Watching Us - Psalm 121:7-8

 

Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV)

The mindfulness of God is something that I have grown to really appreciate over the years. His constant presence has helped me on many occasions to overcome times of adversity, distress, and tragedy that I thought I would never be able to endure. It wasn’t just that God sustained me during those critical times; He embraced the situation I was in and walked with me through the pain, fear, and confusion. God’s empathy with my sickness and sorrow reassured me; His quiet presence strengthened me and gave me the hope to begin again.

Some people think that God watches over our lives to catch us out and add to our list of sins, so that on the Day of Reckoning God can fully indict us of our defiance, disobedience, and dalliance with sinful choices and deeds. That would make God capricious, a deity who delighted in tormenting our souls and overshadowing our lives with fear. I don’t see that in this scripture. In this text, God watching over us is like that of a parent who is both concerned and aware of what their child is experiencing. Rather than being punitive, God is protective. Instead of being vengeful, God is mindful, so He watches over us with concern and compassion, awareness and love.

I hope that this watchfulness of God will help you through your current experiences; I pray that Gods’ mindfulness will also give you the strength to overcome whatever you are presently enduring.

Point to ponder: Am I aware that God lovingly watches over me? Am I ready to receive His love and compassion?

Prayer: Lord God, You have given us life to experience Your light even in times of suffering and despair. Help us to reach out to You in the midst of what we are presently experiencing, in order to receive and be embraced by Your love. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to see what’s happening at the church, just click on this link: www.erinpres.org

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

Short devotion: Conclusion - Psalm 51v10

 Psalm 51:10   Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (NIV)

 Have you ever seen the old French film called ‘The Red Balloon’? It was made in Paris a year before I was born and tells the tale of a young boy who is befriended by a red balloon. The balloon and the boy become inseparable and it follows him all over the streets of Paris. The film only lasts about 35 minutes and it has been my favorite movie ever since I first saw it as a young lad.

 The film depicts both happiness and sadness in simple ways and even when a tragedy occurs, there is a wonderful sequence of hope being renewed at the end of the movie. As I write this devotion, I can still see the beautiful conclusion in my mind’s eye. I won’t give it away – you’ll have to watch the movie yourself and be pleasantly captivated by it.

 Sometimes I think that our individual lives are movies that only God can see. He knows all of the things that we have done, the moments that have impacted us deeply, the joys we have experienced and the sadnesses that we still carry. There is nothing hidden from God, so He could be justified in separating Himself from us after death, but instead He wants to give us a beautiful conclusion where we become reunited and restored to Him forever. That’s why King David, in today’s highlighted verse, prayed to God to clean his heart and renew his spirit: he wanted that beautiful conclusion which only God’s grace and forgiveness could bring.

 Perhaps you feel as though you’ve done something bad which will separate you from God. Maybe you have a deep regret about some deed that has put some distance between you and God. If so, then please know this – God can and will forgive you, just ask Him to do so, even now as you read this. As the apostle Paul once wrote long ago: ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ – Romans 8:38-39.

 Prayer: Lord God, create clean hearts within us and renew our spirits this day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

 John Stuart

 If you’ve never seen it, you can freely view the movie online at this link: The Red Balloon.

Short devotion: Looking to Jesus - Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (New American Standard Bible)

 When I first became a Christian, I gave my heart to Jesus at a weekly Gospel Club which was held in an old Gothic church in my hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. At the club each week, we sang many Gospel hymns and choruses, all of which drew us closer to Jesus. At the end of the meeting, after the preacher’s sermon, we would sing one last chorus called “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus.” It was a perfect way to end the club, for the words reminded us that no matter what we faced, if we looked to Jesus, He would guide, bless, and care for us each day. The words are still with me today:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.”

It was much later when I discovered that the chorus is based on today’s Bible verses. The writer of Hebrews was encouraging his readers to do the same thing: to fix their eyes upon Jesus and not get distracted by their worries, cares, or concerns. Those first readers were enduring a time of real persecution when Christians were brought before Roman governors to renounce their faith in Christ by simply declaring that ‘Caesar is Lord,’ instead of believing that ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Many of them couldn’t do this – they weren’t prepared to compromise or displace Jesus with the Roman Emperor or the Empire itself because that would be idolatrous. Many of them died horrible deaths simply because they fixed their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith.

 In today’s post-modern 21^st century world, we as Christians are called to do the same. We fix our eyes on Jesus and Him alone; we will not allow anything or anyone to replace Him, for to do so, would damage our connection to God and relinquish our Christian faith.

 Q: How do I fix my eyes on Jesus each day? Do I allow other things to distract me from focusing on Him? If so, do they keep me distant from Jesus?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, we want to turn to You and fix our eyes solely on You. Prevent us from permitting anything to get in the way, so that we may faithfully join the great cloud of witnesses who have persevered throughout the centuries by fixing their eyes on You alone. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. You can see what’s happening at the church on our website at www.erinpres.org.

 

A Great Sacrifice - Hebrews 7:27

Hebrews 7:27 Unlike the other high priests, Christ does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself. (NIV)

Most of us make sacrifices for our loved ones whether they be our partners, parents, children, or friends. We give up something important to show how special our loved ones mean to us. This is exactly what Jesus did when He sacrificed Himself on the Cross at Calvary. You see, for centuries, God’s people had relied on animal and grain sacrifices to appease God’s anger and receive His mercy. But because the people constantly sinned, they had to constantly keep sacrificing.

When Jesus sacrificed Himself, He gave His people the greatest gift of all, for who could top the sacrifice of God’s Holy Son? And this wonderful blessing was expanded and shared with the entire world for all of history. This means that we also can have our sins forgiven and be reconciled to God no matter who we are or what we have ever done.

Application: Think about the worst thing that you have ever done. Ask God to forgive you in Christ’s Name. Receive God’s grace through Jesus and begin your life with His love again.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the Cross. We can never repay the debt that we owe You, but we can praise You forever for doing this. In Your Sacred Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

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

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

September 16 devotion - Red Letter Day

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

I once didn't write a devotional for several weeks. A lot of things were going on in my life at that time – some good, some bad, some really sad. It was about the rockiest two weeks that I had known in quite a while.

Part of my writer's block was caused by some of the decisions that took place in my denomination. I tried to come to terms with it and sought to understand what occurred, but honestly, I did not have any real peace. It was a hard place for a leader to be in because if I lost my sense of God’s Spirit, then how could I know the right path to take on behalf of the people I shepherd?

When I am unsettled, my style is usually to retreat and get back to the basics. It’s like getting lost and then trying to retrace your steps in order to reach the point where things went wrong. In this case, I went right back to God’s grace, my need for repentance, and Christ’s love. Those are the points where my faith sprung from, so those seemed to me to be the very places that I spiritually needed to revisit.

In today’s verse from Isaiah, God is once again taking the initiative by allowing His people to turn from their sinful ways in order to rediscover their salvation. Even though their sins are as brazen as scarlet, God’s grace can clean and purify them completely. That’s where I need to be; that’s where we all need to be: at the wonderful moment of true grace where our sins are completely forgiven.

It’s from that turning point, at the foot of Christ’s Cross, that we can all begin again. So, that’s where I am this morning; are you here too?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of our souls because Your sacrificial blood from the Cross has washed, cleansed, and purified us. We are made holy through Your sacredness; we are restored to God’s favor through Your righteousness. Help us today to kneel before Your Cross and to begin our faith journey anew. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently 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 image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Peace of Christ.” It features a lion and a lamb lying together in peace as symbols of Christ’s Coming Reign. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6142730168_4352b42b62_b.jpg

May 20 devotion - Not of This World

John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the religious leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (NIV)

In a couple of weeks, my wife and I will be touring Italy as part of a month-long sabbatical that has been graciously given to me. I look forward to seeing the ancient buildings and ruins of the once-proud Roman Empire, as well as visiting art galleries and museums which contain some of the best Renaissance paintings and sculptures in the world. I’ll also get to see some of the sites of the Early Christian communities and marvel at the fact that such a humble and lowly religion managed to overturn the most powerful empire in the history of the world.

In the Gospel passage where Pilate has a conversation with Jesus (John 18:28-40), we see the beginnings of the rise of Christianity and the fall of the Roman Empire. Pilate does not know what to do with Jesus and apparently hesitates about executing Him. The Roman Governor seeks a political reason to crucify Christ, but Jesus will not give him what he wants. “My kingdom is not of this world,” claims Jesus, so Pilate is perplexed because he realizes he is dealing with spiritual matters that are outside of his jurisdiction. However, as a means of political expediency, the perturbed governor will relent to the baying of the mob and crucify Jesus. From that point on, the Empire began to fall as Christ’s kingdom arose.

This passage should remind us that politics do not override our faith or should even come close to it. Christians are citizens of Christ’s Kingdom, so every other national or political loyalty that we have needs to be tempered by our faith, not the other way around. If we let politics and politicians take over our hearts and minds, then we are actually displacing Christ and distancing ourselves from His Kingdom. All that we say, do, or even post on social media, should be done through the lens of Christ as our Lord, Savior, and King. Remember, His Kingdom is not of this world, so neither should we be completely attached, focused or obsessed with it.

Point to ponder

Do I put Christ at the center of my life? Why/why not?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind us that You call us to be Your servants and that our ultimate destination is to abide in Your Kingdom. Teach us to let go of worldly things and latch on to heavenly blessings. 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 on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

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

Patchwork Blues - Luke 21:29-36

Mark 2:21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.” (NIV)

            When I was a teenager, patchwork denims were the latest fashion trend. Most of my peers had them, but my family was going through some rough financial times, so my parents couldn’t afford them. Undaunted by this, I decided to make my own. I cut up some really old denims and made some square patches. I then spent a couple of days sewing them on to a new pair of work jeans. By the time I was finished, my fingertips were bruised because of constantly having to push the needle through two layers of denim. However, I thought my patchwork denims looked great, so it was worth all of the bleeding and pain.

            I wore them for a couple of days and then it started raining. When the thread got wet, the stitching became tighter and eventually the patches started to break away. In due course, my pair of patchwork jeans turned into ragged remnants and I realized that I had ruined them. As a teenager struggling to keep up with his peers, it was a hard and embarrassing lesson to learn; however, as a life lesson, it has proved invaluable to me. Patching up things may work for a while, but eventually things will fall apart and be beyond repair.

            I think this is also what Jesus meant when He talked about sewing patches on old garments. They ultimately become undone, no matter how good the initial intent to fix things was. Jesus saw this among His own people, who constantly broke their covenant with God and then tried to vainly repair the damage with sacrifices. It was never enough and all that they achieved was a glossing over of the real problem – their self-centered ways – and the temporary concealment of their personal sins. It would take a brand-new sacrifice to cover their sinfulness – the crucifixion of Christ – instead of a patchwork of prayers or an ineffective system of rituals.

            Perhaps you presently feel broken, disconnected, or even ragged. Maybe you’ve been patching up things for years in order to conceal the real problems of your life. If you keep doing this, it will tear away at your mind, grieve your heart, and contaminate your soul. Seek help from a reputable counselor to enable you to unravel the mess. At the same time, ask Christ to allow His Spirit to comfort and support you, as well as to repair and renew you. It won’t happen overnight, but it can be accomplished over time.

Point to ponder

What things am I constantly patching up that cannot be repaired? Am I willing to let Christ help me to recover?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about us and are aware of our personal fears and failures. Help us to come to You for guidance and direction, to show us the way ahead and to lead us toward recovery. 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 Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome. 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s new Advent drawings. If you would like to see a larger version, please click this link: Advent1.

Card Collection - Psalm 86:9

Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. (NIV)

Quite recently, I started collecting old tobacco cards. I came across a set of vintage racing car cards on Ebay and I was delighted with them. This piqued my interest and as I looked through other listings from all over the globe, it opened me up to a whole new world of collections. My Dad had some from the past – mostly of balloons and early airplanes – but I didn’t realize the amazing variety of subjects, themes, people and places that these colorful cards cover. I am now in the process of happily building up my own collection – mostly of racing cars, ships, military uniforms, famous people, and movie stars.

           

One set caught my eye the other day. It was produced in 1924 between the World Wars and is called “Children of All Nations.” The fifty cards are beautifully drawn with children wearing their traditional costumes. The set depicts the wonderful variety of people across the globe and when they are put side by side, it looks like a beautiful tapestry of humankind. I guess this is what God sees when He looks at us on Earth – a unique collection of creatures, owned and loved by Him.

The ancient psalmist who wrote today’s highlighted verse seems to reflect this. The great destiny of all nations and peoples is to come together to praise our Creator, to worship His ways, and to be called ‘children of God.’ It’s a beautiful image and is one which Christ obtained for humanity by dying for our sins. All we have to do is to receive this great gift and live accordingly – by showing one another grace and by loving one another, no matter who we are or where we come from.

Point to ponder

Do I appreciate the beauty and variety of this unique world? How can I show my thankfulness to God and other people today?

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for the wondrous work of Creation and the amazing variety of life, people, and places on this exceptional planet. Help us to love one another in ways that will honor You and expand the gift of Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s image is a snapshot of the beautiful cards that John wrote about. 😊

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

Boyhood Bliss - Matthew 13:47

Matthew 13:47 Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. (NIV)

            Growing up in Scotland, one of the joys of childhood that I experienced, was spending a day at the local park with a cane fishing net and an empty jelly jar. There were several ponds in the park and all of them contained minnows and sticklebacks which I enjoyed catching. I spent hours trolling around the edge of the pond with my net in the water, earnestly hoping to scoop up a shoal of small fish and place them in my water filled jar. It was the simplest of pleasures and cost practically nothing. As the sun went down over the horizon and the gloaming magically appeared, I would tip the fish from my jar back into the pond before I walked home. Life was good and I felt very blessed.

            I like the simple stories that Jesus told about the Kingdom of God. Instead of using complicated theological descriptions to convey what He meant, Christ shared His ideas about God in very basic and appealing ways. At the end of today’s passage (Matthew 13:47-48), He describes God’s Kingdom in three different ways. The one I like best, of course, is the fishing illustration. I can relate to it personally and find it both meaningful and comforting. For me, God’s Kingdom contains that simple happiness I discovered as a boy in Scotland, fishing around the park pond. This is what attracts me to Jesus and I look forward to being in God’s everlasting realm through Christ’s grace and love.

            Perhaps you are going through a rough time or you feel unsettled. Maybe you have many worries and deep concerns. Whatever the case, please know this: God cares for you and His Kingdom is all around us. We are children of His grace, loved at all times, and will be blessed beyond anything we can imagine.

Point to ponder

What makes me happy? Can I find that same happiness with God’s Kingdom?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You told the simplest of stories to reveal to us the love of God and His Kingdom. Help us to know that we are cherished and that your words show us God’s compassion and care. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

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

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

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.

Going Forward - Philippians 3:13b-14

Philippians 3:13b-14 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

            We all have past regrets which we keep in our hearts, mull over in our minds, and rekindle in our spirits every now and then. We relive some personal hurts and disappointments in order to cradle the resentments or offenses we once felt in our souls. Sometimes we keep visiting those uncomfortable moments as a means to either torture our spirits or maintain our injured pride. Whatever the reason, the past can draw us back and chain us to some events that cannot be changed, no matter how much we try to justify or understand them.

            I think the Apostle Paul felt these things, too. He had major regrets from his past before he became a Christian. He had harassed and hunted down Christ’s followers in order to rid his faith community of their existence. He may have had men, women, and children arrested who believed in Christ. He probably gave evidence against them at their trials and he could also have witnessed some executions. At the time, he felt justified and his zeal for God blinded him to the pain and suffering he was inflicting on his prey. When he became a Christian himself, Paul must have had many regrets which he carried with him for the rest of his life.

            However, Paul did not wallow in the past or afflict himself with his mistakes. Instead of looking back, he looked forward to using the time he had left for the work, mission, and calling that Christ had given him. He pushed himself onward and saw God’s reward clearly ahead of him. His goal was to live the rest of his life for Christ’s sake, taking every day as an opportunity to serve Jesus and fulfill his ministry for him. To do this, he left the past in the past and strained forward to the glorious future that awaited him.

            Christianity allows us the gift of beginning again. Christ permits us to let go of the past in order to follow Him faithfully into the future. Our regrets are absolved and our mistakes are forgiven. We can move on from what held us back and begin again. This is Christ’s way of freeing us from our failures and restoring our lives to God. It is a beautiful gift and one which we can receive today.

Point to ponder

What parts of my past hold me back? Am I willing to let Christ liberate me from them now?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the struggles we deal with constantly in our hearts and minds. We ask that You help us to break free from our past and follow Your path in the future. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Our Sunday worship service begins at 11:00 AM. Come along and join us – you will be made most welcome.

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

A Touch of Class - Acts 6:7

Acts 6:7 The Word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (NRSV)

            I wish more church folks would go to Sunday School. In Scotland, Sunday School was only meant for school children and I often felt that the adults lost out on the opportunity to deepen their faith each week. Over here in the United States, I was delighted to discover that Sunday School, which usually takes place before worship starts, is available for children, youths, and adults. I have come to appreciate the depth of discipleship that regular Sunday schooling creates. More than sixty percent of our regular worship attendees participate in our church’s Sunday school classes which is a wonderful community of church folks who support, encourage, and love one another, especially in times of trouble, grief, or illness.

            When I look back at the formation of the Christian Church in Jerusalem, I am glad to read that many of the priests, who were great teachers and servants of God, joined this new faith movement. Their knowledge of the scriptures and dedication to God must have laid a solid foundation for Christ’s work to continue among His people. Originally, most of the priests had opposed Jesus, but after the wonderful Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit moved many of them to accept Christ as their Savior & Lord. It must have been a remarkable moment in the early history of the Church, as well as a great source of encouragement for the first apostles.

            Lots of people have told me that they would like to deepen their faith and commitment to Christ. I believe that they really mean those words. The best way that I have seen for this to take place occurs when folks take a step in the right direction and join a weekly class or Bible study group, especially on Sunday mornings. It may involve getting up earlier and making the time to join a class, but the long-term benefits and blessings far outweigh the initial inconveniences that occur.

Point to ponder

How do I deepen my faith commitment to Christ? Am I willing to join a Sunday school class or weekly Bible study group?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are our Teacher, as well as our Savior. Many of your parables, encounters, and lessons have a great depth of spiritual faith, Biblical knowledge, and divine wisdom contained in them. Encourage us to learn more about our faith by seeking a group of church folks to study with on a regular basis. In Your Holy 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.

Today’s image is one of John’s Bible drawings depicting Christ reading and explaining the scriptures in the local synagogue. You can view a larger version at this link: Scripture.

Crucial Event - John 12:32

John 12:32 (Jesus said) “And I, when I am lifted up from the Earth, will draw all people to myself.” NIV

            The Cross is what makes us Christians because we humbly accept that Jesus died for our sins. Whether or not we are repulsed or deeply saddened by the brutality of His crucifixion is not important; what is absolutely crucial - a word that has its roots in the Latin term for cross – is that we understand our salvation can only be offered to us because of Christ’s death on the Cross at Calvary.

            It would be a lot easier for us if God would just accept who we are without getting His Son involved. We could all make a strong case for ourselves and give plenty of reasons why God should allow us eternal life, but the truth of the matter is this: we can do nothing by ourselves to earn salvation; it only comes to us through Jesus, our crucified Lord.

            This is why Christ told His disciples and people that when He would be lifted up – hoisted on a cross – He would draw all kinds of people to Himself. Today, we know this is true because all over the world churches exist and within almost all of them, we will find a cross.

            Wherever we are today and whatever we do, let’s take time to reflect on Christ’s Cross and be truly thankful for how it has given us the wonderful opportunity of being restored to God for all of Eternity.

Point to ponder

When I look at a cross, what does it mean to me? How crucial is Christ’s Cross in my life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we can never repay the everlasting debt that we owe to You for dying for our sins. Instead of being eternally separated from God, You have graciously allowed us to be restored to His Kingdom and favor. Thank You for this outstanding and undeserved gift. In Your Holy Name, we humbly 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 may also send John an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

Short reflection - Happy Endings - John 11:25-26

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (NIV)

            Most of the stories that I read or heard as a child ended up with this unforgettable line: ‘And they all lived happily together.’ No matter how scary the wicked witch was in ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ or how terrifying the Giant was in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk,’ or how cruel the villain was in ‘Aladdin,’ everything turned out well and the heroes of the story ended up being blessed and happy. I guess that because most of those stories were told to me at bedtime, it was far better to go to sleep on a blissful note than to have nightmares about the villains. We all like good stories and prefer those that have happy endings, even if they are all contrived just to make us feel secure.

            Throughout my sixty years on Earth, I have watched folks go about their lives expecting a happy ending. I guess they figure that God will somehow work that out for them, granting them a blissful everlasting life no matter who they are, what they believe, or what they’ve done. Jesus has taken care of everything, so there’s no need to worship or serve Him; all we need is to acknowledge that Christ will do it for us, no questions asked. If only it was as simple as that – we could close our churches forever, stop printing the Bible, and put a halt to praying. After all, if Jesus understands how busy we are, how wise we have become, and how important we’ve made ourselves, He will give us a happy ending. We can get on with life and Christ will be there at its conclusion as our personal Caretaker, Assistant, and Guide into the next life.

            I wonder if it really is that simple, and if so, then why was Christ crucified? I wonder if eternal bliss is waiting for us somewhere beyond the rainbow just because we want a happy ending? In my heart, I may want to believe this, but I feel as though it would just be wishful thinking. If Jesus is the Resurrection and Life that we truly want, doesn’t actually obtaining it involve some sort of allegiance to Him?

            There’s much more to Christianity than just thinking happy thoughts and taking Jesus for granted. Wishing for a happy ending is not the same as truly hoping for eternal life. At some critical point in our lives, we need to connect the dots between Christ and us – without that full and final connection, we’re just whistling in the dark and deluding ourselves.

Point to ponder

Am I truly connected to Christ? Am I ready to receive everlasting life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep us from deceiving ourselves that everything will turn out okay just because we want it to be that way. Help us to reflect on our commitment to You and enable us to serve You faithfully throughout all that is left in our lives. 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. If you would like to ask questions or make a comment about today’s devotional, please send John an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

June 21 devotion - Promises, Promises - Genesis 21:1

Genesis 21:1    Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. (NIV)

            My Grandma Stuart had a saying about people who disappointed her: “He’s a great promiser, but a bad fulfiller.” She came from a small Scottish religious community who were known as Rechabites. Her direct family members were all teetotalers who abstained from drinking alcohol and smoking, which is funny, because of her grandfather, James Doyle, who made his money manufacturing clay pipes for tobacco users. She was a strong-willed person who had a lot of gumption and determination. I guess I get most of my stubbornness and religiosity from her side of the family.

            Throughout the Bible, God constantly makes promises and never fails to fulfill them. In Sarah’s case, from the events described in Genesis 21, He sees to it that she bears a child even in her old age. The same blessing is also accomplished in Luke 1 when the elderly Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist. It’s all part of God’s way of completing the work of His salvation for the people on Earth. God is not only a great promiser; He’s also a great fulfiller.

            Every day, we experience the promises of God in our individual lives and across the entire Earth. His promises are both personal and global, as well as being current and historical. In Jesus, we have the greatest promise of salvation that humanity has ever known; in Christ, we also see the greatest fulfiller of God’s holy words.

Points to ponder

When and where have I experienced God’s promises in my life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, through Your complete obedience to God and the fulfillment of all His promises, we have been given the sacred opportunity of forgiveness of our sins and being eternally restored to God. In response, we dedicate our lives to You and to Your continuing ministry of salvation throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully serve and thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish 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 church bulletin covers called ‘The Promise.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: Promise.

A Better Place - Exodus 16:2-3

Exodus 16:2-3 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” (NIV)

            The ancient Israelites were an ungrateful community. They had been delivered by God from slavery and given the opportunity to begin their lives afresh, but because of the initial hardships that faced them, they yearned for the ‘good old days,’ of drudgery and bondage. They may have been miserable under their Egyptian taskmasters, but at least they could sit around pots of food and eat until their bellies were full. Instead of embracing the freedom God had given them, they were willing to throw it all away and return to slavery. They really were a thankless crowd of grumbling folks. Even though God’s grace was right in front of them, they didn’t appreciate His presence and gift for what it was: life with liberty.

            We live on a beautiful planet in a unique solar system. As we spin through space, are we aware of how much grace God has invested into our world? None of the other planets can sustain life. We have beauty all around us each day – mountains, valleys, rivers, seas – all with a remarkable abundance of life – and yet we are just as ungrateful as the ancient Israelites.

            Instead of celebrating the bounty that God has given, we constantly destroy what we have received. Rather than making this world a better place, we fill it with pride and bitterness, greed and hostility. This may be the only planet in our galaxy that has life, beauty, and wonder, but we ravage its resources, spoil its loveliness, and selflessly plunder the environment as if it all is personally owned by us. We forget that the world belongs to God – we are only His servants and tenants who are meant to preserve its uniqueness, protect its splendor, and pass it on caringly to our children. Initially, God gives it to us graciously in the hope that we will embrace this godly gift with thankfulness, respect, and love. May we one day fulfill that divine dream.

Point to ponder

What am I doing with my life to make the world a better place? What blessings of God’s grace am I passing on to the next generation?

Prayer: Lord God, You have given the uniqueness of life on our planet and we are blessed because of Your abundant grace. Grant us the will and the wisdom to preserve the beauty around us so we may gratefully pass on the bounty of blessings that Your gift has given us. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish 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 Trinitarian drawings called ‘Blue Trinity.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click here: Trinity.

Marginalized Ministry

Luke 14:13-14 “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (NIV)

            When I first met Brian Merritt, I knew that I liked him. Theologically, we were poles apart and had traveled different routes in Presbyterian ministry. I was a typical church pastor who had spent much of my career looking after congregations, preaching the Word of God, and trying to care for church members. Brian was out there on the streets of New York, protesting against injustice and being a burr under the saddle to both church and community. Despite our differences, however, we were both passionate about ministry and Christ’s mission to the world. It was that similarity which sealed our friendship.

            Brian started a mission in Chattanooga called ‘Mercy Junction,’ which ministers to people on the margins of society. It’s not your typical church mission either. It involves a lot of risks, especially with people who have been broken or damaged by the mainstream church. The St. Andrews Center in Chattanooga, where a federation of inter-faith groups connect and meet, is where Mercy Junction resides. The Center has become a sanctuary for the homeless, a place of safety for marginalized people, a feeding place for the hungry, and even a shelter for abandoned dogs. Its mission goes where most churches drawback and retreat from; its focus is Christ inspired and humane.

            This kind of ministry depletes the energy of its leaders very often. Brian and the other leaders have constantly emptied themselves through giving to, advocating for, and supporting the powerless. The area of Chattanooga where they minister does not have a lot of resources; quite recently, the last grocery store in the area closed leaving local people with the hardship of traveling further for everyday needs, food, and other items. The Mercy Junction leaders set up a food distribution bank and are politically advocating the city for more help. All of this requires time, energy, and resources leaving the Center stretched almost beyond its own capabilities.

            This week the Center has been through a lot of turmoil due to a major disturbance caused by a couple of misguided people. The Center has had to close until the situation can be rectified. This is very distressing for Brian and the rest of the leadership because it means that vulnerable people are being turned away with only a little help. You can read about the situation from this press report: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2017/may/18/church-leaders-occupy-mercy-junction-forcing/428716/

            Ministering to the marginalized is never easy, otherwise, all churches and congregations would do it. Mercy Junction is in need of prayer, as well as resources to keep it open because this sort of negative publicity diminishes the mission and depletes the means by which the Center can be sustained. So, please be in prayer for Brian Merritt, Beth Foster, and the other leaders at Mercy Junction. If you can also give an online gift to help, then please do so at this link: http://www.mercyjunction.org/

            As I wrote above, Brian and I are poles apart theologically and as different ministerially as chalk from cheese, but I admire his courage, dedication, and passion for the marginalized and powerless, which is why I personally support his work and mission, for even though I may not often understand it, I believe it is a part of Christ’s crucial work in that city.

Point to ponder

Who are the marginalized in our community? How can our churches reach out and help them?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You were often accused of being in bad company and feasting with sinners. Your ministry was disturbing and radical to the leaders in Your own community. Help us not to be afraid of our differences, but to look beyond them, in order to see the lonely, broken, powerless, and marginalized who need our understanding and embrace. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

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

May 05 devotion - Preaching Everywhere

Mark 16:20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (NIV)

            Preaching has always been at the heart of the Christian Church ever since it was established. The Good News of the Gospel has been constantly proclaimed in every nation and generation since the time of Christ sending out His disciples. Without preaching, Christianity would never have expanded beyond Judah and Galilee. With preaching, even people who live in the remotest areas of the world can hear and respond to Christ’s mission.

            In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, the quality of sermons was the number #1 reason why people choose to go to church. Even after two thousand years of progress, technological advances, and sophisticated communication gadgets, preaching still draws people to Christ. I guess this is why Jesus sent out His disciples to preach in order to continue His mission on Earth. Preaching was, still is, and possibly always will be the bridge between God’s Word and Christ’s people.

            You may think that as a preacher, I am personally biased about this. To some degree that may be true, however, it places a serious burden of responsibility on me to preach the Gospel truth, even though I may not want to because some folks in the pews may not like to hear what God has given me to say. It would be only too easy to preach a message of being nice, pleasant, and courteous to one another, but the Gospel of Christ is often hard to proclaim, tough to receive, and difficult to embrace. If this wasn’t the case, Jesus would never have been crucified.

            As each Sunday approaches, I and preachers like me greatly appreciate the prayers of the people for both the preparation and presentation of the sermon. It is a unique opportunity to teach the faith, preach the truth, and help the church. It is also a solemn responsibility to present God’s Word and reveal Christ’s Way for the world, as it always has been for almost two thousand years. J

Point to ponder

How does preaching affect my faith? What is the best sermon I have heard?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, be with your preachers throughout the Earth who are busy preparing their sermons. Let Your Spirit guide their words and may Your people be inspired by all that is truly proclaimed. Bless us all through Your Holy Word. 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 is image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called ‘Spirit of ‘17’. You can view a larger version at this link: Spirit17.

Human Nature - Matthew 26:38

Matthew 26:38           Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

            Being human means that we’re subject to all sorts of feelings, injuries, or troubles. When I’m in pain, physically or emotionally, I very quickly talk to God to release me from what is causing it and look to Him to heal or solve my problem. I rely upon His power and promises to mend whatever I’m experiencing, especially when it is something that is beyond my capability or control. Being human, then, also means that we need God to help us time and time again.

            When I read about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and His emotional turmoil, I feel deeply for Him. This is the all-too-human Jesus who is painfully aware of what He is going to face. There’s no escape, so perhaps He feels boxed in, isolated, and vulnerable. His anguish is almost unbearable and I get the feeling that He is desperately struggling to surrender Himself to God’s will. It makes me sad to read about His torment; it also makes me ashamed because my sins put Christ in that painful predicament.

            I’ll never fully understand what Jesus went through to save me and the rest of the world, but I hope that I am always grateful for what He has excruciatingly accomplished. Without Christ’s eventual surrender to God’s will, I could never be forgiven. However, with His acceptance of the cup of wrath, I can be accepted and fully restored to God’s love.

Point to ponder

What do I feel when I read about Christ in Gethsemane? How does His submission affect me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, when You struggled to accept Your Father’s will, You must have been tempted to refuse it and run away. Instead of remaining safe, You sacrificed everything for us. We can never truly understand what You experienced that terrible night, but we will always be thankful for its everlasting outcome. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can view the church website at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org. Come by and see us anytime. J

Table Turner - Matthew 21:13

Matthew 21:13           “It is written,” Jesus said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (NIV)

            The Temple in Jerusalem was meant to be a sacred place where anyone’s prayers could be heard. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, if you sincerely wanted to ask God for help, you could actually do it within the Temple courtyards. Even foreigners and aliens were granted this privilege because the outer court was designated as a place of prayer for them. Unfortunately, in Christ’s time, the elite worshippers treated this area as an extra space to set up their money-changing tables, as well as the selling of all sorts of animals. It meant that the whole area became a menagerie of moneymakers, instead of being a quiet dignified place where foreigners could safely pray.

            This commercial set up angered Jesus for two reasons. Firstly, it dishonored God’s House of Prayer – it was a holy area for meditation, confession, and worship, not a wholesale arena for markets, commerce, or wares. Secondly, the place that was set aside for the foreigners had been designated by the grace of God; now it was being desecrated by the greed of men. Jesus condemned the bigotry and injustice that was taking place in God’s House, which is why He angrily turned over the tables and threw the money-changers out of the Temple courtyards.

            Faith and justice, as well as grace and mercy, were key components of Christ’s ministry. In this passage, He teaches all of us today that places of worship are holy areas and that how we treat foreigners does not go unnoticed by God. In a world which is increasingly beset by religious intolerance and contempt for outsiders, Christians should actually remind themselves of what Jesus did in the past and how that should influence what we do now. Such a personal reflection will not be comfortable, but then again, who said that having faith in Jesus was ever going to be easy?

Point to ponder

What made Jesus angry? Why should I deeply care about those things, too?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You want all people to freely come to God and receive His blessings. Help us to be gracious, compassionate, and loving to others, especially those who seem so different from ourselves. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained glass designs called ‘A New Earth.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: New.

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