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First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon Ohio |
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Sunday Schedule
8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
9:45 a.m. Christian Education for all ages
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship |
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106 North Gay Street Mount Vernon OH 43050 740-393-1326 Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. M-F |
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Saturday, September 4 Job 22:1-4, 21—23:7 “Do you think it’s because he cares about your purity that he’s disciplining you, putting you on the spot? Hardly! It’s because you’re a first-class moral failure.” (vv.4-5 The Message) I’m thankful for the book of Job for many reasons, one of which is its picture of how not to be a friend. It shows us how unhelpful we can be when we presume that we have a better idea of what God is doing in someone else’s life than they do. But when we are willing to offer humility and support while also being certain of God’s sovereignty and goodness, we just might get to witness that sweet moment when the one who is struggling is ready to accept God’s hand in his or her life. I am always grateful for those who are willing to trust me to hear God’s voice and are willing to be patient with me as I get to the place I can hear it, even when I get there at a different pace and by a different route than they would have. Psalms 30, 32; Acts 13:26-43; John 10:1-18 Sunday, September 5 Matthew 5:13-20 “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” (vv.13a, 14a NLT) In ancient times salt was used to preserve meat. As Christians, we are to use our prayers and influence to keep our culture and faith alive. God says: “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:l4). Let’s make that happen! Many remember the Sunday School song “This is my little Gospel light, I’m going to let it shine.” In our role as light we bring healing and purification and show the way to righteousness—when we don’t try to hide our light and be like the world around us. Jesus expects us to be a powerful influence for good to those with whom we live and work. Through the centuries Christians have fed the hungry, built hospitals and schools, made peace, helped abolish slavery, and given women their equal rights. We think of the great influence of missionaries like Mother Teresa who worked in India. Next Sunday is Grandparents Day; we thank God for the many grandpas and grandmas who are salt and light to their children and grandchildren. Dear Jesus, increase our saltiness and the brightness of your light shining through us. Job 25:1-6; 27:1-6; Psalms 63, 98; Revelation 14:1-7, 13 Monday, September 6 Psalm 44 It is you who gives us victory over our enemies. (v.7) Remember the joy we felt as we celebrated Easter? Jesus has won the victory over sin, death, and evil. Whether it be an addiction or a physical or emotional disease, “By his wounds you are healed” (1 Peter 2:24)! The psalmist continues: “O God we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name” (v.8). We find that when we praise the Lord for His blessings and thank Him for the healing that He is doing in us, our healing becomes a reality. We turn from the problem and focus on the Savior. We continue taking our medication and keeping our doctor’s appointments until our physician declares us healed. But we are walking in victory. God can melt our enemies’ hard hearts and He can change our attitude toward a situation. So no matter what our problem, He gives us victory. Thank you, Jesus, that you are the victor over sin and sickness. Job 32:1-10, 19—33:1, 19-28; Psalms 41, 52; Acts 13:44-52; John 10:19-30 Tuesday, September 7 Job 29:1-20 He lighted the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness. (v.3) Job’s story is such a classic. He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He loved God. He was successful and wealthy. Then he lost it all, even his health. His friends and his wife told him to curse God and die. Yet Job remained faithful, and in the end the Lord again richly blessed him. Many years ago we lost two dearly loved members of our family in a fishing accident in Alaska. Many days we felt our tragedy was like Job’s, as we had to face our fears and cry our tears. Our Christian community and family upheld us with their prayers and acts of love and kindness. We felt our Lord walking with us “through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). Like the poem “Footsteps” we look back and see how Jesus carried us through those difficult times. We still miss our loved ones, but each year the pain is a little less intense. We look forward to being with them in heaven! Thank you, Jesus, for the hope of resurrection. Psalm 45; Acts 14:1-18; John 10:31-42 Wednesday, September 8 Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength. (v.1a) The story is told of a young man who dropped to his knees in prayer: “Lord, I cannot go on, this cross is too heavy to bear.” So the Lord told him to lay down his cross and pick out another one. He looked over many crosses but they all seemed too big or too heavy or had too many splinters or their edges were too sharp. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. “I’d like that one, Lord,” he whispered. And the Lord replied, “My son, that is the cross you brought with you.” God always strengthens us for the load we carry. He never allows more than we can bear. When we face temptation, He always gives us a way out so we will not give in to it (1 Corinthians 10:13). He is also our refuge or hiding place. In every worship service He refreshes and strengthens us for the days to come. That is why it is so important to gather with our fellow Christians to worship. Then, when the storms of life come, our house will be built upon rock. Thank You, God, for being my refuge and strength. Job 29:1, 30:1-2, 16-31; Psalm 119:49-72; Acts 14:19-28; John 11:1-16 Thursday, September 9 John 11:17-29 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (v.25) Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, had died. His sisters Mary (who had poured expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair) and Martha had called for Jesus. He arrived in Bethany after Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. Martha told Jesus that her brother would not have died if he had been there. When Jesus told her “Your brother will rise again” (v.23), she answered, “Yes, when everyone else rises on resurrection day” (v.24). He then gave her the comforting words of our text, and she gave him her witness: “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God” (v.27). And Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead! In verse 44 Jesus told the gathered friends and relatives to unwrap Lazarus. It seems to me that this is an important step for the Church to take with new believers. They have been brought to new life in Christ, but many have just left an old sinful lifestyle and need brother and sister believers to walk beside them and help them learn about life under Jesus’ management. Thank you, Jesus, that because you live, we too shall live! Job 29:1, 31:1-23; Psalm 50; Acts l5:1-11 Friday, September 10 Psalm 40 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. (v.1) This psalm of David has so many wonderful lessons: the first is that God follows His own perfect timetable, not my demand of wanting my prayer answered yesterday! He lifts my feet out of the mud, sets me on solid ground and steadies me as I walk. He gives me a new song to sing (rather than my complaints), a hymn of praise to God. This will help others put their trust in the Lord. He does many miracles for us. We just need the eyes of our hearts opened to see all His wonderful deeds. As we allow Him to write His law in our hearts we take joy in doing His will. We love to talk about His faithfulness and saving power. Those of us who love His salvation shout “The Lord is great!” (v.16). Our redeeming God can make all things new. He restores the years the locust have eaten. He rescues us. Praise His name! Thank You, Lord, that You are my Helper and my Savior. Job 29:1, 31:24-40; Psalm 54; Acts 15:12-21; John 11:30-44 Saturday, September 11 Psalm 55 Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! (v.6) This psalm seems to be written for a busy mother who doesn’t have a moment for herself, or for a person who is being overwhelmed by their job. We are thankful to be parents, and we are glad to have plenty of work, but sometimes it all gets to be too much! The psalmist gives great advice: “Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you” (v.22). We do not have to do it all. We can hire a babysitter or cleaning person or trade off with a neighbor. We can ask for assistance on the job; it does not all depend on us. God is still in control of the universe. When we stop trying to be in control, He will rescue us and keep us safe from the battle that rages against us. Then we can “run and not grow weary....walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Dear Jesus, help me rest in you. Job 38:1-17; Acts 15:22-35; John 11:45-54 Sunday, September 12 Job 38:1, 18-41 “Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me if you know all this.” (v.18 NIV) When “the Lord answered Job out of the storm,” His words never struck me as particularly comforting. My Bible commentary to the string of questions the Lord poses to Job says it is a form of rhetoric. I, personally, had always sensed sarcasm in these refrains. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the former is “a question that doesn’t need an answer”—true. The latter is an “ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain.” In my opinion, also true. Why would a good and loving God want to cause Job more pain? The answer lies in the question. Who is your God? What might His purposes be? Psalm 24, 29; Revelation 18:1-8; Matthew 5:21-26 Monday, September 13 Psalm 57 I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (v.1b) When do we turn to God? When all is well or when trouble comes our way? When do we admit we have need for him? Apathy and complacency are the enemies of my soul. A favorite analogy of mine is the way we grow stronger and the way a tree grows stronger. When a tree is stressed, needing water during the drought or dry season, its root system goes deep into the soil to find its source of water (life). It is therefore able to withstand the dry seasons much better and longer in the future. We can all learn from this example. When we are stressed or when disaster is upon us, we can also go “deeper” into our connectedness to the Lord as our source of life. Sometimes the “soil” is hard. Sometimes we will “wilt” for awhile. But by seeking Him through His Word and fellowship with His people, our “roots” will be stronger once the “pruning” process is complete. Job 40:1-24; Psalms 56, 58; Acts 15:36—16:5; John 11:55—12:8 Tuesday, September 14 John 12:9-19 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” (v.13) Who doesn’t remember being part of a procession like this as a child? The feel of carrying a palm branch (heavier than you think), walking single file through the sanctuary and chanting Hosanna all made it so real. The tradition continues today with our own children and grand-children. Hosanna is a “cry of acclamation and adoration.” As children, we cry Hosanna to the Jesus who “…loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” I don’t know about you, but as an adult, I still cry Hosanna for the same reason. Job 40:1, 41:1-11; Psalms 61, 62; Acts 16:6-15 Wednesday, September 15 Job 42:1-17 “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.” (v.5) How big the difference between hearing of the Lord and “seeing” Him! Job had spent his life hearing of the Lord and His commandments, following those commandments, and being blessed for doing so. There comes a time in each of our lives when we have to question what we really believe. Job encountered this soul searching question when, in the midst of his obedience, tragedy struck and the blessings were removed. He still believed that God was essentially good, loved him, and that His ways were best. During his long conversation with God, Job found validation for his faith in the presence of God. This took his relationship to a new and higher level. In discovering the difference between hearing of the Lord and being in His presence, our relationship with Him will go to a higher level as well. Pray for “seeing” His presence every day. Psalm 72; Acts 16:16-24; John 12:20-26 Thursday, September 16 Job 28:1-28 “He searches in the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness. The earth, from which food comes, is transformed below as by fire.” (vv.3b, 5) I was struck with a new insight to some of these verses when reading them this morning. The primary meaning from the whole chapter is about how man relies on himself so much of the time to pierce the darkness in the earth’s mines to bring forth treasure. How “wisdom” is the greatest treasure, which all other treasures cannot compare and are not worthy of mention. How wisdom is hidden from man, concealed from our eyes. How only God knows the way to wisdom and how to acquire it. Fear of the Lord is wisdom. In verses 2-6, however, I was struck with a deeper, more spiritualized sense of where “treasure” is found and the processes used to form it. It is out of the “blackest darkness,” the “earth is transformed below as by fire.” Isn’t this the same process for how we are transformed? And, once we have emerged from the darkness and been refined by the fire, precious eternal jewels come forth? Isn’t it in these dark places where “no other man has set foot” that we meet the God that is Wisdom, the greatest Jewel of all? Psalms 70, 71; Acts 16:25-40; John 12:27-36a Friday, September 17 Acts 17:1-15 But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. (v.5) “What’s old is new again.” “There is nothing new under the sun.” These same clichés can be applied to the tactics used today to hinder the spread of the Gospel and the ways of God! There is just no telling what some people will resort to in attempting to prevent the Word of God from being shared. Perversion and distortion of the truth, all kinds of arguments, and deceptions are employed to justify positions of unbelief and damage the cause of Christ. Jealousy was the primary motivation two thousand years ago. This remains an ongoing motivator in contemporary society. Jealousy is just another form of anger. Anger about what’s “rightfully mine.” Jealousy desires the trappings of this life’s position and possessions above the wealth available to all who would just believe. Only God can unblock the view to the eternal for those who are lost, but He asks us to pray for this to happen. We are His chosen channel of operation to effect change in this world and the hearts of men. Pray for those in your circle who need Him. Esther 1:1-4, 10-19; Psalm 69; John 12:36b-43 Saturday, September 18 Acts 17:16-34 Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious… I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. (vv.22-23) I think Paul gives a great example here of how to reach those of a different culture, faith and background for the cause of Christ. He chooses not to offend them by exposing everything they are doing/believing that is heretical or in error, but builds on what truth there is in their belief system. For example, Paul builds on the truth of what they were familiar with in the saying, “as some of your own poets said, ‘we are his offspring’” (Acts 17:28). One thing I’ve learned over the years is that in all religions, even cults, there are elements of truth. That is what makes some so hard to speak against or criticize because the lies are so close to the truth. There is a saying, “the closer to the truth a lie is, the harder it is to discern.” I’ve also learned that the one starting point in all discussions of truth is Jesus. It is with him that truth begins and ends. It is with him that we stand or fall. It is with him that others will be drawn to the truth. May we all reflect him to the lost and deceived of this world. Esther 2:5-8, 15-23; Psalms 75, 76; Acts 17:16-34; John 12:44-50 Sunday, September 19 James 1:19-27 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (v.19 NIV) The verses today could easily be titled: “You have two ears and one tongue; use only in that proportion.” Do we ever stop to think what message we’re sending when we listen too little, speak too much, and then let our anger come forth when our delicate egos are bruised? Selfish anger is useless and quite different from anger over sin or injustice. When we fail to be a good, or even an adequate, listener, we’re insulting the one with whom we’re conversing. And when we rush to speak, often before the other is finished, we’re actually saying, “I’m wiser and more intelligent than you,” and you’re actually not listening at all! Rather, you’re forming your reply instead of listening. James reminds us that if we only listen to the Word and don’t obey it, we don’t receive a blessing. And then he hits us hard with, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (v.26). What a great “how to” lesson these verses give us if we want to be a really good listener. It all boils down to obedience. Esther 3:1—4:3; Psalms 93, 96; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Monday, September 20 Psalm 77 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (v.11) Asaph and his family were musicians responsible for writing several psalms, and must have been very wise. This is just one of their comforting compositions that remind us of such things as “good news/bad news, bitter/sweet, doubt/faith” and many other negative/positives. All through this psalm, he remembers times when cries for help resulted in the worldly decision that God had rejected him. But we know that’s a falsehood. God never rejects us, or leaves us. He’s always there, just waiting for us to realize that He is the one who is great and in charge. We must remember the past times that God has handed us miracles; times that we, in our selfishness, thought the miracle was of our own doing. If the ancient Israelites could be sustained by the memory of God’s miracles, faithfulness, and capability, why can’t we remember how good He’s been to us? We need to look at the big picture in faith, the past as well as the present. Esther 4:4-17; Psalm 80; Acts 18:1-11; Luke 1:1-4, 3:1-14 Tuesday, September 21 Acts 18:12-28 He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. (vv.24b-25) When Apollos arrived in Ephesus, he made an instant impact. He was wise, with a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament. But although he was accurate in his teaching and application of Jesus, he didn’t know the whole story. By using John the Baptist’s message of repentance, Apollos was attempting to prepare the Ephesians for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. But, he didn’t have accurate knowledge until Priscilla and Aquila told him of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Later in chapter 18, we’re told that Apollos was “a great help to those (in Achaea) who by grace had believed” (v.27). Once he knew the whole story, he proved from Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. If you have the complete story, you’re able to share it. Be sure of your knowledge, rejoice in even small victory, and refuse to have a negative mind-set about your ability to share your faith. Esther 5:1-14; Psalm 78:1-39; Luke 3:15-22 Wednesday, September 22 Psalms 81 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. (v.12) This verse always reminds me of the story of the three ways God answers prayers: “Yes, because I love you and trust you,” “No, because I love you too much,” or “Maybe later, but not now.” Does this ring a bell in your life? Some non-believers use the “no” reply to argue about God’s existence. They use the “maybe later” for the same reason, forgetting all about patience. But we know that God’s time, and timing, is perfect in spite of what our puffed-up egos tell us about our own abilities. So often we ask for something and it’s a long time before we’re granted our request—even years! It’s always for a good reason—God’s reason. If we insist on having “my way” instead of “His way” we’re headed for certain disaster. Esther 6:1-14; Psalm 119:97-120; Acts 19:1-10; Luke 4:1-13 Thursday, September 23 Psalm 85 You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. (vv.2, 12) I’ve often thought this psalm could be titled, “Just do it!” My footnote says the theme of this psalm is “from reverence to restoration. Reverence leads to forgiveness, restoring our love and joy for God.” This isn’t an over simplification, it’s the truth. Do you ever feel as though you’re working hard to be in sync with the Lord and it is not working? That’s where the “just do it” comes in. Often we forget that God only wants what is best for us, and He’s the one who knows what that “best” is. But we just go on, thinking we’re the ones in charge. Time after time we manage to fall away from the Spiritual life God has intended. This psalm tells us very simply that the Lord “forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.” It’s what we’re told over and over again about His forgiveness. Later we’re told “love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other” (v.10). If we love the Lord and are faithful to Him, blessings and peace will embrace. What holds you back? Just do it! Esther 7:1-10; Psalms 146, 147; Acts 19:11-20; Luke 4:14-30 Friday, September 24 Acts 19:21-41 You see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. (v.26) This is the silversmith, Demetrius, speaking during Paul’s third missionary journey around the year 55 AD. Isn’t it amazing how little some things have changed since then? Demetrius was whipping the craftsmen into an uproar to warn them that their income was threatened. Almost as an afterthought, and mentioned after their main concern, their loss of money, was that the goddess Artemis would be “robbed of her divine majesty” (v.27). The craftsmen earned their money making silver shrines of Artemis, and Paul, moving the Ephesians to follow Christianity was a definite threat to their livelihood. Even today, centuries later, it’s common that the world thinks more of man-made gods of material possessions than of worshipping our Heavenly Father. Yes, today some worship man-made gods, like investments, expensive cars, and membership in exclusive clubs. When will we learn? Esther 8:1-8, 15-17; Psalm 88; Luke 4:31-37 Saturday, September 25 Psalm 136 His love endures forever. Twenty-six times in this twenty-six verse psalm, we’re reminded, “His love endures forever.” It always reminds me of my father. You see, Dad, like so many of us, had a few really good anecdotes that he enjoyed sharing with others—very often with the same people. When reminded that he’d told it before, his reply was always the same: “But it bears repeating.” If we can remember just four words about the Lord, “His love endures forever,” it pretty much says it all. Repeating it helps us remember to take to heart the fact that no matter what the world may do to us, God’s love never changes. “His love endures forever” regardless of how many times we sin and turn our back. God deserves our never ending praise and thanks. In addition, he protects us, saves us (often from ourselves), and supplies all our needs. May we always remember “His love endures forever.” Dad, this too bears repeating. Hosea 1:1—2:1; Psalms 87, 90; Acts 20:1-16; Luke 4:38-44 Sunday, September 26 Psalm 66 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. (v.16 KJV) They say that some Christians are like an Arctic river—“frozen at the mouth.” They are tongue-tied. But in a parish where I served, the men would gather monthly for a breakfast. Each time a different one would give his testimony. It would be in three parts: first, what his life was like before he accepted Jesus; second, how he accepted Jesus; and third, what his life had been like since then. It freed the men up to talk about their spiritual lives and encouraged others in their pilgrimages. People may argue about religion, but they can’t dispute a personal testimony. As the blind man who had been healed by Jesus declared, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25b). The best advertisement for a product is a satisfied customer. And the best advertisement for Jesus is a satisfied Christian. What can you tell others about Jesus’ dealings with you? Hosea 2:2-14; Psalm 67; James 3:1-13; Matthew 13:44-52 Monday, September 27 Psalm 89:1-18 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. (v.1) When I attend some modern worship services, I’m perturbed by the singing of certain words over and over and over again. And I ask myself if this is vain repetition. Yet when I watch certain sports and see the crowds rise to their feet with tumultuous cheers, I understand their enthusiasm. So I say, “Shouldn’t we Christians be a thousand times more enthusiastic in worshiping our King Who has won the greatest victory ever known?” Some bystanders rebuked Jesus for the children who were praising him on Palm Sunday. But he replied, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:40). Yes, heaven and earth want to praise him! As a hymn puts it, “Perpetual mercies from thy hand demand perpetual songs of praise.” May our little water jets of praise be joined to the millions of geysers of praise around the world that go up daily to the Lord! For His mercies endure for ever! Hosea 2:14-23; Acts 20:17-38; Luke 5:1-11 Tuesday, September 28 Psalm 100 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (vv.1, 4) How do you come to church? Do you come sighing, “How long will I have to sit through this service?” Or do you enter sneering, “Look at all these hypocrites. I’m glad I’m not like them.” Or do you bring a shopping list of what you want God to grant you? I guess these are the ways a lot of people come to church. But what does the psalmist ask us to do? He asks us to come with thanksgiving. He asks us to remember all the ways our Lord has led us, all the gifts He’s given us, all the forgiveness He’s granted us and all the blessings He’s going to bestow upon us. He asks us to go with a smile on our face, gladness in our hearts, and thanksgiving on our tongues, for we can never run out of things to thank Him for. “Lord, I may not have much to give You. But at least I want to give You my thanks. May it always be overflowing!” Hosea 4:1-10; Psalms 97, 99; Acts 21:1-14; Luke 5:12-26 Wednesday, September 29 Psalm 101 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land. (v.6a) Sometimes when I visit parishioners’ homes I am invited to view their children’s bedrooms. And on the walls I often see pictures of movie stars, famous singers, and top athletes. These, I presume, are their heroes. Though these may be good, I ask myself if they are good enough. Are there not people of great character, faith, and service whom we should all look up to? What about the men and women who have overcome personal difficulties, invented cures, lived by high moral standards, and sacrificed themselves for the good of others? Who are the heroes that we can emulate? Who are the human stars that we can look up to? It is said that we become like the people we admire. Let’s all keep our eyes then on those that are “faithful in the land”—the true Christians who are faithful to the one they all look up to—our Lord Jesus. Hosea 4:11-19; Psalm 109; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39
Thursday, September 30 Psalm 105:1-22 He had sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant. (v.17) The life of Joseph in the Old Testament bears a remarkable resemblance to that of our Lord Jesus. Like Jesus he was loved by his father, rejected by his brothers, and given up as dead. But unknown to them he was raised to power and became a blessing to his people. When his brothers were in need they came to him. He tested them for repentance, and when they admitted their guilt he forgave them. Then he brought them and their family into his country, presented them to the king, and saw that they were given an inheritance. All of this is spiritually like our Lord Jesus. Though we have sinned against him and caused his death, he has been raised again. He now sits at the right hand of the Father. And when we come to him admitting our guilt, he forgives us and welcomes us into his kingdom! Be thankful for our Heavenly Joseph who has been sent before us! In spite of our sins, we have a glorious future! Hosea 5:8—6:6; Acts 21:27-36; Luke 6:1-11 |
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September Daily Readings |
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Wednesday, September 1 Acts 12:18-25 But the word of God continued to increase and spread. (v.24) Lately it seems like I hear more about Christianity fizzling out than picking up steam. Someone claiming Christianity does this or that, and I’m saddened that what seems like an act of hypocrisy gets more airtime than all the tremendous good people are doing all around the world to proclaim Christ’s love and forgiveness. God’s word will go out. But at the end of the day, I want to ask myself whether or not I’m a conduit of the word increasing and spreading. I may never live internationally again, but I want my life to be one that promotes God’s word. Job 12:1, 14:1-22; Psalm 38; John 8:47-59 |
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Thursday, September 2 Psalm 37:1-18 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. (v.3) God’s Word is always life-giving, no matter how well I’m doing or how hard life feels. But sometimes God speaks so directly through His Word to address a particular concern I have, that I can do nothing but sit in awe and gratitude. Psalm 37:3 will always take me back to when I was a young missionary and had an experience with God like I’m describing. I was sitting at the base of the Swiss Alps and feeling trepidation about returning to the country in which I was living at the time. The country was replete with corruption and still some opposition to the Gospel, and I felt afraid to enter back into it. I opened my Bible to do my daily reading, and my eyes fell on this verse. I sat in awe. I could only pause and thank God for speaking so directly to the fear I had been hiding, and I returned to “the land” with a deeper confidence and trust than I had ever known. Job 16:16-22, 17:1, 13-16; Acts 13:1-12; John 9:1-17 Friday, September 3 John 9:18-41 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (v.25) I can’t identify with being blind and then having my sight restored. I can’t identify with being reduced to begging. I can only imagine what it must have been like for a man to go from no hope of anything different than what he’s always known, to a life radically changed. I’ve been a Christian since my mother led Backyard Bible Clubs when I was 5 years old. I can, however, identify with knowing that without Christ, I would be blind and I would be begging. Instead, I get to daily enjoy the delight of experiencing Christ’s presence. I get to know that he has already given me eyes to see his glory in the everyday and in the remarkable. I get to live with the certainty that he is intentionally bringing his glory in my life for my good. Job 19:1-7, 14-27; Psalm 31; Acts 13:13-25 |