New Year devotion: Happy New You

Like everyone else, I try to make resolutions at the beginning of the new year. Like most people, I fail to live up to my own expectations. This year I'm going to try something different. I've written a new e-book called "Happy New You," which contains 31 short daily devotions for the month of January. My plan is to read and reflect on God's Word each day and try to get closer to Christ right at the beginning of the year.

I believe that if I do this, then I will make God the focus of my 2014 journey. Would you like to join me? If so, then you can also do this by getting the e-book for your kindle, PC, Mac, or mobile device. The link to the book is contained in the box below.

God bless you all. May 2014 be a year where your hopes and dreams are all fulfilled in Christ!

Christmas Eve devotion: The Gift - Ephesians 1:7-8

Ephesians 1:7 -8         In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Every year, I see people putting themselves under a lot of pressure trying to make everything perfect for Christmas. I watch others lavish their loved ones with precious gifts and expensive presents. I look at parents who are desperately trying to find the right gifts for their children, as well as hoping that in the last week before Christmas, their children won’t suddenly change their minds. It’s all done with a great deal of affection and it’s just part of being human, of showing our love to those nearest and dearest in our hearts.

In the midst of all this hurrying and scurrying, there’s one lavish gift that is available for each of us. It doesn’t come free, because it was paid for with the life-blood of a holy young man. It can’t be purchased in stores, because it comes straight from heaven. And it cannot be re-used or given away once it is received, because it is an everlasting gift of God’s infinite love.

The old word associated with this lavish gift is ‘Redemption,’ which doesn’t have a lot of meaning in a post-modern world. Redemption is an essential part of a process which means that those who receive this gift are brought back into God’s favor, their mistakes are deleted, and their lives are re-started. In the entire history of the world and the personal circumstances of every single human being, it’s the most important gift ever to be offered and the greatest blessing that people can ever to receive.

It comes wrapped in a manger and is built upon a cross. It comes with instructions and ends with praise. It has humble beginnings and promises a glorious end. This lavish gift is, of course, Jesus Christ, the Holy Son of God, the Savior of our souls, the Lord of all Creation, and the King of kings. There’s no greater gift in life because what He offers is a greater life than we could ever know on Earth. And He’s the Gift that keeps on giving, for every day someone somewhere in the world accepts and receives this amazing bounty of God’s blessing.

May you know this lavish gift in your life, and may all of your loved ones receive Him, too.

Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Nativity drawing. It’s called “The Outsiders.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/11411785985_b7c36a34dd_b.jpg

Christmas Devotion: Signs and symbols - Galatians 4:18

Galatians 4:18                        It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. (NIV)

Throughout December, we all see bumper stickers, church posters, and yard signs that read ‘Jesus is the reason for the season,’ ‘Keep Christ in Christmas,’ and my all-time favorite, “Beat the Christmas Rush – come to church this Sunday!” Whenever I see them, they make me smile, but I wonder how they come across to people who are not church goers or even Christians?

Are those signs too ‘preachy?’ Do they come across as being smug and self-righteousness? Is our zeal for the Lord hampering our effective witness in the community? And, can you really capture the real message of the Gospel in a bumper sticker anyway?

Over the years, the best witnesses to Christ at Christmas come from the loving words and deeds of compassionate people. They effectively put Christ back into Christian, which for me is more important rather than relying upon a silly slogan. If church people were zealous for the Lord in ways that would support the poor, comfort the heartbroken, and embrace the unloved then our churches would be filled each and every Sunday, no matter which season we were in.

Question for personal reflection

How can I become a sign of Christ’s love in my home, at work, and in the community at large?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we want to positively witness on Your behalf, especially at this time of year when so many people are thinking about Your Birth. Enable us to be aware of the effect that our words and deeds have on other folk. May we become human signs and symbols of Your grace and love. 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 ask a question or make a comment about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest snowman drawings. It’s called ‘Even Snowmen Know.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/11192118666_85888f4534_b.jpg

Kindle Devotions: My 1,000th Book Sold!

I've just sold my 1000th devotional book on Kindle this morning. I am both humbled and amazed.

Thank you to all the readers and buyers of my books.

What began as an e-mailed devotional Bible study for elders at Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, has now become an international method of spiritually helping churches and Christians all across the planet. My lunch-time writing of these books and late night drawings have been a blessing to me and others.

And yesterday, I just started writing next year's Lent daily devotional study called "Walking with The King."

Thank You, God, for such a wonderful blessing! Thank You, Lord Jesus, for such an unexpected ministry. And thank You, Holy Spirit, for continuing to inspire me.

AMEN!

You can view all of my devotional e-books at the following link:
http://glenkirk.blogspot.com/p/my-devotional-e-books-for-kindle.html

Advent devotion: Two Great Gifts - Galatians 1:3

Today’s readings are Judges 2:7-15 and Galatians 1:1-10

Galatians 1:3  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

If I could give two precious gifts to the world this Christmas, they would be grace and peace.

Grace would be given, so that folks could forgive one another and allow their past mistakes to remain in the past. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters could set aside their differences and begin again. Fractured feelings, persistent pride, and baneful bitterness could be gone forever, replaced by love, kindness, and compassion. What a gift to give our broken world!

Peace would be given so that different groups could learn to dialogue with one another; nations could recommit themselves to the betterment of humanity; religions could turn their theological barbs and spears into plowshares for effectively working against poverty, oppression, and injustice. Races across the globe could respect the wonderful variety of God’s image in all people and work together to eliminate bigotry and prejudice, humiliation and rivalry.

The bad news is that I don’t have the ability or power to give those gifts to the world; but the good news is this: Christ has already given those two great blessings through His sacrifice on Calvary and obedience to God. The gifts of grace and peace are already ours; we only have to find and apply them in each of our lives to begin the worldwide celebration of God’s love to the world.

Questions for personal reflection

Where have I experienced God’s grace and peace in my life? To whom can I share these great gifts during Advent?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are both the greatest gift and the greatest gift-bringer in the history of the world. You came among us to grant all people everywhere the opportunity of being restored to God’s favor and love, as well as His grace and peace. Help us to share these blessings with the other people in our lives. 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 or ask a question, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Christmas drawings called “Tree Window.” It’s a stained glass design of a Christmas tree. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/11164226093_863c950b18_b.jpg

Advent Devotions for Kindle Users

Advent is now upon us and many Christians are looking for devotions to help them through each day of this very special season. Over the past three years, hundreds of people have used my Advent devotions on Kindle. This year, my Kindle Advent devotion book is called "Holding On To Hope."

It contains 25 new daily devotions with Bible verses, prayers, questions for reflection, as well as my own specially created pieces of digital artwork.

The Kindle book only costs 99 cents and, with the new free Kindle app for all laptops and mobile devices now available, any one can get to purchase a copy and join the growing number of people who use these books.

Christmas devotions: The Real Jesus - 2 Corinthians 11:4

For today’s readings: click on these links – Judges 10:6-18 and 2 Corinthians 11:1-11

2 Corinthians 11:4     For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

At this time of year, I always chuckle at the special programs which some cable channels broadcast about the Bible and Jesus. They usually advertise the programs with teasing titles like ‘Secrets of the Bible’ or ‘UFOs in the Bible’ or ‘The Real Jesus.’ I must admit that I've watched some of them through the years, but what they usually present are just old obscure ideas that were rejected by the Church ages ago because their origins were unreliable.

Along with these ‘recently discovered scriptures,’ the programmers roll out some college lecturers who want to make a name for themselves by being controversial. They are just like the paid examiners in high profile trials, who trot out what their legal sponsors expect of them. In return for their fifteen minutes of fame, these religious lecturers relish creating a controversy that some people sadly buy into, and end up causing them to cast aside their simple faith.

Long before cable and television were invented, the Apostle Paul had to deal with the same sort of controversial stuff. In today’s passage (2 Corinthians 11:1-11) he deals with a similar situation where rogue preachers have come into an established Christian community, preaching a different Gospel and Jesus from what was originally expressed. Paul gently berates the community of the faithful for embracing these new and highly questionable ideas about Christ. The Corinthians community is embracing the novelty of a new Christ, instead of holding on to their faith in the real Christ that Paul had introduced them.

With so many different methods of receiving information, people can be easily persuaded to accept something as Gospel truth these days without questioning either the sources or the ideas. In every generation, the Church has had to face this problem and fight for the Truth. And in every situation, the simple answer is still the best solution: people need to get back to the basics of actually reading the Bible.

Questions for personal reflection

What is the source of my knowledge about Jesus? How often do I actually read the Bible?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, Your words and ways have shaped this whole world for almost two thousand years. We thank You for the Gospels and for the messages which continue to captivate our hearts and minds. Keep us focused on Your teaching and protect us from those who would divert our attention, distract our devotion, and diminish our understanding of Who You really are. 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 make a comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Nativity drawing. It’s called “Mumbai Madonna” and is an Indian artistic interpretation of Jesus and Mary. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/11039323083_c96ac02b69_b.jpg

Church devotion: Opening New Doors - 2 Corinthians 2:12

Today’s Readings:

Judges 6:25-32 and 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

2 Corinthians 2:12     Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me.

Quite frequently, I get asked to say prayers for church members, families, and friends when they are considering changing jobs, careers, or homes. It’s very humbling to be asked because it means that the person making the request trusts me to pray for what’s best in their situation. Usually, I take time out that day to say a short prayer and then on the day of an interview or a house viewing, I pray as close as possible to the time of the event itself.

Sometimes the person comes back to me with good news, so I can say a quiet ‘thank you, God’ prayer later on. At other times, I hear nothing else, so I keep praying for God to give guidance and open up the right door for the person.

I guess that most of us do the same, especially for our loved ones and dearest of friends. As we pray, we hope that God will indeed open doors and grant new opportunities for the person concerned. Prayer becomes a vehicle of God’s goodness, as well strengthening the bonds of faith and friendship between the one who prays and the other who is prayed for. It’s a remarkably effective and personal way to both practice and apply our faith on behalf of other people.

Questions for personal reflection

Has someone asked me to pray for them? Is there someone that I can be praying for today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You taught us to pray and showed us the value of being a praying people of God. Help us to make time today to pray for others, especially those who are looking for new doors of opportunity to be opened for them. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a question or make a comment about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s lighthouse drawings called “Guiding Light.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6225/6290707518_a96fd3c801_b.jpg

Prayer devotion: Many Prayers - 2 Corinthians 1:11b

Today’s readings

Judges 5:19-31

2 Corinthians 1:8-17

2 Corinthians 1:11b   Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

            I was reading another church’s newsletter this morning. It contained a special ‘thank you’ note from one of the members. He was expressing his gratitude for the many prayers that people in his congregation had given to God, especially when he was undergoing some serious and complicated surgery.

            It’s wonderful to read those kind of notes. Not only does it help the person express his gratitude to God and His people, it also encourages others to use prayer as a means of obtaining God’s help in different situations. As the Poet Laureate Lord Tennyson once wrote, “There is more wrought by prayer than the world dreams of.”

            Perhaps you or someone close to you is going through a hard time, or some sort of crisis – whether medical, financial, or relational – is presently occurring. Never underestimate the power of prayer, especially when those prayers are sent up by a whole host of people. At the wee church that I serve, we employ an email prayer chain so that whenever someone is in hospital or experiences something troubling, the majority of our people are quickly notified and the praying begins.

            Even Mahatma Gandhi had this to say about the efficacy of prayer: “Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.” 

Questions for personal reflection

What type of prayers do I usually bring to God? When have I seen prayer work in my life?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You taught us how to pray and You also showed the power of prayer. As Your followers, help us to make prayer a regular part of our lives. Encourage us to see prayer as a sacred means of being spiritually connected to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to make a comment or ask a question of today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest bulletin drawings. It’s called “Mackintosh Poppy” and has been drawn for Remembrance Day (Nov 11^th) of this year. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/10594576655_b2f63d3fe3_b.jpg

Compassion Ministry: Comfort and Care - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Today’s readings:

Judges 5:10-18          

2 Corinthians 1:1-7  

2 Corinthians 1:3-4    Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

The best ministries that I have seen in all of the churches that I have served, have always been those connected to compassion and comfort. Apart from worshipping God and bringing people to Christ, I think that these ministries are very important to a church’s effective witness to the community where it resides. How we apply what we are taught is a valuable way of encouraging others to experience God’s love. What we do in the eyes of the wider community is always more important than what we dictate.

            Congregations that have this compassionate capacity are great at being supportive to their extended church families and friends. I am constantly amazed and humbled at the goodness of ordinary people doing extraordinary deeds in times of illness, grief, and stress. They do this because they care; and they care because God has helped and comforted them. It’s a beautiful way of showing Christ’s compassion; it’s a wonderful method of sharing God’s presence.

            If you get the opportunity to be a channel of encouragement, care, and support today, take it and help someone else. Your compassionate words and comforting presence may be the very things that they need to hear and feel right now. Your Christian love and sincere support may be the conduit of God’s comfort in the midst of their troubles.

Questions for personal reflection

Is there someone that I know who is undergoing some trouble today? Am I willing to support and help that someone?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You showed compassion and comfort all throughout Your ministry on Earth. Help us, as Your followers, to give the same kind of help and support to those with troubles today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a question or make a comment about today’s message, please send him an email to: traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Communion drawing called “Sunrise, Sunset.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/10322159433_2f6342e432_b.jpg

Advent devotions: Holding on To Hope by John Stuart

My new Advent devotions e-book, "Holding On To Hope" has now been published for Kindle users. It has 25 short devotions (all new), Bible verses, questions for reflection, and prayers for use by individual Christians, small groups, or families on a daily basis from December 01 through until Christmas day.

Many of my Advent, Christmas, and Nativity drawings are also included in the book.

The US price is only 99 cents, so its well within everyone's budget...:)

You can check out a copy at the following link:

Church meeting devotion: It is Amazing - 1 Corinthians 15:10

1 Corinthians 15:10   But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.

On Sunday mornings, I get to experience one of the best views in church from the pulpit. I see the entire worshipping congregation and, as I scan the people in the pews, I think about their struggles and stories and of how the amazing grace of God has been, and is still working in their lives.

I see people who are grieving the loss of loved ones, but in the midst of their heartache, they still hold on to the love of God.

I see folks who are undergoing serious tests or recovering from surgery, who have placed their prayers and lives into God’s healing hands.

I see parents who are bringing up their kids in the best ways that they can, providing them with encouragement and support, as well as nurturing them in the Christian faith.

I see people whose marriages are crumbling and they are struggling to maintain a sense of identity and security, praying to God for help and guidance.

I see single people who devote much of their time to the well-being of others, serving in the missions and programs of our church.

I see college students whose dreams are only just beginning and whose hard work and determination will bring about what they seek to do with their lives and how they can serve God in the world.

I see young people who are still at school, trying to do the best that they can and experiencing many new things in life. They still have that beautiful wonder of God and Life which delights the whole church.

I see and hear the infants, toddlers, and babies in our church and my heart is glad that they can find an extended loving family here.

I see all of these things and all of these good people, and it humbles me. The grace of God is evident in all of our lives and it is constantly amazing.

Questions for personal reflection

How do I experience the grace of God in my life? Where do I see it existing in the lives of others?

Prayer:            Loving God, Your grace is amazing and we are constantly astounded by its presence in our lives. Sustain our wonder of Your works and our love of our Lord. Be with us and bless all our loved ones this day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Devotion for athletes: Glory to God - 1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Corinthians 10:31   So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The legendary Scottish athlete and missionary, Eric Liddell (on whom the movie ‘Chariots of Fire’ is based) was once asked about how he mixed his faith with his sprinting. He cheerfully replied, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” It was a wonderful way to express his love of God and to give Him the glory for Eric’s athletic gifts. Whether he preached, served, or ran, Eric’s life was lived to the glory of God and he has been a great example of witness and encouragement to Christian athletes everywhere for almost 100 years.

We all lead different lives, come from different backgrounds, and end up in different careers. We are each uniquely created by God for a purpose that no one else can fulfill. What we do with our lives is important to the overall work of God’s salvation in the world. How we witness to Him in our homes, schools, and workplaces can either encourage or deter people from drawing closer to Christ.

Wherever you go today, whatever you do, and whoever you meet, try to be an encouraging witness for God. Whatever you accomplish or fulfill, give God the credit for allowing you the skills, gifts, and time to achieve your goals. In everything, give glory to God. In all that you are, glorify Him today.

Questions for personal reflection

What goals do I hope to accomplish this week? How can I give God the credit for what I do?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us into service for Your Kingdom here on Earth. May the gifts and talents, knowledge and skills that we possess be used to help others, promote Your ministry, and give glory to God. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a question or make a comment on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one that John drew for this year’s World Communion Sunday on October 6^th. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/10084865584_cd09b3d8eb_b.jpg

Church devotion: Sexless Marriages - 1 Corinthians 7:5

1 Corinthians 7:5       Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

I’ll say this for Paul: he’s not afraid to discuss really intimate questions when it comes to Christians and sex. He’s no Dr. Ruth, but he does take time to address marital issues that still affect couples today. In this passage, 1 Corinthians 7:1-7, he’s describing the spiritual benefits to a celibate partnership, or what’s commonly known as a ‘sexless marriage’ today. About 20% of married couples live like this, especially as they grow older together. Intimacy evolves into a unique companionship, where love is expressed in terms of friendship and care. Sex is no longer important and is gradually replaced with faithful support. To be cherished and respected, cared for and understood are what most long term partners seek from one another.

This is not easy to achieve, but with time and patience it can be accomplished. Most marriages go through rough patches and rocky times, but if two people are willing to trust one another, to forgive their failures, and even let go of past mistakes, the blessings of a long term relationship can be realized. And even though Paul may have had his own personal philosophy about Christian people remaining unmarried in order to fully serve the Lord, he also must have encountered Christian couples whose years of forgiveness and devotion to one another were a great gift from God and a blessing to the faith community.

Questions for personal reflection

What is Christian marriage? What can churches do to support married people?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You call all of us to be Your servants, whether we are single, married, divorced, or widowed. Bless our relationships with other people and if we become partnered to another person, let Your love be known in our faithfulness and forgiveness to one another. 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 traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Psalm Project drawings. It features a verse from Psalm 45 which is also known as the Wedding Psalm. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3585/3337212336_69281c9a8d_b.jpg

Church devotions: Church and Sex - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1 Corinthians 6:18     Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

This is a tough passage. What the apostle Paul would call sexual immorality and what we interpret it as being today are miles apart. In his day, sexual immorality could involve anything outside of marital sexuality. These days, mutual consensual sexuality, even among non-married folks, is not widely considered to be immoral.

This dilemma is not only affecting the church, it’s also shaping our society. Less people are getting married and there are more single mothers in our communities. What this shows me is that the men get to play the field, whereas the women are stuck with the consequences. In places like Africa, this also has fatal penalties where children are born with HIV. Sexual liberty may be what a free society wants, but in the end innocents suffer from boundless degeneracy.

Perhaps the Church has to refocus its attention on the values of long-term commitment that couples can share with one another. It’s not an easy path to take, but it does have a lot of benefits and blessings for the whole of society. Maybe we should emphasize Paul’s statements about our bodies belonging to God, not as a means of puritanically maintaining sexual morality, but as a positive way of maintaining long term partnerships. Everyone deserves to be loved, and if that love is sustained over a lifetime, it will become more meaningful and more effective in our communities and across society.

Questions for personal reflection

How would I define sexual immorality? How different is my definition from Paul’s?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we pray for the blessings of long term relationships in our communities. We ask that You bless those who have maintained their love across many years. Help them to encourage and inspire our younger generations to seek those same blessings in their own partnerships and lives. 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 or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is a photograph of the latest edition of the Ministry and Liturgy magazine which is published by the Roman Catholic Church across America. The front cover has one of John’s Christmas drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/9898277415_7a0441075b_b.jpg

Church devotion: Problems with Paul - 1 Corinthians 5:3

1 Corinthians 5:3       Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.

            The apostle Paul didn't pull any of his punches, nor did he mince his words. He spoke directly and firmly, as well as candidly and clearly, which must have made him an awesome preacher in his day. Even now, when we all read his uncompromising words in 1 Corinthians 5, we flinch at his tone. In a sexually liberated society, we all have trouble dealing with his unyielding judgment.

            Does this mean that Paul was wrong to write about sexual immorality? Are his words meant for an ancient time and therefore have no place in our present cultured Christianity? Do we find him offensive because his words reek of archaic authoritarianism and joyless judgmentalism, or are we pushing back because there’s a strong element of truth to his point?

            Traditional Christians are constantly being ridiculed and attacked for trying to maintain nineteenth century standards in a twenty-first century world. They are being pressured to capitulate, so that the whole Church can present itself to the current culture as being worthy of popular ideals. During the last part of the twentieth century, the Church went to war with itself over sexuality and marriage issues. The first two decades of this new century seem doomed to be wrecked with the same conflicts.

            In my darkest moments, I cannot see an end to this cultural civil war and as the Church rips itself apart, the world begins to fall apart. Our ministries become stagnant and our missions are harder to maintain. People become devoted to personal causes instead of the person of Christ. Jesus becomes just another religious teacher instead of the Redeemer Savior of the world.

            And then I remind myself that the Church is the Bride of Christ, so He will not let it be diminished or blemished, anguished or finished. He continues His ministry and mission both in the Church and across the world. His promises are still being fulfilled and His words still bring people to God. His work never ends and His Kingdom will last forever. All we have to do is to continue to follow Him faithfully, even though we are all sinners and imperfect. His Way, His Truth, and His Life will always endure…and in the end, that is all that is important.

Questions for personal reflection

What is Christ doing in my community today? Is the Church there with Him?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we are all struggling as Christians in a world that is constantly changing. We continually clash with one another and go to war over words, works, and ways. Forgive us and help us to be restored to one another so that we can effectively help to heal this broken world. 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 ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com. He may not answer all emails quickly, but he does read every one of them.

Today’s image is my latest Bible card drawing. It’s taken from Psalm 113v3.

Join Amazon Prime - Watch Over 40,000 Movies

9/11 devotion - Always Remember - Psalm 30:2

Psalm 30:2                  O LORD, my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me.

I always find 9/11 difficult. I grieve the world that we once knew, and tragically lost on that day of infamy. All of our lives have changed and nothing is as it was before. 9/11 altered everything and no matter how many times people or politicians say that we need to carry on just as we once did, we cannot ever go back to a pre-9/11 existence.

I usually start this day quietly and think about the past. At some point I go to visit the graveyard next to my daughters’ High School. Some wonderful church friends are buried there, including one who died on 9/11.

It was nice and quiet this morning as I walked on the dew covered grass next to the gravestones. I thanked God for the people I had known whose names are carved on the headstones. It was both a very realistic and surrealistic moment in time, where reality and eternity meshed together. I came away smiling because of the fond memories that I inwardly recollected. And I reminded myself, yet again, to bring some flowers next year.

They say that time heals, but really what they mean is that eventually some experiences from the past grow distant like waves retreating from the shore. Despite this, I know that I shall see those dear friends again in His Garden. My soul is at peace with that wonderful thought.

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, on this fateful day, draw to near to us who remember the world as it once was. Walk with us as we go down hallowed and fearful paths. Heal our memories and grant peace to our weary souls. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and quietly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s 9-11 drawing for this year. It’s called “Always Remember.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9725769218_18af60e748_b.jpg

Church devotion: Sharing Good News - Romans 15:23-24

Romans 15:23-24       But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.

It was always Paul’s intention to take the Gospel from one end of the Mediterranean to the other, from the shores of Palestine to the Rock of Gibraltar. He had a vision of preaching to almost the whole Roman Empire, which would have been a mammoth task to undertake. However, despite having such a grand scale vision, his efforts to reach Spain would be halted by his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent fatal trial at Rome. He would never fulfill his ambition, but his work would carry on to all sides of the Mediterranean and beyond through those who heard his message and read his letters.

When I first became a pastor in Scotland, all I wanted to do was serve a parish and help all sorts of people come to Christ. I never dreamed of coming to the States to be part of a different kind of ministry, which has now given me the ability to communicate to Christians around the globe. Folks in the church at Erin, Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as others in Scotland and across the world, get to read these devotional messages. With the use of email, Facebook and even Twitter, I can reach out to others from Christ all over the world at any time. It’s humbling to realize this and when I read the list of countries and cities where people read my devotionals, it really is staggering.

It makes me wonder how much Paul would have used modern technology to reach people for Christ all over the Earth. He endured hardships and suffering, beatings and imprisonment for the spreading of the Gospel. He would have loved this new technology and would have put it to wonderful use in order to share Christ’s message across the nations.

Thank you for reading these devotions and for sometimes sharing them with your family and friends. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read the scriptures, my thoughts, and the devotional prayer. May God bless you on your journey of faith this day and may He continue to grant you visions for bigger and better things for your life, your church, and Christ’s ministry.

Questions for personal reflection

How can I use the technology I own to spread the Gospel? Who can I share Christ’s message with today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the spreading of the Gospel throughout the world and for the many new ways we can share Your words with others today. Grant us opportunities to share our beliefs at the right time, with the right words, and to those who need it most. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Window Lamp.” It features an old kerosene lamp lit in a window at dusk. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9622394834_c41fc6f281_b.jpg

Church staff devotion: Grace - Home and Abroad - Romans 11:5-6

Romans 11:5-6           So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

            Yesterday, we celebrated Rally Day in our wee church. It’s a special Sunday because it officially kicks off the new Church year with regard to discipleship. A lot of good people put in a lot of time and work to make the whole venture successful. Breakfast and buttons, classrooms and coffees were all prepared for this annual occasion.

            God is so gracious to us! Many families and members turned out, not just to enjoy breakfast, but to also get actively involved in discipleship. It was wonderful see people of all ages make an initial commitment of their time to learn more about God, to share their spiritual experiences, and to make strong connections with their peers. At Erin, we all want to grow in hope, faith, and love. God has graciously made all of this possible, so we are truly thankful to Him for allowing us such a blessing.

            Grace is a wonderful gift in any church, congregation, or community. Later on, during the worship service, we were reminded of the hostility and violence that our Egyptian brothers and sisters are currently experiencing. Their churches are being burned and their Christian faith is being severely challenged. Compared to what they are presently enduring, we are so blessed with peace, fellowship, and love. The challenge that we now have today is this: how can we prayerfully support and care for the Coptic Christians in Egypt? What can we do, in the midst of our blessings, to ease their distress and rebuild their faith communities?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us to remain committed to growing more in faith, so that we can support those whose faith is being attacked. Keep us focused on strengthening our congregation and churches, so that we may support, send aid, and stand with other Christians around the world who are facing real persecution in their lives. 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 or ask a question about today’s devotion, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is from one of my collectible card drawings called “Cat’s Eye Moon.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/9420111961_5c2249a355_b.jpg