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Bible in a Year  :   Psalms 140–142; 1 Corinthians 14:1–20

Today's Scripture : Psalm 141  (NIV)

Insight  We easily understand David’s prayer, “Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers” (Psalm 141:9). But we can also relate to his plea for protection from  himself : “Set a guard over my mouth,  Lord ; keep watch over the door of my lips” ( v . 3 ). David may have been fleeing from King Saul when he wrote this psalm. The restraint in his words matches his behavior toward Saul. David refused to harm “the  Lord ’s anointed” when he had the opportunity (1 Samuel 24:1–7; 26:7–24 ). He understood the temptation to say something inflammatory or to succumb to the “advice” to assassinate Saul ( 26:8 ). This may explain his reference to the “wicked deeds” (Psalm 141:4) he wished to avoid. David sought justice but left it up to God. By:  Tim Gustafson

"...  I find in this psalm another agent of grace: a faithful friend."   “Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it” (Psalm 141:5). Temptations are subtle. We’re not always aware that we’re going wrong. A true friend can be objective. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6   nkjv ). It’s hard to accept rebuke, but if we see the wounding as a “kindness” it can become an anointing that puts us back on the path of obedience. "May we be open to truth from a trusted friend and rely on God through prayer." By:    David H. Roper

Reflect & Pray What slippery slopes do you gravitate toward? In what ways can you set a guard over your heart? Father, please keep my feet from straying. Help me to listen to You and good friends.

September 3: The Discomfort of Scripture Hosea 6:1–7:16; Acts 2:42–3:26 ; Job 15:21–35 Most of the Western world operates in the spirit of individualism. Christianity does not, though we often attempt to adapt it and make it more comfortable. It’s much easier to think about “God’s role in my life” than to reflect on “my role in God’s plan” to help others and share the gospel. When we attempt to shape our faith to fit our needs, we’re bound to run into Scripture that makes us squirm. Some people perform interpretive backflips to wriggle out of passages such as Acts 2:42–47. Verse 44 says, “And all who believed were in the same place, and had everything in common.” A fear of socialism serves as a convenient excuse to sidestep this verse, but it doesn’t speak to socialism. It speaks to voluntarily joining a movement of people who care more about the betterment of the group than they do about their individual gain. The truth is that God’s Word should make us uncomfortable be...

Tue, Sep 3, 2019 (Aug 21, 2019) | Octoechos Twelfth Tuesday after Pentecost Bright Vestments Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:15–21 Gospel Mark 1:16–22   Byzantine Lectionary (Julian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2016. Print.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 | Memorial Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church Years 1 & 2 | Roman Missal | Lectionary From Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time First Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6, 9–11 Response Psalm 27:13 Psalm Psalm 27:1, 4 , 13–14 Gospel Acclamation Luke 7:16 Gospel Luke 4:31–37 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading 2 Corinthians 4:1–2, 5–7 Response Psalm 96:3 Psalm Psalm 96:1–3, 7–8 , 10 Gospel Acclamation John 15:15 b Gospel Luke 22:24–30   Catholic Daily Readings . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2009. Print. Tuesday, September 3, 2019 | After Pentecost Proper 17, Tuesday Year 1 Psalms ( Morning ) Psalm 26 , 28 Psalms ( Evening ) Psalm 36 , 39 Old Testament 1 Kings 8:65–9:9 New Testament James 2:14–26 Gospel Mark 14:66–72  The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, ...

Bible in a Year  :   Psalms 120–122; 1 Corinthians 9

Today's Scripture : Psalm 121 (NIV)

Insight  Psalm 121 is a song of ascent that would have been sung by worshipers on their annual journey to Jerusalem. The assurance that God “watches over” His people is repeated five times ( vv . 3 , 4 , 5, 7, 8). The psalm is structured poetically into four couplets, eac h with a different theme, but all pertaining in some way to God’s protection. Verses 1 and 2 reverently declare that help comes from the “Maker of heaven and earth.” Verses 3–4 emphasize that He never slumbers as He watches over His people. Verses 5 and 6 proclaim His protection over Israel both day and night. And verses 7 and 8 point out God’s eternal protection both “now and forevermore.” By:  Julie Schwab

Can you even imagine? God never falls asleep at His post. He is always keeping watch over us—the sons and daughters and aunts and uncles and mothers, and even fathers. It’s not so much that He has to do this, but rather that, out of His great love, He chooses to. That promise is definitely something to sing about. By:    John Blase

Reflect & Pray In what ways do you sense God’s presence? When you don’t, what truths can you depend upon? Father, thank You for Your constant care over our lives. We know that doesn’t mean a life absent of trouble, but rather a life held close by Your love and presence. Help us to confidently rest in the assurance that You’re always at Your post.

August 27: My Momma Done Tol’ Me Isaiah 55:1–57:21 ; Luke 21:25–22:23 ; Job 12:13–25 I went through a phase when I was obsessed with the blues. Something about the soul was at work in the music—a genre created late at night while reflecting on hard times. The music was written more for the songwriter than the audience because the audience had usually gone home by the time these songs were sung. The blues express raw, uncut emotions. The same can be said of the ot prophets. A blues singer can turn a common phrase into something profound. The idea that “I knew better, but I made the mistake anyway” becomes the blues refrain “my momma done tol’ me,” complete with chord structure and growling voice. And “I’m struggling—everything is falling apart” becomes “my dog done died.” The prophets likewise use mundane things like water and food to describe emotional and spiritual struggles. They explain the root of the problem—the cause of our ills: “Ho! Everyone thirsty, come to the wat...

Tuesday, August 27, 2019 | Octoechos Twelfth Tuesday after Pentecost Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:15–21 Gospel Mark 1:16–22   Byzantine Lectionary (Gregorian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print. Tue, Aug 27, 2019 (Aug 14, 2019) | Octoechos Eleventh Tuesday after Pentecost Dark Vestments Epistle 2 Corinthians 2:14–3:3 Gospel Matthew 23:23–28   Byzantine Lectionary (Julian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2016. Print. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 | Octoechos Eleventh Tuesday after Pentecost Epistle 2 Corinthians 2:14–3:3 Gospel Matthew 23:23–28   Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019 | Memorial Saint Monica Years 1 & 2 | Roman Missal | Lectionary From Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time First Reading 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 Response Psalm 139:1 Psalm Psalm 139:1–6 Gospel Acclamation Hebrews 4:12 Gospel Matthew 23:23–26 Or from the Proper of Saints First Reading Sirach 26:1–4, 13–16 Response Text Psalm Psalm 131:1b–e , 2–3 Gospel Acclamation John 8:12 Gospel Luke 7:11–17   Catholic Daily Readings . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2009. Print. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 | After Pentecost Proper 16, Tuesday Year 1 Psalms ( Morning ) Psalm 5 , 6 Psalms ( Evening ) Psalm 10 , 11 Old Testament 1 Kings 1:38–2:4 New Testament Acts 26:24–27:8 Gospel Mark 13:28–37   The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2010. Print. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 | After Pentecost Tue...

Touched by Grace Bible in a Year :   Psalms 105–106; 1 Corinthians 3

Today's Scripture : Luke 6:27–36  (NIV)

Insight  Christ’s words here echo His revolutionary teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5–7 , especially 5:38–48 ). Some Bible scholars say both accounts refer to the same event, but others point to key differences. For instance, Luke specifically says that Jesus “went down with them and stood on a level place” ( 6:17 ). Matthew says He “went up on a mountainside and sat down” ( 5:1 ). Matthew lists eight beatitudes ( vv . 2–12 ); Luke provides only four and in a somewhat different order ( 6:20–23 ). Luke also records a different style, reporting that Jesus said, “Blessed are you” instead of Matthew’s “blessed are those.” Importantly, the substance of Christ’s message in both accounts is the same: God’s love goes far beyond any legal requirement of what’s just and fair.  Jesus is teaching us to emulate that extreme love . By:  Tim Gustafson

Jeremiah looks at Holden for a moment, then reaches up and touches his face. Holden steps back defensively, then feels his chin and cheeks in wonder. His scarred skin has been healed. An enemy touched by grace . By:    Sheridan Voysey