Thursday, July 28, 2011

Church Staff devotions: Walking in Love - 2 John 1:6

2 John 1:6        And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love.

Sometimes the best moments in a marriage are the simple things that happen. The other day Evelyn and I were walking together in the local mall. We weren’t saying much, but we were just holding hands as we passed the stores. At one point Evelyn leaned over to me and quietly said, “I like it when we hold hands.” And do you know what? I like it too.

Like every other married couple, we’ve had our moments of crisis and times of disagreement. However, I’ve discovered that the older you get and the longer you are married, the more you feel complete with your partner. Marriage is not an easy journey, but longevity in a partnership brings about special blessings and I feel grateful for the thirty years that we have shared.

Faith in Jesus is also meant to be that way. In the Bible, we’re told that the Church is actually the Bride of Christ. We walk with our Lord not just as servants and followers, but as God’s children who are loved through His grace. In other words, Christ lovingly takes us by the hand and leads us through this life to eternity. Now, that is a long term relationship!

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us and for walking beside us each day of our lives. Help us to share that love with the world. Let Your Church be known for its compassion and care. Let Your followers take the hands of those who need healing, comfort, and love. Let us delight in the days You grant us and celebrate life as a sacred gift. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

John has just published a devotional e-book which you can find listed on Amazon.com at the following link: http://www.amazon.com/60-Devotions-Church-Meetings-ebook/dp/B005EMXQUU

Today’s drawing is John’s an early morning depiction of the bridges in Knoxville, which he has called “Knoxville Dawn.” You can view a larger version of the drawing at the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4823079492_0bca604219_b.jpg

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Church devotions - A New Book

Today I published my first book for Kindle on Amazon. It’s called “60 Devotions for Church meetings.” It can be used by pastors, church leaders, deacons, elders, teachers, church staff etc as short opening devotions. It can also be used as a two month daily devotions book for individuals.

I’ve used stories from my past experiences, memories from childhood, and pastoral situations from both Scotland and here in the United States. My hope is that the readers and listeners will use them to reflect upon how God has been at work in their own lives.

This may become the first of many. If you would like to view and buy a copy (it’s only $1.99), then check out the following link: http://tinyurl.com/3hw8lg4

Kindle books are not just for Kindles anymore. You can view them on PCs, MACs, IPads, Androids, cell phones and tablets.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Church Devotions: Life Haters - Ecclesiastes 2:17

Ecclesiastes 2:17         So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

The horrendous mass-murders that took place last week in Norway shocked the world. Norway, after all, is known to be one of the most peaceful and tolerant nations on the planet. The Norwegian people are known for their openness and friendship, as well as their care of the environment and community. The murders devastated the whole nation and we are all grieving because a noble people have been terribly wounded.

The shooter’s hatred for life and all things different from him displayed a wickedness and callousness that can only be described as satanic and inhumane. The pain and torture that he inflicted upon his young victims is hard to fathom or understand. In his heart and mind, he probably thinks that he is a crusader hero to his chosen cause. In reality, he is a monster whose murderous ways will not go unpunished either by society or by God.

Almost all of these kinds of shootings are perpetrated by angry men. They are incapable of controlling their anger or of analyzing what is real. Just this weekend, another shooting with multiple deaths took place in the US at a skating rink where children were having a birthday party. The shooter killed his ex-wife and a few of her relatives before turning the gun on himself.

I don’t like guns, either here or abroad, but I can’t stop people from possessing them. I would however say that every three years, gun owners should have to go through a compulsory anger-management class, possibly run by the local sheriff’s office. I also believe that young men in High school should also have to go through anger-management courses before they are allowed to graduate. This might cut down the number of irate boyfriends hurting, injuring, or killing their ex-girlfriends.

Some people will say that you cannot legislate against angry feelings; I would argue, however, that you can provide people with coping mechanisms and emotional knowledge to counter this kind of hatred, anger, and destructiveness.

Yesterday in church, we read the prayer for Norway that was written by the World Council of Churches. The concluding line of the prayer speaks directly to this kind of terrible and violent tragedy. May it also be our prayer for today:

These prayers and the heavy silence of our hearts we offer in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ who trod the path of peace in the face of violence. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.




Thursday, July 21, 2011

Church Meeting Devotions: Recognizing The Spirit - 1 John 4:6

1 John 4:6        We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

John the Beloved Apostle was writing some exclusive and rebellious statements way back in the First Century. It’s no wonder that he was exiled to the island of Patmos away from the mainland. He was a dangerous rebel and his influence shaped the Church in ways that we seem to have forgotten.

Over the years, I’ve heard many Christians and preachers quote John’s words of “God is Love” and “Love one another” as if that’s all he had to write and say. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anyone seriously wants to know what kind of message John preached, they have to read all of his letters, his version of the Gospel, and the Book of Revelation. Very soon the reader will realize that John is not expressing universal tolerance or boundless love. More often as not, John’s message is about the absolute veracity of Christ as the Son of God, the Defeater of the Devil, and the Judge of all who live.

Sadly, I’ve noticed that the next generation of Christians wants to buy into the false one world, one love, and one humanity philosophy through mutual respect and co-existence. If that was ever meant to be the Gospel truth, then John would never have been exiled or even written about false teaching and false prophets, anti-Christs and persecution. He could have easily capitulated and lived a life of peace; but John actually walked with Christ and was known to be His Beloved Disciple. He had stayed with Jesus all the way through the crucifixion, even when the others had run away. He kept faith with Christ for decades and could have lived an easy life, but he knew what the Gospel Truth was and he understood how important it was to pass on that absolute truth to the next generation of Christians.

That same message and mission needs to be reclaimed, proclaimed, and exclaimed in the Church today. There is no wiggle room because we are exclusively meant to be People of the Way. If the next generation of Christians actually wants to save the planet, then they have to be courageous enough to confront the falsehoods of the world, rather than trying to tear apart the Church. It will take a rejection of universalism and a realization of the spiritual predicament that the world is in. It will take a lot of guts and less good intentions to boldly state and live what John so clearly stated about the true Church: “We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

The question that has to be asked is this: Does the next generation of Christians have what it takes?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know that real Christianity is not about wishful thinking, pie in the sky pluralism, or unfocused universalism. Your Way is hard and Your Cross is heavy. Remind us of the sacrifices of the past and guide us on the right path to Your Kingdom. Keep us from trivializing the Truth and protect us from following false delusions. In Your Holy Name, we sincerely pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is called “Redeemer Rabbi” which is a drawing of a Stone Statue of Christ’s face. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click the following link: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5813805303_784c8ccd1d_b.jpg



Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Church Devotions: The Joy of Jesus - 1 John 3:13

Ecclesiastes 1:3           What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?

1 John 3:13                  Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

Being a Christian in today’s world, even in the Church, is not easy. There are so many voices telling us that our faith is outdated, our beliefs have no relevance, and our devotion to Christ is deluded. The world wants to walk its own way and do its own thing; it does not need to be hampered by honesty, obstructed by obedience, or kept back by Christianity. The followers of Christ have had their moment in the sun; now it’s time for 21st century people to make their mark and joyfully jettison Jesus.

Make no mistake about this: the world hates Christianity because our faith confronts evil and challenges sinful choices. The Gospels constantly tell us that we live to please God, whereas the world constantly demands that we live to please ourselves. In the world’s eyes, preachers are party-poopers and disciples are demonized. The Bible is a cosmic joke book and the scriptures are not sacred anymore. The world, the flesh, and the devil have infiltrated the Church, so that we are no longer People of the Book or Servants of the Kingdom. We have become citizens of the world and demi-gods of our own making.

Jesus told us that this would happen. In His parable of the sheep and the goats, He warned His followers of the Judgment to come. And with regard to the End Times, Christ told His people of a terrifying moment when two people would be together; one would be taken into glory and the other left behind. If we dismiss this as being irrelevant or put it to the back of our minds, we will never be ready for when that awful time comes. We will be left behind.

Christianity is a hard faith to follow. It takes a great deal of perseverance and discipline, as well as a whole lot of devotion and dedication. When we get it right, we live an abundant life and center our choices on God. When we get it wrong, we merely exist and doom our souls to destruction.

That’s why we need Christ as our Savior. We don’t need to hide from Him because we can confess our mistakes, re-direct our ways, and receive His grace. The joy of Jesus is this: while we were yet sinners and enemies of God, He died for us so that we might be forgiven and restored to God’s everlasting love.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we are sometimes tempted to capitulate and give up on the basics of our faith. The world constantly pressurizes us into conforming to its ways. Give us the strength to persevere in the face of cultural adversity, and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Your ways and words. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is John’s latest picture called “Boston Bound.” It is a crayon drawing of the Boston skyline from the Bay area. If you would like to view a larger version, please visit the following link:


Thursday, July 14, 2011

Church Devotions: Life is a Journey - 1 John 2:15

1 John 2:15      Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

There’s an old folk song called “The Wayfaring Stranger.” Most people assume it’s an Appalachian song, a Melungeon ballad, or an old African-American spiritual. There’s even some speculation that it was first sung in Britain and brought over to these shores during the large scale immigration of the 18th century. Whatever its origins, the song has been lovingly sung for generations because it expresses a simple truth: we are all just pilgrims on this planet, heading home to Heaven.

I’ve often stated that life is a journey and that it continues until we reach our eternal destination. Jesus Himself told us that He is the Way to God, so our lives can be continued beyond the grave if we place our hearts and hopes in Him. This, of course, means letting go of all that possesses us on this planet, which is why the Apostle John wrote to his fellow Christians about not loving the world. If we grow too attached to the things around us, and even the people, we will never give our hearts to God. The purpose of this life-long journey is to experience the temporary joys of God on Earth, so that we will be attracted towards, and even yearn for, the infinite bliss of Heaven.

When we accept that life is transitory and look forward to being with Christ in Eternity, we discover a peace about who we are, what we are meant to do, and why we are here in the first place.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You have told us that if we seek You first, we will experience an abundant life. You have also claimed to be The Way in which we can be reunited and restored to God in Heaven.  We believe Your words and look forward to the time when we will at last see You face-to-face in glory. Thank You for Your promises and for the gift of Everlasting Life. In your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s abstracts. It’s called “Church of the Holy Moon.” If you would like to view a larger version, please visit the following link: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/922294289_96d56148da_o.jpg

If you would also like to hear and view a great version of the Wayfaring Stranger song, please visit the following YouTube link which features Trace Adkins singing it at the Grand Ole Opry.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Church Devotions: Sinful Shadows - 1 John 1:6 & 10

1 John 1:6        If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
1 John 1:10      If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.

The problem with sin is this: we don’t want to recognize that it takes place in our own lives. It’s far easier to point out the sinfulness of others rather than take stock of our own spiritual weaknesses and shameful demons. I know that when I was an active alcoholic I totally believed that I did not have a drinking problem. Other people around me were concerned and voiced their worries, but as far as I was concerned, they were absolutely wrong. I could handle my liquor and if I got wasted every night, then so what? I still managed to get my act together and went to my work every morning.

But no matter how much I deluded myself, the issue was still there. Alcohol was wasting my life, my relationships, and my personality. I had a serious problem, but was unwilling to admit to it.

Some people have the same sort of issue with sin. Within themselves, they know that what they are doing or whatever lifestyle choice they are living is wrong. But rather than surrender their spirits to God and seek Christ’s forgiveness, they aggressively justify their sinful ways and expect everyone else to accept, tolerate, and even celebrate their wrong decisions. In other words, rather than turning to the light of God and love of Christ, they want to glory in their darkness and expect everyone else to embrace their sinful shadows.

There came a day in my life when I had to admit I was an alcoholic. Without that self-admission, I could not be healed of my broken ways. The work of the Church is to help people reach that level of self-awareness and to recognize that God does not always approve of His children’s ways. If He did, then Christ would never have had to die on the Cross.

We are all sinners in need of daily and constant forgiveness, but the work of forgiveness and restoration can only begin when we step outside of our sinful shadows and into the holy light of God.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, save us from our pride and delusions. Open our hearts and minds to God’s Word and Your Way. Keep us from molding You into our own misconceived Messiah; help us instead to be reshaped and restored by Your love and grace. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s stained glass designs. It’s called “Crossfull of Promises” and features a wooden cross with a rainbow behind it. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please visit the following link: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1365/536728152_10feaf58bd_o.jpg


Thursday, July 7, 2011

Church Staff Devotions: Scoffers - 2 Peter 3:3

2 Peter 3:3           First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

Being a Christian is never easy, but these days it seems to be a lot harder than it ever used to be. The words “born again” and “evangelical” have been reviled for almost 50 years in our society. I can even recount times in my life when those terms have been sneerfully expressed by church people, as if those who called themselves ‘born again’ or ‘evangelical’ were intellectually limited and spiritually weird. The world never liked those terms, but lately the very word “Christian” is being used pejoratively which doesn’t bode well for the future acceptance of the Church in society.

Peter calls such critics “scoffers” and refers to their prominence in the world as being a sign of the last days. Perhaps this is how Christ finally divides the sheep and the goats. Those who serve Him are saved; those who scoff at Him are cast aside.

I read a great quote this morning from J C Ryle, one of my favorite Bible commentators and teachers. He was writing about the two thieves who were crucified beside Jesus. One asked for Christ’s mercy and the other scoffed at Him. Ryle’s comment on the event is as follows: ‘One thief was converted in his last hour that none might despair. But only one was converted that none might presume.’

I don’t know if these are the Last Days that Peter writes about, but this I do know – Christ is the only Way to salvation and that without being a Christian, there is no other earthly way to get into heaven. Today’s world may revile the term ‘Christian’ as it has done for centuries, but those who honestly claim to follow and serve Jesus Christ will be with Him forever, long after this planet and all its people are merely space dust.

Prayer:                 Lord Jesus, You are the Christ and we are united in Your Spirit. Sometimes we are mocked because of our beliefs and throughout the world many Christians are still experiencing persecution. Keep us faithful to Your words and sustain our spirits as we follow Your Way. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s digital glass images of the Seven Last Words of Christ. It depicts Jesus and the good thief. This series of drawings was used by a symphony orchestra in Vancouver, Canada on Good Friday as a backdrop to their playing of Haydn’s “Seven Last Words of Christ.” If you would like to see a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3413043726_56183fb191_b.jpg



Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Church meeting Devotions: Caylee's Case - 2 Peter 2:22

2 Peter 2:22    Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

In the Scottish legal system, three verdicts can be given at a trial. The first two are ‘not guilty’ and ‘guilty.’ The third one is unique to the Scottish system and it’s where we get the phrase “Scot Free.” The third verdict that can be reached by judge or jury in a Scottish trial is this: ‘not proven.’

Usually, the ‘not proven’ verdict means that the defendant is strongly believed to have committed the crime, but that there is insufficient evidence to get a guilty verdict. The trial makes the public aware of the shady character of the defendant, but he or she cannot be incarcerated. In most cases, the defendant goes back to living his or her life in the same precarious or wicked way. It’s only a matter of time before they commit something wrong that will see them back in court and on that occasion, the prosecutors ensure that they have an airtight case.

This morning, there’s a lot of talk, debate, and even anger about yesterday’s verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. Many people believe that she killed her two year old daughter Caylee, or at least caused her accidental death. The media has covered this case for so long in a prejudicial manner that mostly everyone expected Casey to be found guilty and put on Death Row. The judicial system, however, thankfully worked as it should. The case against Casey was not proven and no matter what people think of her as a person or a mother, the juried verdict was the right one.

Now Casey will go free, but whether or not she will remain free will depend upon her behavior. If she has committed an unproven murder or abuse, it will surface in different ways and we can expect to see her back in court again. As it states in today’s scripture, "A sow that is washed, goes back to her wallowing in the mud." Only time will tell.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You see and know all things. You are completely aware of the truth of this harrowing tragedy. We pray that one day, the whole truth will be known and that wee Caylee can rest in peace. We thank You for our judicial system and for the presumption of innocence being maintained, whether or not we agree or disagree with the verdict in this case. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in n Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.