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