4 Minute Devotions: In Limbo

Psalm 91:14 "Because He loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My Name.”

After Christmas, there is always that in-between time when we all reflect about what’s happened throughout the year, and then anxiously anticipate what lies ahead of us. We may get nostalgic or melancholy, depending upon what has occurred throughout the last twelve months; we may also be fearful and uncertain about the New Year.

Throughout this limbo of a time, I like to look at different Bible verses to see if I can come up with a motto for myself and the church that I serve. I was taught this by a ministerial friend in Scotland, who served his parish faithfully and pastorally. At the beginning of each year, he found a special verse and encouraged his congregation to embrace and apply throughout the New Year.

This morning, I came across one that might fit the bill, although I have not settled on it. Because I love the psalms, I tend to choose motto verses from the plethora of God’s promises that are contained in that precious part of the Bible. Today’s verse, Psalm 91 v 14, is all about reassurance which, during these uncertain times, we all need to read, hear, and experience.

I like the fact that the verse begins with God’s love, then continues with deliverance and protection, and ultimately ends with an acknowledgement of faith. It contains all of the elements that I personally have experienced from God over the many years that I have been a Christian.

I do not know what 2009 will bring, but I believe that God’s promises will accompany me, no matter what happens, where I go, or what I do. I guess that’s what faith really is – relying upon God throughout each present day and knowing that He holds the future in His hands. May you also experience the same.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for loving us, and for delivering us from all sorts of problems or troubles. We claim Your promises because we know that Your word is forever true. Lead us and carry us throughout the coming year, to the glory and honor of Christ’s Everlasting Name. Amen.

Church Growth Ideas: What God Wants, He Gets

Using Hebrews 13:20-21 as a key text for developing a church mission statement. Helping the congregation to depend upon God to equip them with everything good for accomplishing His will.

Podcast version here

Hebrews 13:20,21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Our wee church is trying to work out a mission statement for the coming years. Our elders, who are the spiritual leaders in our congregation, are wrestling with decisions that will affect the long term mission and effectiveness of Erin church in the community. It’s not an easy task and a lot of prayer, preparation and pondering will have to be experienced before we can present an overall plan to the congregation.

Like most churches of our age, we are committing a lot of our resources to the upkeep and renovating of the building. The present sanctuary will be 55 years old in 2010 and whilst that is not old in European terms, the extremities of the American weather mean that the church ages a lot faster. I’d like us to be able to completely modernize the whole building in one stage, but I know that just isn’t possible. Unless we have a hidden multi-millionaire in the congregation, it’s going to take us several years to complete the job.

In the meantime, we’ve ministries and missions to undertake, support, and accomplish. That’s where we rely upon God as a congregation, just as the Hebrew Christians did in Paul’s time. As long as we are willing to continue doing the work that is pleasing to God, then He will equip us with everything good for accomplishing His will.

I guess that’s how we’ll eventually come up with a strong mission statement that will reflect what God wants. Currently, we‘re talking about being a church that equips its members to make an impact for Christ in the community. If this is God’s will and we are faithful to this mission, then He will ensure that we have everything we will need to complete that task. And that’s what makes this phase of the church’s life exciting to me – we’re becoming a church that utterly depends upon God’s favor, and not upon our own strength, power, or esteem.

Perhaps you’re in a church that is facing financial difficulties or wrestling with its identity. Maybe you’re hesitant about what lies ahead and don’t know where to begin turning things around. I’d start with the promises of God that are found in these two verses from Hebrews and lay the foundation of future ministries and missions at your church upon these words: “May the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we want to be effective witnesses and productive churches for You, so that Your Kingdom may expand in our community. We worry about stuff like money and staff, bills and salaries. Help us to rely upon Your Father to grant us every good thing to accomplish His work. Engage our people in yielding to the Spirit and seeking God’s will. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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