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.

Though the Wicked Are Praised--Sept. 3, 2012



Though the wicked are praised
and no fault is found in them,

whereas the righteous are a laughingstock,
in steadfast devotion make us faithful to you.

If we continue in your word
and are truly your disciples,
your truth will make us free.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9
Job 12:1-6, 13-25
Acts 11:19-30
John 8:21-32

Selected Verses
Ps. 73:10
Therefore the people turn and praise [the wicked],
      and find no fault in them.

Job 12:4a
"…I am a laughingstock to my friends…" [Job to Zophar]

Acts 11:23
When [Barnabas] came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion…

John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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