Midweek Message: Strong Fortresses

Psalm 31:2b Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. (NIV)

Dear Friends,

My wife and I returned home from Europe recently. We had an amazing cruise vacation around the Mediterranean. We saw ports, towns, and cities in Italy, Croatia, Monaco, France, and Spain. It was a wonderful trip, filled with many happy memories and beautiful experiences. We know that jetlag will kick in soon, but we are grateful to have taken the opportunity to go and see different places, eat some new foods, and speak in different languages including a little Croatian!

In most of the ports on the Mediterranean Sea, there is usually a formidable fortress overlooking the harbor. This reminds us that throughout history, the Mediterranean has seen many conflicts. A lot of the ports also have narrow winding streets which were used to hide the inhabitants from invaders, as well as entrapping pirates and other conquerors from pillaging their towns. These days, those fierce-looking castles still experience many foreign invaders, usually carrying cellphones to take photos of the stern stone walls. Instead of being impenetrable powerhouses, the fortresses are now largely welcome centers and magnificent museums where tour groups and their guides gather to marvel at the structures and hear about their history.

At one time, large churches were also formidable buildings which were meant to make people feel small and vulnerable, sinful and unworthy. These fortresses of faith often presented a stern type of Christianity which sadly is still experienced in some congregations today. Thankfully, places like our own church, have become wonderful welcome centers and sanctuaries of refuge for the marginalized and victimized, as all as for the lonely and lost, where everyone is accepted as a child of God’s grace and truly loved by Christ.

May God’s grace be with you and all your loved ones.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Play Joyfully

Psalm 33:3 Sing to God a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (NIV)

Yesterday, the whole world was stunned with the news of Dolly Parton’s death. She was such a joyfully charismatic person, whose songs brought a great deal of happiness and meaning to millions of people across the globe.

For those of us who live in East Tennessee, it feels as though a dear and beloved family member has passed away. Dolly’s commitment to the folks who live in this region was wonderful to behold. She never forgot her humble roots and her international success meant that she could invest in the lives of East Tennessean families and children with her book ministry. Dolly cherished the richness of her own education and wanted to ensure that millions of children throughout various states were sent a book to read each month.

Dolly’s talents have been admired and celebrated since she was a teenager. Her positive attitude endeared her to many Americans. Her passing made us realize how much we all loved her as a person, as well as a performer. She was a National Treasure and one whom we will all dearly miss. She treated everyone as a child of God’s grace and showed us what really makes America great – compassion, tolerance, faith, and love.

Every year, Evelyn and I go to Dollywood in the Fall. It’s not just a beautiful season, but Dollywood is such a charming place to walk around, to see other people, to go on the rides, and, of course, to listen to the music being played all over the park. Dolly’s legacy will continue there for years to come and the good folks in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville will always be grateful for what she accomplished as an artiste, a Tennessean, and a Christian.

Just like the psalmist of old, Dolly sang joyfully to God and played skillfully. We have all been truly blessed by a remarkable woman.

May God be with you all.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Keep Going

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (NIV)

 When I was in High School, I enjoyed all sorts of athletic sports, especially anything to do with running. I was on the school’s senior sprint relay team, but I much preferred the middle and long distance events. I enjoyed running laps around the track and usually ended up as one of the first three runners to finish a race. The secret was to pace myself and to endure the number of laps required and then, with a burst of speed on the last lap, overtake most of the other runners.

 One season, my gym teacher invited me to represent the school in a cross-country race. I had never done this before, but I thought it would easy because I could cover the distance. When the race started, I was determined to keep up with the leading pack, but they were running much faster than I anticipated. I very soon got winded and fell back down the field. I had not anticipated the difficulties of running up and down hillsides, instead of being on a flat track. As I watched many other competitors gleefully run past me, I realized I was in the wrong kind of race. After it was over, I was glad to get back to running on a flat field.

 I still admire cross-country runners to this very day. Their perseverance and stamina, as well as their focus and determination, are qualities I deeply respect. They taught me a lesson about endurance which I often find relevant in today’s church world.

 Maintaining our faith in these trying times frequently requires patience and perseverance. The ups and downs of our daily lives are sometimes difficult to endure. Congregations like our own sometime experience bumpy roads and even a few setbacks. Thankfully, however, just as today’s verse amply expresses, God’s love always guides us while Christ’s perseverance helps us to prevail.

 May Jesus continue to bless us as a church of God’s people who faithfully keep going on.

Book review" Out of Colditz by David Lascelles

As a kid growing up in Scotland, I can remember both the movie “The Colditz Story,” and the television series simply called “Colditz.” Both were dramatic representations of what actually occurred to Allied Prisoners of War during World War 2. My impression was that the survivors of Colditz were national heroes and great escapers, so when I began reading David Lascelles’ book “Out of Colditz” I was intrigued by what happened to his father during the last year of World War.

I had never heard of the group of men called ‘The Prominente’ who were kept in isolation from the other prisoners because of their connections to the Royal family and European political leaders. It was interesting to note that they were largely being used as pawns to possibly negotiate surrender deals with the victorious Allied Forces.

Lascelles personal experiences with the German Commandant’s family as he researched material for his book were also fascinating. He gave us ‘the rest of the story,’ especially when he described several events which the Colditz Commandant used to gain some credible defense of not following Hitler’s orders to kill his prominent prisoners.

The book is well written and provides an ample history of some of the last days of the Second World War in Europe and the subsequent war-criminal trials. I would recommend it to anyone who is really interested in the Allied prisoners and the defeat of Germany in World War 2.

The book will be published by St. Martin’s Press in January 2027

Midweek Message: Have Patience

Ecclesiastes 7:8   Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (ESV)

            Sometimes when I am looking for a quick answer to things and pray for a swift resolution, the Bible reminds me that God’s timing may not be the same as my own. Take today’s highlighted verse, for example. It’s a wise way of telling us to slow down and wait for a positive result rather than hastily trying to enforce our own. We all look for a quick end to our issues, problems, and struggles, but sometimes we have to endure what’s happening for a while before we can reach a satisfactory conclusion. Sometimes this occurs when we’re recovering from an illness, surgery, or treatment, or when we’re looking for news about a meeting, a problem at work, or an incident with our family.

 

              I like what the ancient teacher has to write about being patient in spirit rather than being proud. It’s meant to teach us a lesson that patience requires some level of humility in order to reduce our anxiety and diminish our concerns. How many times have we worried about something that never transpired, or lost sleep over an issue that was never fulfilled? Rather than wasting our time with ‘what ifs,’ God often invites us to place all our anxieties into Christ’s hands and wait for the right moment for everything to be revealed or fulfilled.

 

              May God be with you and all your loved ones today, blessing you with patience and faith, hope and love.

 

Pastor John

Midweek Message: The Gift of Music

Colossians 3:16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (NIV)

                             One of the most enjoyable aspects of worshiping on Sundays is the inclusion of music. Whether it is played on the organ or piano, is sung by the choir or the congregation, or even played on instruments by adults or children, music is a centerpiece of how we cheerfully and sincerely praise God. The lyrics we sing and the harmonies we create, bring us together as a family of faith and connect us to Christian communities across the Earth, as well as with the angels who are forever singing before the throne of God. Without the inclusion of music, our worship would be empty and dull; with the gift of music, our worship becomes inspirational and meaningful.

                             I like today’s highlighted verse from Colossians. It reminds us that we have been singing God’s praises for thousands of years. The Apostle Paul emphasized the singing of hymns and psalms as a special and holy means to teach the Christian faith to the young church at Colossae. The words and music helped his people draw closer to God in both cheerful and sorrowful times. Similarly, throughout the centuries, many Christian communities have sung sacred songs to strengthen their resolve and overcome their problems. For example, the hymns and spirituals of the nineteenth century enabled enslaved people to persevere; the protest songs and community choruses of the 1960s inspired churches to fight for civil rights.

                             I hope that you enjoy the music on Sundays, too, and understand how important and precious the gift of music is for everyone in our congregation. As we sing our hymns, listen to the anthems, and reflect on the special music, may we all experience the presence of God’s Spirit and deepen our relationship with the Lord, as well as with one another.

                             May God bless you and all your loved ones.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: O When the Saints

Midweek Message: O When the Saints

Psalm 30:4 Sing to the LORD, you saints; praise God’s holy name.

One of the first songs I learned on the guitar was "O When the Saints." It's easy to play because it only has three chords, so when you're a beginner, it makes you feel good playing, strumming, and singing a whole song. I spent many nights in my bedroom as a teenager singing it at the top of my voice until my parents or siblings told me to keep quiet.

When I first played it, I didn't really know what I was singing about, after all, as far I was concerned, saints were very holy people who had died long, long ago. It was only years later when I was studying the scriptures at seminary that I learned 'saints' can be ordinary people, alive and well, who practice and proclaim their faith through acts of mercy and kindness, devotion and love.

As followers of Christ, we all have the potential each day to be saintly. People will cross our paths that need our help, support, and encouragement. If we express Christ's love to them through acts of compassion, care, and concern, we'll be doing saintly deeds. It won't make us any holier, more sacred, or even spiritually superior, but it will help change for the better other people's lives, as well as our own. And after all is said and done, wouldn’t we rather be a saint walking through this world and doing what we can to make it a better and kinder place, than believing saints to only be holy people from the past?

Point to ponder: What can I do today to help other people and spread God’s love?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You call us to be disciples and saints, to follow Your ways and fulfill Your words through acts of compassion, kindness, and care. Enable us to take the opportunities to serve You in a saintly way by helping, supporting, and encouraging others around us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

Pastor John

 

Book Review: The Rothschilds by Harry Freedman

 

A fascinating and engaging look at the history of the Rothschilds, this book explores the family’s remarkable influence across several centuries in a way that draws the reader in.

The book is well written and easy to read. By focusing on each generation in separate chapters, the author helps the reader follow the family’s story clearly while still maintaining a strong sense of continuity.

Harry Freedman has clearly researched his subject with great care, and he brings the family’s most important episodes to life in a thoughtful and accessible way.

The book also offers a fair and balanced account of the challenges the Rothschilds faced, particularly the antisemitism that shaped so much of their experience. Their perseverance in the face of opposition is presented as part of the broader story of how they influenced European politics, including their role in opposing figures such as Napoleon and Hitler. The author also shows how their financial support helped emerging nations, especially in the nineteenth century, develop their identities and strengthen their ambitions.

I also appreciated the attention given to the Rothschilds’ support of the arts and sciences, which adds another rich dimension to this detailed family history. Overall, I found the book a pleasure to read, especially because Freedman combines careful research with compelling stories and well-chosen quotes.

I rated the book with five stars. The Book is due to be published in December 2026.

Midweek Message: Camel Capers

Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (NIV)

A couple of years ago, Evelyn and I went on a special vacation to Egypt. We visited many ancient sites, including the pyramids where Evelyn was brave enough to sit upon a camel for a photograph. It was a wonderful moment, but when the camel started to move to follow another caravan, the tour guide had to quickly stop the camel in order to let Evelyn off before she was taken away into the desert!

When Jesus mentions a camel in the Gospel of Mark, He associates it with how hard it is for greedy people to enter God’s Kingdom. Christ had just amiably conversed with a rich young man who had the potential to become one of His disciples. However, the young man’s greed and insecurity prevented him from giving up his wealth in order to become a close follower. This saddened Jesus which caused Him to remark that it would be less difficult for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God’s Kingdom.

The point of this unusual image is to make all of us reflect on what it costs us to follow Jesus. It’s never an easy thing to do and our Christian faith is often hampered or even cast aside when it becomes inconvenient. This is why we should individually ponder what possesses and consumes our time – our wealth, our careers, our leisure – and how they compare to how much we devote ourselves to Christ’s ministry and mission in our world.

Point to ponder: What does it personally cost me to be a Christian in today’s society?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to become aware of what You require of us in order to faithfully follow You. Enable us to remove any obstacles that get in the way serving You and God’s Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Divine Equity

Psalm 9:7-8 The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. (NIV)

We live in troubled times and as Christians, we probably find it hard to see where God is working in the world. There are moments when I get overwhelmed with a great sadness for the amount of cruelty and injustice, inhumanity and hostility that is taking place, not just around the globe, but in our beloved and beleaguered nation.

When I read about innocent people being unjustly targeted, assaulted, imprisoned, and even killed, simply because they are immigrants, I get angry and often ask God what He is doing about it. It seems to me that cruel people, who even have the audacity to call themselves Christians, are corrupting and controlling our society in unjust and unaccountable ways. And because we are going through a time of unease and uncertainty, many good people say or do nothing, allowing evil to triumph and bullies to lead.

I guess that the ancient songwriter who wrote the ninth psalm understood some of the angst we share today. His world was also upended by cruelty and division, fear and anxiety, but despite these issues and concerns, he held on to his faith in God – a God who ultimately would judge the world with divine equity – seeing people for who they were and offering no favoritism to people in power, but rather siding with the marginalized and the oppressed, the victimized and powerless.

Perhaps we can apply our faith in a similar manner during these immoderate times. The proud and the arrogant, the brazen and the bigoted do not go unnoticed by God. They may make gains in the short term and circumvent the laws of the land, but eventually their ruin and downfall will occur because unlike them, the Lord reigns forever and rules the world with righteousness and judges the people with equity.

Point to ponder: How often do I struggle with what’s happening in today’s world? Am I willing to put my faith in God’s justice?

Prayer: Lord God, You know how unjust the world can be, for even Your Son was not spared from the cruelty and inhumanity of men. When we are perplexed, be our patience; when we are lost, lead us gently; when we are downhearted, raise our spirits. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

 

Midweek Message: Calming the Storm

Mark 4:38        Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 

I’ve only had one anxiety attack in my life, and I truly hope I never experience another one. It happened years ago, shortly after my family and I moved into our new home in Knoxville. All at once, the reality hit me: we had taken on a thirty-year mortgage in a new city, in a new country, with no clear guarantees about what the future would hold.

I also carried a deep concern for my wife and two daughters. They had left so much behind to come to America with me—their family, friends, cousins, and familiar support systems. They needed me to be present with them, but I had become so absorbed in my work that I wasn’t giving them the care and reassurance they deserved. Instead of leaning into faith together, we found ourselves feeling afraid, unsettled, and even resentful. That strain continued for several weeks, until one day it finally overwhelmed me.

Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. My heart was racing, my thoughts were spinning, and for a moment I honestly thought I might be dying. It only lasted about a minute, but it felt much longer. When it passed, I was pale, shaken, and covered in cold perspiration. It was a frightening experience—one I would not wish on anyone.

As I look back now, I can see that I was trying to carry too much on my own. I was relying on my own strength instead of turning to Jesus for the support, peace, and perspective I needed. Christ had brought us across the Atlantic for reasons that are still unfolding in each of our lives. The storms I felt inside were real, but they were not beyond His reach. Jesus was right there in the middle of them—ready, willing, and able to quiet my fears and calm the waves within me. It took time for me to see that, but I understand it more clearly now: Christ’s presence is real, and what matters most is that He is with us.

Perhaps you are going through a storm of your own right now. Maybe life feels heavy, your problems feel overwhelming, or anxiety is rising higher than you expected. If so, please know this: you are not alone. Christ is with you in the middle of your worries, your questions, and your cares. You can bring them to Him. He is able to calm the storm, and He invites you to trust Him one wave at a time.

Question for personal reflection

What fears, worries, or heavy burdens am I carrying right now? How might I invite Jesus into the middle of them today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we need Your steady and powerful presence in our lives. When we feel afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed, help us remember that we do not have to face our storms alone. Be our strength when we are weak, lift us up when we stumble, and guide us with Your peace. Calm the storms within us and around us, helping us trust You one step at a time. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

If you enjoyed this devotion, you can read more in John's devotional e-books like "The Light of Love" which has forty-two devotions inspired by the Gospel of John. You can find the book at this link: 

"The Light of Love."

Liberty Devotion: Take Heart

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (NIV)

 

This weekend will be both remarkable and historic, whatever our present circumstances may be. Celebrating 250 years of independence is a milestone few nations have experienced. Across the country, many people will gather with family and friends for traditional Fourth of July cookouts, complete with all the fixings—and, of course, watermelon. There will be parties, music, and the eager wait for dusk when fireworks light the sky. It promises to be a memorable occasion that many of us will cherish for years to come.

Many of us are grateful for our nation’s past, even as we recognize that the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has not yet been fully realized by all. The struggles for independence in 1776 and 1812 ended British control, yet the ongoing quest for equality led to the Civil War, the Suffragette movement, and the Civil Rights movement—issues that still shape American society today. We treasure freedom as a sacred and unalienable right, but we must continue working so that everyone in our nation can truly experience it.

Today’s verse from Psalm 31 offers comforting words for the future. Through faith in God, we find the strength and courage to face what lies ahead. If we place our hope in God’s guidance and remain faithful to God’s ways, we will learn how to share the gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with all people. As we pursue these blessings, God will lead us not to keep them just for ourselves, but to offer and share them with the entire world.

May God bless you and your loved ones throughout this time of celebration.

Pastor John

Sabbath Psalms - Trouble Sleeping?

Psalm 13: 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (NIV)

 Do you ever have trouble sleeping at night because you have too many thoughts rattling through your head? Do you go through days when your heart is hurt and heavy because someone wounded or disappointed you? Do you have moments when you want to pack everything all in because your problems are overwhelming and you can’t focus on any one of them? Me, too – welcome to the real world.

 Psalm 13 is one of the shortest songs in the whole Bible but it contains so much truth and relevance that I find myself returning to it repeatedly, especially when I have personal issues. The words appeal to me because of the boldness of the author – this is someone who knows trouble and needs to vent to God about it. It’s a hymn of complaint which we call a lament – the writer has been deeply hurt and wonders why God hasn’t done anything to remedy the situation or deal with the problem. There is an initial element of disappointment in his words as if the psalmist is saying to God “I have placed all of my faith in You, so why aren’t You sticking up for me? Why aren’t You helping me to overcome my foes and clear up this messy situation, God?”

 This is why I love the Book of Psalms – the candid complaints and painful protests are very human and clearly directed toward God. God’s inactivity is bewildering; His indifference is frustrating; His forgetfulness is almost infuriating. The psalmist feels let down and depressed, isolated and vulnerable. He cannot find peace, happiness, or hope. He struggles with his dilemma and he wrestles with God. Do you know that feeling? Me, too.

 In the end, the songwriter surrenders himself to God’s will. In a remarkable leap of faith, he decides to remain connected to the Lord. No matter what happens, he trusts God completely – the psalmist has vented his spleen and voiced his complaint. He now leaves it in God’s hands and aims instead to praise God for past blessings. This is not fair-weathered or a convenient faith; this is hard-to-endure and on-the-edge faith. This is what it truly means to believe in God.

Points to ponder

 What is presently troubling me? What issues am I experiencing? Have I complained to God? Am I willing to leave my problems in His hands? Do I still want to praise Him?

 Prayer: Lord God, You know us completely and fully understand the worries that weary us and the problems that presently burden us. Give us the will to hand them all over to You. Allow us the blessing of praising You in both good and bad times. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Midweek Message: Accents

Matthew 26:73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away."

 Recently I went to my local bank to deposit a check. As usual, the young bank teller asked me to say a few words. “I just love listening to your accent,” she said. I smiled. If I had been given a dollar for every time that I’ve heard those words since coming to the United States, I might have owned the bank by now!

 Accents are dead giveaways about where people originate. In the United States, there are many different accents and I like to try to guess which region, state, or city people come from whenever I meet them for the first time. If the Scottish accent is likeable to the American ear, it’s also true that most Scots like to hear American accents. I guess it all has to do with common genes and historical roots.

 When the disciple Peter was confronted by a group outside the High Priest’s house where Jesus was being interrogated, his accent betrayed him to the crowd. He must have spoken with a rustic Galilean accent which was easily recognized by the city slickers of Jerusalem. He tried to hide in the courtyard, but each time he spoke, his accent revealed his origins. The fact that Jesus had begun His ministry in Galilee meant it was very likely that Peter had traveled with Him. No matter what the Big Fisherman tried to do to conceal his attachment to Christ, his accent gave him away. Sadly, the accusations all became too much for Peter and he eventually swore that he never knew Jesus. It was the lowest moment of his ministry with Christ.

 After the Resurrection, Jesus restored Peter’s faith by forgiving him first and then giving him a life-long mission to spread the Gospel. In this way, Peter’s accent would be used by God for many years and in many different places, offering hope, grace, and love to people who never personally knew Christ, but who needed to hear that they could also be forgiven, and then given the same opportunity to share God’s love through the words and ways of Jesus.

Point to ponder: What things do I say or do that positively accentuate my faith to those around me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, speak to our hearts and open our lives to Your bidding. Guide our thoughts and grant us the right words to say which will encourage and attract others to Your Way, Truth, and Life. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Midweek Message: A Little Faith

Matthew 17:20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Mustard seeds are tiny, which is why Jesus used them to illustrate faith. Even a little can go a long way—like mustard on your plate.

 My mum once told me about her younger brother Andy, who was about four. One day, my Grandad McLay came home from work and sat down to his dinner of boiled ham with mustard. Young Andy, curious because he had never seen mustard before, asked for some. When he was refused, he cried and carried on.

 Eventually my grandfather gave in and handed Andy a teaspoonful. Delighted, Andy swallowed it quickly—then immediately cried out for water. As a child, he never asked for mustard again.

 A little goes a long way. Faith matters not only for us, but also for those we love and meet. Sometimes our faith helps others through hard times and brings change. Wherever we are today, let’s use even a little faith to make things better, especially for people around us.

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your words inspire us to use our faith in different ways. You ask us to help other people; You also need us to tell others about Your Kingdom. Enable us this day to do all that we can to make the world a better place, even with just a little faith. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 God bless you all.

Pastor John

Sabbath Psalms - Rest for The Weary

Psalm 116:7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

The first few verses of Psalm 116 encourage us to place our faith in God and become aware of God’s mindfulness over all that we experience and do. It’s a psalm of assurance, so it is often a ‘go-to’ passage of scripture for folks during difficult times and painful moments.

I like today’s highlighted verse because of the ancient Hebrew word for ‘rest’ which is menukhah. It is a place of peace and tranquility, relaxation and stillness. It is the rest that weary travelers seek at the end of a long journey; it is the repose that most folks yearn when they get home from a busy day at work; it is the peaceful place we retreat to in order to replenish our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is also the final resting place that faithful people seek when the leave the surly bonds of Earth and look into the eternal loving face of God.

Perhaps you’re presently experiencing some anxiety; maybe there are problems and issues in your life which disturb your peace; perhaps you’re constantly worried about the turbulent times we’re living in and are just looking for some assurance. Well, God can sustain us with the stability and strength that we seek, and the ancient words of the psalmist can encourage and guide us to the rest – the menukhah – we require today. This is also why Christ Himself once said to His followers: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Point to ponder: What things are currently wearying and worrying me? Am I willing to hand them over to God in order to find rest?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and are aware of all things that disturb us. Grant us peace and grace, comfort and strength. In Your Holy Name, we rest and pray. Amen.

Sabbath Psalms: God's Love

Psalm 66:20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! (NIV)

              Each morning as I drive to church, I talk to God in prayer. I find it helps me focus on what tasks I need to complete that day, as well as saying personal prayers for my family, friends, and parishioners.

I usually start by giving thanks to God for another day, for the sleep I have known, and for the opportunities to serve the Lord which I don’t deserve. I know that I am unworthy of being blessed by God because of my selfish and sinful ways, so this makes me grateful, just like the psalmist before me, that despite who I am or what I’ve done, God does not reject my prayer or withhold his love from me. 

By the time I get to the church building, I have completed my daily prayers which includes asking God to protect and bless my loved ones all over the world. My prayers include folks and relatives who live in the US, Scotland, England, Ireland, Norway, Austria, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the US again, and finally, Canada. It’s a global list of people that I know and love, so each day I’m thankful to God for watching over them. 

I think the psalmist from long ago experienced something similar. The practice of prayer is very empowering and there have been many times in my life when prayers have been positively answered by God to help loved ones and friends overcome issues and crises, illnesses and problems. In some circumstances, they were unable to pray for themselves, so I have been glad to do their praying for them. 

I hope that you may also be given the opportunity to experience the power of prayer, as well as God’s love and compassion. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, no matter what situation you or loved ones are experiencing, please know this: God is mindful of what’s going on and will not reject your prayers or withhold his love from you. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the gift of prayer which enables us to reach out to You for guidance and support, encouragement and love. Be near to all of our loved ones and bless them with healing and strength, confidence and faith. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Celtic Poems: A'Chaingis

 

A' Chaingis

 

Like wild geese reflocking

From their winter wilderness,

Following a sacred solar cycle

Determined by additional daylight,

Flying freely above verdant pastures

Then landing longingly

To feast and nestle

In the expanding greenery

While cackling jokingly with a jubilant joy

On finding fresh fields

Filled with food and seeds

To replenish their migrating bodies,

So, the Spirit comes among us

Sent by Heaven’s High Command

To fulfill the Anointed One’s promise

Bringing comfort and counsel,

Fire and water,

With bread and wine,

To the faithful community

Who are hoping for holiness

And expectantly awaiting:

A’Chaingis.

 

John Stuart 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Midweek Message: From a Distance

Psalm 10:1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (NIV)

              I love the absolute honesty in the Book of Psalms. Whoever wrote those ancient poems certainly wore his heart on his sleeve. Psalm 10 is a good example of someone who finds it difficult to deal with the greed and injustice in his society. His complaint to God is that the rich get richer, the wicked become more powerful, and the proud are brazen about their vanity. If ever a psalm was written for our times, this one is very fitting, meaningful, and relevant.

              The psalmist’s complaint, however, is directed at God for what appears to be God’s absence in the midst of so much injustice. The ancient poet finds it difficult to see what is happening around him and that the God of his heart is doing nothing to change things. God appears to be impotent, unmoved, and distant. Evil triumphs when God is silent; good is cast aside when God does not respond. The author states that he has personally put a lot of time, commitment, and devotion into his religious belief. He is perplexed when God is inactive; he is deeply disappointed when God does not challenge or remove the evildoers.

              Sometimes I deal with the same frustration. I want things to be fair and just for everyone. I want the world to be a place that is free from fear or cruelty. I want the oppressed to be delivered and the marginalized to be accepted. I want all sorts of real godliness to be apparent in our leaders. But when these things don’t happen, I want God to come bursting into our world to set things right, to make things smooth, to restore hope, peace, and love for everyone.

              And then I remember that God has already done these things on the Cross at Calvary. Every mistake has been pinned to that tree of shame. Every sin has been nailed to Christ’s broken body. Every injustice has been impaled on Jesus. Instead of being at a distance, God has come beside us; instead of being far off, God through Christ has penetrated our unjust society and is present in our painful times.

Point to ponder

What things would I like God to change in my community, society, and the world? What am I personally doing to accomplish those changes?

Prayer: Lord God, it’s very easy for us to complain and shift the responsibility for our broken and divided world onto someone else. We forget our sinful part and ignore our unjust ways. None of us are perfect; not one of us is innocent. Challenge us to be changemakers; teach us to lovingly transform our community; encourage us to get involved. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Short devotion: Abide with Me

Ezekiel 37: 27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

 There's an old hymn that we used to sing frequently at funerals in Scotland. It's called "Abide with Me." It was written by a Scottish Anglican cleric, Henry Francis Lyte, who was suffering from tuberculosis which he knew would soon end his life. The song is all about a person who faces sorrow, trouble, and even death, yet in the midst of all these things, God's presence is still there. The songwriter prays that God will be present in his darkest moments and lead him beyond death into everlasting life. The hymn was first sung at Lyte’s own funeral and has been a favorite choice for the funerals of many people in Scotland and other places since then.

 In today’s highlighted Bible verse, the old Hebrew word that Ezekiel uses here for 'dwelling place' also means to abide. The prophet is telling his people, as well as us, that God is always there for us, wherever we are and whatever we are doing. It's a reassuring thought and a sacred gift. It's something that should comfort us. The God who created everything - the moon, the stars, and planets - is always with us; is always concerned about who we are.

 One of the biblical names for Jesus is "Emmanuel" which can be translated "God with us." God is so close to us, there is no room in the word to add "is." This is what it means when God abides with us and makes His dwelling place amongst us. This is also what it means when God calls us His people. In God's reassuring way, He is saying there is no room for anyone or anything else, it’s just Him and all His people. Just you and me and God.

 Point to ponder: How close is God to me right now? How close am I to God?

 Prayer: Lord God, thank You for dwelling where we are. Thank You for being so concerned about our lives that You are willing to make Your dwelling place with us. In all that we seek to do today, abide with us. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.