July 2023 Psalm/Bible Readings

We invite you to follow along again this summer as we read passages in Psalms and other portions of the Bible. Here is the schedule for this July!

July 1st: Philippians 2:5-11

It is believed that here Paul uses one of the early creeds of hymns of the Church.

July 2nd: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

This is known a ‘Hannah’s Song.”

July 3rd: Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s song (“The Magnificent”) was inspired by Jannah’s Song, which we read yesterday. Can you see the similarities?

July 4th: Galatians 5:22-26

Paul talks about these spiritual traits in several of his letters, but this is the passage where he list them together, giving them the title “fruit of the Spirit.”

July 5th: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible (The Birds even used them in their song “Turn! Turn! Turn!”). Though I only included the well-known verses for today’s reading, if you have time, read the entire chapter.

July 6th: Matthew 6:25-34

A well loved passage, but hard to follow for most of us.

July 7th: Exodus 15:1-18

Scholars believe that this song may be one of the oldest compositions in the Bible.

July 8th: Isaiah 40:1-5

These verses inspired the writers of the Gospels as they described John the Baptist and wrote of his purpose and ministry.

July 9th: 1 Corinthians 13

This Chapter is often called “the chapter of Love.”

July 10th: 1 John 4:7-12

1 John is often called “the book of Love.”

July 11th: James 2:14-18

Another one of the most well-loved passages in the Bible.

July 12th: Amos 5:21-24

This passage expresses one of the central themes of all of the prophets.

July 13th: Lamentations 3:22-24

These verses have inspired many hymns.

July 14th: Genesis 1:2-4a

On Sunday, July 16, during worship, we will be reflecting on the creation story. Join us for worship.

July 15th: Isaiah 11:1-9

Portions of this wonderful poem is often read during Advent, or on Christmas Eve.

July 16th: Isaiah 2:1-5

This is one of the most well-know passages of Isaiah. But wait until tomorrow’s reading for a big surprise! 

July 17th: Micah 4:1-5

As you can tell, these verses are almost exactly the same as the passage we read yesterday! Both Micah and the first part of Isaiah were written sometime in the 8th Century B.C.E. It is likely that both prophets used a common source for these verses.

July 18th: Exodus 20:1-17 

The Ten Commandments. 

July 19th: Deuteronomy 5:6-22 

Another place the Ten Commandments are given. 

July 20th: Judges 5 

Song of Deborah. Deborah was one of the Judges. 

July 21st: Matthew 11:28-30 

One of my favorite set of verses on the assurance of God’s comfort.

July 22nd: Philippians 4:4-7 

Another passage on God’s comfort. 

July 23rd: Jeremiah 31:31-34 

Though there are 21 chapters left in the book of Jeremiah, scholars believe that this passage is one of the last to be added to the book. It is also quoted in the New Testament book of Hebrews (we will read that version of it tomorrow). 

July 24th: Hebrews 8:6-13 

For todays reading, I added some additional verses to the quote from Jeremiah to give you a little context in how the writer of Hebrews used the quote to bolster the books argument that Jesus is our “high priest.” For a fuller understanding, read all of Chapter 8 – or better yet, begin with Chapter 7. It is a very complicated argument. (Hebrews is one of my least favorite books.). 

July 25th: Revelation 1:8 

You probably know this verse well, but may not know where it is in the Bible. It is a passage that is part of our funeral liturgy. Revelation is a very misunderstood book. We will have another reading from it at the end of the month. 

July 26th: Romans 8:31-39 

Romans is different than the other letters of Paul. It wasn’t written to a church he knew well to solve its internal issues, or give them encouragement. It is written to introduce himself to the church in Rome. 

July 27th: Romans 12:2-8 

Do verses 4-8 sound familiar? We will read another version of this idea on Sunday. 

July 28th: Matthew 10:24-39 

These verses don’t sound very much like Jesus, do they! On Sunday, July 30, during worship, we will reflect on God’s call in our lives. Join us for worship. 

July 29th: 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 

This is the more familiar versions of Paul’s teaching on our gifts. 

July 30th: Psalm 105:1-11 

I love the Psalms and had to add one to this year’s list! This is the Psalm that the lectionary gives on for this Sunday. 

July 31st: Revelation 22:1-5 

The Bible ends where it begins…in Eden (or in this case, a new Eden) at the Tree of Life. Eden has been restored.