Sabbath Psalms - Shadow Play

Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (NIV)

My two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter Ellie discovered her shadow recently and like any other child, she started playing games with it. She tried to run and catch it; she attempted to jump up and down on it; she even began talking to it as if it were another person. Her childlike innocence is a beautiful blessing to behold, and she even encouraged me to play games with my own shadow. I guess my neighbors thought I was being a silly old man with Ellie on my driveway, but her laughter and squeals of delight were wonderful, too.

I like today’s highlighted verse from Psalm 91 because of the comfort and assurance that resting in God’s shadow conveys. It makes me feel that God is mindful of all of us, joyfully watching over us like a parent or grandparent. I also feel, just like the psalmist before me, that there is a level of protection attached to God’s shadow which in today’s world, with its uncertain and chaotic ways, creates more confidence within me that no matter what is going on, God is always in control.

Perhaps you may be presently dealing with some uncertainty and anxiety in your own life. Maybe you’re fearful of the future and somewhat depressed by what we’re all dealing with these days. Perhaps you feel like giving up or are so worn down with worries about the world that your energy and focus is depleted. Please take time to rest in God’s shadow and receive it as a sanctuary or safe haven where you can renew your faith and refresh your weary soul.

Point to ponder: How overwhelmed am I with the world’s problems? Am I willing to let go of the things I cannot control and simply rest in God’s protective shadow?

Prayer:  Lord God, You see and know everything. You love our world and all its people, so help us to remember that we are Yours forever. Whenever we are fearful, we ask You to remain faithful; whenever we are wearied with our worries, renew us with Your love. In Your Holy Name and under Your constant Shadow, we live and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sabbath Psalms - Delight in The Lord

Psalm 37:4      Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

There's a scene in the movie "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," when the boy Edmund meets the White Witch for the first time in the land of Narnia. Because it's snowing, he's absolutely freezing, so the witch casts a spell and presents him with a cup of hot chocolate. She then asks him if he would like something to eat. "Could I have some Turkish delight?" he answers. The witch casts another spell and the sweets immediately appear.

I've always been fond of Turkish delights myself. Whenever I go back to Scotland, it's one of the first things that I buy. Fry's, the equivalent of Hershey's in Britain, make the most delicious chocolate covered Turkish delight you can ever imagine. As I'm typing this message, I'm beginning to long for some.

Delight is usually used to describe something that is delicate or luxurious. Even in the Bible, in the 37th Psalm, this is what it means. The old Hebrew word for delight is "a'nag", which means something that is delicate, pliable, and soft. In this context it means to bend to God's will, to conform to His requests, and to humbly accept His commands.

As we go through some critical times, perhaps we can all decide to delight in the Lord and choose to humbly serve Him, rather than give in to fear or despair. If so, then the effects, according to scripture, will be that our petitions and requests, our prayers and desires will be given to us, as we seek to please and delight in the Lord.

Point to ponder: What does God do that makes me delighted in Him?

Prayer: Lord God, reshape our lives and take us into Your hands. Humble our souls and remold our spirits, so that we may delightfully, cheerfully, and faithfully serve You all of our days. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Midweek Message - Finding the Light

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)

Psalm 27 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It’s written by someone who is facing difficult circumstances, but instead of being overwhelmed by his current crisis, he confidently turns to God as the source of his well-being and strength. He calls God his light and salvation which means that although the psalmist is undergoing some dark moment in his life, God will be the One who safely leads him through it. Instead of being fearful, the writer remains faithful; rather than being afraid, he is confident about his future.

Even though the psalm was written about three thousand years ago, it still offers us hope today. As we go through this uncertain time, we can look to God for guidance and confidence. Those ancient words are just as true now as they were way back then, so when we read or pray them, they become living promises for each of us, to strengthen and sustain us through this critical moment in history. This is what makes the Bible relevant in our daily lives and is why reading and reflecting on the scriptures remains meaningful. God’s Word helps us to rely on His support and be encouraged in our time of need.

So, today, dear friends, please embrace and share this thought: The Lord is our light and our salvation—whom shall we fear? The Lord is the stronghold of our lives—of whom shall we be afraid?

Point to ponder: What is really worrying me at this moment in time? Am I willing to trust God with my concerns?

Let us pray: Thank You, Lord, for preserving the ancient Hebrew psalms over the centuries. Though they were faithfully written long ago, they still speak to our present situation, offering us encouragement and hope. In Christ’s Name, we confidently pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Quiet Times

Psalm 71:1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. (NIV)

               The older I get, the more I understand my need for introversion. The world has become a frenzied, noisy, and greedy place that I find difficult to embrace or accept at times. Instead, I cherish quiet places and people, solitary moments and tranquil times more than ever. I look forward to taking refuge in God’s cloister of closeness, either by sitting in my lounge reading, or resting on my bed while listening to classical music. Life doesn’t have to be hectic, filled with torturous timetables or burdened by trivial pursuits that consume my days. I seek God’s peace and look forward to His presence each day. I become a spiritual refugee in God’s arms; I rest my weary soul in the Lord.

               I know that I have responsibilities, tasks, and obligations to fulfill. I understand the need to work and the attention that my vocation requires. I am aware that leadership involves supporting and serving people in many different ways. I embrace and accept all of those important things, but there is a deeper part of me that longs to be alone with God, to quietly surrender my spirit into His hands, purposefully pondering on what my personal connection to Christ really involves and to think about what it will become in Eternity. I am not seeking to escape from the world; I’m just taking refuge in the Creator of the World which is what I’m truly meant to be. The Bible tells us that the peace of God surpasses our understanding, so I guess I’m trying to find and embrace that peace above all else.

               Perhaps you presently have a whole list of things to do, tasks to fulfill, and obligations to meet. I hope you succeed in accomplishing and completing all of them. However, may I suggest you add something else? Take time to be with God on your own. Find a quiet place and rest in the Lord’s presence. Seek refuge in God’s love and remain in His arms for a while. It will do you the world of good and be beneficial for your body, mind, heart, and soul. May God bless you this day with peace.

Point to ponder

Do I have a timetable for this weekend? Where can I allocate time to quietly be with God?

Prayer: Lord God, You created us to be and just not to do. Help us to cherish Your presence and to refresh our souls in Your quiet and abiding love. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Short devotions for meetings

September is usually when local churches begin their calendar year. Programs and projects, classes and congregational gatherings which have been set aside for summer, get back into their full swing. As the people of God gather for different events - classes, studies, dinners, team meetings, and boards, pastors and other church leaders are often requested to begin the events with a short devotional.

Over the years that I have served as a pastor, I have written hundreds of devotionals which are short and to the point. I've used them with the congregation I serve, as well as other meetings in other churches. years ago, I had to hand write or print out those devotions, however, with the advent of tablets and kindles, I can now easily carry devotions with me anywhere.

The two e-books that I have written for pastors and church leaders contain 60 devotions each - 120 devotions in total, which is enough to last for several years. They can also be used as discussion starters for any small groups. Each devotion contains a highlighted Bible verse, a short commentary, followed by a quick prayer. All of the devotions have been tried and tested at various functions and gatherings where I was a participant.

Because pastors and churches normally work on tight budgets, I've kept the price down to $1.99 each or the equivalent of 3 cents a devotion :) Those pastors who have purchased these books have enjoyed reading and using them. For your convenience, I have listed them below this post.

May God bless all of your work for the Lord. May all of your hopes and dreams be fulfilled.

God be with you.

Church devotions: Nothing New - 1 John 5:20

1 John 5:20    We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

            The Apostle John lived in a multicultural and diverse world. The Roman Empire contained many different people from all sorts of backgrounds, nations, and religions. The success of the Empire lay not just in its military strength, but also in its tolerance of different cultures. Romanization of different ethnic groups and races did not involve the complete wiping out of local traditions, gods, and cultures. As long as people did not rebel and paid homage by paying taxes to the Emperor, they could remain under the protection of Rome.

            However, when Christianity appeared on the scene, it came into conflict with the Roman authorities almost immediately. The fact that Christ had been crucified under Roman Law meant that His followers were seen as insurrectionists who could not be tolerated or allowed to grow across the Empire. This is why so many of Christ’s original disciples were martyred; they were considered to be hostile extremists whose sole mission was to bring down the Roman Empire. In fact, only the Apostle John who wrote today’s verse, lived to a ripe old age, albeit in exile on a lonely island in the Aegean Sea.

            John was writing his first letter to new Christians who may have been frightened by the persecuting power of the Roman authorities. He expressed to them his absolute certainty that Jesus was sent by God in order to lead people to the Truth, so that his readers would know where and from whom to find eternal life. John states it simply and succinctly: ‘we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.’

            Today, we have the opportunity of sharing in and experiencing the same reality. Christ alone forgives our sins, draws us to God, and grants us eternal life. In a cosmopolitan, multicultural world, this is currently interpreted as being narrow-minded, exclusive, and intolerant. So what’s new? Those were the very same criticisms and charges that were raised against the Apostle John and the First Century Christians – why should we think that the world would see us any differently?

Questions for personal reflection

What makes me a Christian? Do I accept John’s ancient words that Jesus is the true God and eternal life? Why?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we are all seeking the Truth so that our lives can be lived out purposefully, genuinely, and effectively. Keep us mindful of the original beliefs that the Apostles like John had and which the First Christians embraced. In Your Holy Name, may we remain devoted to You. Amen.

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

Please feel free to share and forward this message to your friends and families.

Today’s image is one of John’s Pentecost drawings called “Spirit Window.” You can view a larger version at the following link: Spirit Window.

Gospel devotion: Common Core - 1 Peter 3:18

1 Peter 3:18    For Christ died once for all sins of the righteous and unrighteous, to restore you to God. He was physically executed, but made alive again through the Spirit.

            Today’s chosen verse contains the common core of our Christian beliefs. Jesus died for our sins because there was no one else and no other way that this could be accomplished. Without His crucifixion, there would be no sacrifice. Without His death, there would be no forgiveness. And without His resurrection, there would be no hope of everlasting life.

            Some people claim that Christ died accidentally for being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and confronting the wrong authorities. They say that He never meant to die, but would have continued preaching, teaching, and healing well into His old age. They say this because they can’t cope with the fact that God required His Son to die for us. They don’t believe it because their pride won’t allow anyone to die for their sins. It’s almost as if they think that they will be able to advocate for themselves in the after-life without having Christ as an intermediary.

            Sadly, they are both deluded and wrong. None of us can talk to God face-to-face. We don’t have that right because we are not equals. We won’t be given that opportunity, no matter how cosmically unjust we might think that would be. God does not apply Himself or live by our rules. We, on the other hand, live under His authority and sovereignty. The rules belong to Him.

            Thank goodness, then, that Jesus actually died for our sins. In Him, we have the perfect Savior of our souls and the everlasting Advocate before God. Because of what He has done, we can be forgiven. Because of the blood that He shed, we can be restored. Because of His sacrifice, we can be hopeful of Life beyond death, Heaven beyond the universe, and Love beyond all of our imaginings. He died for our sins – to restore us to God totally, finally, and eternally.

Questions for personal reflection

What does Christ’s death mean to my faith in Him? How else could my sins be forgiven?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Source of our Salvation and the Living One who leads us to eternal life. There is no one else in History, on Earth, or under Heaven who could give us this Blessing of all blessings. We thank You for Your sacrifice and we praise You for Your victory over sin and death. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully and gratefully pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is part of a Holy Week series of images that John created for 2014. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/13939576594_9f95bfb516_b.jpg

Church devotions: The Royal Law - James 2:8

James 2:8       If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.

       

Yesterday, in the Sunday School class that I teach, we were discussing the parable of the Good Samaritan. It’s probably the best known story that Jesus ever told so, throughout the class, the participants offered their personal ideas and opinions about the parable. It was a good way to share our faith beliefs together, and even though it was a fictional story, Jesus told it in such a way that even thousands of years later the heart of its message is still as relevant today as it was in His lifetime.

I also like how James described the teaching ‘loving your neighbor as yourself.’ He called it ‘the royal law.’ This doesn’t mean that it was only meant for kings and queens, princes or princesses; James meant that this came as a command straight for the heart of Christ our King. In other words, it’s meant to be taken and practiced seriously by those who consider themselves to be disciples, followers, and servants of Jesus.

Throughout this week, we will all have many opportunities to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves.’ The real test will come in whether or not we respond to the needs our neighbors have, or whether we will be too busy, causing us to walk by on the other side and discard the royal law. The great Chinese scholar Confucius once wrote, almost five hundred years before Christ, “To see what is right and not to do it, shows a want of courage.” For the Christian, to see what is right and not to do it, shows a want of faith.

Questions for personal reflection

What hinders me from helping others in need when I see it? How do I justify my inaction?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, truly teach us Your ways so that we may practice our faith in loving and compassionate deeds. Keep us from being fainthearted, and encourage us to witness to You through our acts of kindness and care. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

 Today’s image is one of John’s latest stained glass Pentecost designs called ‘Sacred Spirit.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14024051194_10b3cce1ec_b.jpg

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

Today’s Readings:

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

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

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

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

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

Questions for personal reflection

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

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

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

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

Kindle Devotions: Five Minutes with God by John Stuart

My latest devotional e-book is published today. It's called "Five Minutes with God" and contains 52 short devotions. The devotions can be used as personal daily meditations or opening devotions at church meetings. They can also be used as discussion starters for small study groups.

Each devotion is inspired by a Bible verse and includes a personal reflection, story, or description of the context of the verse. Questions for reflection/discussion are also part of the devotion, which finished with a community prayer.

Throughout the book, examples of my artwork can be found, all of which relate to the chosen devotion. I enjoyed writing this book and believe its my best work to date. Click on the boxed link below to check it out on amazon.com. At only $1.99, it's a great spiritual investment, especially for busy Christians!

The book is published for Kindle and Kindle fire, but I-Pad, PC users, and tablets owners can download the free Kindle app to read it on their own mobile devices too!

Grief devotions: A Mystery to Me - John 11:28

John 11:28     And after Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 

I’m always puzzled by this story because of the roles that Martha and Mary play in this event. In another Gospel passage, (Luke 10:38-42), Mary sits at the feet of Jesus while Martha is chided for working in the kitchen. Mary is praised for her spirituality, whereas Martha is lightly criticized for being too pragmatic.

And then pain comes into their lives when their brother Lazarus dies, causing their roles to reverse. It’s Martha who initially goes out to meet with Jesus while Mary stays at home grieving. I would have expected Mary, the spiritual sister, to run to Jesus first. It wouldn’t have surprised if Martha had stayed at home grieving and still reluctant to go to Jesus. Something seems amiss here; something important is happening in this story.

As a pastor for many years, I have seen people undergo painful and very trying experiences. I have sometimes seen church people fall to pieces and get angry with God when something unexpected, unjust, and unfair happens to them. I’ve also seen people, who have had hardly any church connection, come closer to God in the midst of their pain, pressure, and problems. It’s a mystery to me why this happens and today’s Gospel passage seems to show that no matter how spiritual people are, they can still feel let down or hurt by God; and no matter how distant or irreligious people are, they can still be comforted and brought nearer to God in the midst of tragedy.

Questions for personal reflection

Have I ever felt let down or hurt by God’s inaction? In the midst of my troubles, what keeps me connected to Christ?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life, but we still experience tragedy and death in our lives. Sometimes tragic circumstances hurt us and separate us from You. Forgive us of those moments when our faith is sorely tried and we become distant from You. Embrace us with Your Understanding and Love. 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 winter drawings. It’s called “Heavenly Lights” and is a crayon drawing of the beautiful Northern Lights. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8374305975_29c1420e90_b.jpg

Devotion for Thanksgiving: A Tale of Two Gifts

Zechariah 12:10         “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”

John 1:14       The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

The older I get, the more I need God’s grace in my life. Decades ago, I thought it would be the reverse. I believed then that I would by now have worked out all of my flaws, failings, and mistakes because I would be older, wiser, and more mature. The reality is a whole lot different: I get set in my ways, whine for the good old days, and feel out of place. Ecclesiastical curmudgeonary and dinosaurial drudgery can best describe me at times. I was born in the 1950’s, raised in the sixties, and formed in the seventies. I’m a 20^th century man living in a 21^st century world. I know how I would like things to be but there’s no going back; in order to accommodate a new bold world, I constantly need an old beautiful gift: grace.

The two Bible verses for today were written hundreds of years apart, but they express God’s remedy for a broken world in almost the same terms: ‘grace and supplication’ and ‘grace and truth.’ In the Old Testament, God’s patience and mercy were appealed to through the means of sacrifice and supplication. In the New Testament, the Supreme Sacrifice had already been made, so the opportunity of God’s patience and mercy were given through this truth: Jesus is the Savior of our sins. In the past, grace was a means of being granted the permission to approach God; now grace through Christ means that we can not only approach God, but we may also abide with Him forever.

Grace: an ancient, blessed, and beautiful gift from God granted to us today (and for all time) through Jesus Christ our Lord and King.

Question for personal reflection

How many times have I needed God’s grace this week?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You were given to us to become the ultimate sacrifice and universal Savior of the world. By Your obedience and death, we have been given God’s grace and life. We will always be truly thankful for Your wonderful gift. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and gratefully 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 of him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com. John is always delighted to read your comments and answer your questions.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Nativity drawing for 2012. It’s called “First Family” and is currently being used by churches in the United States, Switzerland, and England for their Christmas advertizing campaigns. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8132931651_2e0cee43a8_b.jpg

John has signed 8x11 prints available. Contact him by email for details.

Church Devotion: A Single Day - Zechariah 3:9

Zechariah 3:9             “See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,” says the LORD Almighty, “and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.”

In a single day, Adam took the fruit from Eve and human sin tarnished the whole of Creation.

In a single day, Christ took the cup of wrath from God and human sin was removed from Creation.

In a single day, we are each given the breath of Life to begin a new journey in the world.

In a single day, breath is taken from our lives and we may be given the opportunity to enter into the next world.

In a single day, we are given the offer to believe in Christ who can forgive us and restore us to God’s everlasting Kingdom.

In a single day, we can reject Christ’s offer and fail to be redeemed, leaving us separated from God forever.

In a single day, we can seek God’s grace, be cleansed of our sins, and rejoice in God’s love forever.

In this single day, what will we do?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, all that we have is this single day with which to get things right with God, so that we may be forgiven of our mistakes and restored to His Presence through Your grace. Help us to encourage our loved ones and others to receive these blessings in this single day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is John’s latest Communion drawing called “Glasgow Cup.” It’s in the art nouveau style of one of his favorite Scottish artists Charles Rennie Mackintosh. You can view a larger version here: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8118104006_81dd7214e3_b.jpg

Stewardship devotion: The Lord Needs It - Luke 19:34

Luke 19:34 They replied, "The Lord needs it." 

I wonder how much our faith would affect our daily lives if we lived to serve Christ’s needs instead of our own? Is that even possible? Would our churches be filled with people on Sundays because the Lord needed them to be there? Would missions throughout the world be fully funded because the Lord needs affluent Christians in the West to ‘pony up’ and provide from their ample resources all that is needed by Christ to medicate, educate, feed and clothe people living in poverty across the globe?

If we are comfortable doing religious things without being challenged by the scandal of the Gospel, then we are going to go through life as spiritually shallow people. However, if we take time to really think about what Christ needs us to do with our lives and resources, then everything will change about how we ‘do’ church and how we share our faith. The owners of the colt in today’s Gospel passage (Luke 19:28-36) could have told the disciples to clear off, or that it was inconvenient, or that it would be okay the next day. They didn’t do that; when they heard the words “The Lord needs it,” they gave over the colt freely and perhaps gladly.

Questions for personal reflection

What does the Lord need of me? Am I willing to give my time, talents, and money to Him for His work?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, Your Gospel brings goodness and forgiveness, strength and love into our lives. It also presents us with challenges and causes us to reflect upon our daily choices. Help us to live according to Your needs and liberate us from our insecurities, as well as our desires. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

Church devotions: God Has Other Plans - Genesis 39:20b-21

Genesis 39:20b-21      But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 

When Joseph was falsely accused of adultery and unjustly imprisoned (Genesis 39:11-23), he must have felt that his life was cursed and that God had abandoned him forever. Previously, his brothers had abused him and sold him into slavery. He was kidnapped and taken to a foreign land. He became an unpaid overworked servant in an Egyptian official’s household. Just when he thought that his life may have turned a positive corner, he suddenly found himself at the center of a woman’s scorn and his master’s wrath. He was thrown in prison to rot and die. Joseph’s life was a complete disaster and he was bereft of everything that was once good.

But God had other plans. He watched over Joseph and took care of his terrible circumstances. God did not abandon him like his family or wretchedly mistreat him like his false accusers. God sustained Joseph in the midst of his plight and elevated him into a position of trust and responsibility at the prison. He was not forsaken or forgotten by God. Joseph’s life was about to take on a whole new importance that would not only positively change his circumstances, it would actually change the history of faith in the world.

Perhaps you are in the midst of something that is either depressing you or just wearing you down. You may even feel isolated from God or even abandoned. Despair can imprison your spirit, but God wants you to be secure in His arms and feel enjoyment, meaning, and purpose once more. Put yourself into His hands and allow God to do what He does best: to make all things good again through Jesus Christ.

Questions for personal reflection

What problems or issues currently trouble me? Have I totally given them over to God in prayer?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, come into the midst of all that besets and plagues us at this present time. Grant us Your gracious guidance and assure us of Your loving presence. 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, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest art nouveau drawings called “Paper Roses.” It’s based upon the unique art style of Glasgow artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7834723686_d992ea78b1_b.jpg

Meeting devotions: Naughty or Nice? Luke 6:26

Luke 6:26                   Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

            They are called “Blessings and Woes” in the Gospel of Luke. It’s the Good Doctor’s equivalent of what Matthew wrote in his Gospel when Jesus preached the sermon on the hillside. Most people know the Matthew 5 version; very few have ever read or compared Luke’s version of the same message. Church people tend to want things to be bright and positive, cheerful and light – Matthew supplies that in his record of the Beatitudes. Luke, however, who was a physician, was perhaps more used to thinking in terms of remedies and consequences. His version of what Christ said reads more like a spiritual health warning from God.

            I often struggle with this in the ministry God has given me. There’s a fine balance between preaching, teaching, and writing what people want to hear or read, as opposed to what God wants us to understand. Life is not a game, it’s a gift. Faith is not a spiritual convenience, it’s a constant challenge. The symbol of what we believe in is not a smiley face, it’s a cross. In my humble opinion, Christianity is the hardest faith that anyone can seek to live by; it meddles with our lifestyle choices and interferes with our ideals. Sometimes, as Christians, we have to assertively push back against society and our own community because the wrong ideas and sinful choices are being promoted.

            C. S. Lewis in his wonderful book “Mere Christianity” wrote this: ‘A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable world — and might even be more difficult to save.’ Luke’s version of the Beatitudes reminds us that all of our choices have both positive and negative eternal consequences. If we take salvation for granted, we will never be saved. If we live by our own personal creed, as opposed to Christ’s challenging message, we will never see God.

Questions for personal reflection

Where does my faith challenge me most? Do I surrender to Christ’s demands or the world’s ways?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, being a Christian is never easy and we each have crosses to bear. We sometimes think sin is just ‘being naughty’ and faith is just ‘being nice.’ Within our hearts and minds we know that there’s more to life than just being superficial. Teach us the serious differences between sin and salvation, deliverance and damnation, blessings and woes. 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 John’s latest waterfall drawing. It’s called “Heavenly Falls.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7593826054_57a16df2f2_b.jpg

Church devotion: Created to Be - Luke 1:30

Luke 1:30       But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.”

Every day I try to please God, but I know that at some unguarded daily moment, I’m going to say or do something wrong that will both displease Him and disappoint others. I could justify my mistake by shrugging my shoulders and saying, “I’m only human. What do you expect?” but that would be doubly sinful. If I want to find favor in the eyes of God, I need to confess my sin and makes reparations for my mistake.

Being humble does not come naturally to me and I guess if everyone was to be truly honest, they would say the same. I read a poster this morning which stated something like: ‘I do not seek God to make me what I want to be; I want to become what God created me to be.’ It’s a profound thought and something that I really need to write down and carry with me each day.

When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, he told her about God’s plans for her young life. She was to become the mother of God’s Son, just as He had created her to be. Mary could have rejected this blessing, but instead she accepted this special calling and humbled herself before God by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

It’s an amazing moment in the history of our faith. A young woman yields to God’s Holy Spirit and, in doing so, sets in motion an event and produces a life that will change the world forever.

Questions for personal reflection

What has God created me to be? How can I fulfill His purpose for me today?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, Your mother Mary humbly accepted the divine role and sacred responsibility of bringing You into the world. Without her obedience, our faith history would not be the same. Today, we each seek to fulfill Your calling in our lives in order to serve and please You. 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 John’s latest wildlife drawing called “Cheerful Chickadee.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7373844830_2ce5af2fdf_b.jpg

Church Staff devotions: Cosmic Collision - Genesis 15:5

Genesis 15:5   God took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then He said to him, "So shall your offspring be."

I’ve just read a fascinating article about an inter-galactic collision that will take place 4 billion years from now between our own Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. Billions upon billions of stars will either collide or closely pass by one another over a time period of more than a billion years. The article is based upon a study that NASA has released; to even think about such a cataclysmic event is absolutely staggering to my feeble mind. The astronomers who have completed their observations, done their research, and completed the math are amazing scientists. We certainly won’t be on this side of Life when the collision occurs, so perhaps we will witness it as the equivalent of a divine Fourth of July fireworks display on a Heavenly scale.

When God takes old Abram outside to show him the night sky and tells him that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, I find that equally amazing and fascinating. It tells me that when God makes a promise, He not only keeps His word, but He also blesses and fulfills it as wonderfully as He possibly can. The majority of the religious people on the Earth today can trace their spiritual roots to this moment of God’s magnificent blessing. Billions of people – Jews, Christians, and Muslims - find their religious ancestry in Abram of old. God’s promise, made thousands of years ago, has found its fulfillment in today’s world. This also tells me that God not only works in mysterious ways, He also has a great patience in fulfilling his work of salvation.

Questions for personal reflection

Where do my religious roots originate? How does my faith sharing with others expand this ancient blessing?

Prayer:                        Almighty Creator, when I gaze upon the stars in the night sky, I am struck with wonder and awe. Your works are amazing and I feel both humbled and privileged to be a creature of Your making. May I continue to bless and praise You throughout the days of my life. In Christ’s Name, I 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 drawings called “Sleepless Sky.” It features a beautifully starlit northern sky illuminated with the aurora borealis. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/7186639110_1bbac69be5_b.jpg

Church Meeting devotions: Journey of Joy

Today's Bible reading: Genesis 11:27-32

Genesis 11:31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there.

Last Sunday morning, after the worship service, we held a special ceremony to re-dedicate the church bell. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful event. We took time to remember one of our dearest elders and friends, as well as delighting in the official opening of the new site for our church bell.

The church bell goes back to the founding of our congregation and is the oldest artifact that we possess. For almost seven generations, it has been used to call the faithful to worship on Sunday mornings. It has been heard by Scots-Irish immigrants of the late nineteenth century. It proclaimed the ending of both the First and Second World Wars. It remained with us throughout the turbulent sixties and seventies, and now it has been restored in the 21^st century to a beautiful location next to the front entrance. All being well, it will outlive the present congregation and, who knows, it may one day herald the Second Coming of Christ to the Earth.

The story of the first Erin congregation is similar to the biblical account of Abram and Sarai. The Erin people also left the land of their birth and journeyed thousands of miles to settle in a place of promises. With hard work and determination, true grit and a focused faith, they carved out a living and eventually settled here in Knoxville, Tennessee. They called their new church ‘Erin,’ which is the ancient Gaelic word for Ireland. They planted a congregation and sewed seeds of faith which are still bearing fruit today. Just like the patriarchs of old, their work has been rewarded and their faithfulness has been blessed. The journey of joy continues; the mission of Christ goes on.

Questions for personal reflection

How has the faith of past generations influenced and affected me? What am I doing with that faith today in order to ensure that it will be passed on to future generations?

Prayer:            Lord God, you are the Maker of Time and the Shaper of History. You have raised up generations of faithful men and women to serve the continuing ministry and constant mission of Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for allowing us to be a part of Christ’s work on Earth. 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.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called “Spirit-2012.” Its creation involves paper sculpting, wax crayons, and a scanner. If you would like to view a larger version, please click here: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7217562558_43d588ee31_b.jpg

(It’s also available as a t-shirt at John’s CafePress website at http://www.cafepress.com/stushietees )