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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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February Daily Readings |
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Tuesday, February 1 Mark 8:1-10 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can we get enough bread to feed them?” (v.4 NIV) He was 83 years old; living on the streets for so many years that his countenance was tired, worn, and lean. He lived on a bench under the interstate highway and a casual nod lead to an acquaintance and a decision to help him find a place to live. We took him to a number of homes and none met the mark, but I would always come home to a warm meal and clean bed. One day Taft was gone. As cold weather was coming a minor infraction of the law could lead to “two hots and a cot,” but as winter changed to spring the bench was still bare. One day while visiting a nursing facility I saw Taft from across the room. I cried out his name, startling the social worker and creating wonder that I knew him. A minor injury lead to him being hospitalized, then released to the nursing facility for rehabilitation. What I could not do, God was able to accomplish in his own time, giving Taft comfort and compassionate care until he called him home. There are no coincidences in life, only signs and wonders pointing to a loving heavenly father. Isaiah 52:1-12; Psalms 61, 62; Galatians 4:12-20 Wednesday, February 2 Mark 8:11-26 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it.” (v.12) I am ever amazed at the force and vehemence which can explode from people when you talk about Jesus. This force can draw up any number of explanations or refutations of Holy Scripture and frequently focuses on the miracles of the Christ. The first question they ask is usually, “How can you believe such events as truth when they defy all scientific examination? You seem to be a reasonably intelligent person.” Faith is not a reasonable choice. Faith is believing that which is not logical or in human terms possible. The Virgin birth, hearing for the deaf, seeing for the blind, water into wine, raising the dead to life—all miraculous signs and wonders from a loving God that point to something beyond our comprehension and understanding. Not just God, but a Holy, Holy, Holy God. I believe that signs and wonders occur around us each and every day; we have just lost our ability to see and experience them. Christ crucified, dead, buried and resurrected, conquering death so death holds no bounds for believers, is the focus, the key, and answer to our understanding of the daily miracles. Isaiah 54:1-17; Psalm 72; Galatians 4:21-31 Thursday, February 3 Mark 8:27—9:1 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” (v.29) I love Peter. He is passionate, loves life, works hard, and sometimes gets it and sometimes does not. He jumps out of the boat when he sees Jesus walking on water and begins to walk on water too—until he thinks about what he is doing and starts to sink. Peter who can answer “You are the Christ,” and then deny our Lord three times as Jesus told him he would do. Peter who cuts off ear of the soldier in the Garden. Peter who loved Jesus, followed Jesus, and at times got it and at times did not—a human disciple and an example for each of us. One who followed our Lord even into death. Jesus: carpenter, son of Joseph and Mary, a good man, a prophet and historical figure of great proportion. King of Kings, Lord of Lords, my Lord and Savior, Emmanuel, the Annointed One, the Most High and Advocate before his Father for each of us. Isaiah 55:1-13, Psalms 70, 71; Galatians 5:1-15 Friday, February 4 Mark 9:2-13 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (v.7) When I think of the Transfiguration, I immediately think of Charlton Heston as Moses in The Ten Commandments or Indiana Jones tied to a stake as the Tabernacle is opened on an island by the Nazis who are looking down into the swirling cloud for a sign of power. Hollywood at its best cannot compete with Holy Scripture: Jesus changed before the eyes of his disciples, a dazzling white figure, an image of God himself talking to the lawgiver and the prophet. A cloud appears and a voice speaks from the cloud. I would be, as they were, quaking in my boots but nonetheless listening to the message from God. God’s only Son changed and focused on the road to Jerusalem. His fate is revealed and redefined in terms of what it means to be the Messiah, the Annointed One. Christ among us to be tried, flogged, and crucified; the ultimate blood sacrifice for me. Christ raised from the dead, seated at the right hand of the Father to be my intercessor before my heavenly Father. I am marked as his own and I am changed, made anew—born again. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Isaiah 56:1-8; Psalm 69; Galatians 5:16-24 Saturday, February 5 Mark 9:14-29 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (v.24) A father’s love is a strong bond with his children. When something happens to my child, I want only the best care and healing of the infirmity. Healing now! Right now. Sometimes that happens and sometimes it does not. If there is a shred of unbelief it is brought on by the intellectual, the scientific, the reality of the world bearing down to say it cannot be. Lord, help me overcome my unbelief. It can only be because of my fatigue, my weakness, my listening to those who say miracles do not happen. I may need a miracle. I know your power, your majesty, and what you can do with a word or touch. If I have fallen short, which I sometimes do, let those I encounter look beyond me to the source of all healing—to you, Lord Jesus. Give them the strength to look beyond me to you, Lord, and to say “I do believe” as I believe. Isaiah 57:3-13; Psalms 75, 76; Galatians 5: 25—6:10 Sunday, February 6 Psalm 96 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. (v.9 KJV) Growing up in the protestant faith, my Christian life has been full, from Presbyterian to Assembly of God. My educational background has also varied, from Episcopalian grade school to Roman Catholic high school. All of these experiences have allowed me to come to know the Lord in many different ways of worship. Four years ago I had the opportunity to go to a Christmas Eve service with friends at Christ Church in St. Simons, Georgia. The tiny church, which is almost 200 years old, was dimly lit and it smelled of old pine wood which adorned the ceilings, walls, and floors. The pews and the floors creaked at every movement of the congregation as they stood to sing, kneeled to pray, sat to listen to God’s word, and walked forward to take communion. It was at this time that I came to realize the intimacy of the Anglican liturgy and what was missing in my life—worshiping the Lord in beauty of holiness—a reverent expression of love in communion with His saints. Isaiah 57:14-21; Psalm 93; Hebrews 12:1-6; John 7:37-46 Monday, February 7 Mark 9:30-41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (v.41) When I was a young, my parents met an incredible missionary couple while touring in Israel. Their names were John and Sophie Kitts, and they had spent their lives in Kenya, winning thousands of souls for Christ. Eventually, my parents persuaded them to visit our home and church in Florida. John Kitts was a short Englishman—the native Kenyans called him the “little man with a big God.” Sophie was American—quiet and sweet by nature and strong in faith. Our church family was so taken by the Kitts’ testimony and witnessing that they were led by God to offer them a retirement in Florida when they were ready. John and Sophie agreed and our church eagerly raised money and bought them a beautiful house—a house they never dreamed they could own. It was a glorious day when they arrived. What a privilege it is to serve those who serve Christ. Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 80; Galatians 6:11-18 Tuesday, February 8 2 Timothy 1:1-14 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (v.7) Years ago I had two elderly neighbors who lived across the street—Lloyd and Violet. They could not drive and were confined to their home. One day while delivering the paper to their doorstep I heard a loud crash in the house. Not wanting to intrude, I waited in front of my house until I heard the sirens of the fire department. My first instinct was to walk and go away, but I stayed and entered the house with the paramedics. Lloyd had fallen and Violet was sitting in the corner crying. It turned out that Lloyd and Violet had no one—no friends, no family, no church—they only had a caretaker who came once a week. So for the next two years I cared for Violet, taking her to see Lloyd at the nursing home, until eventually she also was also hospitalized. With the help of the caretaker, they came to accept Christ before they died six months apart. My initial fears of interfering in their lives and their fears of death were conquered by God’s love. Isaiah 59:1-15a; Psalm 78:1-39; Mark 9:42-50 Wednesday, February 9 Mark 10:1-16 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (v.9) As I write this, I am preparing for my wedding date. God has sent me a beautiful, blond-haired, green-eyed angel. I never thought this day would come but, through His grace, I am about to partake in the holy sacrament of marriage before God. I have been very fortunate in my life to have parents who have been married for over 50 years. Theirs is a courtship which began in grade school and continues to this day. Their lives no longer consist of the joy of family and friends. It consists of my father sitting next to my mother every day, talking to her, feeding her, while she sits with her eyes closed, never moving and only occasionally responding to his questions. For almost three years he has never left her side since Alzheimer’s disease has taken over her life, and I know he never will—until God takes her home. Thank you, God, for giving me such loving parents to be an example of what it means to be husband and wife. Isaiah 59:15b-21; Psalm 119:97-120; 2 Timothy 1:15—2:13
Thursday, February 10 Mark 10:17-31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. (v.31) Growing up in a large family was an amazing experience. I was number five out of seven children (four girls and three boys). As a family, we spent a lot of time together, including our evening family meals. This was the time when we all got together from our separate lives, to share our daily experiences, argue our views on various subjects, and laugh at each other. Because I was number five, my older siblings were sure to always put me in my place. No matter how hard I tried to argue my case or get the biggest roll in the bread basket, I quickly learned that it was futile. As a result, I learned to listen and watch, not to try and be first in all situations, but to formulate my opinions and share when asked. Respect from others comes from serving others humbly—not for reward, but out of love as Christ loves us. Isaiah 60:1-17; Psalms 83, 146, 147; 2 Timothy 2:14-26
Friday, February 11 Isaiah 61:1-9 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. (v.3) Trees have always been a part of my life. I grew up in a house located in a dense tropical forest. My father took great pride in all of the trees, and was stricken by the devastation of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, which destroyed hundreds of them. It took us over a year to clear the debris and, when we were done, I helped my father begin the task of planting new trees. One day as my father and I were planting an avacado tree, my mother came out to watch our progress. She put her arm around my father and asked him, “How big is this tree going to grow?” My father put his arm around my mother and answered “It doesn’t matter honey, we won’t be here when it is grown.” My father knew that with proper nurturing and care, planting a seed could create new life—a life that would continue for generations beyond his own. So it is that God plants seeds in our lives, that they may take root forever. Psalm 88; 2 Timothy 3:1-17; Mark 10:32-45
Saturday, February 12 2 Timothy 4:1-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (v.7) I have been lucky to know many saints in my life—saints who were always there when I needed them; saints whose advice I sought and saints who loved me no matter what I did. None was closer than O’quin, our nanny for over 40 years. She was always there with a smile on her face, an infectious laugh, and a willingness to help you through any hardship, even though her own life was a constant struggle. One of my fears as a child was dying—leaving the ones I loved. O’quin always told me what a glorious place heaven would be and that she couldn’t wait to go there to be with her Savior in eternal peace and happiness. A few years ago O'quin developed breast cancer, which quickly spread through her body. I got to visit her the day before she passed away—her face was absolutely glowing with a huge smile. Her mission was complete and she was on her way to be with Christ. Well done, O’quin, well done. Isaiah 61:10—62:5; Psalms 87, 90; Mark 10:46-52 Sunday, February 13 1 John 2:3-11 Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. (v.3 NRSV) Honor thy father and mother. Mother’s Day. I’m lucky. It’s easy to love my mother. It’s also easy for me to love other mothers I know: sisters, aunts, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and friends. However, what about the mothers I do not like, much less love and honor? When others hurt us, it feels like darkness. Life without forgiveness feels like darkness. Yet Christ’ forgiveness feels like lightness. I may be way too human to love and honor those who have hurt me but I have Christ to help me forgive them. And myself. Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalms 66, 67; John 8:12-19 Monday, February 14 Isaiah 63:1-6 “I trampled down peoples in my anger, I crushed them in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” (v.6) There’s a poster in one of the rooms at my church. It says, “I don’t know what the future holds but I know who holds the future.” Isaiah speaks about Christ coming again in anger. I can understand the anger. Space Shuttle Atlantis launching into the blue Florida sky is an awesome example of technology, but so is the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. Did you know Eastern Box Turtles existed before the dinosaurs? Yet they are dying and may become extinct. The world is our Garden of Eden and we humans are destroying it. Where is the consolation? Right here: “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” Psalm 89:1-18; 1 Timothy 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11 Tuesday, February 15 Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. (v.1) We are hard on ourselves. We are our own worst critics. It’s not a joyful noise. I hear this all the time as both a yoga instructor and a Jazzercise instructor. A student once said to me, “Life would be perfect if we all looked like you.” I was stunned because the comment was profoundly unfair and unkind—to her. I replied, “That would be terrifically boring, don’t you think?” She chuckled and said, “I suppose you’re right.” God knew what she needed to hear and God’s grace put those words in my mouth. God knew what I needed to hear too. I’m not supposed to talk about religion in my classes but God gave me a message “of joyful noise” to share with my students: be kind to yourself. Isaiah 63:7-14; Psalms 97, 99; 1 Timothy 1:18—2:8; Mark 11:12-26 Wednesday, February 16 Psalm 109 May his children be orphans, and his wife a widow. May his children wander about and beg; may they be driven out of the ruins they inhabit. (vv.9-10) This isn’t a typically beautiful psalm. However, it is still a psalm of reverence because David believes God will hear him and defend him. David is hurt, angry, and resentful yet isn’t worried that his anger makes him less lovable to God. Such freedom. How many of us believe we are utterly lovable, no matter what? How fortunate and blessed we are that Jesus already knows what is in our hearts—and loves us anyway! Isaiah 63:15—64:9; Psalm 101; 1 Timothy 3:1-6; Mark 11:27—12:12 Thursday, February 17 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (v.12) It is imperative that managers exercise their authority with love. Otherwise, they will be despised. I know a young woman who manages a group of men. Although some of them are old enough to be her father, she is frequently discourteous to them. If you are a reasonably kind and courteous person yourself, then you tend to think people like this young woman don’t really mean what they say. However, a good friend of mine who is a psychiatrist once told me people know exactly what they are saying and how they are saying it. I pray for this young woman to become aware of her behavior and to correct it. Otherwise, she may well wake up one day and find herself despised. Isaiah 65:1-12; Psalm 105:1-22: Mark 12:13-27 Friday, February 18 Isaiah 65:17-25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord. (v.25) God wants us to be happy. Iraq. Afghanistan. North Korea. Global warming. Oil spills. Cruelty. Oppression. Indifference. I think being happy requires some work. Sometimes it requires some really hard work. God gave us the way to happiness—Jesus. Yet our world is still broken and it’s so easy to give into despair. However, all is not lost because God also gave us tools for finding our way back to Him through Jesus—no matter how many times it takes. You know what the tools are. Nevertheless, we can’t be reminded of them too often: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and Faith, Hope, and Love. Psalm 102; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; Mark 12:28-34 Saturday, February 19 1 Timothy 6:6-21 Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (v.12) I have always thought of prayer as a serene practice. However, for the first time, it has occurred to me that perhaps prayer can also be a fight—the good fight of my faith. Sometimes I want more money. Prayer isn’t serene from this perspective. It’s a good fight to remember that money isn’t everything—and to believe it. Praying for people who are awful isn’t calm. It’s a good fight to remember that God loves everyone—and to believe it. Once in a while, hiding under the nearest rock seems like the easiest choice. The prayer that keeps you upright is truly a good fight of the faith because it will, at least, get you on your knees. Isaiah 66:1-6; Psalms 107:33-34, 108; Mark 12:35-44 Sunday, February 20 Psalm 118 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. (vv.6-7a NIV) At bedtime, I assemble Bible, notebook, and pencil, preparing to stave off any wake-up where my brain activity is at high velocity. Actually, I’ve found as I call on the presence of the Lord to surround and dwell in me, thoughts that assail are turned away. I talk to my Lord: “I know the love of Christ is here for me. I know my soul is well. Thank you, Lord, for the wideness of Your mercy, Your goodness, Your glory.” During these times, what can come to mind may seem unconnected to my life, or a name will come softly in my thoughts. Experience tells me to pray for that purpose. Later, checking back, I find the prayer timely. Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Isaiah 66:7-14; 1 John 3:4-10; John 10:7-16 Monday, February 21 Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called sons of God.” (v.9) We who keep night watches can think of it as a privilege rather than a thorn, a time to bring the sick and needy before the Lord, interceding on their behalf. Perhaps we can consider this a special mission, a service, being one of those the Lord appoints to stay awake and pray. “Never get tired of staying awake to pray for the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (Psalm 16:7). Other times a need may appear, but the inner voice says, “I’m too tired.” Then the timeless question speaks to me: “So you had not the strength to keep awake with me one hour?” (Luke 22:45). Ruth 1:1-14; Psalm 106:1-18; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 Tuesday, February 22 Matthew 5:13-20 “Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (v.15b) Years ago many in our prayer group family were expecting babies. We decided to pray for these unborn ones. Fifteen years later there is a special “little flock” of healthy and vibrant children, filled with the love of Jesus. Lately, there have been many prayer requests for babies in trouble in the womb, and we have seen many of them come to birth healed. An example is unborn Baby S, where the doctors predicted she had cystic fibrosis—they were not encouraging. It turned out she was born with a 95% evaluation of good health! We ask the Lord to enter the womb with His healing light and presence. “Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb” (Psalm 139:15). Ruth 1:15-22; Psalms 120, 121, 122, 123; 2 Corinthians 1:12-22 Wednesday, February 23 Matthew 5:21-26 “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (v.22a) Anger has no place in the household of an unborn baby. This penetrates destructively into the womb itself. When love and peace flow to the unborn, the rewards last a lifetime. Encourage mothers you know to have conversation with their unborn daily, placing their hands on their stomach and praying something along these lines: “Hello my little lamb. How are you today? Do you know how much I love you, how dearly in every way? Do you know the Savior is with you in fiber and in bone, in every cell and center; there is no time alone. Already in his Book of Life your name is well displayed; oh yes, you are so precious and so wonderfully made.” Ruth 2:1-13; Psalm 119:145-176; 2 Corinthians 1:23—2:17 Thursday, February 24 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (v.3) When my neighbor, Elizabeth, was pregnant she used the tablet of her human heart, praying for Sophie in her womb. Sophie, now age 2, reminds her parents about prayer, taking their hands and leading. She will not go to sleep until the Hallelujah Song (The Canadian Four) is played, sometimes insisting, “play it again.” Daniel, age 4, arranges his table silverware in the shape of a cross. Belle, age 3, insists on thanking the Lord for “eyes, ears, blessings” in her nightly prayers. “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14a). Ruth 2:14-23; Psalms 131, 132, 133; Matthew 5:27-37 Friday, February 25 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (v.7) A college grandson was in town calling for a visit. Many know what I mean when I say, “I was praying.” Big issues were on the agenda. I listened. I told him times had changed, but that he was up to it! God would not let his potential be wasted. He is a “fortified city, a bronze wall” (Jeremiah 1:18), with a standard: “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts” (Habakkuk 2:1). We listened to a sermon about stepping out into deep water and casting nets. We prayed. I thanked the Lord for him. There seemed to be an empty place after he left. Two days later he called requesting a CD of that sermon to pass on to friends. Ruth 3:1-18; Psalms 140, 142; Matthew 5:38-48 Saturday, February 26 Matthew 6:1-16 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.” (vv.3-4a) I have found this principle powerful in secret prayer, especially in the case of those who seem “closed” to the Lord. Is the desire of your heart that your spouse and children will know the Lord in a deeper way? The less said the better; start praying, keep it secret; skip saying, “I am praying for you.” Every Day Instructions: Line them up in prayer Place the Cross of Christ on their foreheads Pray them under God’s wings for safety Pray that they yearn for Christ Pray for eyes and ears to be opened “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the son may bring glory to the Father” (John 14:13). Ruth 4:1-17; Psalm 137; 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:10 Sunday, February 27 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (v.2 NIV) Who me, preach the Word? I’m not sure I’m good enough. I know that thought has run through my mind many times. But I have also found myself in situations where God’s truths can be shared with others. I suppose it’s easier for me to speak on that, because these truths give me confidence to talk with others about God’s Word. For example, I had a telemarketer call me to try and sell me additional insurance for my vehicle. I declined his offer and he just couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t want added insurance, “just in case of an emergency.” What I felt compelled to tell him was that I didn’t live in fear, and that if something did happen, God would provide. His reaction was that he lived everyday in fear. I suggested that he read the Bible for comfort. He did not agree with me, saying that the Bible only made him more fearful; then he hung up. I did the only thing I could think of doing then: pray for him and for God’s Word to be revealed to him. Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Psalms 146, 147; John 12:1-8 Monday, February 28 Deuteronomy 4:9-14 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (v.9) My maternal grandparents were living examples of God’s command to obey and teach. I am so thankful for their prayers and words of wisdom. I only wish I had been more eager to learn while they were alive, but their words and my memories of our time together are precious to me. Thank You, Lord, for grandparents and parents who shared Your love with me and who exemplified that love to me. May Your love continue to motivate me to share You with, not only my child and future grandchildren, but with others who have not been as blessed to have good earthly role models. Psalms 1, 2, 3; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Matthew 6:7-15 |