Church Meeting Devotions

Lenten devotions: Always Around - Matthew 26:11

2012-02-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Matthew 26:11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.

Years ago, when I first became a Christian, I attended a Youth Fellowship program at a church where most of my friends worshipped. It was at the other side of town which meant that I had to get two buses to travel there.

Most of the young people there belonged to the same mid-week evangelical Gospel club that I attended in the heart of Glasgow. There were a few who didn’t and they remained skeptical about giving your life to Jesus. One young guy always used today’s verse as his spiritual barrier from accepting Christ as his Savior. He argued that Jesus was being insensitive and uncaring when He stated that the poor would always be around.

“Instead of just healing the sick,” he often argued, “why couldn’t Jesus get rid of poverty? Helping the poor would have made Him my Savior in my life.”

It was hard to argue against that statement. We really didn’t know then that the Church is truly engaged in the world trying to alleviate poverty every day. We also didn’t understand what Jesus was really saying: ‘help the poor as much as you can because they’ll always be there, but also make and take time to honor me.’

I think Mother Theresa of Calcutta said it best when she talked about helping the poor and serving Christ. “Do something beautiful for God,” she often declared when she addressed church conferences in other countries. In other words, we can help the poor as much as we are able and feel good about ourselves, but when we do it for Christ, we have the added bonus of pleasing God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, each week You present us with opportunities to help people in need and to serve You. Enable us to do both of these together, as ministry and mission, as well as outreach and worship. 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 image is one of John’s latest Psalm drawings. It depicts Psalm 115 and features the verse where God is described as the Maker of Heaven and Earth. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6855709255_a7d20b81df_b.jpg

Lenten Devotions: God's Smiley Face - Isaiah 49:13

2012-02-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 49:13 Shout for joy, O Heavens; rejoice O Earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Like most people, sometimes all that I need are a few kind words and a smile to get me through the day. A little kindness, mixed in with some encouragement, goes a long way. In the busy-ness of our own activities and careers, it’s nice to be applauded and appreciated once in a while.

Sometimes when I’m writing emails, I put one of those smiley faces at the end of what I’ve written. Emails are great, but they often don’t communicate gratitude and grace very well. A little yellow smiley face or even the typed equivalent J helps the recipient to understand that you are pleased with what they are doing and encouraged by what they have written.

I like today’s verse from Isaiah because seeks to bless His people with comfort and compassion. They have endured a lot of suffering through the years of exile in Babylon. Their faith has been stretched to its limit and their beliefs have been battered and bruised. God wants them to know that in the midst of their struggles, He is still with them.

Perhaps today you need a kind word and a smile from God. Through the grace that Jesus Christ brought into the world, we are given God’s comfort and compassion. Come to Him today with your worries and woes, your problems and pressures. His promises will help you; His love will sustain you…. J

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the instrument of God’s blessing to the world and the channel of His cherished love. Grant us comfort in the midst of all that unsettles us, and compassion in all that worries us. 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 image is my latest chess drawing called “Indian King,” featuring Indian designed chess pieces. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6854840939_1a83f370e8_b.jpg

Church devotions: Peace Like a River - Isaiah 48:18

2012-02-13T11:50:00.001-08:00

Isaiah 48:18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

I love singing the old spirituals that the African slaves once composed. In spite of the suffering, inhumanity, and injustice that they experienced, they had a deeper faith in God than most of the people of their times. They knew what it felt to be humiliated and oppressed, harshly treated and cruelly kept. Despite those terrible and terrifying experiences, they held on to a truer relationship with God that many of us today will never know.

Today’s verse reminded me of the spiritual “I’ve Got Peace like a River.” It’s a simple song which expresses a simple steadfast faith in God. Both the song and the Bible verse were written during times of oppression for both the Jewish people in Babylon and the African slaves in America. They depict an absolute trust and complete assurance in God to rescue and deliver both communities. In both circumstances, freedom comes through an inner faith which cannot be destroyed by the whip or wickedness. God’s people are liberated by His enduring love. Both races are rescued by their Redeemer.

Sometimes I wonder if our faith would be able to survive similar circumstances. We are blessed with many freedoms, wonderful opportunities, and great advantages compared to those two historical communities. Is our faith real or only convenient? Could we endure persecution and pain, injustice and calamity?

I hope that we will never be tried or troubled in those ways, but I also fervently hope that if ever we do, we will dearly hold on to God and find that inward pervasive peace that does indeed flow like a river.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have been greatly blessed by God throughout our days. Our faith is rarely tested and our beliefs are hardly ever beleaguered by injustice or inhumanity. We are fortunate to live in a place and at a time when we feel safe and secure. Help us to use these blessings to support other people in need, as well as other Christians in distress. 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 a question about today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest winter drawings. It’s called “Amid the Winter Snow” and features the Cades Cove Church, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, covered under a blanket of snow and glistening in the light of a winter moon. If you would like to see a larger version of this drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6828228349_28319f48f3_b.jpg

Lent Devotions: Lent Devotions e-book Kindle Your Spirit

2012-02-08T05:19:00.000-08:00

A lot of Christians use devotional material to help prepare their hearts and minds for Easter during Lent. This year, I've written a new 40 day devotional e-book to help them through the sacred season.

Anyone who uses a Kindle will be able to download the e-book in seconds. PC people, Android users, and even Mac owners can download the free Kindle app from Amazon.com and then download the book too!

The e-book is full of personal reflections, challenging meditations, and scriptural devotions. Each day also contains one of my art images. Each devotion can be read within 5 minutes. The cost is only $1.99. Most devotional books cost around $9.99 these days.

Click on the box below and enjoy a sample of what the book has to offer...:)

Church Staff devotions: Down to The Wire - Isaiah 46:4

2012-02-06T11:20:00.001-08:00

Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

It was one of the best Super Bowls that I have ever seen in my life. The game could have gone to either team. The New York Giants and the New England Patriots played fiercely against each other until the very last second. It was a nail biting finish and I enjoyed every second of it. If those two teams played every Sunday night for a year, I would continue to watch them because neither side gave in. American football was the grand winner last night and I can’t wait for next season to begin!

The tenacity that both teams displayed last night is a quality that God shows to His people time after time. He will always be there for His chosen people. He will always sustain and carry them. His covenant will never be broken by God. His faithfulness will endure to the end of Time.

As Christians, we have been given that blessing from God through Jesus Christ. He came to save the world by dying on the Cross. He kept faithful with God right down to the last breath of His life. He remained loyal to God’s plan even when God’s people were disloyal to Him.

Perhaps you are feeling vulnerable, weak, isolated or anxious. Maybe you’re going through a tough time, a family crisis, or some problems at work. It could be that you’ve been strong for too long and need to let God be God in your life. He has the strength to sustain you. He has the power to carry you. Just let God do what God does best.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we carry crosses of our own making and bear burdens that we have built. Remind us today of how much God loves us and how strong He can be for us. Enable us to lay down our burdens and allow ourselves to be carried by Your grace. 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 image is one of John’s latest winter drawings. It’s called “Northern Lights” and features the beautiful colors of the Aurora Borealis. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6773836733_67954361dc_b.jpg

John has also just published his fourth devotional e-book called “Kindle Your Faith.” It contains 40 daily devotions for the upcoming season of Lent, as well as 40 of his art images. You can view and sample a part of the book at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/7ooct66

Church Halftime devotions: I AM - Isaiah 45:5-6

2012-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 45:1-7 and Matthew 23:1-12

Isaiah 45:5-6 I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.

How clear does God have to be? What more does He have to say that will convince the world that He is God alone? How long will we go on thinking to ourselves that this does not matter?

The scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, are consistently clear about God’s exclusiveness. If we believe otherwise, then from where did we garner that belief? Certainly not the scriptures.

Maybe we have to seriously think about our world view and personal philosophies again. Maybe we’ve got it wrong and God, as always, has it right.

Prayer: Lord God, You are almighty, unique, and exceptional. There are no other gods. Give us the courage to surrender our hearts and minds in faith to You alone, instead of giving in to the ways of the world. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently 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 image is John’s latest winter drawing of the beautiful Northern Lights. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6773836733_67954361dc_b.jpg

Church Worship Devotions: Creating idols - Isaiah 44:17

2012-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 44:12-17 and Matthew 22:15-22

Isaiah 44:17 From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, "Save me; you are my god."

The absurdity of idolatry is clearly expressed in Isaiah 44. The image is of people working hard in their daily lives and using up all of their skills and energy to produce a metal idol or wooden god. They bow down and worship something that they have created with their own hands. They don’t seem to realize that it is still just a piece of metal or block of wood. The only power that the hand-made idol has is that which is superstitiously conferred upon it by the maker.

Today, we make idols of our gadgets and apps, cell phones and computers. We find it difficult to go through each morning, afternoon, or evening without checking our email, updating our statuses, or texting our friends. We use up more of our energy and time with our digital idols without giving a serious thought as to what this is doing to us emotionally, psychologically, or spiritually. Our hearts and minds are becoming jammed full of trivial messages and our long term memory skills are being hampered. We are all suffering from digital dementia, a forgetting of what’s really important and a diminishing of who we are actually meant to be in God’s eyes.

We laugh at the absurdity of the ancient peoples, who bowed down and worshipped metal and wooden idols, but is the laugh actually upon ourselves? Have we let our progressive gadgets become personal gods and the latest instruments turn into our own lavish idols?

I guess that the challenging questions that we need to ask ourselves are these: how many days in the week can I go without reading or studying God’s Word? How many hours in the day can I go without reading emails or checking my texts?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, some days we live our lives apart from You and end up taking Your grace for granted. We get so obsessed with our communications that we forget about what You are constantly trying to say to us. Forgive us for being distracted; pardon us for making idols out of our cell phones, computers, and stuff. Help us to get back on the path of discipleship that You have planned for each of 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, please send him an email (but only after you have fully read, pondered, and studied today’s scriptures) to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest winter drawing. It’s called “Snow Barn” and features an iconic red barn covered in a blanket of snow. If you want to view a larger version, then please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6758069389_d5908acd89_b.jpg

Halftime devotions: Divine Forgetfulness - Isaiah 43:25

2012-01-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

I honestly could not live with myself if I could not go to Christ each day in prayer and ask for the forgiveness of my mistakes and the absolute pardon of my selfish sins. I may be a pastor, but I am also only human, so I will never be perfect in any shape or form. As the legendary coach of the Packers, Vince Lombardi, once said, “ Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

We cannot be perfect, but we can strive to be better people each day. We can learn a lot more about God. We can work on our weaknesses and build upon our strengths. We can seek God’s blessing, Christ’s forgiveness, and the Spirit’s guidance every day. We can know that we are growing in faith by trying to live as effective and devoted servants of Christ in our congregations, communities, and countries.

God is able to blot out our past mistakes and to presently bless us with His love. And when God forgives us through Christ Jesus, His Holy Son, He promises not to remember, recall, or be reminded of our sins anymore. When God forgives, He forgets our offenses. When He pardons us, He allows us to move on.

Perhaps you have been carrying a major regret from the past for a long time. Maybe you haven’t managed to forgive yourself for a sinful stupid mistake that still haunts you today. It could be that you’ve not known any real peace of mind or heart over an event or deed that you committed recently or long ago. Know this: help is available now and peace can be experienced. Tell Christ what’s truly on your heart and ask Him for mercy. Your prayers will be answered and your sin will be fully forgiven. Just make the time and take this opportunity to make amends with God and be restored to His love today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and we know that there are no secrets that we can ever hide from You. Pride and fear sometimes keep us from asking for forgiveness. Denial and delusion sometimes cause us to bear our burdens longer than we need. Today, we come to You as sinners in need of salvation, as failures in need of forgiveness. Hear our prayers given humbly and in the power of Your Holy Name. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest free clip art image for school teachers. It’s called “Teacher’s Welcome.” If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6746680641_4b4da99685_b.jpg

Church halftime devotions: Coffee House Christians

2012-01-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 43:1-7 and Matthew 21:23-27

Matthew 21:23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?"

I went to my usual coffee shop last Sunday morning before church. My wife Evelyn and I get up early to go there, meet a few acquaintances, and quietly prepare ourselves for the busy-ness of Sunday school and worship. We’ve been doing it for a while and it helps us to relax before we get to the church building.

Last Sunday, however, part of our coffee ritual was disturbed because one of the coffee house regulars handed me a sheet with his personal belief statement on it. He knows that I am a pastor, so he felt it was important for him to let me know why he doesn’t go to church. At the top of his statement are these words: ‘Jesus did not intend and never wanted to be worshipped; He wanted to be followed.’

What followed on from that bold statement was a justification of not going to worship or of being a part of church. It was the usual anti-religious argument that I have often heard time and time again on both sides of the Atlantic. Inwardly, my initial reaction is usually ‘if you feel that way about church worship, then why do you feel so guilty about staying away from it?’ Outwardly, I told my coffee house friend that I would read his remarks and write him a reply. I hope to have that ready for next Sunday morning.

My main response will be something like this: Jesus may not have wished to be worshipped, but on the Sabbath, He was always found to be at the local synagogue or Temple worshipping, glorifying, and honoring God. If weekly worship was good enough for Jesus, then why isn’t it good enough for us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we worship You because You have saved us and restored us to God forever. We glorify You because You conquered sin and vanquished the power of death. We will always praise Your Holy Name, each day on Earth and throughout eternity. In You, we live, serve, and pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing called “Spirit of Pentecost.” It’s an artistic depiction of the Holy Spirit descending to Earth on the First Christian Pentecost. You can view a larger version at the following link:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6745762427_c178bbf176_b.jpg

Church Staff devotions: Chosen Servant - Isaiah 42:1

2012-01-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 21:1-11

Isaiah 42:1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him and He will bring justice to the nations.”

Last night, at our church’s midweek Bible study, we began using some of the material that has been produced by the World Council of Churches for this year’s Christian Unity week. Much of the material has been written by Polish Christians and their theme for this year is ‘Change through Victory.’

Polish Christians have endured a lot of hardship over the last three centuries. Their land has been invaded and taken over many times by their enemies. Through all of the pain and suffering, powerlessness and oppression that the Poles experienced, the Church has still managed to keep faith alive in the hearts and minds of many Polish people.

The initial focus for the study begins with a look at Christ’s role as Servant. Time and time again in the Gospels, Jesus remarks that He came to serve God in the world and not to be served. In fact, today’s prophecy from Isaiah 42 was fulfilled by Christ centuries after it was written. Jesus was, is, and always shall be God’s Chosen Servant, in whom God delights and through whom justice will at last be brought to the nations of the world.

The Polish writers of the study see the role of the Church as being the Chosen Servant of Christ and that all of our programs and ministries, congregations and missions are meant to be the serving vehicles of Christ’s presence in the world. One day, we will gather together in Heaven as one complete body devoid of denominations and divisions, whose only identity will be that of everlasting servants of Christ.

Question for reflection (taken from the study): In our community, what can Christians of different traditions do better together than in isolation to reveal the Servant Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You served God completely by perfectly living Your Life, and by obediently sacrificing Yourself for our sins. We can never repay the debt that we owe, but we can rejoice in You by serving You both in this world and in the life yet to come. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully 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.

You can also read this year’s Christian unity material here.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing called ‘Celtic Spring.’ It’s a stained glass design for a modern Celtic Cross featuring all the colors of a Scottish Spring. Signed limited edition prints are available. You can also view a larger version of the drawing at the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6717914679_f9d8753e34_b.jpg

Church Meeting devotions: A Believer's Catechism - Matthew 20:28

2012-01-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 41:17-24 and Matthew 20:20-28

Matthew 20:28 “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Why did Jesus die? To save us from our sins.

Why do we need to be saved? Because God is holy and perfect and cannot abide sin; our sins separate us from God, so if we die in sin, we will be separated from Him forever.

Why can’t we save ourselves? Because we are not perfect or holy. We are human and sinful, selfish and proud, greedy and faithless, self-centered and conceited. Our sins are many and our good deeds are too few to purchase salvation.

What did Jesus mean when He said that He came to give His life as a ransom for many? Jesus was telling His followers that only He could pay the full price for our salvation. Without His perfect and supreme sacrifice, the ransom that God demanded would never be paid.

What did Jesus mean by ‘many?’ Not everyone will be saved. There will still be those who will choose to die in sin. There will still be those who choose to reject Jesus. There will still be those who will not repent of their sins, so they will never be restored to God. Jesus died for all, but not all will be saved.

How can I be saved? Completely believe in Jesus and fully accept His words. Sincerely repent of your sins and seek His forgiveness. Respect Him as Your Savior and serve Him as Your King. Then you will know the joy and experience the blessing of being eternally saved by Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we come to you as sinners needing to be saved, as followers seeking forgiveness, and as servants searching for Your blessing. Forgive us of the past. Reclaim us at this present time. Restore us eternally 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 comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of my Good Friday drawings from last year. It’s called “Death by Dali” and is my crayon version of Salvador Dali’s ‘Christ of St. John of the Cross.’ The original painting hangs in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery of my hometown Glasgow, Scotland. If you would like to see a larger version of my drawing, click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5061/5630260156_4cd6a2e7b5_b.jpg

If you would like to view an image of Dali’s original painting, please click this link: http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/museums/FullSizeMuseumPhotos/ac_id/87/image_id/361/imageno/1

Opening Devotions: Knowing - Isaiah 40:14

2012-01-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 40:12-17 and Matthew 19:13-15

Isaiah 40:14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the right way? Who was it that taught Him knowledge or showed Him the path of understanding?

I have a simple mantra for my life: God knows what He is doing. As far as I can remember, even in my bleakest of moments, God has always been in control. I’ve suffered from addiction and heartaches; I’ve experienced the death of loved ones and tragedies; I’ve known what it’s like to be hungry and poor, cast aside and ignored. And yet through all of that, God has always known what is best for me.

My approach to the Bible is just as simple: God knows what He has accomplished. And if God says that Jesus is His beloved Son, I simply believe it. And if Jesus says that God can only be known through Him, I simply accept it. God knows everything, so therefore when God sent His Son into the world to die for us, God knew that this was the best possible way to restore us to Him forever.

I don’t question God. I don’t question Jesus. I simply believe and totally accept all that God did through Christ. If someone were to ask me, “How can I live forever”, I will simply say, “Believe in Jesus Christ.” If I am asked, “Is there life after death”, I will say, “Of course, through Jesus alone.” And if someone were inquire, “Is Jesus the only way to salvation”, I would have to answer, “Yes, because God knew what needed to be done and Jesus was the only person who ever accomplished it completely.”

God knows everything; the question we have to ask ourselves is this: are we willing to trust Him and simply accept what He did through Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of our souls because You alone completed all that God expected You to do on Earth. You fulfilled the mission that God knew was necessary to restore humanity forever. We praise You for being our Advocate, our Redeemer, and King. 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 image is John’s latest Psalm drawing for children. It’s from Psalm 112 and you can view a larger version at the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6651134643_e5a34e5fe7_b.jpg

Superbowl Halftime Devotion: Glorious Things - Isaiah 40:6

2012-01-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are: Isaiah 40:6-11 and Matthew 19:1-12

Isaiah 40:6 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.”

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon and evening watching the NFL playoffs. I usually don’t get to see much football in the year, but when the playoffs take place, I try to clear my calendar to watch the games. I like the playoffs because there is a sense of urgency during the games and any one mistake or unexpected play can quickly lead to an intense battle between the teams. Competition is fierce and the level of skill required to win is top notch. Luck sometimes plays a role in the outcome, but usually a team wins because of their focus, commitment, and strength on the field of play.

As I watched the games yesterday, I tried to remember who won last year’s Superbowl. I couldn’t recall the teams involved, so I had to look it up on the internet. It made me realize that Superbowl victory and glory is just a thing of the past. It may be a remarkable achievement when it occurs, but eventually it just becomes another game and set of numbers that will largely be forgotten by the majority of sports fans.

Isaiah’s message reminds us of the same transience of humanity. We may live long and accomplish a lot, but eventually our achievements, glory, and lives will fade away into eternity. We are all like the flowers of the field which blossom for a season and then are gone. Even Jesus picked up on this message when He spoke to His own people six hundred years later: “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:27-28)

Jesus was telling His people and us, not to get anxious or focused on worldly things. God provides for our lives and through Jesus, He has also provided for our eternal salvation. We may just be like the flowers of the field on Earth, but we are also the everlasting heirs of God’s Kingdom in Heaven. Jesus has achieved that victory on the Cross at Calvary. His supreme sacrifice will never fade away or be discarded to the history books. His glory is unending and His accomplishment will be praised for evermore.

Question for reflection: What glorious things has Christ accomplished for me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of Humanity, the King of the World, and the Lord of all Creation. You have accomplished the everlasting salvation of our souls through Your perfect life and complete obedience to God. We will praise you forever and serve You cheerfully throughout all of Eternity. 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 image is John’s latest digital glass design for a church window. It’s called “Spirit of Peace.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6648678701_338eba88b2_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Fifteen Years of Grace - Isaiah 38:5

2012-01-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 38:1-8 and Matthew 18:1-9

Isaiah 38:5 “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’”

Last week, I wrote that Hezekiah was my favorite king in the Old Testament. This second incident from his life, which is recorded in the Bible, let’s you know why I like him. Hezekiah was given bad news from the prophet Isaiah about his impending death and so he did what his people had done for generations – he lay down and turned his head to the wall, surrendering himself to Death.

But Hezekiah was only human, so he also tearfully prayed to God for help, in the hope that things would be changed. It’s the same type of moving moment that Charles Dickens would use with his famous fictional character Ebenezer Scrooge. God sees Hezekiah’s humility and is moved by his tears. Events are changed and grace is given. In fact, Hezekiah is granted fifteen more additional years to his life and God confirms this with a miraculous sign involving the Sun and shadows.

One day in Heaven, I hope to walk with Hezekiah and ask him about that miraculous day. I want to hear how he felt and then give glory to God for such amazing grace. In my lifetime, I have seen similar events with people who are cancer survivors or heart surgery patients. They have a better understanding of what life is about and usually have a greater appreciation for the extension of their own lives. It’s a wonderful gift given by God through the skills and knowledge of surgeons, doctors, and nurses.

This week, we have each been given another year. We do not know what lies ahead of us but we all hope to experience God’s grace during it. If we place our lives into His hands at the beginning of this New Year, we will know one thing by the end of it: He is always in control.

Question for reflection: What parts of my life do I truly have to give over to God and wait for His grace?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, at the beginning of this New Year, we have many hopes and dreams, issues and concerns. Grant us the courage and humility to hand them over to You. Help us to put You at the center of our lives, so that we may follow and serve You all the days of this year. 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 image is John’s latest winter drawing. It’s called “Snowmobile” and features a classic car in the snow under a winter moon. If you would like to view a larger version of this drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6609941245_ec24cdb7a3_b.jpg

Church Meeting Devotions: Blind Teachers - Matthew 15:14

2011-12-22T05:40:00.000-08:00

Matthew 15:14 “Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

I take my role as teaching elder very seriously. We’re living in an age where people make up their own ideas, live their own ways, and expect Jesus to rubber stamp their principles, opinions, and choices. As soon as anyone questions that, they turn off listening and turn away. Their reaction is nothing new and Jesus had to deal with it all of the time. No matter who or what opposed Him, He just obediently stayed the course and fulfilled all that God wanted of Him.

Yesterday, I was reading a pile of tripe that someone had made up in order to justify his lifestyle. Jesus was misquoted a number of times and the ideas that were expressed couldn’t be found in the Bible anywhere. In the comments section, screeds of folk were applauding the writer and, at the same time, heavily criticizing those who held traditional Christian beliefs. This morning, when I read today’s Gospel passage (Matthew 15:12-20) I couldn’t help thinking that people are being led astray by blind, populist teachers. How many will end up in the ditch of damnation who knows, but perhaps some will truly return to what Christ actually said, taught, and lived instead of what people re-imagine Him to have said.

It’s not popular, but I intend to stay the true course. I’ll be criticized as being narrow-minded, self-righteously stubborn, and theologically obstinate. Some will even accuse me of saying that I’m always right and everyone else is so completely wrong, but that’s not what I’m writing even here.

Christ is always right and His teaching is absolutely true. I take my role as teaching elder seriously. If I don’t teach what He truly said, then I’m being deliberately, rebelliously, and sinfully wrong.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our eyes to Your Truth and keep us from being blinded by the world. Remind us that our faith has never been popular and that Your ways are constantly being discredited by blind teachers, wrong interpretations, and anti-Christian beliefs. This Christmas, allow us the time to truly reflect upon our own ideas and opinions. Sift out the ones that are wrong and strengthen those that glorify 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 comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing. It’s called “Trotting Along.” If you would like to view a larger version, then please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6551826543_f243250798_b.jpg

All of John’s drawings can be found on his art website at www.stushieart.com.

Opening Devotions: Yeasterday - Matthew 13:33

2011-12-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Matthew 13:33 Jesus told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

One of my earliest memories from childhood is of the terrible smell of whisky yeast that came from the distilleries next to my neighborhood. It was absolutely awful and some days it made me feel sick. The stench was so strong that I can still remember the smell fifty years later. These days, distilleries would not be allowed to pollute the surrounding environment, but way back in the early 1960s there were no government controls. Generations of Glaswegians learned to live around the pollution and put up with what we called ‘the pong.’ We didn’t know any better or that life could be better lived. Thankfully, the environment has been cleaned up and future generations of my city folk will not have to endure such a bane in their everyday life.

Yeast is pervasive, whether it is used for making bread or a whisky mash. It expands throughout the substance it enters until all the flour for bread or barley for whisky is affected. It’s an amazing biological process which causes bread to rise and whisky to mature. Without the yeast, proper bread or real whisky could not be produced. It is the main catalyst which is required to produce the final desired result.

Jesus said that the Kingdom of God was meant to be like yeast; it is essential to the spiritual growth of humanity and the expansion of the Church. Without the kingdom of God at the heart of our spirits, we could never aspire towards Heaven. Without Christ’s Kingdom at the center of our faith, Christianity could never have hoped to be globally influential across the centuries. Christ’s Kingdom is the catalyst that is required to produce God’s final desired results – that of sinners saved by grace and billions of people restored to His everlasting favor.

So today, let us give thanks that Christ is at the heart of our faith and also our spirits. His Kingdom begins within each of us and expands out into the world through the faith that we share, the deeds that we do, and the lives that we live.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, be the spiritual yeast within us that we yearn for in the world. Expand Your Ministry and Mission through each one of us. Help us to grow in faith and to increase the good deeds that we can complete, in order to bring honor and glory to God. In Your Holy Name, we live and 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 image is John’s latest Psalm drawing. It’s a simple child-like depiction of a verse from Psalm 111. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6464037881_34db33968d_b.jpg

Church Devotions: White Noise - Matthew 13:9

2011-12-08T08:58:00.001-08:00

Matthew 13:9 “He who has ears, let him hear.”

Have you ever heard of the term “white noise?” It’s used by broadcasters to blank out unwanted sounds on radio, television, and satellite programs. On its own, it sounds like a lot of static, but when it’s applied to a recording, the white noise gets rid of irritating sounds and unwanted frequencies.

We use “white noise” when we want to block out other sounds too. If workers are drilling in the street outside our homes or offices, we may increase the volume of our televisions or radios to cancel out the drilling noise. Or if we’re in a building where we can hear people talking in the next room, we might put a fan on to cancel out the sound of their voices. That would be white noise too.

There’s a lot of white noise in the world and in people’s hearts and spirits. The white noise that we’ve created with our lives has cancelled out Christ’s Voice. We make important choices without even consulting Him. We worship without even focusing on Him. We express our faith without even reading, knowing, or applying His Words. We’ve cancelled out Christ with all of the distractions in our lives. He still speaks His challenging words to us, but we’re either not hearing Him at all or we’ve distorted His words to suit our own ideas, opinions, and culture.

We’re afraid to listen to Christ’s Truth because He will radically change our ideas.

We’re afraid to follow His Way because we want to keep things going our way.

We’re reluctant to accept His Life because our lives will no longer be our own.

So instead of listening to Christ or hearing the Gospel, we create white noise to block out His irritating words and uncompromising demands. We want Jesus to be meek and mild – meek enough to mold Him our way and mild enough not to meddle in our lives.

The challenge that we face today and everyday is this: how can we block out the world’s white noise and really listen to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have failed to follow You completely. We are guilty of setting You aside and blocking You from tampering in our lives and changing our ways. We want You to go along with us and listen to everything we have to say. We forget that You are the Lord and we are only Your servants. Help us to refocus our hearts and minds so that we will actually listen to You. In Your Holy Name, we urgently 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 image is one of John’s latest 2011 Nativity drawings called
“Light of the World.” It features a silhouetted Joseph and Mary walking in the outskirts of Bethlehem beneath the Natal Star. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6469850593_46b13aa547_b.jpg

Advent Clip art: Free advent art

2011-11-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

Here are four clip images that I've drawn for Advent Bulletins

You can also find all four in larger versions at the following facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150368100662109.346523.525292108&type=1&l=babd9171df

Church meeting devotions: Make a Difference - Matthew 9:35-38

2011-11-21T08:03:00.001-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are: Isaiah 24:7-13 and Matthew 9:35-38

Matthew 9:38 (Jesus said) “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Some people in your life are waiting to be invited to church this Christmas. They want to come and sing Christmas carols; they want to hear the timeless story of Christ’s birth; they want to be forgiven for their past mistakes. They want to reconnect with God and belong to a community of faith. They are afraid to do this on their own; they feel unworthy and unholy; they feel lost and isolated, vulnerable and broken.

They want to be loved by God again.

They just don’t know where to start, where to go, or what to do. They are waiting for a sign. They are seeking guidance. They need help. They don’t want Christmas to go by again and carry an empty heart and unfulfilled life from this year to the next. They want to come to church, but they are worried that they won’t be welcomed.

This is where you come in. God is calling you to invite them. He needs you to ask them to come to church this Christmas. He wants as many people as possible to be reconnected to His love and to experience the joy of Jesus in their hearts. God needs you to be the one to welcome those seekers to come to church. He wants you to give them a positive and clear invitation to come back to church. You are the worker that He needs to go into the harvest field to restore His blessing to someone who feels helpless, hapless, and hopeless.

Let God do what He does best. Let Him use you to bring others to church this Christmas – your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your neighbors. Everyone needs to be loved by God and given a new beginning. This year, this Advent, and this Christmas, be the one to bring someone closer to Christ and back to church.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few,” said Jesus. This Christmas, become one of the few!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our hearts and minds to the people in our circles who are seeking You in their lives. Grant us opportunities and possibilities to invite them to church this Christmas. Take away our fears, and enable us to give a positive and welcoming invite to all whom You would have us ask. 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 about today’s message, or ask a question, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s Christmas drawings called “Nativity Nap Time.” It’s being used by churches throughout the world to promote their Christmas Eve services, as well as part of a national non-profit organization’s annual donor campaign who are sending out 370,000 Christmas cards with the drawing across the United States this year. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4003/4159555940_eb5f7bb5c2_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Which is Easier? - Matthew 9:5

2011-11-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 22:9-16 and Matthew 9:1-8

Matthew 9:5 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?

Which is easier: to say, ‘I’m a Christian,’ or to actually be a Christian?

Wow! That second statement hits me right at the heart of my heart. I can say I’m a Christian all day long, but if I don’t practice what Christ preached, doesn’t that make me a hypocrite? It’s so easy to fool myself into thinking I’m a good person, doing good deeds, thinking positive thoughts and not doing anything bad, but is that just a delusion? Am I fooling myself, but not the people who know me best or the God who knows everything?

It would be very easy to point out other people who are not Christians. It would be less difficult to unlovingly label other people as outcast and strangers, hypocrites and heathens; but to honestly call myself a Christian? Is that my call to make or does Jesus do it for me?

Today has been a quiet day of self-reflection, meditation, and reconnecting with Christ. I seem to be at a spiritual crossroads where I must seriously ponder what God wants me to do with the rest of my days. I want to be totally committed to Christ, but that would involve a lot of challenges and changes. On the other hand, I want life to be easy as a church-going Christian teacher and preacher, but is that what faith is all about?

Over the years, I’ve watched Christian people of all ages fall into a religious routine that is soul-less, meaningless, and faithless. They don’t do it deliberately; it just happens day by day, week after week, year after year. They get so cozy with God and buddy with Christ that they believe everything that they say, do, or even think is okay with God and totally acceptable to Christ. That’s when it becomes easier to say, “I am a Christian,” rather than actually be one.

I don’t want to get comfy with Christ or cozy with God. I don’t want to just say “I’m a Christian,” I really want to live as one. I know it’s not going to be easy, or that the path ahead will be smooth, but I would rather walk in His ways for the rest of my days.

How about you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You did not promise that following You would be easy; in fact You told us to pick up our crosses and then follow You. Help all of us this day to make the right choices that please, honor, and glorify You alone. 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 a question about today’s message, please send John an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing. It’s called “Whale Play” and features a humpback whale surfacing on the sea. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6336468229_058c5a5e5d_b.jpg

Devotions for meetings: Go away, Jesus! - Matthew 8:34

2011-11-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 22:1-8 and Matthew 8:24-34

Matthew 8:34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

They were absolutely terrified of Jesus. He cast out demons and caused a stampede. He proved that He had the power of God within Him, as well as the divine authority that went with it, but instead of worshipping, glorifying, and welcoming Him into their community, the Gadarene people urged Him to leave their shores.

You would think that because Jesus was able to perform miracles and cure serious sicknesses, He would have been welcomed with open arms and publicly celebrated. Instead, the people hurried to find Him in order to tell Him to go away. They didn’t want the challenges and changes He would have brought to their community. They just wanted to be left in peace to resume their way of life.

That’s not an uncommon response to the Living Gospel of Christ. Even today, there are millions of people in our society who refuse to accept Jesus as the Lord of their Lives and King of their hearts. They like what Jesus taught about love, but they refuse to submit themselves to His authority. They do not want to give their hearts to Christ because they would have to surrender their choices, their ways, and their goals.

Christ can come into our lives and make things more meaningful, granting us a real purpose for the short time we each have on Earth. But Jesus can do nothing for us unless we are willing to welcome Him into our hearts and homes, our communities and churches. The Gospel is a life-changing message which turns our worlds upside down and our values inside out. We do not change Jesus to suit our needs; instead He changes us to bring glory to God through doing His will.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our lives should belong to God, but sometimes we have trouble in letting go of ourselves in order to allow You to change us completely. We are sometimes scared to surrender our spirits to Your ways and are too timid to apply our lives according to Your truth. Help us to get over our fears about faith, so that we may fully surrender our hearts and minds, bodies and souls to You alone. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest Christmas Nativity drawings. It’s called “Small Town Miracle.” If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6331033884_bd20084c00_b.jpg

Opening devotions: Prayers for Peace - Isaiah 19:24

2011-11-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are: Isaiah 19:18-25 and Matthew 8:1-4

Isaiah 19:25 The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance."

For as long as I can remember, peace in the Middle East has been the goal of every Western political leader, as well as of the United Nations General Assembly. The wars between Egypt, Israel and Syria have been going on for thousands of years. The major disruptions that have occurred in that troubled region affect the well-being of the whole world. But no matter what political deals or mandates from the United Nations are made, without God’s blessing they will never be sustained or bear any fruit.

I’m intrigued when I read the prophecies of Isaiah that were written over 2,500 years ago. They could have been spoken this morning and gone to press this afternoon. The Biblical truth is that there will always be divisions in that area of the world until God finally resolves the problem. In the same chapter of Isaiah, the prophet writes about God sending a Savior and Defender to rescue all of the people from that area – Egyptians, Israelites, and Assyrians. As Christians, we know Who that Savior and Defender is: Jesus Christ, the Holy Son of God.

This also means that we, as Christians, should be constantly praying for peace in the Middle East by the conversion of all the people in that area to Christianity. If Christ has to become their Savior and Defender, then they will have to know Who He is and what He can do for them. For almost two thousand years, Christian churches, monasteries, and congregations have existed in those regions. It’s time that we supported them with our prayers, asking God for an almighty movement of the Holy Spirit to sweep over the region, in order to open the heart, minds, and souls of all the people to the life, work, teaching, and ministry of Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our world and its leaders are constantly seeking ways to bring about a lasting peace in the Middle East. Although their aspirations and work is important, we know that within our hearts that only Your Presence can truly affect the whole region. We ask You, as the Prince of Peace, to send forth Your Holy Spirit among the churches of that area. Enable and empower them to promote Your teaching and to expand their faithful communities so that salvation, peace, and faith may be rediscovered by all Middle Easterners. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly 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 him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s psalm drawings. It comes from Psalm 80. If you would like to view a larger version online, then please click on the following link: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3615925254_87ab8df8b0_b.jpg

Church Staff Devotions: Shifting Sands - Matthew 7:24

2011-11-08T11:18:00.001-08:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 19:9-17 and Matthew 7:24-29

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Sadly for all of us, we’re not listening to Jesus anymore and this may be why our civilization is crumbling. The world is broken, but the compassionate voice of healing and wholeness is being ignored. Christ’s words and ways have helped our churches and communities for centuries, even during the most troubling of times. To call God ‘Father’ was once a comforting expression of hope. To call Jesus ‘Lord’ was to place Him at the center of our lives. Unfortunately we have wandered so far from God and compartmentalized our faith so much that we don’t what’s right or wrong, real or unreal, or true or trustworthy anymore.

It’s obvious that society is becoming more fearful, injured, and wounded each year. Violence and greed, anger and anarchy, immorality and insensitivity are becoming the hallmarks of our sad generation and we are wallowing in a mire of wasted lives, wasted resources, and wasted potential. The sinking sands of our self-centered ways are ruining this beautiful planet, and the Church, which used to be the bedrock of wisdom, strength, and faith, has become a hapless caricature of what it once was, and at times a helpless creature to our restless world.

To replant our feet on solid ground, we’ve got to patiently hear Christ’s message again and faithfully apply His words. If we truly want the world to be healed and transformed, then that positive change has to begin within our own individual souls. We have to get right with God and get tight with Christ. We have to intentionally rebuild our hopes on the promises of God and the teachings of Jesus. Everything else is just shifting sands.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have tried to be good Christians in the world, but sometimes we have been misled by our good intentions into building our faith atop of shifting sands. We have listened to ourselves too much and we have forgotten how to truly listen to You. Forgive our foolish and reckless ways. Lead us back to the solid rock of faith and hope, so that we may glorify You with our lives, our choices, and our ways. 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 image is one of John’s latest winter drawings. It’s called “Winter Mill” and features the Glade Creek Mill in West Virginia during snowfall. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6237/6323857053_990bded2f2_b.jpg

John’s drawings are becoming collectible and make unique & inexpensive Christmas gifts. If you would like to view his entire collection online, please visit his website at www.stushieart.com

Church Staff Devotions: Mother's Favorite Bible verse - Matthew 6 v 26

2011-11-03T05:51:00.001-07:00

Today’s Bible readings are: Isaiah 17:1-6 and Matthew 6:25-34

Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

This was my mother’s favorite verse from scripture. She used quote it to me when I was a teenager. Like any other young person, I was worried about what the future would bring and anxious about the direction my life was already taking.

I can still see my mom sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea and smoking a cigarette as she patiently listened to my worries and woes. It was one of those precious moments when her mind was clear and her spirit was calm.

“Consider the birds of the air,” she softly said, “and how God feeds them.” Her words reassured me each time because, although we were a large family with limited resources, there was always food on the table at teatime and we never went hungry.

These days, we are all anxious about our lives, especially in hard economic times. We worry about our finances, our families, and our futures. During these moments, it’s good to go back to the Gospel to read the words of Jesus. He speaks to us across the centuries and reassures us that God continues to provide for His people. The birds of the air do not starve and we still have food on the table.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, these are anxious times and most of us are burdened by our worries. Help us to rely upon Your promises and to live according to Your words. Be with us this day and guide our decisions. 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 verse or ask a question, please send an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s popular bird drawings. It’s called “Hungry Hummingbird.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4400739464_fbcc5af539_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Church Weary - Isaiah 16:12

2011-11-02T08:35:00.001-07:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 16:6-13 and Matthew 6:16-24

Isaiah 16:12 When Moab appears at her high place, she only wears herself out; when she goes to her shrine to pray, it is to no avail.

One of the saddest events that I’ve sometimes seen over 25 years of being a pastor occurs when people give up on church. It happens in every congregation, in every community, and in every country across the world. People leave the community of faith because they are sometimes spiritually weary and burned out.

They leave for different reasons; sometimes it’s because the pastor hasn’t visited them enough or has said or done something which displeased them. Sometimes they leave because they’ve been asked to do too much or more is expected of them than they want to give. Sometimes they just drift away because life takes them on a different journey. And sometimes they leave because their faith is shallow, so they don’t have any real and substantial roots to keep them in church. Just like Moab of old, their faith is futile and their prayers are left unanswered.

Every institution goes through this sifting out of members; even Jesus faced this in His ministry. If you don’t believe me, then please read John 6:60-68 – at that time, many walked away from Christ, never to return.

I sometimes wonder what happens inside of people who have left the church when they are faced with a terminal illness, sudden disaster, or even death itself. Do they regret what they have done and seek forgiveness, or do they justify their staying away from church and hope that Christ will be merciful? This puzzles me and I guess I will never know the answer.

However, this I do know: Christ’s ministry and mission on Earth can only be accomplished by those who remain faithful and who work through the church. To be part of His work is the most important thing we can do with our lives. To support His mission through what we give of our time, talents, and money is a true act of persistent faith. Those who remain in the church, in whatever community or wherever on the planet, will experience a two-fold blessing: the knowledge that they are making a difference in the world through Christ and of knowing that they are pleasing Him too.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ask us not only to be followers, but also to be servants, messengers, and disciples. This takes commitment and perseverance, constancy and faithfulness. Sometimes we get weary of the burdens and obligations that our churches place upon us. Help us to see that these responsibilities and duties are necessary to maintain Your ministry and to sustain Your mission in the world. In Your Holy Name we seek Your favor and humbly pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained glass designs. It’s called ‘Lenten Prayer.’ If you would like to see a larger version of this drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3315772938_83ceb0c3f4_b.jpg

Church Staff devotions: Why Debts? - Matthew 6:12

2011-11-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 16:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15

Matthew 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Whenever I’m at a funeral or an ecumenical service where the Lord’s Prayer is spoken by all of the participants, there’s always an awkward moment when some people say debts and debtors or trespasses and trespassers, or sins and sinners. Whichever Christian tradition folks belong to will determine what they recite at that moment in the Lord’s Prayer.

But why do Presbyterians use the word ‘debts’ instead of ‘trespasses’ or ‘sins’? Is it an important distinction or can we all just get along and recite sins and sinners?

Most of what we believe as Presbyterians comes from Scotland. In Scotland, there is no law of trespass, unlike their English counterparts. This meant that when it came to saying the Lord’s Prayer, the words ‘trespass’ and ‘trespasses’ had no meaning for the Scots people. Scots, however, knew all about debts and debtors because it was mainly a merchant economy in the 16^th century. Calvinists also believed in the substitutionary atonement of Christ, which emphasizes the fact that Jesus sacrificially substituted Himself on the Cross for us. This means that we are completely indebted to Him, so when we say ‘ forgive us our debts’ in the Lord’s Prayer, we are actually saying, “Forgive us of the sinful things in our lives that nailed Jesus to the Cross.” And when we add the phrase ‘as we forgive our debtors,’ we are actually asking God to forgive us in the same way that we deal with the personal injuries, wounds, and hurts which other people inflict upon us.

The older I get, the more important it becomes to me to maintain the traditions of the church in a very tradition-less world. But I’ve also come to realize that without the proper historical context, people cannot hold on to something which they do not understand. As a teaching elder, it’s my responsibility to get that information out to the people of God that I serve and love, so that they may confidently hold on to the essential tenets of our Reformed Faith. Substitutionary atonement is one of them.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are all indebted to You because You sacrificed Yourself as a ransom for our souls and as a substitute for our atonement. We did not deserve such a loving act of mercy and forgiveness, compassion and everlasting kindness. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s 2011 Christmas drawings. It’s called ‘Heavenly Peace.’ If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6292689266_aab484f86b_b.jpg

Church Meeting Devotions: Stewardship Season

2011-10-31T10:05:00.001-07:00

Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

Like most churches, it’s Stewardship Season in our congregation. For six weeks, we are all supposed to focus upon what we give to God through the local church. Each Sunday, church members give testimonies about why they support the congregation and how they feel drawn closer to God by the worship, fellowship, and faithfulness at Erin.

The same sorts of stories are being told all over the land. Churches are gathering centers of like-minded people who pool their resources together in order to become effective vehicles of Christ’s ministry and mission at home and abroad. Stewardship is a key element to the impact that any church makes on the surrounding community. Without the money that people give, without the resources that people offer, Christ’s work could not be done.

At our church, people are given an annual invitation to re-make a personal financial pledge to the congregation. Even in tough economic times, Erin Christians are still willing to make money commitments to sustain the work that Christ has asked us to accomplish. It’s very humbling and uplifting to see the pledges coming in from all different sorts of folk. The people who pledge are making an investment in the future of the church and making a difference in the world. They look for no reward or public recognition; they give for all of the right reasons – to glorify God and to support Christ’s mission.

The challenge for all of us who are reading this today is this: have we prayed about our financial commitment to God’s work this year? Are we willing to invest our money and resources in the future work of our church, so that Christ’s ministry may continue to be worshipped, honored, and supported through our faithful giving and generous love?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You call us to be disciples of Your way, messengers of Your truth, and stewards of Your life. Open our eyes to Your work in our church; open our minds to Your mission in our community; and open our pockets to Your purposes for our congregation. 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, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Lighthouse drawings called “Guiding Light.” You can view a larger version of this picture at the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6290707518_a96fd3c801_b.jpg

Church Staff devotions: In Christ Alone - Matthew 5:20

2011-10-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 13:14-22 & Matthew 5:17-20

Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

It’s an essential tenet of the Reformation: justification by faith, not by our works. We cannot earn our way into heaven. We cannot complete a certain number of good deeds or accomplish a predetermined amount of perfect choices to get us through the pearly gates. Our good works are the fruits of our faith, but not one of them gets us into heaven.

That authority is given to Christ alone. Only He can decide whether or not we will be allowed into God’s everlasting presence. There is nothing that we can do on earth to ensure that we will be welcomed in God’s Kingdom. Only Christ can open the gates; only He can restore us to God.

This is why Christianity is a missionary faith. It’s not a private, personal spiritual lifestyle. We are all supposed to engage and confront the world, especially against those who lead people astray with their false ideas, incorrect opinions, and wayward theologies. We are all sinners, separated from God by our daily choices, imperfect ways, and wrong decisions. The gap between us and God is unbridgeable by anything that we could try to build. In Christ alone, we have a Savior. Only in Jesus, we have salvation, only he can bridge that gap. He died for our sins so that we might be offered the opportunity to be fully forgiven and completely restored to God.

His Crucifixion was no accident; it was predetermined. His sacrifice was no aberration; it was intended. His death was not unfortunate; it was providential. And His resurrection was no myth; it is the most profound reality in the history of the universe.

The gospel message is simple: Jesus died for our sins and if we believe in Him, we will be granted life beyond our own deaths. There is no other way; there is no other truth; there is no other life, save that of Christ, to bring us back to God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your own words say it all: we cannot enter heaven unless our righteousness is perfect. We know that we are imperfect and unrighteous, therefore we have no hope of entering God’s Kingdom unless we pin that hope upon Your Cross. Forgive our pride, our indifference, our faithlessness, and our stubborn refusal to accept Who You are, What You have done, and All that You have promised. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Today’s image is John’s latest Fall drawing. It’s called ‘A Glimpse of Heaven,’ which depicts the famous Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park, West Virginia. If you would like to see a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6278216565_0e22a63fea_b.jpg

Opening devotions: A Great Light - Matthew 4:16

2011-10-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today’s readings are Isaiah 11:10-16 and Matthew 4:12-17

Matthew 4:16 “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

When I first became a minister, I worked for a while in an ophthalmic ward as its part-time chaplain. All the patients in it were recovering from eye surgery. Some of them needed implants, some suffered from glaucoma, and still others had been involved in car accidents which meant that the surgeons had to patiently pick out small fragments of glass and metal from their eyes.

95% of the time, the surgeries were successful. The other five percent had to undergo several different operations before their eye ailments were cured. Sadly, a small number of people each year remained blind. Dealing with those patients was amongst the saddest pastoral experiences I ever had.

For the rest of the patients, recovery took several days. They were gradually brought into the light, so that their eyes would not be permanently damaged by the sudden brightness of daylight. I can remember that large wooden shutters were placed over each window in the ward. The merest ray of sunshine, if prematurely exposed to the patients, could ruin their eyes forever.

The best experiences in the ward were those great days when a patient was wheeled out into the courtyard in full sunlight. Their joy was ecstatic and tears of gladness were often shed by the patients, nurses, as well their families. It was indeed a fulfilling of the old Biblical prophecy – “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

Spiritual darkness occurs in the hearts and souls of many people in the world today. Sometimes they’ve allowed fear, disbelief and distance from God to take them back into the shadows of doubt and despair. Sometimes painful events, grief, and illnesses cause people to retreat within them, cutting themselves off from God’s love and His people. Whatever the causes or the circumstances, as a pastor I have seen the light of Christ heal, restore, and reclaim people like them for God’s Kingdom, in words and ways that cause them to rejoice in the Lord and delight in His glory.

Perhaps you are currently undergoing some pain, hardship, or trouble. Maybe you feel vulnerable, isolated, and alone. Dark clouds may have almost overwhelmed your soul and you may feel depressed. Know this: Christ has the capacity to bring you back into the light. Allow Him to do what He is best at accomplishing – restoring peoples’ lives and returning them to God’s Love. All you need to do is ask Him to do this for you, even now as you are reading this message.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the struggles we are all experiencing and the issues that over-shadow our lives. In the midst of all the darkness that we feel, bring to each of us Your Everlasting Light. Encourage and embrace us; empower and enable us to follow Your Light. In Your Holy Name, we sincerely pray. Amen.

Today’s picture is John’s latest drawing called “Halloween Jack.” If you would like to view a larger version of this drawing, click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6242043547_520bbf2618_b.jpg

Short devotions: October Skies - Matthew 2:10

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 9:16-21 & Matthew 2:7-12

Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

I love October skies, especially at night. The sky is filled with a plethora of stars and galaxies on cloudless evenings. Every time I look up, I am in awe of God’s creative power and my heart is filled with joy because I know that the One who made the stars also made me.

Some people talk about us being made from the dust of former stars. I even watched a program recently on television where this was constantly being expressed. I guess scientists and astronomers are enamored by this, but for people of faith, we can go one better: we are not just made of stardust, we are created by the Starmaker Himself.

Tonight, I’ll probably look at the stars again and take delight in recognizing shapes and constellations, planets and galaxies that I have known since I was a young boy in Scotland. But I’ll also take extra delight in knowing that I am a child of God’s grace, created to enjoy His wonders, as well as being eternally saved by His glorious Son.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of grace and reconciliation that You bought with Your Life for all of Creation. You have restored the blessedness of all things that God has made and we look forward to the Great Day when You will return to reclaim Your people. Be with us this day and night. Grant us the delight of seeing God’s work in the world and universe. 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 image is one of John’s Psalm drawings. It depicts a verse from Psalm 33 where God is said to have breathed out the stars. You can view a larger version of the drawing by clicking on the following link: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3249875950_c61fc2c8f3_b.jpg

Opening Devotions: A Lost Generation - Matthew 2:3

2011-10-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 9:8-15 and Matthew 2:1-6

Matthew 2:3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Herod was a bad ruler and a terrifying king. He murdered both his relatives and rivals. He terrorized his own people. He ruled with an iron fist and a heartless heart. He was an insecure and insane tyrant, so when he became disturbed about the news of the Messiah’s birth, the whole city of Jerusalem also became anxious and agitated.

The people were almost panicked because they knew what Herod was like. If the king was upset, then heads would soon roll. It must have been a terrifying time for the people of God, which was ironic because they were always hoping for the Messiah to be born. As the hymn writer once wrote: “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” That was about Bethlehem, but it could have been written about Jerusalem too.

These are also anxious days for the Church. Society seems to have gained the upper hand and many young people are moving away from the Christian faith in order to embrace a universal movement of peace, equality, and love. Those are high ideals and noble causes, but we’ve been down this road before in the 60s and 70s. Eventually those high ideals gave way to anarchy, irresponsibility, and immorality. The Hippie movement of 50 years ago, which started with so much happiness and love, degenerated into a despicable drug culture that ruined millions of lives.

Christ is moving among us, but not in the ways that our culture wants or society predicts. The Spirit of God is strong throughout the rest of the world and one day faithful men and women, who have given their lives to Christ in other nations and lands, will come again as missionaries to these shores to revive the Church, reclaim the people, and restore Christ’s Way, Truth, and Life to a generation that is presently lost, as well as to those yet unborn.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You see the turmoil in the Church and the restlessness across our nations. You’ve seen this all before in other lands and cultures, at other times and ages. Already, You are planting the seeds for a new generation of missionaries to come to our lost generation. We praise Your Name and pray for the time when the Church will be released from its cultural Babylonian captivity and re-brought into the Light of Your True Love. In Your Holy Name, we fervently pray. Amen.

John Stuart is presently 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s Psalms project drawings. It depicts a verse from Psalm 37 – “Commit Your Way to the Lord.” You can view a larger version at the following link: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3283895612_313bf65d2a_b.jpg

Advent Devotions for Kindle: Preparing the Way by John Stuart

2011-10-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

I’ve written a 25 devotional e-book for Kindle to help people prepare their hearts and minds for the Advent season. As well as Bible verses, stories and meditations, the Kindle book also contains a new Advent/Christmas/winter drawing for each daily message.

It’s an ideal way of keeping Advent and full of finger-tip resources for busy Christians. It only costs $1.99 and may be used as a reflective guide or for opening meetings during the season of Goodwill.

Clicking on the following Amazon ad will take you straight to the book.

Church Meeting devotions: No More Night - Revelation 22:5

2011-10-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Revelation 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.

I love seeing the moon and the stars in the night sky, but I guess that I’m going to miss them in Eternity. This verse from Revelation makes it quite clear that night and darkness will have no place in God’s Everlasting Kingdom. God is Light, so there will be nothing to get in the way of Him and those of us who make it into Heaven. Everything and everyone will be bathed in the glory of God’s infinite glory.

Things will be different, which means that we will be different too. The lives that we live here on Earth are just mere shadows compared to the everlasting brightness to come. We have got so much ahead of us that the present changes, turbulence, and difficulties will quite literally pale next to the heavenly glories that we are still to experience. Compared to God’s Kingdom, the world will just be another dull place.

That doesn’t mean to say that I’m wishing my life away; quite the reverse actually. I’m hoping for more of God’s brightness, light and love to be seen and experienced in the dark places on Earth. I’m praying for a revival in my life, my church, and my faith through the opening up of the minds and hearts of our people, our communities, and our culture. For too long, we’ve let the darkness overshadow our society. It’s time to be truly enlightened by Christ and not artificially brightened by the world.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World. You come into our dark ways and times in order to show us the everlasting brightness and glory of God. Open the eyes of our hearts, so that we may truly see God’s everlasting brilliance in the world. By the power of 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing which is simply called “Surfer.” It features a surfer within a wave. If you would like to see a larger version of the picture, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6201329105_b1e187698e_b.jpg

Short Devotions: King of kings - Revelation 17 v 14

2011-09-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Revelation 17:14 “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Before I became a US citizen, I was a subject of the UK. This literally meant that I was under the authority Queen Elizabeth II’s government and subject to the laws which her Government decreed. Living under a monarchy is not the same as being a free citizen of a Republic. Before any laws are fully passed in Britain, they must be signed by the Queen. Without her signature, the laws are null and void. If the Queen ever refused to sign a law, then a Constitutional crisis would occur that would probably bring about the end of the British monarchy.

I sometimes wonder what free born, free-spirited and independently minded Americans think when they read about Jesus being called “Lord of lords and King of kings.” Those terms are so alien to American culture that I wonder if they can really imagine what is being related to them. Lordship and Kingship are ancient terms of autocratic power. To call Jesus “Lord” is to submit your whole self to His commands. To accept Him as “King,” is to place Him at the top and at the center of our lives. There is no such thing as lip-service to a Lord or carefree service to a King. It’s all or nothing. It’s His ways, His Words, and His Works that we honor and glorify.

So today, let’s all ponder what it truly means to call Jesus our Lord and to accept Him as our King. And then let’s try to apply that meaning in our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You rule over the Earth and are the Sovereign of the Universe. You are the Holy Son of God and the King of all Creation. Help us to humbly submit our hearts and lives to You alone. Grant us the faith to live under Your Everlasting Monarchy and Eternal Rule. 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 a question about today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest chess drawings. It’s called “Battle Scarred” and features several chess pieces on a board. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6117600335_1c11500f3d_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Changing Swords - Isaiah 2:4

2011-09-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 2:4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Two weeks ago I was at a conference in Duluth, Georgia. It was taking place at the world renowned Crosspointe Church and I felt refreshed and renewed in my spirit. I enjoyed the worship and the preaching, the testimonies and faith sharing. It was a very uplifting time and I am now looking forward to next year’s conference.

On the last day of the conference, I was listening to a conversation by one of the deacons at the church. He was explaining to a visitor that the church building used to be a Sidewinder missile factory thirty years ago during President Reagan’s administration. After the taking down of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent thawing of the Cold War, the factory was no longer needed. Eventually, the growing Crosspointe congregation bought the building and converted it into an amazing church space, where thousands of people gather each week to praise the Lord. Instead of a place of death and destruction, it has become a house of peace and prayer. The Lord has truly turned swords into plowshares!

In our own lives, we go through times of conflict and argument, disagreement and trouble. We fall out with family and friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Our hearts become hardened and our tongues fire verbal missiles that are meant to hurt, anger, or upset other people.

God wants to turn the swords of our spirits into plowshares of peace. As always, He has the power to make those changes, but we need to begin the process by swallowing our pride, humbling ourselves, and acting upon God’s guidance.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace to our planet and the Healer of the Nations. We pray that You will help us overcome the conflicts and disputes in our lives by leading us with Your Spirit to resolve the differences and disagreements we have with others. 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 about it, please send John an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest stained glass designs of a Siochain – a Celtic Peace Cross. If you would like to view a larger version of it, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6113973739_53680e29ee_b.jpg

Church Meeting Devotion: Red Letter Day - Isaiah 1:18

2011-09-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

I haven’t written a devotional in about two weeks. A lot of things have been going on in my life – some good, some bad, some really sad. It’s been about the rockiest two weeks that I have known in a long while.

I guess I’m still affected by the decisions that took place in the PCUSA this summer. I’ve tried to come to terms with it and have sought to understand what occurred, but honestly, I have not had any real peace. It’s hard place for a leader to be in because if I lose my sense of God’s Spirit, then how can I know the right path to take on behalf of the people I shepherd?

My style is usually to retreat and get back to the basics. It’s like getting lost and then trying to retrace your steps in order to reach the point where things went wrong. In this case, I go right back to God’s grace, my need for repentance, and Christ’s love. Those are the points where my faith sprung from, so those seem to me to be the very places that I spiritually need to revisit.

In today’s verse from Isaiah, God is once again taking the initiative by allowing His people to turn from their sinful ways in order to rediscover their salvation. Even though their sins are as brazen as scarlet, God’s grace can clean and purify them completely. That’s where I need to be; that’s where we all need to be; at that wonderful moment of true grace where our sins are completely forgiven.

It’s from that turning point, at the foot of Christ’s Cross, that we can all begin again. That’s where I am this morning; are you here too?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of our souls because Your sacrificial blood from the Cross has washed, cleansed and purified us. We are made holy through Your sacredness; we are restored to God’s favor through Your righteousness. Help us today to kneel before Your Cross and to begin our faith journey anew. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also the author of three new devotional ebooks which are available on Amazon.com. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Peace of Christ.” It features a lion and a lamb lying together in peace as symbols of Christ’s Coming Reign. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6142730168_4352b42b62_b.jpg

Church Devotional - No Hurry - Revelation 10:6

2011-08-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Revelation 10:6 And he swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and the angel said, “There will be no more delay!”

There’s an old story told about three apprentice devils who were taking their final exam in front of Satan.

“Before I let you loose in the world,” Old Nick said, “I need to know what deceitful message you are going to whisper in the ears of people so that they end up here in hell.”

“That’s easy,” said the first devil. “I’ll tell them there is no heaven.”

“That won’t work,” said Satan. “Whenever people look at the beauty of the earth and feel the wonders of creation, they know that heaven exists. FAIL!”

“I’ll tell them that there’s no hell,” said the second devil.

“That won’t work either,” said Satan. “The world is full of so much pain and suffering, injustice and cruelty that people know hell exists as a place of punishment for the unrepentant and wicked. FAIL!”

The third devil thought for a moment and then said, “I’ll tell them that there’s no hurry.”

“EXCELLENT!” Satan declared. “People will be fooled into believing that there’s plenty of time to change. Hell will overflow with lost souls! PASS!”

And the angel said: “There will be no more delay!”

Are we ready for Christ’s Return if He comes back today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our lives are precious gifts which are meant to be spent serving God and enjoying His Creation. We get distracted at times by what’s going on around us instead of paying attention to what’s happening inside our souls. Help us to take this day as a means of strengthening our faith, serving You, and sharing Your love, so that we and others will be ready for Your Return. In Your Holy Name, we wait and pray. Amen.

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

Today’s drawing is called “Death by Dali” and is John’s crayon depiction of the Crucifixion based upon Salvador Dali’s masterpiece “Christ of St. John of the Cross.” If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5630260156_4cd6a2e7b5_b.jpg

Church Meeting Devotions: Changing the Outcome - Revelation 9:20-21

2011-08-30T03:25:00.000-07:00

Revelation 9:20-21 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

When I read the Book of Revelation, I find some parts of it very sad. Today’s chosen verses make me feel that way because, according to John the Visionary, even after the terrible plagues and destruction that falls upon the Earth during the Time of Judgment, people will not repent or change their ways.

You would think that after losing a third of the planet’s population that people would wake up to reality and change their ways; instead they defiantly follow their own sinful ways and foolish paths. In Revelation, Christ’s Return is imminent and God’s wrath is being poured out upon the Earth, but humankind still persists in doing its own thing. In the Last Days idolatry, hedonism, immorality and dishonesty still abound. The human condition still wallows in its own misery despite what God is doing. It’s a last act of free will defiance and lifestyle libertinism. God is powerless to change the proud, stubborn hard-heartedness of sinful, stupid people.

That’s why I find reading Revelation so sad. Even when faced with the ultimate truth and End of Time reality, people are dooming themselves to damnation because they think that they know and are better than God. They tolerate all forms of wickedness and expect God to accept their ways. They brazenly ignore His warnings and reject any signs of Christ’s Return. They glorify themselves and end up in Hell because they do nothing to change their lives.

Yesterday, after Hurricane Irene had passed through the Eastern Seaboard, the Director of FEMA was asked if all of the warnings, evacuations and preparations had been unnecessary. The Director brilliantly answered, “You can’t change the outcome if you’re not ready.” In other words, without any preparations, more lives would have been lost.

My work as a preacher is to try to get people prepared for the End of Days. It gets harder every year because people are becoming more obsessed with their own lifestyle choices rather than choosing what God wants. Community tolerance has replaced Christ’s Teaching. Living for today has overcome looking for God. And getting our own way is more desirable to us instead of following The Way. As a sinful society, we are now more distant from God and more unready for Christ’s Return than we ever have been, despite having the scriptures and the truth of Christ’s Teaching available to us at any second of the night or day.

When Judgment comes, we will only have Christ to thank or ourselves to blame. The final destination for our everlasting souls will depend upon how much we’re willing to change and how ready we will be.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Bible gives us many strong warnings to repent of our sinful choices, to change our godless ways, and to prepare ourselves for Your Return. Sadly many of us will not heed Your uncompromising words and will fool ourselves into Hell. Our pride will make us push back against any challenge to our ways. Our love of self will set us adrift from Your salvation. Forgive our foolishness, O Lord, and reclaim our souls before it is too late. In Your Holy Name, we fearfully and faithfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is presently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask any questions or make any comments about today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest simple digital glass drawing from the Book of Psalms. It features a verse from Psalm 108. If you would like to view a larger version of the picture, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6081117737_388de7259d_b.jpg

Opening Devotions: Expecting the Unexpected - Revelation 8:5

2011-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Revelation 8:5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

This week’s earthquake in Virginia took a lot of people by surprise. People felt high buildings shake and thought it was another terrorist attack. The Washington Monument cracked and was shut down. The National Cathedral in DC suffered millions of dollars of damage. It was completely unexpected and lots of people were left frightened and stunned.

Records, however, show that earthquakes have taken in this region before. In fact, if you look at a map and check out the North Eastern seaboard terrain, you soon realize that earthquakes have been happening in this region for millions of years. Everyone was caught by surprise this week because of a false notion that large earthquakes take place on the West Coast and not the Eastern Seaboard. We have fooled ourselves into believing that the whole region was off limits to substantial seismological activity.

We are good at deluding ourselves biblically too. Take some of the passages in Revelation. We hardly ever think about them and cast them aside as ancient mythology. We reckon that it’s been almost 2000 years since the apocalyptic prophecies were written, so why do we need to bother about them now?

However, we also casually forget that we are almost 2000 years nearer to the day when these events will occur. Just like the “unexpected” earthquake in Virginia, the Lord will return one day and angels will hurl hail and fire which will burn up a third of the Earth. Will we look at one another in deep shock and surprise if it happens in our lifetime? Will we sadly remember that this “unexpected” return was not so unexpected after all? Will we continually live our lives as if these cataclysmic events will happen only after we’re dead and gone?

If we honestly think about it, everyday has the potential of being our last day on Earth. The serious question that we need to ask ourselves is this: will it also be our first day in Christ’s Everlasting Kingdom? The gift of free will still applies, so the choice of where we end up eternally is still ours to make on this side of Life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, prevent us from fooling ourselves about Your Second Coming. Keep us aware and alert to the signs of the times and the Biblical warnings that You have given to us. Help us to stay focused on our faith in You and enable to attract our loved ones to You before it is too late. 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 questions, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image John’s simple stained glass design of Christ’s Return. It’s called “A New Earth.” If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2432537217_e82364bff8_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Pat Summitt - A Courageous Lady - Ecclesiastes 12:1

2011-08-24T07:51:00.001-07:00

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"

Like everyone else in Knoxville, Tennessee, I was shocked yesterday to learn the sad news that our Lady Vols basketball coach has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Pat Summitt is a remarkable woman and an exceptionally talented coach. She has risen up from humble beginnings and is one of the most successful leaders in American College Sports. She is a fierce competitor and a magnificent teacher. Tennessee fans adore her and this news has rocked us all.

But Pat Summitt is a courageous person. Yesterday she went on television to broadcast the news to her fans everywhere, in order to personally tell them of her disease. As always, she did this with great dignity and resolve, letting her supporters, players, and team coaches know that she is determined to continue leading the basketball team, while fighting the disease that is progressing within her. In Pat’s words, she intends to do this “as long as the Good Lord is willing.”

I have no doubt that Pat Summitt will prevail. I am also certain that she will become an important spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association. If ever a person was destined to become a national advocate to seek a cure for this devastating disease, Pat Summit is truly the one.

Every true Tennessean and sports fan across the United States supports Pat in her new battle. And our prayers go with her in the hope that the Good Lord will extend her life and diminish this disease.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray for families everywhere who are experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s in their homes and among their loved ones. We ask that You will surround them with supportive and compassionate friends. We pray also for Pat Summitt and thank You for her bravery and tenacity. Grant her the strength that she needs to continue leading her team and give her many opportunities to advocate on behalf of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pat Summitt’s video announcing the news can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DsXfInhkF8

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 John’s Knoxville picture called “Sunsphere City.” It features the world famous Sunsphere which is situated in the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5095209018_cf3f00de0f_b.jpg

Church Stewardship devotions: The Swan Pond - Ecclesiastes 11:1

2011-08-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.

Some of the simplest joys that I can remember of living in Scotland were the times when Evelyn and I would take our two daughters to Culzean Castle to feed the birds at the Swan Pond. It was always wonderful to watch our girls smile, laugh, and be happy as they threw the bread to the beautiful swans.

The swans knew what to expect and they would majestically glide across the water to feast on the bread. Usually a number of mallard and tufted ducks would try to get into the action, but because of their bigger size, the swans would get most of the bread. As the sun shone on the water and we heard the giggles and laughter of our girls, life felt so good.

I wonder what bird-less waters that the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote about. Whenever we threw the bread on the Swan Pond waters, everything was soon eaten. If we went back there in three hours time, we would find nothing left, so this verse puzzles me.

I’ve heard people use this verse, including some preachers, to encourage others to give their money to God because it would be returned to them. I also know that some people claim this to be true, but I wonder about their motive for giving in the first place. If we give to God because we want to get something in return, is that an offering or bargaining? Isn’t it more Christian to give without expecting anything in return, in order to live by Christ’s teaching that “it is far better to give than to receive,” as the Apostle Paul pointed out? (Acts 20:35)

So, by all means, let’s cast our resources upon the living waters of Christ and His Church, but let’s also not look for anything in return. After all, aren’t the complete forgiveness of our sins and the promise of everlasting life more than enough?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving everything of Yourself so that we may be restored to God’s eternal love. Help us to give what we can of our time, talents, and money to those needful opportunities that will come our way this week. Enable us to do this selflessly so that You will receive all the glory and honor for the good deeds and charitable giving that we do in Your Name. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s wildlife drawings called “Swan Pond.” If you would like to see a larger version of it, then please click on the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4373092333_3d5cd56d51_b.jpg

Church Meeting Devotions: A Defining Moment - Revelation 5:5

2011-08-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."

If someone were to ask you how to define the Christian faith, would your answer involve anything that Christ is going to do at the End of Time?

Most people would define Christianity in terms of loving one another, making peace in the world, and trying to follow Christ’s teachings. They may also talk about being forgiven for all of their mistakes and being restored to God’s everlasting love. Hardly any of them would mention the Biblical prophecy of Christ’s unfinished work which will only be completed when human history is ended by God. At that last moment in Time, Christ will step forward to lay claim to the Earth and heartily recognize all of His followers. The work of salvation will be complete and our faith will no longer be needed for Jesus will have returned to this world.

The best way to define the Christian faith is to begin by defining Who Jesus actually is. He is the Savior of anybody in the world who, at any time, place, or civilization, believes that He is the Son of God and that Christ has the unique power to pardon their sins and bring them back into favor with God. Faith in Christ means that people trust Him completely by placing their everlasting souls into His hands, so that when the world finally ends, their eternal life with Him actually begins.

Christians have faith in Jesus to bring history to its final completion. All suffering, pain, and evil will be brought to a swift end when He alone opens the sacred sealed scrolls that usher in the Divine Judgment of the whole of humanity. At that time, Jesus will be both Advocate for His followers and Judge for His detractors. He is entrusted with this responsibility because He perfectly obeyed God while He lived on Earth and completely fulfilled the Divine ransom for all sinful souls through His death on the Cross.

Therefore, the Christian faith is defined as a complete trust in Jesus as Redeemer and Savior, Healer and Restorer, Lord and King. Anything else pales into insignificance because in the end, and at The End, only Christ’s power and authority will prevail.

The challenge that faces people in today’s world is this: are they willing to accept Christ and define their faith through Him alone?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we will all witness that last moment in time when You step forward to open the sacred seals. On that Day, we will completely know the truth of all things and the Final destination of our everlasting souls. Remind us that this is not only a new day, but that it could also be the End of Days. Keep us from being distracted and dissuaded of Your concerns. Help us to remain focused and faithful to You alone. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest chess drawing called “Dark Knight.” If you would like to view a larger version of the picture, please click on the following link:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6052095208_108c32b858_b.jpg

Church Meeting devotions: Is Life a Game of Chance? - Ecclesiastes 9:11

2011-08-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

Do you ever play games of chance? I’m not talking about betting on horses or playing casinos. I’m talking about those games that we all see at the fairground or a theme park. The ones I like are skeeball and trying to flick the quarter on to a glass table. Sometimes I win; most of the time I lose, and the stall owner knows this when I put my dollars down to play the game. The other one I like is the claw that you see in stores. I’ve won a lot of stuffed animals over the years and I can remember almost emptying a machine in Scotland before the store owner asked me to leave.

According to Solomon, life is a game of chance with no rhyme or reason to what goes on. His conclusion is to eat, drink, and be merry because tomorrow we may die. It makes me wonder that if Solomon knew Christ, would he have changed his philosophy?

As a Christian, I believe that Christ has a plan for my life and every other Christian under the sun. I believe that Jesus still cares about the world and that His ministry is still effectively taking place across this planet. I believe that hundreds of millions of people will do good things in His Name today that will go unreported, unrecognized, and unvalued. And I believe that life is not a game of chance; it is a predetermined journey which will end in Christ’s Triumphant Return when the gift of everlasting life will be awarded to His followers.

Today can be the first day in the rest of our eternal lives if we surrender our hearts and submit our spirits to Christ. Chance has got nothing to do with everlasting life; it has everything to do with Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your life and ministry were planned long before You came to Earth. Everything was predetermined by God and You fulfilled all that God wanted and needed You to complete. Our lives have been potentially predetermined by You and there is a purpose for our existence. Help us to be aware of what You want and need us to complete in order to continue Your ministry and mission. In Your Holy Name, we wait and pray. Amen.

Today’s drawing is John’s latest chess prints. It’s called “End Game” and features three old men playing chess in the park on a cold winter’s day. If you would like to see a larger version of this drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6047493889_86ca7e5e66_b.jpg

Church Devotions: God Will Find You

2011-08-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 7:29 “This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.”

When I was seventeen years old, I can remember deliberately telling God that I was finished with Him. I gruffly told Him thanks for all that He had done, but this was my life and He wasn’t welcome in it any more. I wanted to go my own way, do my own thing, and not be hampered by Bronze Age mythology or ancient morality.

God must have heard me because for the next 3-4 years I was on a path of self-destruction and joylessness. Like the writer of Ecclesiastes once wrote, I tried everything under the sun and found it to be meaningless. I got my fill of untold pleasures but my soul was empty. I ate and drank and made merry practically every night; in the morning, I hated the man in the mirror and just wanted to die, not because I was having a hangover, but because I was wasting my life.

At one time, through various people in my past, God had planted seeds of faith in my arrogant heart. Even as I was in search of many schemes to satisfy my body, mind, heart and soul, God was already making plans. And when He rescued me from my own rotting pit and nasty drunken self, He placed me back on the path that He wanted me to walk. I had dishonorably discarded God in the past, but He did not destroy my future. When I was unfaithful to Him, He remained faithful to His purpose. When I walked away, He kept an eye on me. And when I eventually turned back and surrendered myself to Him, God allowed me to get off my knees and work for His Son Jesus. I had searched many schemes, but Christ’s predestined scheme for my life was not discarded by God.

Perhaps you also have walked away from God. Maybe you have been hurt by the church or wounded by church people. It could be that you don’t want to be burdened by God’s commands or Christ’s demands upon your life. Or perhaps you just feel so far away, that you don’t how to get back into God’s good graces or Christ’s embracing welcome.

Wait for Him to come to you. You don’t have to run away any longer. God knows your weaknesses, your sin, and your secrets. Through Christ, you can be totally forgiven, completely restored and truly loved. Turn and wait. He will find you. He will rescue you. He will redeem you. You are a child of God’s grace and a beloved friend of Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we’ve all gone astray at times and have done foolish things. We carry sinful regrets in our hearts and are burdened with shameful secrets. You have the power to forgive all things and You have the loving grace to grant that mercy to all of us. Thank You for such a wonderful gift! Thank You for such amazing love. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

Today’s drawing is John’s latest print of the month called “Fall Retreat.” It features a rustic cabin in the heart of the Smoky Mountains during Fall. A limited number (25) of signed prints (8x10 inches) are available. Just email John at the above address for details. You can view a larger version of the drawing at the following location: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/6014988935_76c01bd78d_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Epic Fail - Ecclesiastes 7:18

2011-08-09T13:18:00.001-07:00

Ecclesiastes 7:18a The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.

I am appalled, but not surprised, at the riots in Britain. It’s shocking to see so much destruction and violence, but I believe this has been festering for a number of years.

The Church has failed an entire generation. We’ve allowed people to follow strange and selfish paths which lead to emptiness, anxiety, and aggression. I saw this happening in Scotland prior to me leaving in 1995. Christian beliefs were beginning to wane and humanism was on the rise. The Church was largely discarded as an anachronism. Traditional beliefs were ridiculed and much of the Calvinist Reformed Theology was mocked. In England, the Church gave in to cultural pressure, so that anyone could live as they liked and believe what they wanted. Eventually, the whole structure of the new society was shaped to disregard the Church and to entirely diminish Christianity.

They succeeded. And now anarchy and atheism have become so entrenched in this new generation that there are no longer any spiritual, ethical, or moral boundaries. Civilization in Europe, which has been held together by Christianity since the 7^th century AD, is beginning to crumble. Those who ignored the warning signs are reaping what was sown. All that the Church can do is stand by the sidelines and watch society destroy itself. Greed and pride, selfishness and brazeness have overtaken the souls of the people. Foolishness and ignorance, poverty and violence are on the increase. Instead of progressing into the 21^st century, Britain and other European nations are stepping back into the Dark Ages. The law of the jungle and the survival of the fittest has taken over from the love of Jesus and the strength of faith.

My heart bleeds for Britain, but I need to work over here. The signs of the same things are occurring and I am anxious about the younger generation. They are like sheep without a Shepherd and I worry that their society is going to be hardest upon those among them who keep their Christian convictions alive. Persecution seems so far away and is only an extreme possibility; but sometimes I wonder if it’s only a matter of years before committed Christians over here are going to be harassed, harangued, and hunted down as we once were during the Dark Ages.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are seeing the bitter fruits of faithlessness emerge violently and satanically in other places around the world. Your Church has been culpable in planting the seeds of discontent, unhappiness, and meaningless in the hearts, mind, and souls of this 21^st century generation. We have neglected the true message of the Gospel and have allowed it to be replaced by a mythical morality, futile theology, and insipid ideology. Forgive us for being distracted, dishonorable, and disloyal to You. Help us to recover and restore our people through repentance, revival, and redemption. In Your Holy Name, we plead and pray. Amen.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s latest Chess series prints. It’s called “Knight takes Rook” and is a pop art image of the game. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6024701992_405a71c6de_b.jpg

Church devotions: Church Mistakes - Revelation 2:1-7

2011-08-08T08:12:00.001-07:00

Revelation 2:5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Even churches can make mistakes and, as the Reformers used to say, “Councils err.”

Revelation Chapters 2 & 3 contain seven indictments against well established churches in the New Testament age. With one exception, each of them had fallen off their original spiritual path by allowing their community and culture to overtake their business and beliefs. Instead of following Christ’s pattern for ministry and mission, they followed their own plans and went their own way. Christ cautions them about this and warns them of the consequences of their decisions and actions. He even calls them to repent of their ways; otherwise His Light and Spirit would be taken from them.

Those prophetic warnings of along ago could so easily have been written today. Christians everywhere are in danger of succumbing to their society. The old word for this process is ‘syncretism.’ Of all the community sins mentioned in the Bible, the act of syncretism, of God’s people submitting to cultural pressures, was the most damning to whichever generation succumbed.

As post-moderns and 21^st century Christians, we are not shielded from this sinful process. In fact, in recent years our churches have turned away from what is acceptable to God towards what is acceptable to the world. It only remains to be seen whether or not Christ will take away his Light and Spirit from those churches which wander away from Him and do not repent. It may be the case, as it was for several of the churches mentioned in Revelation, that a generation of believers was lost before repentance, revival, and restoration were experienced.

The challenging questions for us today are these: Have our Councils erred? Are we in need of church-wide repentance? What signs will indicate that Christ has removed His lampstand from our people?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to review our recent decisions and truly ask whether we are contending for the world or Your Kingdom? Grant us wisdom and keep us on Your path. 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 him any questions, please send an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing called “Fall Retreat.” It features a rustic cabin in the heart of the Smokies during the Fall season. You can view a larger version of the drawing at the following link:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/6014988935_76c01bd78d_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Fall Breaker - Jude 1:24

2011-08-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Jude 1:24 To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

Like everyone else on this planet, I am a sinner in need of saving. I try to be a good person, but usually there are moments each day when I succumb to temptation. Perhaps it’s when someone else upsets me, or something that I selfishly want. Maybe it’s something I’ve neglected to do, or someone that I’ve offended. Whatever the circumstances, I end up with a list of sinful things that I need to confess at the end of each day.

There are even times when I’m too busy or too tired to really pray. I end up taking God’s grace for granted and cheapen Christ’s ability to forgive me. In fact, as I’m writing this, I realize that I’ve forgotten to ask forgiveness for something that happened yesterday. I need to stop what I’m doing and make amends with the Lord right away.

We daily try to be Christians and some days are better than others. We wrestle with life and struggle to be faithful to Christ in all things. It’s never easy, but it can frequently be joyful. I like what Jude has to write at the end of his letter. He refers to Jesus as the One who keeps us from falling and who presents us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy. We all may be great sinners and make mistakes each day, but we have a Great Savior who will forgive us for everything. That’s what makes our faith a joy to experience. That’s what makes Jesus so wonderful to follow.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing us to confess our mistakes, repent of our sins, and receive Your forgiveness. We know that we are imperfect, foolish, and selfish at times. We praise You for being Perfect, Wise, and Gracious. In Your Holy Name, we joyfully pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s sunset drawings of Pawley’s Island in South Carolina. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1217/4608181438_01d3daf318_b.jpg

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

2011-07-28T07:27:00.001-07:00

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

Church devotions - A New Book

2011-07-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Church Devotions: Life Haters - Ecclesiastes 2:17

2011-07-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-07-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

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

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

2011-07-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

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 21^st 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:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5948796658_990048bfef_b.jpg