime.
111) A lot of great praise for God.
vs 1- I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Is the LORD praised less or not at all outside the congregation? or in the company of those who are not upright?
112) Righteous dealings in business and life lead to a fulfilled and healthy life. Is this the case when those with more power are unrighteous? Who endures longer?
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Psalm 105-108
Here is a link to today's psalms from BibleGateway.com
Today's thoughts are a result of reading the footnotes in the study bible for today's psalms. Pretty interesting stuff. Let the scholars who have spent years studying these passages give you something else to think about.
105 and 106 are a complimentary pair. 105 is a retelling of God's wonderful deeds in the history of Israel while 106 is a retelling of the history of the people's sin. However both praise God.
105) I like the Genesis - Exodus recap of vs 12-45.
But vs 7 grabbed my attention: He is LORD our God; his judgements are in all the Earth.
106) vs 43 - many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. "How many times do I have to clean this place up?"
Some of the same miracles noted in 105 are described in 106 but with the peoples negative sin attached to them. For example: the quails
107) Almost like a sermon, with 4 inspirational stories about people in need, how God saved them when they called out to God, and finally a call to praise the LORD accordingly.
108) vs 1-5 are the same as psalm 57:7-11
Through God we shall have victory over our enemies; whatever those enemies are.
What are your thoughts?
Today's thoughts are a result of reading the footnotes in the study bible for today's psalms. Pretty interesting stuff. Let the scholars who have spent years studying these passages give you something else to think about.
105 and 106 are a complimentary pair. 105 is a retelling of God's wonderful deeds in the history of Israel while 106 is a retelling of the history of the people's sin. However both praise God.
105) I like the Genesis - Exodus recap of vs 12-45.
But vs 7 grabbed my attention: He is LORD our God; his judgements are in all the Earth.
106) vs 43 - many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. "How many times do I have to clean this place up?"
Some of the same miracles noted in 105 are described in 106 but with the peoples negative sin attached to them. For example: the quails
107) Almost like a sermon, with 4 inspirational stories about people in need, how God saved them when they called out to God, and finally a call to praise the LORD accordingly.
108) vs 1-5 are the same as psalm 57:7-11
Through God we shall have victory over our enemies; whatever those enemies are.
What are your thoughts?
Friday, March 20, 2015
Psalm 101-104
I am very sorry about the delay in posting this today. Time and purpose got away from me today. Got a few little extras to try and make up for it...
I hope everyone is having a great day. Here is the link to the psalms at BibleGateway.com.
And here are my thoughts:
101) vs 5 - A haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not tolerate. Nobody like Kentucky or Duke... Shoot most of March Madness could go under this. **NOTE** It is easy to express this as a Gator fan this basketball season. I will be singing a new song come football season!
But on a serious note, a lot of us probably take sports to seriously...
102) A lot going on in this psalm. vs 6 - Like an owl in the lonely places. Even owls wil call back and forth to one another.
Do we still take solace in God's eternal nature vs our finite lives? or do we bemoan our fragility?
103) This is a common or well known psalm. Trying to comprehend how far the east is from the west makes my head hurt. If you start off going east, you will always be going east, never west...
104) "Bless the LORD oh my soul."
The footnote in my study bible says "this psalm has similarities with both the Egyptian Hymn of Aten and Genesis 1. Genesis 1 (the story of creation) I am familiar with enough to pick up some of these similarities; but I had to look up the Egyptian hymn and it's history. Here is a link to a fairly brief overview comparing these two works. It is easy to forget that our scriptures and faith did not develop in a vacuum, but were influenced by others.
All of creation has a place and a job on purpose. God has created everything for it's place and purpose. We are the ones that tend to mess everything up and get the balance off tilt.
What are some of your thoughts reading these psalms today?
I hope everyone is having a great day. Here is the link to the psalms at BibleGateway.com.
And here are my thoughts:
101) vs 5 - A haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not tolerate. Nobody like Kentucky or Duke... Shoot most of March Madness could go under this. **NOTE** It is easy to express this as a Gator fan this basketball season. I will be singing a new song come football season!
But on a serious note, a lot of us probably take sports to seriously...
102) A lot going on in this psalm. vs 6 - Like an owl in the lonely places. Even owls wil call back and forth to one another.
Do we still take solace in God's eternal nature vs our finite lives? or do we bemoan our fragility?
103) This is a common or well known psalm. Trying to comprehend how far the east is from the west makes my head hurt. If you start off going east, you will always be going east, never west...
104) "Bless the LORD oh my soul."
The footnote in my study bible says "this psalm has similarities with both the Egyptian Hymn of Aten and Genesis 1. Genesis 1 (the story of creation) I am familiar with enough to pick up some of these similarities; but I had to look up the Egyptian hymn and it's history. Here is a link to a fairly brief overview comparing these two works. It is easy to forget that our scriptures and faith did not develop in a vacuum, but were influenced by others.
All of creation has a place and a job on purpose. God has created everything for it's place and purpose. We are the ones that tend to mess everything up and get the balance off tilt.
What are some of your thoughts reading these psalms today?
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Psalm 97-100
Two thirds of the way through the book of psalms.
Link to Psalm 97-100 over at BibleGateway.com
97) It's like the people are there, they have arrived. They are not praising God in the hope that they will be delivered from some evil. This is praise from the top.
vs 6 - The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory. That is a lot of
righteousness and glory that is being proclaimed and beheld!
98) Like I said for 97) this is sung from the top, after victory. Completely different from the song with the enemy breathing down their necks.
vs 7-8 let the seas roar and the floods clap. Even the chaotic elements that supposed oppose God
are singing out
99) Learn from the past: the greats were only great because they called upon the LORD who was forgiving of them! Hopefully we can do the same and be great like them as well.
100) It's like the first "contemporary praise song." Short verses with easy lyrics. Someone strumming along on a guitar and another person banging on a drum set. Easy to sing and gets the message across to everyone.
It is God who has made us and we belong to God. Now let's act accordingly
Link to Psalm 97-100 over at BibleGateway.com
97) It's like the people are there, they have arrived. They are not praising God in the hope that they will be delivered from some evil. This is praise from the top.
vs 6 - The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory. That is a lot of
righteousness and glory that is being proclaimed and beheld!
98) Like I said for 97) this is sung from the top, after victory. Completely different from the song with the enemy breathing down their necks.
vs 7-8 let the seas roar and the floods clap. Even the chaotic elements that supposed oppose God
are singing out
99) Learn from the past: the greats were only great because they called upon the LORD who was forgiving of them! Hopefully we can do the same and be great like them as well.
100) It's like the first "contemporary praise song." Short verses with easy lyrics. Someone strumming along on a guitar and another person banging on a drum set. Easy to sing and gets the message across to everyone.
It is God who has made us and we belong to God. Now let's act accordingly
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Psalm 93-96
Tomorrow we'll hit the triple digits... Wow!
Until there here is a link for today's psalms at BibleGateway.com.
93) Remember that the waters represent chaos for the ancient people. The seas were a dangerous place. Floods were a sudden uncontrollable thing. God controlling these waters was a sign of power and, like the psalmist says, majesty.
94) Calling on the power of God to overwhelm the power of the wicked rulers that oppress the people.
95) Sounds like this should be another great song, if it isn't already.
In God's hands are the depths of the oceans and the heights of the mountains.
I think I forget just how formative and important the passover and Exodus were/are for the people.
96) Sing out to the LORD praises due to God! Let the while Earth sing the praises of God. All peoples, plants, and animals!
What are your thoughts as you read these passages?
Until there here is a link for today's psalms at BibleGateway.com.
93) Remember that the waters represent chaos for the ancient people. The seas were a dangerous place. Floods were a sudden uncontrollable thing. God controlling these waters was a sign of power and, like the psalmist says, majesty.
94) Calling on the power of God to overwhelm the power of the wicked rulers that oppress the people.
95) Sounds like this should be another great song, if it isn't already.
In God's hands are the depths of the oceans and the heights of the mountains.
I think I forget just how formative and important the passover and Exodus were/are for the people.
96) Sing out to the LORD praises due to God! Let the while Earth sing the praises of God. All peoples, plants, and animals!
What are your thoughts as you read these passages?
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Psalm 89-92
Check out today's psalms at BibleGateway.com.
89) vs 14 - Righteousness and Justice are the foundations of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you,
Again, as people of faith, how are we making this a reality today?
BOOK IV!!
90) We are like nothing- like a whisper in the night, or flicker of light. We come and are gone. Yet our tiny short lives can anger you so much. Have mercy on us and help us prosper in this short time we have.
91) Divine Protection from all harm for those who live in the shelter of the Most High. So long as this is not the ONLY way we think about God, what a great image. But God does much more than just protect us from evil...
92) Thinking back to psalm 1:3. Faithful people are like trees that take time to grow and produce fruit in all seasons, even later in life... It is fare easier to do our own thing, but this withers and falls away just as easily. On a side note, how does our scientific advancement affect how we read and understand scripture? Example: we now classify palm trees (like the example in this psalm) as grasses...
89) vs 14 - Righteousness and Justice are the foundations of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you,
Again, as people of faith, how are we making this a reality today?
BOOK IV!!
90) We are like nothing- like a whisper in the night, or flicker of light. We come and are gone. Yet our tiny short lives can anger you so much. Have mercy on us and help us prosper in this short time we have.
91) Divine Protection from all harm for those who live in the shelter of the Most High. So long as this is not the ONLY way we think about God, what a great image. But God does much more than just protect us from evil...
92) Thinking back to psalm 1:3. Faithful people are like trees that take time to grow and produce fruit in all seasons, even later in life... It is fare easier to do our own thing, but this withers and falls away just as easily. On a side note, how does our scientific advancement affect how we read and understand scripture? Example: we now classify palm trees (like the example in this psalm) as grasses...
Monday, March 16, 2015
Psalm 85-88
Here is a link to the day's psalms at BibleGateway.com
And here are some of my thoughts reading them:
85) Hey God, remember how you forgave us last time and restored us to all that we could be? Can you do that again...? We PROMISE to do better next time around!
86) vs 11 - Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
And let us see when it is our place to teach those around us your ways.
87) I'm not going to pretend to be moved by this psalm in any way... I simply got nothing from it.
88) There is some real, deep, heave emotion here. Almost all of it directed at God for apparently abandoning the psalmist. I wonder why many still feel like we cannot say these sorts of things to God? God can handle all of our anger and pain.
What do you think?
And here are some of my thoughts reading them:
85) Hey God, remember how you forgave us last time and restored us to all that we could be? Can you do that again...? We PROMISE to do better next time around!
86) vs 11 - Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
And let us see when it is our place to teach those around us your ways.
87) I'm not going to pretend to be moved by this psalm in any way... I simply got nothing from it.
88) There is some real, deep, heave emotion here. Almost all of it directed at God for apparently abandoning the psalmist. I wonder why many still feel like we cannot say these sorts of things to God? God can handle all of our anger and pain.
What do you think?
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Psalm 81-84
Psalms 81-84.
If this is the first time you've stopped by, check out the Primer post that is a few spots down, this will give you a decent idea of what all we're doing here. In short the idea is that reading 4 psalms a day is a good discipline for Lent. I hope that you will participate and journal some of your thoughts as you read the passages. Then come back here, read my short thoughts and share yours down in the comments.
Here is a link to the psalms for today at BibleGateway.com.
And here are my thoughts as I read these psalms:
81) vs 6-7 - God answers when we call. Of course the rest of the psalm make it clear that we have a less than appropriate response to God's help.
82) The agenda for God and the counsel. Take care of those who have no one else to take care of them.
83) The enemies plotting against the people are apparently plotting against God! Attacking the people and attacking God are one and the same.
84) Our responsive Call to Worship at the 10:40 service today! No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly. What a promise!
What word from the LORD did you hear spoken to you as you read?
If this is the first time you've stopped by, check out the Primer post that is a few spots down, this will give you a decent idea of what all we're doing here. In short the idea is that reading 4 psalms a day is a good discipline for Lent. I hope that you will participate and journal some of your thoughts as you read the passages. Then come back here, read my short thoughts and share yours down in the comments.
Here is a link to the psalms for today at BibleGateway.com.
And here are my thoughts as I read these psalms:
81) vs 6-7 - God answers when we call. Of course the rest of the psalm make it clear that we have a less than appropriate response to God's help.
82) The agenda for God and the counsel. Take care of those who have no one else to take care of them.
83) The enemies plotting against the people are apparently plotting against God! Attacking the people and attacking God are one and the same.
84) Our responsive Call to Worship at the 10:40 service today! No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly. What a promise!
What word from the LORD did you hear spoken to you as you read?
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Psalm 77-80
Starting off on the second half of our journey through the book of psalms for Lent!
Here is the link to the psalms at BibleGateway.com.
And here are my brief thoughts on these passages:
77) The psalmist is waiting and searching for the LORD with all of their everything
78) Wow God did a lot for the people who rejected and turned away from God.
79) God rise up and do something about this horrible injustice that has taken place!
80) You have planted us here in this place oh God, why have you now abandoned us?
What are some of your thoughts?
Here is the link to the psalms at BibleGateway.com.
And here are my brief thoughts on these passages:
77) The psalmist is waiting and searching for the LORD with all of their everything
78) Wow God did a lot for the people who rejected and turned away from God.
79) God rise up and do something about this horrible injustice that has taken place!
80) You have planted us here in this place oh God, why have you now abandoned us?
What are some of your thoughts?
Friday, March 13, 2015
Psalm 73-76
Believe it or not we are half way through the Book of Psalms!
If you need them, here's a link to the day's psalms on BibleGateway.com
Here are my thoughts on today's psalms:
73) vs 16-20 - When I tried to comprehend how and why the wicked prosper while the faithful perish, I could not understand. Only you God know and see our ends. The wicked truely do perish while the faithful are blessed.
74) Hey God are you not seeing any of this?
What's going on?
Why are you not helping us out?
Don't you remember your promises to us?
We remember!
We remember all that you've done for us.
Hows about you wake up or pay attention or whatever you need to do and get it together!
We need you now more than ever!
75) So is it not so bad to be powerful and wicked so long as you don't boast about it? So long as you don't flaunt yourself you should be okay? Are being powerful and wicked synonymous, or can you have one without the other?
76) No one can stand prideful or powerful in the face of Glorious God.
Good luck on the second half of the book of psalms! What where your thoughts on today's psalms?
-Peter
If you need them, here's a link to the day's psalms on BibleGateway.com
Here are my thoughts on today's psalms:
73) vs 16-20 - When I tried to comprehend how and why the wicked prosper while the faithful perish, I could not understand. Only you God know and see our ends. The wicked truely do perish while the faithful are blessed.
74) Hey God are you not seeing any of this?
What's going on?
Why are you not helping us out?
Don't you remember your promises to us?
We remember!
We remember all that you've done for us.
Hows about you wake up or pay attention or whatever you need to do and get it together!
We need you now more than ever!
75) So is it not so bad to be powerful and wicked so long as you don't boast about it? So long as you don't flaunt yourself you should be okay? Are being powerful and wicked synonymous, or can you have one without the other?
76) No one can stand prideful or powerful in the face of Glorious God.
Good luck on the second half of the book of psalms! What where your thoughts on today's psalms?
-Peter
Reading the Psalms - A Primer
I have always had a desire to read my Bible every day. However, like any discipline, daily scripture reading and prayer can prove to be a difficult goal to achieve.
Some of the problems include:
1) Where to start reading?
2) How much to read?
3) What to look for when reading?
4) How to read?
The list can go on and on.
“Reading the Psalms” takes shape through a monastic influence I was exposed to through some professors recently. This is nothing new or earth shattering.
Our goal is to read 4 psalms a day. (Problems 1 and 2 DONE!) Now some psalms are significantly longer than others, we’ll break those up into smaller parts. If 4 psalms proves to be too much, read 1 or 2. Don’t feel rushed or get discouraged if you miss a day.
As we read we’re going to do so in a lectio divina sort of way. (If you have time to explore that link I encourage you to do so. If not a helpful sentence: “In lectio we read slowly, attentively, gently listening to hear a word or phrase that is God's word for us this day.”) I invite you to write down this word or phrase that you hear spoken to you, and perhaps even a short thought about it. (Problem 3; check)
Finally, remember that a Psalm will generally be a short poem, or perhaps an ancient hymn or praise song. Think of each one as a self-contained unit; in that way it’s almost like reading through a Shel Silverstein book. As poetry we will encounter just about every human emotion possible. Keeping in mind that we are reading poetry will help solve Problem 4.
Why a blog format?
Each entry will be my personal notes from my time reading. No great, deep, theological, homiletical, exegetical, historical context, mumbo jumbo, there are other places to get that sort of thing. Just the word(s) and phrase(s) I hear as I read.
It is my hope that others will join along and use the comment section as a place to add what they experience reading. Hopefully this format will allow anyone to join at any point. Start from the beginning or come in at the newest post.
For example / what it looks like:
Psalm 1:3 - "...like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season, leaves not withering. Prospering in all they do." Mighty trees take time to grow; slow and steady, just like strong people of faith
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Psalm 69-72
Today's verses at BibleGateway.com
69) Water can so easily overwhelm. Yesterday we read a psalm praising God for the rains that water the land, here now the water threatens to over take the psalmist. How quickly can a blessing overcome us in a negative way.
70) vs 5 - O LORD do no delay. Too often in our prayers I think we fear the directness that the psalmist uses to urgently invite the presence of God into our lives and situations. This is almost a command to God to intervene.
71) A great list of attributes and actions of God could be made from this psalm.
72) Would this prayer work for us today? or does it only speak to a person in power?
Tomorrow starts the 3rd "Book" or subsection in psalms. I missed the last transition. There are 5 "book" thought to be inspired by the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible. But no one really knows exactly when or why these subsections were created. I personally did not catch any differences in the psalms in the first 2.
Anyway, what were your thoughts?
69) Water can so easily overwhelm. Yesterday we read a psalm praising God for the rains that water the land, here now the water threatens to over take the psalmist. How quickly can a blessing overcome us in a negative way.
70) vs 5 - O LORD do no delay. Too often in our prayers I think we fear the directness that the psalmist uses to urgently invite the presence of God into our lives and situations. This is almost a command to God to intervene.
71) A great list of attributes and actions of God could be made from this psalm.
72) Would this prayer work for us today? or does it only speak to a person in power?
Tomorrow starts the 3rd "Book" or subsection in psalms. I missed the last transition. There are 5 "book" thought to be inspired by the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible. But no one really knows exactly when or why these subsections were created. I personally did not catch any differences in the psalms in the first 2.
Anyway, what were your thoughts?
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Psalm 65-68
Here is today's psalms online: Psalm 65-68 at BibleGateway.com
Today a handful of the psalms talked about the goodness of God in the world. So as God's people I ask how we are sharing that goodness today.
65) You visit the earth and water it you greatly enrich it. - Sounds like the physical needs of the earth. lots of farming imagery.
As people of God how do we enrich the earth?
66) vs 5 - Come and see what God has done
vs 8 - Let the sounds of his praise be heard
vs 16 - Come and hear... and I will tell what God has done for me.
Sounds like a great way to invite people to church, show them these same things. First we have to be able to identify and articulate them.
67) What a great prayer, all the way through
68) vs 5-6 and 10 - in your goodness, o God, you provide for the needy.
How do we provide for the needy? at all? from the goodness of our hearts?
What did you hear as you read?
Today a handful of the psalms talked about the goodness of God in the world. So as God's people I ask how we are sharing that goodness today.
65) You visit the earth and water it you greatly enrich it. - Sounds like the physical needs of the earth. lots of farming imagery.
As people of God how do we enrich the earth?
66) vs 5 - Come and see what God has done
vs 8 - Let the sounds of his praise be heard
vs 16 - Come and hear... and I will tell what God has done for me.
Sounds like a great way to invite people to church, show them these same things. First we have to be able to identify and articulate them.
67) What a great prayer, all the way through
68) vs 5-6 and 10 - in your goodness, o God, you provide for the needy.
How do we provide for the needy? at all? from the goodness of our hearts?
What did you hear as you read?
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Psalm 61-64
If this is your first time check out the "Primer" page at the very beginning of this blog for an idea of what it's all about.
Today's psalms are 61-64. Here is a link to these 4 psalms at BibleGateway.com if you don't have a Bible handy. Please note that the version I am reading from is the New Revised Standard Version. If you are reading from another version that is fine, wonderful actually! There may simply be slight differences in the words or structure or word order.
61) vs 1- "from the end of the earth" - remember that the Temple is the house of God, so for the psalmist to call "from the end of the earth" is a huge geographical distance.
The Rock- Battle Park on the Tar River in Rocky Mount, NC is the furthest inland on that river that American and Hickory Shad can migrate on their spawning journeys. On the curve where the river comes together there is a rock in waist deep water that allows you to stand in shin or knee deep water. From this point I could reach out far enough with my darts and spoons to the holeo n the opposite band where the shad would congregate. That was a good rock.
62) vs 4 - "Bless her heart..."
After all the verses teaching and declaring right and wrong and ho to live and waiting on the LORD, the last phrase seems like a zinger: for you repay to all according to their work.
63) I probably would not read past vs 8 in a worship service or something. It was so great to that point and then BAM- let the wild dogs tear apart my enemies after they have been chopped up with swords...!
First line is the start to Step by Step, our LOGOS song.
If I had to pick one vs to meditate on it would be vs 3: Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
64) Protection/Deliverance from those who plot and do evil with their words and scheming . These situations may be more relatable to some of us.
Those where my thoughts, how about yours?
Today's psalms are 61-64. Here is a link to these 4 psalms at BibleGateway.com if you don't have a Bible handy. Please note that the version I am reading from is the New Revised Standard Version. If you are reading from another version that is fine, wonderful actually! There may simply be slight differences in the words or structure or word order.
61) vs 1- "from the end of the earth" - remember that the Temple is the house of God, so for the psalmist to call "from the end of the earth" is a huge geographical distance.
The Rock- Battle Park on the Tar River in Rocky Mount, NC is the furthest inland on that river that American and Hickory Shad can migrate on their spawning journeys. On the curve where the river comes together there is a rock in waist deep water that allows you to stand in shin or knee deep water. From this point I could reach out far enough with my darts and spoons to the holeo n the opposite band where the shad would congregate. That was a good rock.
62) vs 4 - "Bless her heart..."
After all the verses teaching and declaring right and wrong and ho to live and waiting on the LORD, the last phrase seems like a zinger: for you repay to all according to their work.
63) I probably would not read past vs 8 in a worship service or something. It was so great to that point and then BAM- let the wild dogs tear apart my enemies after they have been chopped up with swords...!
First line is the start to Step by Step, our LOGOS song.
If I had to pick one vs to meditate on it would be vs 3: Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
64) Protection/Deliverance from those who plot and do evil with their words and scheming . These situations may be more relatable to some of us.
Those where my thoughts, how about yours?
Monday, March 9, 2015
Psalm 57-60
I have having a hard time with all the language of the last few psalms so I decided to change my reading up a little bit. I think it was helpful for me today and I will probably do the same for tomorrow's psalms.
What I did, instead of focusing on the actual words of the psalms, I looked more at their structure. My hope is that this may also help me structuring my prayers.
57) structure in 3 parts:
1) what God has done or meant to me
2) my current state of danger
3) my continued dedication to God with praise and thanks.
58) 1) Rhetorical question about the enemy followed by stating the assumed answer and giving examples
2) Calling for God to intervene
3) our praise to God for #2 above.
vs 4-5 - I think it is great that they knew and understood that snakes couldn't hear
59) 1) a- petition to God, b- what is happening, c- restate petition
2) a- illustrate what is happening (this image is continued for the rest of the prayer), b- name God's reaction and our reaction, c- qualifier on petition with reasons why
3) repeat 2) a-b
The dog imagery for the enemy is interesting to me. I remember from a very early age being taught (and seeing the effects) how a stern "Go Home" would repel most stray dogs. While a puffed up chest and step toward the dog would take care of the rest. This always came in handy running in the country.
6) 1) Petition to God naming places where God has allowed the opposite to happen
2) name God's promises and words
3) question God's support in our endeavors
- Rhetorical - the assumed answer is God will of course be with them.
4) Name how God is with them and what that means.
Judging by the length of my writing, it feels like this helped me engage these psalms a bit deeper. Something to try if, like me, the war, enemy, destruction, language is getting you down.
How was your experience reading these psalms today?
What I did, instead of focusing on the actual words of the psalms, I looked more at their structure. My hope is that this may also help me structuring my prayers.
57) structure in 3 parts:
1) what God has done or meant to me
2) my current state of danger
3) my continued dedication to God with praise and thanks.
58) 1) Rhetorical question about the enemy followed by stating the assumed answer and giving examples
2) Calling for God to intervene
3) our praise to God for #2 above.
vs 4-5 - I think it is great that they knew and understood that snakes couldn't hear
59) 1) a- petition to God, b- what is happening, c- restate petition
2) a- illustrate what is happening (this image is continued for the rest of the prayer), b- name God's reaction and our reaction, c- qualifier on petition with reasons why
3) repeat 2) a-b
The dog imagery for the enemy is interesting to me. I remember from a very early age being taught (and seeing the effects) how a stern "Go Home" would repel most stray dogs. While a puffed up chest and step toward the dog would take care of the rest. This always came in handy running in the country.
6) 1) Petition to God naming places where God has allowed the opposite to happen
2) name God's promises and words
3) question God's support in our endeavors
- Rhetorical - the assumed answer is God will of course be with them.
4) Name how God is with them and what that means.
Judging by the length of my writing, it feels like this helped me engage these psalms a bit deeper. Something to try if, like me, the war, enemy, destruction, language is getting you down.
How was your experience reading these psalms today?
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Psalm 53-56
Here is a link to the psalms over at BibleGateway.com.
Not too much pre and post commentary from me today. Just the simple notes I've taken reading these passages:
53) How do we seek after the LORD? How are we fools denying God?
54) Much shorter prayer without many of the frills of some of the other ones. Was this a more dire circumstance? or did the psalmist just have less time to formulate ideas and prose?
55) vs 6-7 (I'm guessing...) is the foundation for Jenny's childhood prayer in Forest Gump.
Seems like this prayer could be prayed at all times for all times. Our Society has had these types of people forever.
56) With the LORD on my side, what can humankind do to me? the LORD watches over me!
What are some of your thoughts?
Not too much pre and post commentary from me today. Just the simple notes I've taken reading these passages:
53) How do we seek after the LORD? How are we fools denying God?
54) Much shorter prayer without many of the frills of some of the other ones. Was this a more dire circumstance? or did the psalmist just have less time to formulate ideas and prose?
55) vs 6-7 (I'm guessing...) is the foundation for Jenny's childhood prayer in Forest Gump.
Seems like this prayer could be prayed at all times for all times. Our Society has had these types of people forever.
56) With the LORD on my side, what can humankind do to me? the LORD watches over me!
What are some of your thoughts?
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Psalm 49-52
Here is a link to BibleGateway.com for the psalms for today.
Here are my thoughts while reading psalm 49-52.
49) I like the last stanza, verses 16-20- don't worry about monetary possessions, you can't take them with you after you die. And you will die.
50) The right sacrifice to God is something from you. The world and everything in it are God's. All we have to give to God is our praise of thanksgiving.
51) Reminds me of the sinner's prayer that Jesus praises above the Pharisee's gaudy prayer in Luke 18.
52) "Give it over to God." The psalmist is trying to let go of their anger towards a person and their actions with these words. Giving something to God can be as simple as saying the mean nasty thoughts about someone to God, not the person.
What are your thoughts?
Here are my thoughts while reading psalm 49-52.
49) I like the last stanza, verses 16-20- don't worry about monetary possessions, you can't take them with you after you die. And you will die.
50) The right sacrifice to God is something from you. The world and everything in it are God's. All we have to give to God is our praise of thanksgiving.
51) Reminds me of the sinner's prayer that Jesus praises above the Pharisee's gaudy prayer in Luke 18.
52) "Give it over to God." The psalmist is trying to let go of their anger towards a person and their actions with these words. Giving something to God can be as simple as saying the mean nasty thoughts about someone to God, not the person.
What are your thoughts?
Friday, March 6, 2015
Psalm 45-48
I know some of these psalms have been kinda difficult to get through. I guess that's another good reason for doing 4 a day: I think there has been at least one I can get behind each day. At the same time I still appreciate the difficult psalms or the ones I feel are "out of touch" or have no meaning for my life. They did for the author and original audience, and I'm sure many people throughout history have found meaning in them at some point or another.
Psalm 45-48 on BibleGateway.com
45) Interesting wedding stuff. I wonder who got married. Study Bible points out that verse 6 is used by the author of Hebrews in 1:8. There the author understands this to address the Son of God.
46) vs 9-10 God ceases war and destroys weapons of war. vs 10 - "Be Still" would refer to the fighters. Imagine if we stopped arguing and fighting and killing one another in the name of God and instead turned our focus actually on God... Could we do this even if they will not?
47) song, good one too. The Lord, the Most High is awesome! ... the psalmist says that the LORD subdued people before them and chose their heritage. How is the LORD awesome in our eyes?
48) so many songs, which makes sense I guess because this is a poem and song book. Consider how strong the house of the LORD is.
What word from the LORD did you hear while reading?
Psalm 45-48 on BibleGateway.com
45) Interesting wedding stuff. I wonder who got married. Study Bible points out that verse 6 is used by the author of Hebrews in 1:8. There the author understands this to address the Son of God.
46) vs 9-10 God ceases war and destroys weapons of war. vs 10 - "Be Still" would refer to the fighters. Imagine if we stopped arguing and fighting and killing one another in the name of God and instead turned our focus actually on God... Could we do this even if they will not?
47) song, good one too. The Lord, the Most High is awesome! ... the psalmist says that the LORD subdued people before them and chose their heritage. How is the LORD awesome in our eyes?
48) so many songs, which makes sense I guess because this is a poem and song book. Consider how strong the house of the LORD is.
What word from the LORD did you hear while reading?
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Psalm 41-44
Thank you for joining us today as we Read the Psalms.
Today's psalms are 41-44. If you're away form your Bible you can find them at BibleGateway.com by clicking here:
PSALM 41-44
Today's psalms are 41-44. If you're away form your Bible you can find them at BibleGateway.com by clicking here:
PSALM 41-44
(Near the top of the page on the right you can change the version you are reading if you choose)
Here are some of my thoughts I had while reading these psalms:
41) With all these psalms declaring God's love for the poor and weak I have to keep reminding myself that as a middle class white american male I don't fit into this category very often at all...
42) Another great song! My soul is cast down - I can only look to the LORD.
43) vs 3-4 Following the light of God in a world of darkness
44) Tough to find meaning in this one for me if I read it literally. The people have suffered some great defeat because God has abandoned them. They have continued in be steadfast in their devotion to God and they plead for God to come back to them. Even Christ felt abandoned by God, why does it seem like we think it's not okay to call out to God? To tell God that we feel abandoned?
Thoughts?
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Psalm 37-40
Today's psalms are 37-40.
Here's a link to these psalms over at BibleGateway.com
37) envious of wrongdoers? celebrities come to mind. Good vs evil. Sound like some beatitudes or proverbs, interesting stuff.
38) LORD I confess that I have done wrong but look at all I have suffered. I have paid for my wrong doing.
39) vs 1-3 does your mouth ever get you into trouble? ever wish that particular someone would keep a muzzle on their mouth?
40) I can't stop hearing the song in my head. I guess it's a U2 song? I became familar with the dcTalk cover
What are your thoughts?
Here's a link to these psalms over at BibleGateway.com
37) envious of wrongdoers? celebrities come to mind. Good vs evil. Sound like some beatitudes or proverbs, interesting stuff.
38) LORD I confess that I have done wrong but look at all I have suffered. I have paid for my wrong doing.
39) vs 1-3 does your mouth ever get you into trouble? ever wish that particular someone would keep a muzzle on their mouth?
40) I can't stop hearing the song in my head. I guess it's a U2 song? I became familar with the dcTalk cover
What are your thoughts?
Monday, March 2, 2015
Psalm 33-36
The first week has gone great. Thank you for all the hard work this past week!
If this is your first visit check out the Primer by clicking here. That first post has a lot of information about the ins and outs of how it works.
Click here for today's psalms over at BibleGateway.com.
Here are some of my thoughts as I read today's passages:
33) loud shouts I can do... skillfully playing the 10 string harp??? Not so much. But praise is what we should offer God!
34) vs 13-14 "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good, seek peace, and pursue it."
Can we pursue peace with violence? is destroying my enemy equal to peace?
35) Why does it always seem like those who do good are always taken advantage of by those who do evil? LORD come save us.
36) vs 8- "feasting on the abundance of your house, drink from the river of your delight." despite our shortcomings, God has abundance for us.
What word from the LORD did you hear while reading?
If this is your first visit check out the Primer by clicking here. That first post has a lot of information about the ins and outs of how it works.
Click here for today's psalms over at BibleGateway.com.
Here are some of my thoughts as I read today's passages:
33) loud shouts I can do... skillfully playing the 10 string harp??? Not so much. But praise is what we should offer God!
34) vs 13-14 "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good, seek peace, and pursue it."
Can we pursue peace with violence? is destroying my enemy equal to peace?
35) Why does it always seem like those who do good are always taken advantage of by those who do evil? LORD come save us.
36) vs 8- "feasting on the abundance of your house, drink from the river of your delight." despite our shortcomings, God has abundance for us.
What word from the LORD did you hear while reading?
Psalm 29-32
I realize that I am starting to pick out a lot of reoccurring themes in these psalms today.
Psalm 29-32 at BibleGateway.com Note this is the NRSV
29) Experiencing storms can be very awe inspiring. From watching hurricanes blow through down in Florida, to watching a foot of snow fall last winter, to the time we camped on a plateau our west and for the first time watched a storm from such a distance that we could not hear it. Incredible stuff
30) vs 9 - another verse declaring that the psalmist is the LORD's best praiser - without him wo will praise the LORD? But here it seems more like the appropriate responce to being delivered rather than arrogance.
31) reoccurring themes: threats are described as "nets" - ensnaring someone. "Do not let me put to shame" - calling on the LORD with no response.
32) Here it sounds like confessing sin is almost equal to giving yourself over to the instruction of the LORD. Forgiveness is out with the sin and in with the proper instructions. I think we miss the second part a lot. We often think that forgiveness is the glossing over of our past sins, that may or may not equal a change in our future behavior.
Psalm 29-32 at BibleGateway.com Note this is the NRSV
29) Experiencing storms can be very awe inspiring. From watching hurricanes blow through down in Florida, to watching a foot of snow fall last winter, to the time we camped on a plateau our west and for the first time watched a storm from such a distance that we could not hear it. Incredible stuff
30) vs 9 - another verse declaring that the psalmist is the LORD's best praiser - without him wo will praise the LORD? But here it seems more like the appropriate responce to being delivered rather than arrogance.
31) reoccurring themes: threats are described as "nets" - ensnaring someone. "Do not let me put to shame" - calling on the LORD with no response.
32) Here it sounds like confessing sin is almost equal to giving yourself over to the instruction of the LORD. Forgiveness is out with the sin and in with the proper instructions. I think we miss the second part a lot. We often think that forgiveness is the glossing over of our past sins, that may or may not equal a change in our future behavior.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Psalm 25-28
Sorry for the delay today for those of you who have been keeping pace.
Psalm 25-28 over at BibleGateway.com
25) vs 2-3 Do not let... C'mon God! Remember all that you ahve committed to do for the poor and humble, and count me among them.
26) vs 2 - prove me, try me, test me... Didn't work out too well for Job when the LORD allowed him to be tested.
27) vs 13 - I believe I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Beside the fact that Abigail has gotten me watching The Walking Dead... Wait for the LORD, not the same as waiting for Death or our lives to come to an end for things to be made better in heaven.
28) vs 3-4 The wicked. I have never been comfortable calling out others and their transgressions. I know that my actions must also be judged. But is there any authority that we have unrightly given up that allows us to correct one anther's actions?
Prayer: God of Forgiveness, may my actions be just and upright. May I never forget that I fall short too many times. Give me the courage to never cease trying to better myself and this world. Amen
Psalm 25-28 over at BibleGateway.com
25) vs 2-3 Do not let... C'mon God! Remember all that you ahve committed to do for the poor and humble, and count me among them.
26) vs 2 - prove me, try me, test me... Didn't work out too well for Job when the LORD allowed him to be tested.
27) vs 13 - I believe I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Beside the fact that Abigail has gotten me watching The Walking Dead... Wait for the LORD, not the same as waiting for Death or our lives to come to an end for things to be made better in heaven.
28) vs 3-4 The wicked. I have never been comfortable calling out others and their transgressions. I know that my actions must also be judged. But is there any authority that we have unrightly given up that allows us to correct one anther's actions?
Prayer: God of Forgiveness, may my actions be just and upright. May I never forget that I fall short too many times. Give me the courage to never cease trying to better myself and this world. Amen
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Psalm 21-24
If you're new, please check out the Primer post at the very beginning and thank you for joining us!
Psalm 21-24 @ BibleGateway.com
21) What victories do I seek? What are the enemies that the Lord finds out and makes a fiery furnace? (NRSV)
22) Some of Jesus' last words in Matthew and Mark. Despite the depths of despair here, there are still incredibly strong words of steadfast faith! Even before the LORD's answer
23) The one everyone knows! Why does it seem like we ONLY pull this psalm out during times of darkness? The shepherd always watches the flock, not just when danger threatens.
24) Who shall stand in his holy place? What about Jesus' words: "All who are thirsty come to me and let the one who believes in me drink" -John 7:37-38
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
-Peter
Psalm 21-24 @ BibleGateway.com
21) What victories do I seek? What are the enemies that the Lord finds out and makes a fiery furnace? (NRSV)
22) Some of Jesus' last words in Matthew and Mark. Despite the depths of despair here, there are still incredibly strong words of steadfast faith! Even before the LORD's answer
23) The one everyone knows! Why does it seem like we ONLY pull this psalm out during times of darkness? The shepherd always watches the flock, not just when danger threatens.
24) Who shall stand in his holy place? What about Jesus' words: "All who are thirsty come to me and let the one who believes in me drink" -John 7:37-38
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
-Peter
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Psalm 17-20
Thanks for a great start to “Reading the Psalms.” I have really appreciated everyone’s comments so far. I also appreciate everyone else who has been reading along with us. Feel free to comment when you want, of course there is no pressure to do so.
Psalm 17-20 over at BibleGateway.com
17) vs 8 That (being the apple of God’s eye and treated as such) would be awesome!
18) May my life be as such so that I never have to sing this psalm! May my focus be on Christ, who commanded Peter to put away his sword and who was led humbly to the cross.
19) The wordless heavens proclaim the handiwork of the LORD. As perfect, sure, right, clear, pure, true, desired and sweet as the law of the LORD is… who can detect our errors.
20) What victories do we turn to the lord for help? And how loud do we (or don’t we) shout for joy and in the name of God raise our banners?
Those are my thoughts reading these four psalms, what are yours?
Psalm 17-20 over at BibleGateway.com
17) vs 8 That (being the apple of God’s eye and treated as such) would be awesome!
18) May my life be as such so that I never have to sing this psalm! May my focus be on Christ, who commanded Peter to put away his sword and who was led humbly to the cross.
19) The wordless heavens proclaim the handiwork of the LORD. As perfect, sure, right, clear, pure, true, desired and sweet as the law of the LORD is… who can detect our errors.
20) What victories do we turn to the lord for help? And how loud do we (or don’t we) shout for joy and in the name of God raise our banners?
Those are my thoughts reading these four psalms, what are yours?
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Psalm 13-16
Thank you for participating and sharing your thoughts today!
Check out the very first Primer post if this is your first time visiting to get a good idea of the practice.
Link to Psalm 13-16 at BibleGateway.com
13) vs 1-2 How long? How long? How long? How long? It can feel like "God's time" can take forever!
14) vs 3 - Everyone has gone astray. They are all evil doers. There is no one who does good, not one! Without a healthy community to surround yourself it is easy to believe that you are the only one doing good.
15) vs 2-5 list of traits of the righteous or How to get into the tent of the LORD. Where would my day's actions stand against this list?
16) vs 5-8 I have chosen the LORD, and I am rewarded because of my good and wise choice.
Prayer: God of creation, ever creating, help me to rely less on myself and more on you. Open my eyes to your guidance and the blessings that you have bestowed on me. Amen
Check out the very first Primer post if this is your first time visiting to get a good idea of the practice.
Link to Psalm 13-16 at BibleGateway.com
13) vs 1-2 How long? How long? How long? How long? It can feel like "God's time" can take forever!
14) vs 3 - Everyone has gone astray. They are all evil doers. There is no one who does good, not one! Without a healthy community to surround yourself it is easy to believe that you are the only one doing good.
15) vs 2-5 list of traits of the righteous or How to get into the tent of the LORD. Where would my day's actions stand against this list?
16) vs 5-8 I have chosen the LORD, and I am rewarded because of my good and wise choice.
Prayer: God of creation, ever creating, help me to rely less on myself and more on you. Open my eyes to your guidance and the blessings that you have bestowed on me. Amen
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Psalm 9-12
If you have not already done so, check out the "Primer" post for more thorough details. Remember that the act of reading is as important as the notes you take. We're not necessarily looking to get down into the finer details of academic pursuit, just listening for a word from the Lord as we read scripture.
Psalm 9-12 on BibleGateway.com
9) vs. 13-14 - you are saving me so I can praise you
10) vs 1-13 - all the evil in the world happens because God does not see? all the evil doers have free range?
vs. 14-18 - NO, God sees all and acts in righteousness and justice. (Doesn't feel like that all the time though...)
11) vs. 1-3 the LORD looks after me and protects me from evil.
12) All evil surrounds us. There is no goodness left. Yet still the LORD looks after us and keeps us safe in all that we do!
Prayer: God of peace, while the world presses in around me, and all seems lost and hopeless, break through the heavens into my world. Safe me from the evil and violence that surrounds me. Amen
Psalm 9-12 on BibleGateway.com
9) vs. 13-14 - you are saving me so I can praise you
10) vs 1-13 - all the evil in the world happens because God does not see? all the evil doers have free range?
vs. 14-18 - NO, God sees all and acts in righteousness and justice. (Doesn't feel like that all the time though...)
11) vs. 1-3 the LORD looks after me and protects me from evil.
12) All evil surrounds us. There is no goodness left. Yet still the LORD looks after us and keeps us safe in all that we do!
Prayer: God of peace, while the world presses in around me, and all seems lost and hopeless, break through the heavens into my world. Safe me from the evil and violence that surrounds me. Amen
How To Post Comments
Hello,
I made this short video on how to post comments. Hopefully it will be helpful.
Also another helpful hint: it may be beneficial to write up your comments in a word document and copy and paste them into the comment section. This way if there is a problem with the sign in or publishing process or anything like that your comments will not be lost or deleted into cyberspace.
I made this short video on how to post comments. Hopefully it will be helpful.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Psalms 5-8
Check out the "Primer" post for more thorough details on Reading the Psalms. In a nutshell, read the listed psalms and journal the word, phrase, or verse that jumps out at you. After you have done this, share these notes down in the comment section. Then read through the things that I jotted down in my reading, and the comments of others. Most importantly enjoy the process.
If you're reading this you can read Psalm 5-8 online if you don't have your print Bible handy.
5) vs. 7 - through your love will I enter your house
6) vs. 5 - in my death there is no one to remember you, so keep me alive and well so I may glorify you!
7) vs. 3, 8, 11 - righteous God who judges rightly based on our actions.
8) vs. 1, 9 - Chorus - O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth (I like this song!).
vs. 4 - We are so lowly, yet created and lifted up above the rest of creation.
Prayer: God of all creation, your love lifts up above all else, even into your house. Knowing that you judge rightly based on our actions, may our lives glorify you always. Amen.
If you're reading this you can read Psalm 5-8 online if you don't have your print Bible handy.
5) vs. 7 - through your love will I enter your house
6) vs. 5 - in my death there is no one to remember you, so keep me alive and well so I may glorify you!
7) vs. 3, 8, 11 - righteous God who judges rightly based on our actions.
8) vs. 1, 9 - Chorus - O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth (I like this song!).
vs. 4 - We are so lowly, yet created and lifted up above the rest of creation.
Prayer: God of all creation, your love lifts up above all else, even into your house. Knowing that you judge rightly based on our actions, may our lives glorify you always. Amen.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Psalm 1-4
If you have not already done so, please check out the "Primer" post for more details regarding how I hope Reading the Psalms will go. The process is pretty straight forward: Read the listed psalms in a prayerful manner and take note of the word, or phrase that grabs your attention. Whatever has been spoken to you, jot it down, take a note, journal it.
This will be a place where I share the things that I have noted while doing the same exercise. Nothing fancy or special! The idea is that YOUR daily Bible reading is more important than my reflections. It is my hope that you will participate and add your notes down in the comments section.
Psalms 1-4: Link to BibleGateway in case you've misplaced your Bible. (Note I'm using the NRSV)
psalm 1) vs. 3 - "trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season, leaves not withering, prospering in all they do." Mighty trees take time to grow, slow and steady; just like people who are strong in faith.
2) vs. 10 - leaders be wise! Serve the Lord with fear.
3) vs. 3 - be a shield around me; Divine Protection!
vs. 7 - Calling on the Lord to act - to deliver this protection
4) vs. 4 when you are angry... do not sin
Prayer: God my protector, grant me patience and tolerance so that in all my dealings I may be seen as one of your people. May my actions echo the grace you have given me. Amen
This will be a place where I share the things that I have noted while doing the same exercise. Nothing fancy or special! The idea is that YOUR daily Bible reading is more important than my reflections. It is my hope that you will participate and add your notes down in the comments section.
Psalms 1-4: Link to BibleGateway in case you've misplaced your Bible. (Note I'm using the NRSV)
psalm 1) vs. 3 - "trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season, leaves not withering, prospering in all they do." Mighty trees take time to grow, slow and steady; just like people who are strong in faith.
2) vs. 10 - leaders be wise! Serve the Lord with fear.
3) vs. 3 - be a shield around me; Divine Protection!
vs. 7 - Calling on the Lord to act - to deliver this protection
4) vs. 4 when you are angry... do not sin
Prayer: God my protector, grant me patience and tolerance so that in all my dealings I may be seen as one of your people. May my actions echo the grace you have given me. Amen
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
A brief note on changes
As a bit of a change from the initial Primer post we're going to cut down on the number of per day psalms we read. We're going to bump that number down to 4. We'll go live or get started on Monday, February 23.
This date allows for the church newsletter to announce the start in addition to the fact that this begins the first full week of Lent.
By decreasing the number of psalms per day, this discipline should take us through Holy Week, making this a Lenten exercise. I like the idea of this!
I'm looking forward to this regardless of whether anyone joins in with me or not! But I hope I'm not alone.
-Peter
This date allows for the church newsletter to announce the start in addition to the fact that this begins the first full week of Lent.
By decreasing the number of psalms per day, this discipline should take us through Holy Week, making this a Lenten exercise. I like the idea of this!
I'm looking forward to this regardless of whether anyone joins in with me or not! But I hope I'm not alone.
-Peter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)