I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

July 13, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 26, 116, 130
Deuteronomy 3:18-28
Romans 9:19-33
Matthew 24:1-14

II. Selections
Psalm 26:3
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in faithfulness to you.

Deuteronomy 3:24
"O Lord GOD, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your might; what god in heaven or on earth can perform deeds and mighty acts like yours! ..."

Romans 9:20a
But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God?

Matthew 24:4
Jesus answered [ his disciples], "Beware that no one leads you astray. ..."

III. Meditation: What god in heaven or on earth?

O God, we have had glimpses
of your greatness and your might;
What god in heaven or on earth
can perform deeds and mighty acts like yours?

Let no one lead us astray-
who are we to argue with you?
Keep our eyes on your steadfast love,
that we may walk in faithfulness to you.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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