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August 3, 2026August 1, 2026

Carving Jesus Into an Idol

Links for today’s readings:

Aug 3 Read: Isaiah 63 Listen: (3:25) Read: Psalm 139 Listen: (2:26)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 63.7-8

6 I trampled the nations in my anger;

in my wrath I made them drunk

and poured their blood on the ground.”

7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord,

the deeds for which he is to be praised,

according to all the Lord has done for us—

yes, the many good things

he has done for Israel,

according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

Psalm 139.19-20

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;

your adversaries misuse your name.

Reflection: Carving Jesus Into an Idol

By John Tillman

Imagine a warrior who single-handedly kills scores of enemies while defending his family. It shouldn’t be hard. Many films and TV shows tell similar stories. When the bloodied hero (or heroine) rises from battle, having saved what was dear to them, we cheer.

But what if the blood-soaked hero is God?

Isaiah describes the tender loving-kindness of God right after a bloody battle in which God (or God’s servant) tramples nations in anger. Psalm 139 has tender-hearted lines about God’s care for life in the womb, but also imprecatory calls for the death of the wicked.

Do passages like these make you uncomfortable? My discomfort with these passages has to do with their abuse, not their true meaning.

Don’t misunderstand these passages of divine violence. These actions are not ours to emulate. Vengeance, when it comes, belongs to God, not us. Our role is pulling people out from under wrath, not pushing them toward it.

Some, however, twist these passages to bless “hatred” (Ps 139.22) of certain groups and to sacralize violence that defends themselves, their family, and their “culture.” (Which usually means their race.) The Nazi regime wooed and corrupted many German Christians by celebrating Jesus as “the greatest warrior” and not a “sufferer.”

“Warrior Jesus” is a false Jesus, but he’s not the only one.

God has revealed himself to us most fully in the image of Jesus (Col 1.15; Heb 1.3; John 14.9). But many people treat Jesus as a block of wood, stone, or metal that they can carve, chip, or shape until he fits comfortably in their life without poking, prodding, or challenging them.

We often carve Jesus into an idol that blesses our sins and condemns others’ sins. The violent carve away Christ’s compassion, mercy, and long-suffering love. Libertines carve away Christ’s calls for holiness. The slothful carve away Christ’s commissioning us to work for the kingdom. The legalists carve away Christ’s free and gracious offer to all humanity with no barriers.

We are supposed to conform our image to Jesus, not the other way around (Rom 12.2; 1 Pet 1.14). Put down your carving and shaping tools and accept Jesus as scripture shows him. He is the king on a donkey, the servant with a towel, the sufferer on the cross, and the coming, conquering King of Heaven.

Beware any version of Jesus who demands no repentance, challenges no assumptions, never warns of destruction, blesses all your desires, and confirms all your cultural dogmas.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him. — Luke 9.35

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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July 31, 2026July 30, 2026

Songs of Ascent Playlist – Unity Tour

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 31 Read: Isaiah 60 Listen: (3:55) Read: Psalms 132-134 Listen: (2:42)

Links for today’s readings:

Aug 1 Read: Isaiah 61 Listen: (2:23) Read: Psalms 135-136 Listen: (5:03)|
Aug 2 Read: Isaiah 62 Listen: (2:09) Read: Psalms 137-138 Listen: (2:13)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 133:1

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 134:1

1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

Psalm 135:1-2

1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord;
praise him, you servants of the Lord,
2 you who minister in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Unity Tour

By Erin Newton

Each year elite cyclists from around the world compete in Le Tour de France. In our house, it’s practically a holiday. Each day we watch the athletes race through towns, up hills and around curves at ridiculous speeds.

Whenever there is a steep climb on one stage of the race, the first one to the top receives a white and red polka dot jersey to wear on the next day. There are other jerseys: solid white for the best young rider, solid green for the best sprinter, and solid yellow for the overall leader.

Even if most cyclists never wear one of these jerseys, they are all headed to the same place. They arrive at different times, but they celebrate together. Many friendships extend beyond team lines. This year’s leader was heartbroken when a fellow rider broke his collarbone and had to withdraw from the Tour. They wear different jerseys and different sponsor logos but they are like brothers.

In these next few psalms, we have another mountaintop moment—a chorus of singers arrive and join in worship. Psalm 133 aptly proclaims, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” The psalmist reflects on the diverse and varied community that had taken the trek up to Jerusalem, those who ascended the mountain together.

The next two psalms refer to “all you servants” who minister day and night and in the house and courts of God. All servants. Unity. These are surely words of restoration and worship.

I’ve been involved in church dynamics before that included members seeking to create boundaries or barriers for other believers. There were a series of rules, hoops, or processes that were said to be for the preservation of the faith, but they actually functioned in a divisive way.

I left one day saying, “Surely Jesus didn’t mean our persecution would be from the hands of one another!” How good and pleasant unity is indeed.

In what ways have you been part of a group that discriminated against other travelers on the way to commune with God? Have you been on the receiving end of such discrimination? How has disunity festered among God’s people?

We are all called servants of God, each ministering in our own ways. We are all traveling the same roads from rescue to restoration. May we enjoy the pleasantness of unity in the house of God!

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation say forever, “Great is the Lord!” — Psalm 70.4

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Songs of Ascent Playlist – Songs in the Dark

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 30 Read: Isaiah 59 Listen: (3:54) Read: Psalms 129-131 Listen: (2:03)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 129.1-4

1 “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,”

let Israel say;

2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,

but they have not gained the victory over me.

3 Plowmen have plowed my back

and made their furrows long.

4 But the Lord is righteous;

he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

Psalm 130.1-5

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

2 Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

Psalm 131.1-2

1 My heart is not proud, Lord,

my eyes are not haughty;

I do not concern myself with great matters

or things too wonderful for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,

I am like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child I am content.

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Songs in the Dark

By John Tillman

The fifteen “Songs of Ascent” are a divine playlist of rescue, restoration, and worship. They aided pilgrims on the physical climb to Jerusalem’s temple. They also aid us in our spiritual pilgrimage, especially in the darkest parts of our journeys.

Road trips aren’t all smiles and rainbows and every road trip playlist needs songs about the strains and pains of travel and not just the glories of the destinations. Out of all of the Songs of Ascent, the darkest triad is 129, 130, and 131. These are songs of lament, longing, and waiting.

There are other sad songs in the Songs of Ascent, but these three break the pattern. The other Song of Ascent triads move quickly from laments and low points toward the heights of praise and glory. These three dwell in the darkness and wait quietly. These poignant songs ask, “Are we there yet?”

When I hear “Are we there yet?” or questions like it, a bit of dialogue that is stuck in my brain from watching the cartoon, The Smurfs, pops up. Papa Smurf led the group on a long journey (up a mountain, I think). Multiple times, Smurfs asked, “Is it much further, Papa Smurf?” Multiple times Papa Smurf replied, “Not far now.” But finally, he lost his temper and yelled, “Yes, it is!”

Our journey is long, but our heavenly father won’t lie or lose his temper at our longing or questions. “Are we there yet?” rephrases the biblical cry, “How long, O Lord?” Neither question is one we should be ashamed of asking or one that God will spurn or punish.

In your regular “playlist” of prayers, you need songs that cry out, “How long, O Lord?”. Even if your back has never been plowed with furrows, others’ backs have been. Even if you have never experienced oppression, others have. Even if you have no suffering to speak of, cry out for those who do.

There is a time to dance and rejoice because of the deliverance we have not yet received, because we have faith it is coming. But there is also a time to sit quietly in the dark, waiting for the light, and questioning God about the threatening noises in the darkness.

When faith’s journey is dark, calm and quiet yourself with songs that are honest, yet hopeful.

God hears our songs in the dark.

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading

Jesus taught us, saying: Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light. — Matthew 11.28

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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July 29, 2026July 27, 2026

Songs of Ascent Playlist – Joy Chose You

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 29 Read: Isaiah 58 Listen: (3:09) Read: Psalms 126-128 Listen: (1:58)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 126:1-2

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter.

Psalm 127:1-2

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the guards stand watch in vain.

2 In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat—

for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Psalm 128:1-2

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,

who walk in obedience to him.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;

blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Joy Chose You

By Erin Newton

These three psalms of ascent are mountain peak songs: the rescue is complete; the singer arises out of the valleys of despair and enjoys the glories of restoration.

Laughing and dreaming—the scene probably looks like Maria twirling and singing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” It’s pure joy. It’s not only restoration of finances, but also of the soul.

Psalm 127 is the disclaimer amid the hill-frolicking joy. Restored fortunes, restored joy only lasts if it’s built by the Lord.

Finally, Psalm 128 returns to the restoration of blessings.

Restoration plus the Lord equals blessedness.

For those who were reading and singing these songs after the exile or during their routine visits and escapes from everyday duties, taking time for joy is spiritual discipline.

“Count your blessings” is said as a reproof for not being grateful. In other ways, it can be a good reminder to acknowledge the goodness of life here and now.

Donna Ashworth wrote a poem called “Joy Chose You,” which highlights the rarity of joy. Two lines help us here:

“Joy does not arrive with a fanfare
on a red carpet strewn
with the flowers of a perfect life…

… joy is supposed to slither through
the cracks of your imperfect life…”

Whenever someone compliments our kids’ behavior or our relationship, my husband and I exchange a calm and knowing smile. Through fire and by God’s grace—that is the only answer we can give them. Like the psalmists here, we have been rescued (this time at least and in this area) so we have been granted moments of restoration and now we worship.

Have you taken time to count your blessings? Do you stop for a moment to acknowledge where God has restored you?

Admittedly, there are still many broken pieces in my life. I am still praying for a way out, a helping hand, an ease to a burden, but so far those are still unanswered.

The songs of ascent remind us that life is not just one mountain to climb but a series of peaks and valleys. We are not on a linear path from rescue to worship; it’s an ebb and flow, an up and down, an ascent and descent.

But here, now, let joy slither into the cracks of your imperfect life. Donna Ashworth says “joy chose you,” and I believe that “our God of joy chose you.”

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our Salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. — Psalm 95.1-2

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Songs of Ascent Playlist — From Badlands to Highlands

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 28 Read: Isaiah 57 Listen: (3:37) Read: Psalms 123-125 Listen: (1:32)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 123.3-4

3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us,

for we have endured no end of contempt.

4 We have endured no end

of ridicule from the arrogant,

of contempt from the proud.

Psalm 124

1 If the Lord had not been on our side—

let Israel say—

2 if the Lord had not been on our side

when people attacked us,

3 they would have swallowed us alive

when their anger flared against us;

4 the flood would have engulfed us,

the torrent would have swept over us,

5 the raging waters

would have swept us away.

6 Praise be to the Lord,

who has not let us be torn by their teeth.

7 We have escaped like a bird

from the fowler’s snare;

the snare has been broken,

and we have escaped.

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 125.3-5

3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain

over the land allotted to the righteous,

for then the righteous might use

their hands to do evil.

4 Lord, do good to those who are good,

to those who are upright in heart.

5 But those who turn to crooked ways

the Lord will banish with the evildoers.

Peace be on Israel.

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist — From Badlands to Highlands

By John Tillman

The fifteen “Songs of Ascent” following Psalm 119 are a divine playlist of rescue, restoration, and worship. These songs were sung on the ascent to Jerusalem and sung about the post-exile return to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem’s temple represented God dwelling with his people as he did in Sinai’s wilderness. Every trip to the temple was a lowercase “exodus” from life’s daily enslavements and temptations to seek freedom and forgiveness at the mountain of God. “Songs of Ascent” helped people sing their way from the badlands of sin, separation, and slavery to the highlands of freedom, forgiveness, and fellowship with God.

Have you ever needed more than a vacation? Have you needed an escape?

The psalmists of Psalms 123, 124, and 125 map out that kind of journey. They move from badlands to highlands using a similar pattern from the first triad, Psalm 120, 121, and 122. The pattern begins with lament, turns to praise, and ends with peace.

Psalm 123 raises a cry for mercy. They are trapped in contempt, ridicule, and arrogance. In Psalm 124, they remember the Lord is the source of rescue. The trap is broken. They escape the attacks that tried to sweep them away. In Psalm 125, they remember where they are escaping to. Their destination and destiny is God’s righteous kingdom of justice.

My wife and I have taken many healing and freeing “escapes” to the mountains or desert highlands. In the wildest places, our phones lose their signal but our souls better detect God’s truths.

We return home with a reoriented reality. The temporary exodus reminds us an eternal one is coming. Contempt, ridicule, and arrogance may close their trap on us, but it will shatter in their faces. The scepters of swaggering tyrants will splinter. Corrupt thrones and powers will be overthrown. These truths ride home with us like a song we can sing.

I encourage travel as a spiritual discipline. Visit a National Park or your local city park. (We don’t take our inspiration from Central Park for nothing.) But even without leaving your house, “Songs of Ascent” can transport you to your true home.

Whatever kind of badlands you navigate, Jesus has opened the road to God’s highlands. No kind of sin, corruption, oppression, worry, or sickness can keep you from joining him on that narrow way. Sing your way there with these psalms. Sing your way into God’s peaceful highlands.

Music:

“Shall crime bring crime forever?

Strength aiding still the strong?

Is it thy will, O Father

That men shall toil for wrong?

“No!” say thy mountains!

“No!” say thy skies!”

Man’s clouded sun shall brightly rise

And songs be heard, instead of sighs!”

— “God Save The People,” Godspell, Steven Schwartz

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Be joyful to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song. — Psalm 100.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 63.7-8

Psalm 139.19-20

Reflection: Carving Jesus Into an Idol

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Read more: Missing the Kingdom for the Empire

Read The Bible With Us

Links for today’s readings:

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Psalm 133:1

Psalm 134:1

Psalm 135:1-2

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Unity Tour

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Read more: Songs of Ascent Playlist — From War to Peace

Read more: Songs of Ascent Playlist — From Badlands to Highlands

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Psalm 129.1-4

Psalm 130.1-5

Psalm 131.1-2

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Songs in the Dark

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading

Read more: One Who Can Reach

Read The Bible With Us

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Psalm 126:1-2

Psalm 127:1-2

Psalm 128:1-2

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Joy Chose You

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Read more: When God Has Mercy…Will We?

Read more: The Gospel Crosses Boundaries and Brings Joy

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Psalm 123.3-4

Psalm 124

Psalm 125.3-5

Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist — From Badlands to Highlands

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Read more: How Did He Do It?

Read The Bible With Us