Short devotion - Unity and Peace

Short devotion – Unity and Peace 

Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)

             I can remember an old minister once preaching a sermon in which he said something like: “Twelve percent of the general population go to church on Sundays. Twenty percent of the general population would like to attend church on Sundays, but they don’t go because of the twelve percent who are already there.” His words stung the congregation because he was preaching the truth which was very hard to accept. The church members believed that they were God’s chosen people and followed the Lord faithfully. What they didn’t understand was that their zeal for the Lord and uncompromising ways actually turned a lot of people off from joining them on Sundays to worship Jesus.

            It saddens me that decades later, the old minister’s words are still very true. In recent years, the witness of Christ’s church has been damaged by aggressive pastors and congregations who puritanically seek to forcibly impose their beliefs on the entire population. School boards are rife with tyrannical menaces who threaten teachers and other parents with their book bans and religious demands. Local politicians and their parties hypocritically pass bills in the name of God which Jesus would never support, especially when those policies marginalize and dehumanize other people with different beliefs, ideas, origins, and lifestyle choices.

             I think it is important to remember that when Paul wrote his revered letters to young Christian churches, he was dealing with similar problems and divisions. This is why he emphasized the need to promote the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace – church people were meant to be peacemakers and not peace breakers. Outsiders were supposed to be made welcome, attracted to the church, and not targeted by it for being different, alien, or foreign. The House of God was – and still is – big enough for everyone; the question we need to face is this: are our hearts and minds, as well as our faith, big enough to accept that?

Point to ponder: Does my faith attract other people to Christ? If not, what do I need to change about me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we call ourselves Christians because we want to be identified with You, Your teaching and truth, as well as Your ministries and missions. Help us not to get in the way of Your work; instead, change us to truly become people of Your Way. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday Shorts: Seeing Jesus

Sunday Shorts: Seeing Jesus

 John 12:21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”

            There are many people in our communities and around the world who make a similar request about seeing Jesus today. They have heard about the love and teachings of Christ, but when they look at His followers, they sadly see religious people who insist on getting their own way, and whose intolerance suppresses the civil rights, freedoms, and lifestyles of others who get in their way. Rather than seeing Jesus, those seekers see Christians as people who couldn’t care less about the pain, predicaments, and problems of others, even though the One Whom they are supposed to serve told them to love one another, no matter who the other may be.

            Millions of folks will attend church services on Sundays who consider that their lip-service to God, as well as a check mark on a pew form, is all that’s required of them. They personally believe that they know Jesus in their hearts, even though there is a great sickness of ignorance mixed with prejudice in their souls. It’s sad to say, but even they can’t see Jesus for themselves; even they obstruct Christ by putting themselves first.

            I feel deeply for those fellow believers who have lost their way and because of this, I speak out against false leaders, false notions, and false beliefs that are being spread by prejudiced preachers and chagrined church folks who should know better, but who have allowed their social, political, and cultural beliefs to override and overcome their Christian principles. It’s sad to see such potentially good people being duped and misdirected by despicable dictators, even though Jesus Himself cautioned His followers: “Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

            If we often complain that the world, our nation, or community is not “Christian” enough, then we need to ask ourselves this pertinent and penetrating question: are we actually the ones who are obstructing others from seeing Jesus?

Point to ponder: Does Christ’s love motivate my faith or has hatred contaminated my soul?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to truly see You first before we begin to lead others to You. Make us aware of our prejudicial ways and unchristian feelings. Teach us the value of loving the unloved and cherishing those who are different from ourselves, just as You did throughout Your life on Earth. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Short devotion: Serving the Kingdom - Romans 16:17-18

 

Romans 16:17-18 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people. (NIV)

Like most good folks, I’m fed up with those who are constantly causing division and strife across the world. They seem to think that being aggressive and uncompromising are badges of success and medals of glory. They attract both belligerent and ignorant people, who sadly become their followers and pawns, leading them away from God because they are idolized and lauded as having no faults. This is a slippery slope and something that good Christians should totally avoid. To be manipulated by smooth words and flattery is to be led into deception and destruction. It’s one of the oldest sins that there is, and it is one of the deadliest for our souls.

We need to remind ourselves that we solely belong to God’s Kingdom, so we serve Christ first and foremost. The devil effectively uses nationalism to pull people away from churches and set up their own patriotic pseudo-religion. It’s alarming to see good, hard-working, and honest people being led away by a pied piper, but it’s happened many times throughout history, so it’s not really surprising.

Jesus teaches us that God’s Kingdom is above any and all nations. It’s God’s community on earth where aggression, self-centeredness, and arrogance have no place. Speaking out against those things may lead to persecution and rejection, but that’s what the true cost of discipleship and service in God’s Kingdom entails. Faith, real faith, not a manufactured or manipulated faith, is required for true followers of Christ which means loving our neighbors and not hating them, helping the marginalized and not hindering them, supporting aliens and foreigners in our midst, not shaming or condemning them. It’s a hard task for those who are Kingdom builders, but it’s the only true way to expand Christ’s community and faithfully serve our Lord Jesus.

Q: Am I a Christian in God’s Kingdom or something else?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we try to live for You and are commanded to share Your love. Protect us from those who use deception and division to increase their power and popularity. Shape us into the Christians we should be. In Your Holy Name, we humbly ask. Amen.

 

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Short devotion: An Invitation - Acts 26:29

 

Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (NIV)

 

I love the genial attitude of Paul when he is being interrogated by the local Roman rulers in Acts chapter 26. He knows that his life is on the line, but instead of remaining fearfully silent or pleading for forgiveness, he shares his faith in Christ and hopes that those who listen to him will come to know Jesus, too. It’s not an act of staunch defiance; it’s a simple profession of faith which he compassionately expresses.

 

I think we can all learn a lot from the apostle about how we can share our faith. He doesn’t compel anyone to comply to what he believes, instead Paul offers an invitation to join Christ’s Kingdom to the rulers and their courtiers who are listening to his testimony. The apostle truly wants them to accept Christ as their Savior, but he does not insist that they must do this. He respects their individual freedom to choose what they want for themselves; all that Paul is doing is being the Gospel messenger that Jesus called him to fulfill.

 

As Christians, we witness to Christ every day through our words and deeds. Sometimes we say and do the right things which may complement our faith; on other occasions, our bad behavior and ill-chosen words can repel those around us from knowing Christ, especially when we try to force our beliefs on others who think, live, and do things differently. Remember, Paul did not coerce Agrippa and Festus into becoming believers; he sincerely invited them to consider it.

 

Q: How do I project my faith to others? Am I invitational or confrontational?

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we were invited to have faith in You through other people who followed Your way. We know that we are flawed and imperfect, so we ask for Your guidance to help invite others to faith through compassion, grace, and, above all, love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You check out the church website at www.erinpres.org to see what’s currently happening there.

Short devotion: Love Each Other - John 15:12

 

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV)

When I think of my Savior’s love for me, I am reminded that I did not deserve one ounce of it. I am thankful that Jesus did not say, “I’m tired of doing things for other people. I’m tired of those who expect me to heal them for nothing. I’m tired of those who take everything from me. I’m tired of those who don’t deserve to receive God’s resources or Heaven’s wealth. I’m tired of those who take me for granted and constantly call on God to help them. I’m tired of looking after their spiritual welfare, especially when they neglect their spirits. I’m tired of feeding them when they turn up hungry, looking for food. I’m tired of being treated this way and just won’t save them because they’re just too lazy to save themselves.”

I am grateful to God that Jesus never said that – instead, He loved immensely, broadly, richly, wonderfully, and beautifully. And then He asked His followers to do the same: ‘Love each other as I have loved you.’ His followers, mind you; His disciples, you know the folks like us who call ourselves Christians – we’re meant to love each other in Christ’s way, not on our own terms. There are no boundaries, there are no walls; there are no restrictions, there are no barriers – not if we call ourselves ‘Christians.’

Yep, calling ourselves ‘Christian’ is easy; being a Christian is one of the hardest things to do in life.

So, Christian sister or brother, do we honestly love each other as Christ loves us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess to being shallow people and hollow Christians. Forgive us when our prejudices prevail and we forsake our faith through pride. Lead us back to be embraced by Your love and then move us forward into the world with Your love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Check out what’s happening at the church on our website: www.erinpres.org.

Pandemic Purpose - Mark 9 v 5

Mark 9:7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” (NIV)

For most of us, being at home is like house arrest. We want to go places and be with people elsewhere, but we cannot because we’re trying our best to help others. We end up sitting around after our work, probably watching old movies, checking out the fridge, or cleaning out stuff that we’ve gathered or kept in boxes way too long. Perhaps there are some moments when we don’t know what to do with ourselves, so we just end up trudging through the day as best as we can and then go to bed early. We’re on pandemic imprisonment and we don’t like it.

But what if God wanted us to use some of this time to grow closer to His Son Jesus? What if this was the opportunity to fully read that Gospel or Old Testament book that we’ve always promised ourselves to do? What if God, who really loves His Son, wants us to listen to Him now? Wouldn’t that transform our spirits? Wouldn’t that give us something to aim at or spiritually deepen?

Usually, we are so busy that we never really stop to listen to Jesus. We bring Him into our lives whenever there’s a crisis or something that we want from God. Now that we’re in a crisis, shouldn’t we be asking ourselves what does God want me to do in this strange time?

So, go on. Read that book from the Bible. Study that passage that has always intrigued you. Choose a Gospel and read it from beginning to end. The insight that Christ gives you may also change you, but then again is that not why God says to the three disciples on the mountainside and also ourselves: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we waste a lot of our lives by focusing on unimportant things. During this pandemic help us to change that. Encourage us to meditate on Your Word and allow us to use this opportunity to grow closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

PS – if you would like to find a Bible online, the best ones to be freely found are at this great link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Today’s image is John’s latest Pentecost drawing called “Spirit 2020.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit2020.

The Courage to Love - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (NIV) 

            The Apostle Paul totally understood the precarious times that he was living in. The new fledgling faith of Christianity was beginning flourish across the Mediterranean and as more believers gathered together, both the local and imperial forces began to take notice of these small churches. Paul was gravely concerned that the new members of the faith would be blind-sided by religious foes and hostile authorities. He, therefore, signed off his first letter to the Christians in Corinth with these cautionary words:

‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.’

            Paul wasn’t asking the Corinthian believers to do something that he hadn’t already practiced. He knew he was a marked man and that his zeal for the Lord created many conflicts in his daily life. He boldly preached the Gospel of Christ and stood firm in his faith. It caused a lot of trouble and issues for Paul, but he would not give in to the pressure. This eventually cost him his life, but it was supremely important to him to stand up for what was true and be courageous in the face of hostility. As we know, for a long time, Paul confronted his foes, both within and outside of the church. He did not do anything to be popular; he taught what God laid on his heart and fulfilled all that Christ called him to do.

            Christianity has always had to wrestle with what is popular and acceptable, no matter which nation, society, or civilization it encountered. Christians are meant to have the courage to stand against evil and face down bullying, oppression, or tyranny. When our faith neglects to do this, it not only falters, it actually fails. This means that we need to be not just aware of our moral responsibilities in the face of falsehood, we need to be on our guard against scurrilous systems and immoral authorities that manipulate people in order to protect their own interests and repressive agendas.

            Paul did not end his words of caution there. He also added this to his message in the very next verse of his letter: ‘Do everything in love.’ In other words, he did not expect his brothers and sisters in Christ to fiercely or violently face their opponents and oppressors. Like Jesus, Paul asked them to do this in a loving manner. Evil, oppression, and tyranny had to be confronted, but it could only be persuaded of wrong in a loving way. This, in fact, was how the small fledgling faith overcame the mighty Roman Empire – it loved its way into the hearts and minds of the people, leaders, and imperial structure.

            Perhaps you are going through some turmoil in your life or maybe you’re weary with the conflicts that are going on all around us. Perhaps you feel like giving up and just surrendering to popularism or polarization. The easy thing to do would be to give as good as we get and fight with might that proves we’re right. However, the Christian thing would be to courageously and lovingly face our foes in order to effectively display and present Christ in any situation, circumstance, or conflict. It won’t be easy for any of us, including me, and certainly won’t be popular, but it will truly be what Jesus expects of His followers - to let His love win over people.

Point to ponder

Do I have the courage to use love to prevail against those who offend or upset me? Am I willing to let Jesus win?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us in our conflicts and confrontations to overcome the issues with Your love. Grant us the courage to practice our faith in honest and compassionate ways. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome. 😊

Today’s drawing is one of John’s bulletin cover images called “Love Your Enemies.” If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Love.

August 2 devotion - A Unique Offer

Titus 2:11        For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

            In most Christian worship services, there is usually a point where the people are invited to give an offering. This can be in the form of tithes or gifts, with cash or by check. Whatever is given is up to the individual believer or household. Whatever is offered is then prayerfully sanctified and belongs to God. The offering is voluntary, as is God’s response to whatever is given.

In ancient times, instead of money animal sacrifices were offered to either honor God or to appease Him. If God accepted the offering, then the petitioner’s prayers were blessed. If God refused the offering, then the believer’s life was cursed. We see this happening early on in the Bible when both Cain and Abel present their offerings to God. One is gladly accepted and the other is wholly rejected. Abel’s offering is received as a blessing; Cain’s gift is cursed.

Today’s verse reverses the whole sacrificial system and the process of offerings. In this instance, it is God who offers to the entire world the gift of salvation. Notice in Titus 2:11 that this great gift is being offered, it is not given away. This means that every person has the opportunity to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation. In other words, it’s left to us to freely receive or cast aside this amazing gift. How we respond to this divine offer will either bring us an eternal blessing or an everlasting curse.

Salvation is not a given; it is an offering. It’s up to us as free-willed individuals to make the right choice. Today can be the day of our salvation and the true beginning of our eternal relationship with God through Christ. God offers everything – but we have to accept this gift in order to receive it.

Questions for personal reflection

Have I responded to God’s offer of salvation through Jesus? Have I shared this offer with my loved ones?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are appointed as the Savior of the World, so we are called to accept the salvation that You offer to us individually. Enable each of us to fully embrace and receive this offer. Help us also to share this godly gift with all whom we dearly love. 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 or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

July 26 devotion - First Love

Revelation 2:4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. (NIV)

The great leader of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was once reported to have said to a pastor, “I love your Christ, but I do not like your Christians.” From his own experiences in many places, he had seen Christians being arrogant and cruel, pompous and insensitive, as well as prejudicial and racist. Gandhi could not understand how a faith, which was based on Christ’s command of loving one another, could end up being so hateful and selfish, narrow-minded and bigoted. He was drawn to Christ’s teachings but was repelled by Christ’s disciples. Christians were more interested in power than the poor and justifying themselves rather than seeking justice for others. It was a harsh indictment of the failure of Christianity, especially when it allied itself with a colonial-minded tyranny over the people. Instead of sharing love, Christians shed lies; rather than showing grace, they supped on greed.

In the Book of Revelation, the charge that is written against the church at Ephesus was of forsaking their first love. Some scholars think that this was their first love of God, but I believe it was the initial love and enthusiastic joy that they shared when they began worshipping and fellowshipping together. Ephesus was a strong church full of strong-minded people. It had once been the jewel in the Apostle Paul’s crown and had become a refuge for many Christians fleeing persecution. However, as the years sped by, the Ephesian Christians became self-centered and self-righteous, making them forget their original roots and the love that they once had for one another. They had become the kind of Christians that Gandhi would criticize centuries later.

As I see it, post-modern Christianity has forgotten how to love other people and instead it craves power, prestige, and personal recognition. Perhaps when future historians come to write about the history of our faith, they will bewail the fact that we forgot our first love. However, perhaps there is still time to recover who we once were and reclaim that forsaken love. It will require some deep critical thinking, a personal as well as a corporate confession of our mistakes, and a commitment to reforming our allegiance to Christ through how we actually love one another – otherwise, the world will continue to be attracted to the love of Christ but will be repelled by unlikeable Christians.

Point to ponder

Am I a likable Christian or a self-centered one? Do I attract people to Christ or repel them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for failing to share Your love and repelling others by our selfish ways. Open our eyes to what is happening in the world and keep us from being deluded by our desires and prejudices, denials and disbelief. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and honestly pray. Amen.

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

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

July 9 devotion - A 2000 Year War

Revelation 12:17         Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring--those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

            There’s a 2000-year-old war going on this planet which most people do not know about. It started when Christ came into the world to shake things up and give humanity one last opportunity to get right with God. When is happened historically, it appeared to be a minor event, but universally, it is a cataclysmic point where Heaven confronts Humanity in order to establish God’s Kingdom and let everyone know of His uncompromising sovereignty.

            The war exists between good and evil, faith and fantasy, orthodoxy and heresy. The Truth of God in the person of Christ is embattled with the temptation of sin, manifested by Satan. This constant struggle over the souls of men, women, and children has continued for almost 2000 years. In this war, we must take sides. Humanity has been given a crucial choice; if we fail to choose Christ, then we lose everything.

            The conflict is not dualism where both sides are equal in power, influence, and strength. The devil is fighting a losing battle - all that he wants to do is to take down as many confused, bitter, and unbelieving souls as he can in order to spoil God’s plan of salvation. The purpose of the Church is to be a shield against Satan’s displeasure. However, as we enter into what chess players call the ‘End Game,’ the devil’s works within the Church become more outrageous, more unorthodox, and more unrepentant. Sadly, good people are losing their hold on Christ’s testimony; church people are wavering in the apparent victory of wickedness over the world.

            The Book of Revelation was given to the Church in order to help Christians recoil from their folly and recover their faith. The trouble is this: so many people never read it, or instead reject it, or casually treat it as biblical science fiction which will never come to pass. That’s exactly what the devil wants; that’s exactly his intention. The more that people are actually ignorant of the Word of God and the testimony of Christ, which is plainly revealed in Revelation, the more lost souls the devil can take to be doomed along with him. In warfare, this is called a scorched earth campaign; biblically speaking, this is an Armageddon of the damned.

            I make no apology for the severity of today’s message. I’ve tried to be conciliatory, positive, and nice for years, but it’s made no difference. People do what they want to do, and believe what they want to believe. Ultimately, all of our choices will have eternal consequences. Heaven is not meant for those who refuse to repent; or as CS Lewis once wrote, “There is no one in Hell who did not choose to be there.”

If we let go of the testimony of Jesus, then know this: we let go of everything that is eternal.

Question for personal reflection

Have I honestly read the Book of Revelation? Do I understand the consequences of its message for me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, faith is a serious commitment because it constantly challenges who we are and what we do. The world is caught up in its own wickedness and the Church is constantly being challenged from within and without, about what is true, faithful, and Christian. Keep us from letting go of Your testimony, and help us to endure the turbulence that is coming. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest religious drawings called “Passion Flower.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Passion Flower.

July 5 devotion - Eyewitnesses

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (NIV)

            Almost every day, I receive emails from Christian ministries and organizations with invitations to subscribe to a special conference or video series about church growth. They usually try to entice me with special gifts or claim to have a wonderful seven-step plan that will double congregational membership within a year. All I have to do is sign up, pay hundreds of dollars with my credit card, and everything will be well.

            Years ago, I did participate or sign up for a few of these conferences and plans, but after more than 30 years in ministry, I have found that the most productive way of making a church grow depends on individual congregational members asking and inviting others to come to a worship service or special event. It seems that the personal invitation is more effective than anything else; no other program, plan, or project accomplishes this.

            I think this is what the Apostle Peter was referring to when he mentioned the eyewitness accounts that he and other people shared. His personal relationship with Christ was what he wanted to tell others about. Even in old age, with death by execution imminent, Peter expressed his total confidence in Jesus. His ministry was based on his personal testimony and because there were others who expressed the same, the Christian Church grew all over the world. In the end, it was the personal invitation and individual witness that was most effective.

            We all want our churches to grow because our Christian faith is important and we believe that the world will be a much better place with a living and loving relationship between us and God. What Christ and His disciples repeatedly tell us through the New Testament is to share the Gospel and invite other folks to church. If we want our congregations to increase, we have to be willing to ask others to come and worship with us. We need to become eyewitnesses of the Spirit of God moving among us by letting folks know about our faith, about our church, and about our personal commitment to Christ.

Points to ponder

Am I concerned about the numbers of members at my church? Who have I invited this year to come to a worship service? Have I followed up with that invitation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You inspired Your disciples to go out into the world to share the Gospel and invite others to follow You. Help us in this generation to take up this challenge and give us the desire to ask others to come to our worship services and other church events. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings. You will be made very welcome 😊

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

May 10 devotion - Send Someone Else

Exodus 4:13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (NIV)

            When I read about how reluctant Moses was to do God’s bidding, it makes me smile. Getting people to volunteer in church for leadership or ministry roles can be just as hard, too. Some folks feel as if they’re not good enough; others think they have too much going on to be effective, while others hope that someone else will step forward to do the work. Year in and year out, volunteers are needed to continue Christ’s mission, but it seems lately that more folks don’t feel called to work for God.

            I understand how they feel. After more than thirty years in ministry and attending thousands of meetings, I wonder how effective or essential those meetings have been. In the short term, each one of them has been important; in the eternal scheme of things, however, perhaps not so much.

            Moses didn’t want to respond to do God’s work. He felt it was a mistake and that someone else more qualified could do it. But God doesn’t make mistakes and He personally sought out Moses for the task. No matter how inadequate or reluctant Moses felt, God would not be thwarted. Moses was the right person, so God wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.

            Perhaps you’ve been asked to do something special in your church or have been invited to consider a leadership role in your congregation. Maybe you feel unqualified or overstretched, so you would like to say ‘no,’ and have someone else fulfill the call. However, before you reject the invitation, honestly ask yourself this question: “Is this something that God wants me to do?” If it is, then no matter how inadequate or how burdened you feel, know this: God does not make mistakes and He will help you to fulfill the role.

Point to ponder

What can I do for my church? What is God presently asking me to undertake and accomplish?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your ministry and mission continue in our congregations, communities, and around the world. You call on Christian people to be part of Your work on Earth. Help us to hear Your invitation and cheerfully accept what You need us to do. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawing called ‘True Spirit.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click on this link: Spirit.

First Love - Revelation 2:4

Revelation 2:4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. (NIV)

The great leader of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was once reported to have said to a pastor, “I love your Christ, but I do not like your Christians.” From his own experiences in many places, he had seen Christians being arrogant and cruel, pompous and insensitive, as well as prejudicial and racist. Gandhi could not understand how a faith, which was based on Christ’s command of loving one another, could end up being so hateful and selfish, narrow-minded and bigoted. He was drawn to Christ’s teachings but was repelled by Christ’s disciples. Christians were more interested in power than the poor and justifying themselves rather than seeking justice for others. It was a harsh indictment of the failure of Christianity, especially when it allied itself with a colonial-minded tyranny over the people. Instead of sharing love, Christians shed lies; rather than showing grace, they supped on greed.

In the Book of Revelation, the charge that is written against the church at Ephesus was of forsaking their first love. Some scholars think that this was their first love of God, but I believe it was the initial love and enthusiastic joy that they shared when they began worshipping and fellowshipping together. Ephesus was a strong church full of strong-minded people. It had once been the jewel in the Apostle Paul’s crown and had become a refuge for many Christians fleeing persecution. However, as the years sped by, the Ephesian Christians became self-centered and self-righteous, making them forget their original roots and the love that they once had for one another. They had become the kind of Christians that Gandhi would criticize centuries later.

As I see it, post-modern Christianity has forgotten how to love other people and instead it craves power, prestige, and personal recognition. Perhaps when future historians come to write about the history of our faith, they will bewail the fact that we forgot our first love. However, perhaps there is still time to recover who we once were and reclaim that forsaken love. It will require some deep critical thinking, a personal as well as a corporate confession of our mistakes, and a commitment to reforming our allegiance to Christ through how we actually love one another – otherwise, the world will continue to be attracted to the love of Christ but will be repelled by unlikeable Christians.

Point to ponder

Am I a likable Christian or a self-centered one? Do I attract people to Christ or repel them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for failing to share Your love and repelling others by our selfish ways. Open our eyes to what is happening in the world and keep us from being deluded by our desires and prejudices, denials and disbelief. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and honestly pray. Amen.

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

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

Being a Christian - 2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3:12-13 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 

            I can’t honestly read Paul’s second letter to Timothy without reflecting on how his words are relevant for today. The great apostle was forewarning his protégé that things would get a lot worse before they became better. He was telling Timothy that trying to live a godly life as a Christian would make him a target for harassment, criticism, and persecution. In fact, within a couple of years of writing this letter, Christians across the Roman Empire would be hunted down and killed for their faith in Jesus. Paul’s epistle, then, was a serious word of caution, informing Timothy to be prepared for the troubled times ahead.

            Being a Christian has never been easy, especially when believers speak out against injustice, violence, and wickedness. They are criticized for being political instead of spiritual or castigated as being subversive and disloyal. Their voices of dissent are demeaned or silenced, especially in nations where powerful regimes suppress civil rights and limit personal liberty. When Christian leaders lend their support to social justice movements they are pilloried for their passion and sometimes convicted for their beliefs. The words from Paul, which were written more than 1900 years ago, are highly relevant in our world today, especially when people are blinded by their own prejudices and paralyzed by their own inadequacies or fears.

            So, how do we know when to stand up and speak out against injustice or oppression? I think Paul gives us the answer to this question in his final words from this third chapter:

3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

            In other words, we need to honestly ask ourselves if our beliefs are scripturally based or just our individual notions that we’ve personally attached to our faith for our own convenience. Scripture is a great litmus test of whether or not we are being indifferent, insensitive, or prejudiced. Believe me, I need this godly check of my own ideas on a regular basis, too.

Point to ponder

Think about some current news or controversial event. Ask yourself, “What is God needing me to see and understand here?”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your ministry was radical and Your mission created a lot of turbulence because You were honest, faithful, and fearless. Help us to see the world through Your eyes, granting us the courage to face our fears and overcome our prejudices. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You’ll enjoy the experience and be made very welcome.

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

The Accepted Time - 2 Corinthians 6:2b

2 Corinthians 6:2b “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (NRSV) 

            The death of American Evangelist Dr. Billy Graham will no doubt bring back memories for millions of people around the world. Many of them may be thankful for his preaching, words, and books which drew them nearer to God. Others may reflect on a personal conversion experience which was wonderful at the time, but never really took root in their lives. Perhaps they may feel sad at such a disappointment, or maybe they will be re-inspired to try to make that connection with Christ which has been missing from their lives. Whatever the case, there is no doubt that Billy Graham was the leading Christian evangelist of the 20^th century and he will be fondly remembered by millions of people on Earth.

            Today’s half verse has been used by many evangelists to make people aware that the only guarantee we have in life is this moment we call ‘now.’ We don’t know what will happen in the next hour, never mind the next month, year, or decade. Time doesn’t stand still, except when it comes to an individual end for every person on this planet. The mission of Christianity is to help and encourage people make a decision to accept Christ as their Savior before Death arrives. At each of the rallies and crusades which Dr. Graham preached, this was the climax to the whole event when hundreds of people would get up out of the audience and walk forward to give their lives to Jesus. For them, this was the acceptable time, this was the day of their salvation.

            When I write and distribute these devotions, I have one purpose: to help people with their lives by encouraging them to draw closer to God and be embraced by Christ. Due to the wonders of modern technology, people in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, France and even the Philippines will read this message. I only know a few of them, but I pray that Christ knows all of them as believers, followers, and servants.

Point to ponder

Have I given my life to Christ? Am I willing to make this the day of my salvation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely, yet You still deal with us mercifully and graciously. We are thankful for Your love and we ask that You encourage us to devote the rest of our lives to Your ministry and mission on Earth, in our community and among the people we know. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is taken from John’s blog which shows how many folks have read his devotions recently.

A Worldly Psalm - Psalm 24:1

Psalm 24:1      The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (NIV)

            Psalm 24 has always been one of my favorite passages of the Bible, ever since I first read today’s highlighted verse. To me, this line epitomizes how God sees the world and all of the people on Earth. He doesn’t see boundaries or nations. He doesn’t look at economic classes or intellectual elites. He sees a beautiful blue planet with billions of people. He sees everyone as a special creature and a child of His grace.

            Sadly, human history is littered with events which depart from this divine outlook. Human beings have treated each other with disdain, disrespect, and disinterest, forcing the poor and powerless to become helpless and hopeless. Tyrants have often dismissed and inhumanely treated other people just for being weak and wallowing in their misery. Wars and famines continually break out in areas where people are downtrodden and life is worth nothing. To escape these tragic hardships and cruel conditions, people sell their children into slavery or abandon their communities completely to the aggressors. How God can look down and see what we’re doing to ourselves is incomprehensible to people of faith. We believe we are better than this, and that the world is truly worth saving, no matter where people come from, no matter who they are.

            As Christians, we are held to a higher standard by God than those of other religions. Why? Because we call ourselves the followers of Christ, the Son of God, who gave His life for everyone. He didn’t cast people off because they were poor. He didn’t castigate folks for where they came from – remember, Christ was born in a dirty stable because His parents were forced to leave their home by a greedy and oppressive Emperor. Jesus, the center of our faith and the King of our lives did not disparage people whose lives were wrecked because His family experienced this, too; instead, He told marginalized people everywhere, ‘Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest.’

So, if we still dare to continue to call ourselves Christians, are we not obligated by Christ to do and show the same?

Point to ponder

Who did Jesus die for? Why? Are we as Christians willing to love other people in the same ways as Christ? Are we willing to welcome those who are so much different from ourselves?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we call You the Lord of our hearts, so we seek to serve You with our lives. There is not one person on this Earth that You do not love, for we are all equal in Your eyes. Keep us from the sins of self-piety or of justifying unbridled prejudice. Enable us to see all others as children of Your grace, just as we hope that we are in Your eyes. In Your Holy Name, we pray.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to send feedback on today’s devotional, John would be delighted to receive your email at Traqair@aol.com.

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

Life Lessons - Luke 19:47-48

Luke 19:47-48  Every day Jesus was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. (NIV)

            Jesus never missed an opportunity to teach people about God. Teaching was central to the mission that God had sent Him, so when He reached Jerusalem, Christ went to the national teaching center inside the temple grounds. Folks from all over Judea and traveling Jews from other nations were there, so Jesus taught all who were willing to listen in the hope that His words would be taken back to where the people had originated.

            But not everyone was happy about this. The religious leaders felt that Jesus was stepping on their turf and spreading radical ideas. They had built up their power and reputation over centuries, so they were determined to keep control over the people. Instead of embracing His new ideas, they wanted to wipe out Jesus permanently. He was getting in the way of their power structures and religious rules. He had to be dealt with; He had to be annihilated.

            At this point, however, Jesus was popular with the people. He brought fresh ideas to their faith and brightened their lives with His new insights. As the scriptures tell us, they hung on His words – they had never heard such things about God, faith, and life so clearly, so attractively, and so personally. As a teacher, Christ was conveying to them God’s gracious message of salvation in the heart of a holy place where grace was relatively unknown. Centuries of sacrifice had enslaved the spirits of the people to ritualism and legalism. Jesus’ words were like a breath of fresh air which opened up their spirits to a new way of understanding God, connecting to His love, and applying His will in their lives.

            As Christians today, Jesus offers us the same message and teaching which can help us make better choices, live meaningful lives, and deepen our relationship with God. When we make time to read His words like today, we can receive blessings that will help us on our way and guide us through our problems. Christ’s teaching is just as relevant for us now as it was way back then, and like the people in the temple, we can also choose to accept His insights and be blessed with His instruction.

Point to ponder

How often do I allow Christ to influence my decisions? Which parts of His teaching can help me today?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your words have ways to reshape our lives. Your teaching about God can still transform us and bring us closer to our Creator. Help us to learn more about You, so that we may embrace the life-lessons that You offer us each day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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."

Today’s image is one of John’s icon drawings called ‘Pop Ikon.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Ikon.

Short Story - Luke 19:1-10

Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (NIV)

            I’ve always been a short person, so I know how Zacchaeus must have felt when he couldn’t see above the crowd to catch a glimpse of Jesus. I’ve been in more than a few places and situations where I have struggled to see what’s happening at a concert, movie, or even church service because of a larger person standing or sitting in front of me. Sometimes I move to the right or left just to find a clear view; on other occasions, I just sigh and sit quietly, choosing instead to listen to what’s going on.

            I don’t know if I would have climbed a tree to get a better view of Jesus, although I have stood on benches and walls to watch parades and other public spectacles. It seems that the wee man was so desperate to see Jesus that he was willing to look ridiculous, after all, it’s usually children who climb trees to get a better view. I can imagine that the people around him laughed at Zacchaeus, diminishing his pride and self-esteem. Perhaps some of them felt like he deserved to be humiliated because he was despised for being a tax-collector and colluding with the Romans.

            I love what Jesus does to restore Zacchaeus’s dignity, as well as his soul. Our Savior does not laugh at the short tax-collector or rebuke him for working for the enemy. Christ doesn’t even ask to come to his house – look at the verse again – Jesus actually insists on going to his home. It’s a wonderful moment of acceptance and Zacchaeus responds immediately by climbing down and welcoming Christ gladly.

            This is an event which is filled with God’s love and grace. It reminds all of us – short, medium, or tall – that Jesus actively seeks to restore us to God’s Kingdom. All we have to do is to welcome Him gladly into our hearts and homes, which is where salvation begins and never ends.

Point to Ponder

Am I willing to let Jesus into my heart? If I welcome Him into my life, how will He change me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace and acceptance. We know we are unworthy of those blessings, but we are also delighted that You are willing to grant them to us. Enable us to extend this blessing to all whom we encounter today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also email John at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s tree drawings called ‘Season Finale.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Tree.

Praying and Pondering - Exodus 19:23

Exodus 19:23 Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, ‘Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’” (NIV)

            Sad to write, but I think we’re losing our sense of what is meant to be holy and kept sacred. This morning I saw a cartoon post from one of my pastor friends in which God was depicted as using profane language to get his point across. I know why he did it, but it irked me and caused me to question how far we have strayed from the holy Creator Father that the Bible presents to us.

            Now I’m not advocating that we should all become saints and lead puritanical lives – I’m the least person who could accomplish that – but what I’m expressing is a re-forming of our ideas, opinions, and beliefs in order to recapture the true wonder and awe that holiness and sacredness are meant to inspire.

            Praying and pondering on a daily basis is perhaps a good place to start. We all lead intensely busy lives that working God into our timetables is something we resist, push back against, or ignore. We all want to live healthy and happy lives, but at what cost to our spirits and unique relationship with God? We are meant to keep that deep part of us in a special way, and set respectful boundaries, much like the limits that were imposed on the Hebrew people when God came down to them at Mount Sinai. I personally believe if we could accomplish that personal level of holiness, our fractured lives would be healed and our souls would experience a lasting happiness. Perhaps today would be a good time to start.

Point to ponder

Have I scheduled some holy time to quietly be with God today? Am I willing to try?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, every day You set aside time to be alone with God for prayer, guidance, and support. If You needed those sacred moments, then how much more do we require them in our lives? Give us the determination and focus to re-form our relationship with our Creator. Allow us the blessing of true holiness in His presence. In Your Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish 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. You may read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s crayons drawings of the Smoky Mountains called ‘Heaven meets Earth.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Mountain.

Deeply Distressed - Mark 14:33

Mark 14:33 Jesus took Peter, James, and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. (NIV)

            Like most folks, I try not to let things distress or disturb me, but when they do, my prayers are peppered with worries and anxieties which make it difficult to focus on my problem or really ask God for help. As a pastor, I should know better, but as a human being, I suffer from the weaknesses and frailties that we all have as finite creatures. If my thoughts are scrambled because of stress, my prayers are full of moments when I feel as though I’m wrestling with God. Within my heart, I know that He truly loves me, but my mind shoots past that thought and heads out into the wide unknown where uncertainty and insecurity abide.

            When I read about Christ’s daunting prayer experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, I get it and feel Jesus is a kindred spirit struggling with His humanity. It’s obvious He doesn’t want to die or experience the torment that is about to befall. He’s looking for a way out and clings to God, hoping to get some sort of reprieve. When it doesn’t come, even after pleading three times with God, Christ accepts that there is no other way to save humanity. His struggle is over and He agrees with God’s decision. He surrenders Himself to His Father’s will. His human spirit embraces His divine purpose, so the conflict is over.

            Perhaps you’re going through a tough time or some unhappy circumstances. Maybe you’re stretched beyond your limits and are having troubling trying to focus. Allow God into the midst of what you’re struggling and let Him help you to solve and overcome your issue. Remember that Jesus experienced something similar and knows all of weaknesses and fears. Let Him heal you of all that harms you and help you through all that hinders you. It’s what He does best; it’s why we call Him ‘Savior.’

Point to ponder

What is hurting me right now? Am I willing to let Christ embrace me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, be with us now in the midst of all that we are presently experiencing. Be our constant Guide and loving Savior. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can view the church web site at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

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