Scary Times - 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12         For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

            I must confess, the second chapter of 2 Thessalonians unnerves me. It deals with the End Times and each occasion that I read it, I feel that it is happening now. I find it scary to read that people will be deluded by someone or something they think is right. Instead of discerning the truth, they will be deceived by what they want to believe. Rather than look for God’s guidance, they will embrace their own ideas and disregard what is plainly placed before their noses. Human beings have this tragic propensity for being in denial when it comes to their favorite leaders, celebrities, and heroes. Instead of seeing their flaws, they are blinded by flattery. Instead of recognizing and embracing the truth, they quickly let go and discard it.

            When I read this chapter and in particular today’s verses, I reluctantly ask myself, am I being deceived? Do I see what I want to see? Do I only hear what I want to hear? Am I discarding my faith? Am I diminishing the truth? Those are not easy questions to answer, so in the end I have to come to Christ with my imperfect, flawed thinking and ask Him to forgive, guide, and assure me, so that I may become aware of what He wants, as well as what God wills.

            Being a Christian is never easy. Allowing Christ to influence me more than the media is a daily struggle and a constant temptation.

Questions for personal reflection

Who or what influences most of my choices? How often do I seek God’s will in what I believe, think, and do?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, grant us the gifts of discernment and acceptance. Help us to know what is right and the courage to accept it fully. Keep us from being deluded by those who tell us what we want to hear. Instead, allow us to listen to Your words and apply God’s ways. 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 send him a message, please do by email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Communion drawings called “Give Thanks.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Thanks.

Praying for Pat - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Praying for Pat

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18         Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

            I know that a lot of people in Knoxville and East Tennessee are praying for Pat Summitt and her family today. Throughout the twenty one years that I’ve been here, I’ve seen how much respect, admiration, and love that our whole community has for this gifted leader, coach, and sportswoman. Pat Summitt has been a great ambassador for Women’s Basketball, the University of Tennessee, and all of the people in our region. We pray for her today because we love her. We pray for her family at this time because we feel their pain.

            Coach Summitt has given a lot of joy to many people throughout the years of her great career. Her achievements are outstanding and her commitment to her teams has been exceptional. She has worked hard throughout her entire life and has reaped success with her grit, determination, and drive. She came from humble beginnings and has become a nationally recognized leader with millions of fans across the nation.

            So today, we all pray for Pat Summitt and ask God to be near her at this precious time. And we pray for her family, offering them all of our love and support. May God bless and be with them all.

Questions for personal reflection

How has Pat Summitt’s life affected me and my community? What lessons of leadership has she inspired?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we all have heroes who inspire us. Pat Summitt is one of those special people. Please be near to her spirit this day and surround her with loved ones. Embrace them at this time and support them through the coming days. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to communicate with him, send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Daily Devotional - A Brand New Week - 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12        For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

            It’s a brand new week and hopefully it will be full of new opportunities to share our love of Christ with other people. Some folks think that ministry is something that pastors mainly do on a Sunday, but the fact about our faith is this: we all have personal ministries that God gives to each of us every day.

            At some point this week, someone is going to need our help. It may be at work, at school, at home, or in a public place. Wherever and whenever it happens, let’s hope and pray that we can respond in an encouraging, compassionate, and supportive way. If we do, then we will be honoring Christ and reflecting the goodness that God has given us.

            Paul’s message to the young church in Thessalonica was meant to encourage them. He appreciated the support that the members had given to him when he first came to the small congregation. They helped him to share his faith in positive and effective ways, so that even today, more than nineteen hundred years later, the Christian Church is still present there and effectively ministering to the thousands of Syrian Christian refugees who have recently fled that city.

            So, wherever we are this week, whoever we meet, and whatever we do, let’s also try to be supportive, compassionate, and encouraging in order to help other people, while honoring Christ at the same time.

Questions for personal reflection

What do I hope to accomplish this week? How can I reflect and share Christ’s goodness to those that I encounter?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we are all called to be servants of Your Kingdom, followers of Your way, and ministers of Your Gospel. Help us to convey our faith to others in effective and lasting 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 send him a message, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Communion drawing called ‘Sanctification.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Sanctification.

Daily Devotional - Hope for the Weary - Isaiah 50:4a

Isaiah 50:4a    The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.

            We all get weary at times and wonder what life is really about. Some of us are over-worked and under pressure much of the time. Others are over-worried and fighting depression. Some folks are lonely and barely manage to get through each day. Still others find life hard to endure especially when family, friends, or loved ones are struggling, too.

            Being human means that we will experience good days and bad days, broken dreams and unfulfilled promises, hardships and perhaps even hostility. However, it’s good to know that we are pilgrims passing through this planet, heading towards something else, something bigger, and something better.

            Being human also means that we can appreciate beauty, kindness, love, and peace. We can be inspired by others, encouraged through their words, and comforted with their presence. In the midst of our worries and weariness, good friends and faithful people can make all the difference. The Irish often say that all people need is ‘a kind word and a smile’ – which are great gifts to receive and are wonderful blessings to share.

            When we take time to read the scriptures, we often find verses and passages that reflect our current experiences. This reminds us that God’s Word is alive and relevant, with the potential to sustain us in times of trouble and encourage us in days of joy.

Questions for personal reflection

How am I feeling today? Am I willing to ask God to guide and sustain me with His Word?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing Your Spirit to be present with us each day. You know everything that we are experiencing; You understand all that we are currently going through. Encourage and sustain us; embrace and remain with 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 send him a message, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is an old drawing of John’s called “A New Earth.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: New.

Christian Book review: Lessons from the East by Bob Roberts

                I was delighted to see such a book being written. For decades, I have believed that the center of Christ’s Church is not to be found in a Western Christian nation, but more than likely in Asia. Recent estimates show that by the year 2030, China will become the largest Christian nation in the world.

                Bob Roberts has worked with pastors and church leaders from all over the planet. He has seen what the Spirit is actually doing across the nations. His book is a welcome refreshment of church growth ideas that are borne out of real experiences of pastors around the globe, rather than the same old hypothetical formulas for growth and success, to which Western churches and pastors seem addicted.

                Bob relates much of his work with global pastors and offers many new insights into how Christianity operates in other regions of the world. Every chapter has many lessons which could radically, yet positively, alter US congregations. The book is divided into three main parts, all of which tell Bob’s personal faith journey. For me, as a Presbyterian pastor, Part II – Kingdom Hearts, contains vital information, challenges, and experiences, which I am hoping to share and apply with our church elders. We’ve been looking for something missional and exceptional. Bob’s ideas, which he has gleaned from overseas pastors, may be essential for the continuing life, work, and ministry of many congregations across the US, including the one that I currently serve.

                The book is easy to read and is also an excellent resource for pastors, church leaders, staff, and congregations. It is a refreshing view of Christianity as a positive worldwide movement. I highly recommend Bob’s book to every pastor who is seeking something substantial, inspiring, and productive for their ministries.

Daily Devotional - Called to Serve - Colossians 3:23

Colossians 3:23  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men.

            It’s time for our church elders to bring on board a new class. At Erin Church, we seek people to lead the congregation through their commitment, decision-making, and prayers. In today’s busy world, getting good folks to commit to three years of eldership is a hard task and requires a lot of faith, as well as patience. It’s even more crucial to seek God’s calling of elders these days because of the changing times that we live in. For any church to survive the societal turbulence, it takes focused people who are willing to work for the Lord on behalf of the congregation.

            Some good folks think that they are not worthy or that they won’t have enough time. Other people feel that they are not yet ready or fully prepared to undertake such an important leadership task. That’s actually a very good way to approach eldership. If any person believes they deserve such a position, then perhaps they should think again. Eldership is not a reward for being a good church person; it is a calling which God confers on the individual because He can see their potential for what lies ahead in the life, work, and ministry of the church.

            If you look at the folks God called to leadership in the Bible, all of them are imperfect, untrained, and unworthy. Moses wanted God to choose his brother Aaron instead of himself (Exodus 4:1-20); David was the youngest in his family (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Peter pleaded with Jesus to go away from him because he was a sinful person (Luke 5:1-11); and even Paul, the writer of today’s verse, initially hated Christ, Christians, and Christianity before he was converted (Acts 9:1-9).

           

            As church members, we should be open to the calling of the Spirit and let God take care of the details. God doesn’t call us because we’re perfect; He calls us because He needs us to fulfill His work in our congregation.

Questions for personal reflection

How will I respond if I am asked to serve God as an elder? How can God help me to fulfill that call?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You know us as we are and how imperfect we can be. You understand our fears and worries, as well as our issues and concerns. Help us to set these aside and follow Your bidding. 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 send him a message about today’s devotional, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings for Psalm 26. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 26.

Daily Devotional - Love and Compassion: Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12          Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

            The outpouring of love and compassion that I’ve seen on the internet after the Orlando Massacre has both humbled and deeply touched me. I know that there are still some ignorant folks venting their spleens and spreading hate, but their voices are diminishing and their influence is negligible. What I’ve seen are many photographs of people from all over the world attending candle lit vigils and showing their compassionate unity with the victims and families of the dreadful shooting. It will never take away the loss and pain that the affected friends and families will always feel, but it will offer a level of comfort and support in the midst of their agonizing grief.

            Religious congregations and secular companies, people of faith and those of none, have joined together in sadness and grief, shock and loss. It’s sad that such a level of basic goodness and unified humanity has been engendered by a terrible tragedy; however, if we remain united we can change and make better decisions. Sensible gun laws and acceptable choices can be accomplished, but only if we work together toward a brighter future for our children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. It won’t be easy, but it can be achieved. It starts at a personal level and continues to expand in our community, country, and world.

            As Paul wrote long ago, God’s people are meant to embrace and express compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. If I want to experience these in my life, it all starts with me; if you are seeking the same, it begins with you, too.

Questions for personal reflection

How has the Orlando Massacre affected and changed me? How can I show God’s love and compassion to others at this time?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us to become God’s people and Your servants through personal acts of love, kindness, and compassion to others, this day and every day onward. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to contact him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s drawing of a Celtic Cross in rainbow colors. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.

Daily Devotional - Massacre in Orlando - Galatians 3:28

Galatians 3:28            There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

            This weekend’s massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida has sickened, angered, and depressed millions of people across our nation and the world. It’s unbelievable that someone would be so wicked in attacking a vulnerable, defenseless community. It’s inconceivable that one person could inflict such devastation within a short period of time. Sadly, massacres like this are nothing new in the history of the United States. They are all about targeting and murdering a specific group of people whose ideas, culture, and lifestyles differ from the shooters.

On April 12^th, 1864, hundreds of African American Union soldiers were shot, bayoneted or bludgeoned to death by Confederate troops at Fort Pillow in Tennessee. Despite surrendering, they were targeted and murdered simply because they were black. Such an appalling massacre would be called a war crime today.

            On December 29^th, 1890 at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota,  more than 150 men, women, and children were massacred by the 7^th Calvary and 51 were wounded (4 men and 47 women and children, some of whom died later); some estimates placed the number of dead at 300. They died because they were Lakota Sioux. Twenty soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for the horrendous massacre. In 2001, the National Congress of American Indians passed two resolutions condemning the Medals of Honor awards and called on the U.S. government to rescind them. It still hasn’t been done.

            And now, on June 12^th, 2016, 49 people were ruthlessly murdered and 53 others wounded in a massacre at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, perpetrated by one evil man. The victims were wickedly killed simply because they were gay. Like those massacred at Fort Pillow and Wounded Knee, they were cruelly murdered for being part of their own unique community.

            Hatred and prejudice, xenophobia and an unhealthy obsession with automatic weapons, all play their part in these inhumane attacks and murderous massacres. Until we fully address these issues, people who are different culturally and ethnically will remain vulnerable, even in their own communities which should be havens of safety and security.

            Our churches will pray for the victims, their families, their friends, and their communities, and ask God for healing, support, and comfort in the midst of all the pain. However, we also need to pray for common sense to prevail against an obsessive and sinful culture concerning weapons. We also need to be proactive in reaching across our diverse communities in order to unite against the common foes of ignorance, prejudice, and hatred. At Erin Presbyterian Church, we try to epitomize this through applying our vision statement:

Unified in Christ, we actively seek to create harmony in a diverse community through compassion, mutual respect, and love.

Prayer:            May Christ bring us together as one. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to write to him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.


(Today's devotion is now available as an audio podcast http://podpoint.com/erin-presbyterian-church-podcast/massacre)

Daily Devotional: Canceling debts - Colossians 2:13b-14

Colossians 2:13b-14   God forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 

            In the political world, the National Debt becomes an important issue at every general election. Candidates from all the parties usually talk about how they will reduce the financial burden that is placed upon every taxpayer in their countries. Whoever comes up with the best solution normally becomes the poll favorite to win the office of leadership. However, when they gain that position, they soon discover that dealing with the National Debt is not as easy as they hoped. Current policies and other politicians usually get in the way of solving the problem. The debt becomes greater and is often left to the next leader or generation to find the right answers.

The sad fact of the matter is this: politicians all over the world are not very willing to sacrifice their popularity by imposing stringent economic solutions – the art of  national debt procrastination abounds all over the world.

            We are all under a similar debt when it comes to dealing with our sins. Each time we sin, we rob God of His glory and owe Him an apology. Every day, our sinful debts keeps piling up so, at the end of our lives, we will be so indebted to God that we will never be able to face Him and pay back all of the divine glory that we have stolen and squandered. However, God has provided the solution to canceling our debt to Him. His Son Jesus has paid that sinful debt in full at the Cross of Calvary. We do not carry over our sinful debt into the next part of our lives when we accept Christ as our Savior-Redeemer. He has paid it all and, in doing so, has given us the opportunity to be fully and eternally restored to God.

            In the midst of this important election with all of its complications, personalities, and issues, let’s also constantly remind ourselves of Who really is the Leader of our lives, the Canceller of our debts, and the Savior of our souls.

Questions for personal reflection

How do my sins alienate me from God and make me indebted to Him? Why do I need Jesus to save me from my sins by canceling my debt to God?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You were nailed to the Cross to cancel the debt due for the sins of humanity. Our sins are countless, so we owe everything to You. Remind us of the cost of our eternal restoration and freedom. 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 contact him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Good Friday drawings called ‘Sin Bearer.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Sin Bearer.


Podcast version

Online Devotion: The Contender - Colossians 2:1

Colossians 2:1            I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. (NIV)

            Paul contended for the young churches under his care. He knew that the faith of those new Christians was delicate and that they could be led astray by flattering words and false gospels. He fought for them in many ways and eventually sacrificed his life for the Gospel. He was a remarkable fighter for the faith; he was a strident contender for Christ.

            Sometimes I wonder how Paul would have fared with today’s Church. We seem to have wandered so far away from the Gospel Truth that I think he would stridently confront our mistakes and try to redirect our paths. Unfortunately, he would probably come across as being intolerant, out-of-touch, and imbecilic to most post-moderns. His statements would be ignored and his opinions would be cast aside, just as his written words are somewhat treated today.

            I wish that God would raise up another Paul among us, instead of the ‘Guy Smiley’ preachers that abound in our mega churches. People say that they are thirsting for real, authentic Christianity, but that involves changing a lot of what we have become. If another contender does arise, then she or he will shake the foundations of our cozy beliefs and make us honestly reconsider our ways. It won’t be easy, but then again, the symbol of our faith is a sacred Cross and not a comfy sofa.

Questions for personal reflection

What do I honestly think of Paul and his teachings? Why?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You chose Paul to contend for Your Church on Earth. Help us to understand why You selected him and what his writings truly teach us about You. Help us to re-evaluate our faith and renew our commitment to You alone. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to send him an email about today’s message, send it to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s drawings called “Christ is King.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: King.

Podcast version

Daily devotion: Global Gospel - Colossians 1:28

Today’s Bible readings can be found at these links: Isaiah 47:1-9 and Colossians 1:21-29.

Colossians 1:28          Christ is the one we proclaim, cautioning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

            The Church exists to serve Christ and to let the world know about Him. We are meant to be servant-story tellers, who proclaim the words, works, and ways of Jesus through what we say and do. For almost two thousand years Christians have traveled all over the world to bring the Gospel to other people. Many wonderful miracles and effective missions have taken place over the centuries, causing billions of people to give their lives to Christ.

            We live in amazing times because we now don’t have to send anyone anywhere. Our technology carries the Gospel to people in other places, lands, and cultures. It’s a fantastic way of communicating Christ’s love to other folks. For instance, I send this message via Facebook to other Christians across the globe who are connected to the World Council of Churches. Each week, I receive messages, comments, and emails from folks in Africa, Asia, and South America. It’s wonderful to be part of a worldwide community of faith; it’s beautiful to see how God’s word inspires other folks.

            So the challenge for all of us today is this: how am I going to proclaim Christ to other people? How will I use the amazing technology at my disposal to spread the Gospel?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we live in wonderful times. We can communicate instantly with other people in other nations across this entire planet. We pray that You will give us opportunities to spread Your Gospel using our devices in effective, compassionate, and loving ways. In Your Holy Name, we serve and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to share this message. You may also send John feedback via email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s early drawings called “African Cross.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.

Christian devotion: Simply Sacrificial - Colossians 1:19-20

Colossians 1:19-20     For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (NIV)

            Paul simply states in the above verses what I have always believed and experienced as a Christian. Without the Cross, I could not be forgiven. Without Christ’s blood, I could never be reconciled to God.

            This candid sentence in Paul’s Letter to the Colossians makes it perfectly clear: the Cross was not an accident; it was fully intended to be used by God to reconcile us to Him. It was not a mistake; it was a divine instrument of God’s mercy and grace. We look at the Cross and experience the horror that Jesus endured. We know that we put Him there, so it makes us feel uncomfortable, self-loathing, and ashamed.

We would rather it was a mistake because we wouldn’t feel that our sins had wounded Him. We would happily accept it as an accident because we would be able to cast the Cross aside and simply approach God without any boundaries or barriers. But the Cross is there to remind us that we are sinful creatures, forbidden to enter God’s Holy Kingdom without the shameful Cross of Christ and the sacrificial blood of Jesus.

As post-modern people and 21^st century idealists we want things to go our way, be what we wish, and embrace our own understanding. However, as Paul writes elsewhere, the Cross becomes a stumbling block in the way of our wisdom, and the foolishness of God is infinitely above the cleverness of people. If we want to be with God after we die, we need to come to the Cross before we die. If we wish to enter into the glorious Kingdom of God at the last, we need to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus first. There is simply no other way, nor can we ever find another truth to gain us everlasting life.

Questions for personal reflection

What does Christ’s Cross mean to me? How has Christ’s blood reconciled me to God?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, being a Christian is never easy or comfortable. We have to make hard decisions and a personal commitment to You. We want eternal life and to go to Heaven after we die. Help us to both understand and embrace the divine fact that we cannot do this on our own. We need Your Cross to convict us; we require Your blood to cleanse us. 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 send him an email, feel free to do so at Traqair@aol.com.

Toda’s image is one of John’s Good Friday drawings called “Outside.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Outside.

Sunday Sermon: Something Out of Nothing - 1 Kings 17:8-16

Yesterday's sermon - "Something Out of Nothing" is now available at the following podcast link:

Church devotion: Gospel Fruit - Colossians 1:6b

Colossians 1:6b            In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. (NIV)

            Yesterday, we concluded our annual Vacation Bible School for our church kids. It was a great success. The youngsters enjoyed a whole weekend of singing, crafting, playing, and listening. They learned Bible stories, sang new songs, made new friends, and enjoyed being there. It was good to see that all of the preparation, organization, and volunteering was very worthwhile. The whole church is very thankful for everyone who worked together to make the VBS program successful.

            We won’t see the fruits of our VBS work for many years. The seeds of faith that have been planted will take time to grow. However, if all goes according to plan, then some of those youngsters will become faith teachers in the future, passing on the Gospel to their next generation.

            Today, all over the world, people will hear the Gospel for the first time and it will impact their lives forever. Christ’s Church is always growing; in fact, in both the continents of Africa and Asia, it is multiplying at an exceptional rate. Church growth experts even predict that by 2030, China will be the largest Christian nation on Earth! That will be amazing and I hope I get to see it in my lifetime.

            Wherever you go today and whoever you encounter, please plant seeds of the Gospel with your words and deeds. Who knows, whatever you say or accomplish in Christ’s Name today may have a fruitful outcome in the future lives of others.

Questions for reflection

Who once shared the Gospel with me? Who can I share the Gospel with today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us to serve You today by witnessing to Your love in positive, influential, and effective ways. Enable us to see each person that we encounter as a child of God’s grace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can contact him by email at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Celtic Cross drawing called ‘Celtic resurrection.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.

Morning Devotion: A New Day - Isaiah 45:6

Isaiah 45:6      From the rising of the sun to the place of its setting, people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.

            I’m usually awake before each sunrise, so I get to watch the sun’s red glow permeate slowly across the morning sky. It is a peaceful and sacred time which helps me get into the right frame of mind for my daily work. Soaking in a sunrise enables me to embrace the day ahead by allowing me some quiet time to collect my thoughts and plan out my working hours.

            Today’s chosen verse also reminds me that each day comes as a gift from God as another opportunity to praise and serve Him in all that I seek to accomplish. My life belongs to God, so whatever I do should reflect both His goodness to me and my glory of Him. I don’t always get it right, but when I do, I draw nearer to God and deepen my relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Then, when sunset occurs at the end of the day and I rest my head upon my pillow, I can smile as I pray and thank God for all that I’ve experienced and completed.

            As we embrace this new day, let’s look for the opportunities that God gives us to share our faith with others through Christ’s compassion, care, and love. If we set out to do this, then the people around us may come to know of God as our Living Lord.

Prayer:            Lord God, thank You for the gift of another day. You know all that we seek to accomplish; You understand all that we need to do. Help and guide us to do whatever we can to accept, support, and encourage others, so that we may serve You effectively, positively, and lovingly. In Christ’s Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to share this message. You can also contact him via email at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Easter drawings called “Like a Rolling Stone.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Stone.

Thought for Today: A Beautiful Faith

“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” – Isaiah 44:22

            The beauty of our faith is that we worship and serve the God who forgives. God has the power to invade our lives and punish us for our sins; instead, He sends His Son Jesus into our world to offer mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

            Perhaps you are carrying guilt from the past or still burdened with regrets. Maybe those mistakes depress you and cloud your life with shame. Re-read today’s verse and know this: God can disperse those clouds and open up your life to His brightness. Jesus can and will forgive us, especially of those things that we cannot forgive ourselves. Through Him, we can return to God for Christ is our Redeemer, the One who is willing to delete our guilt, reboot our lives, and reset us on a path which leads to God’s everlasting love and favor.

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for saving us from ourselves by forgiving us completely. Let this new day begin a fresh path for our lives. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to share today’s message. God bless you J.