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

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 Meeting Devotions: Faith for Hard Times

In these uncertain economic times, how can our Christian faith help us?

1 John 5: 4 …for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Podcast version here

Because of the economic uncertainty, a lot of people are unsure about their future and feel insecure about themselves. These are tough times to be living in, but not as harsh as the past. A key element in surviving turbulent times lies in how much investment we make to our faith. Past generations of Christians have come through much worse, so there must be something special about our belief in Christ that enables us to persevere, endure, and overcome our troubles.

Faith helps us to overcome our fears. We are not alone because Christ is always with us and His Church seeks to support us. People who have a faith community usually do better than those who go it alone. They find that their Christian connections build up their esteem, their confidence, and their strength. For instance, to have others in prayer for us during critical times is like having a small army of resourceful people on our side.

Attending church and worshipping regularly during tough times gives us both discipline and focus. Our spirits are strengthened by the teachings we receive. Our confidence is boosted by belonging to a group of people who share similar beliefs. And the friendship, fellowship, and love of true Christians are powerful aids that enable us to overcome trying moments in our lives.

Inspiration can also be acquired by focusing on our faith. The Bible is not just a history book; it’s a guidance manual for getting through tough times. It’s a spiritual survival course that relates to just about every incident or event that we can ever experience. The richness of the psalms, the wisdom of proverbs, and the hopefulness contained in the Gospels grants us all some wonderful information and insights, letting us know that God is in control and that we are very important to Him.

The teaching of the Bible in both Old and New testaments has stood the test of Time. For thousands of years people have been moved and motivated, spurred on and encouraged by God’s holy words. There’s always something that we can glean from a familiar Bible story or a Gospel passage that will give us the guidance we need. It’s also amazing how often a Sunday School lesson or a pastor’s sermon will speak to us at the right time, giving us assurance, advice, and assistance.

Hope, faith, and love help us through bad times, as well as the good. By taking the time to focus on our faith in the midst of our present circumstances, we will discover several useful gifts - strength and determination, character and perseverance, endurance for the present and hopefulness for the future. In Christ, we live an abundant life at all times. In His word, we find our way. Through His love, we rediscover our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing us to faith and helping us to believe in Your words, Your ways, and Your works. In these uncertain times, assure us that Your promises are powerful, Your guidance is always good, and Your salvation is our strength. In Your Holy Name, we gladly and confidently 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.