Sunday Shorts - Busy Doing Nothing

Mark 6:31 Jesus said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (NRSV)

            Over many years of pastoral ministry, I saw some dedicated people who were always present for Sunday worship and church programs. They were totally immersed in the life, work, and ministries of the congregation and it seemed as though every time we opened the church doors, they were among the first to arrive. Their faith community was their family and they simply devoted themselves to serving God in their local church.

            Sometimes, however, these lovely servants were too busy and stretched themselves beyond what they could do effectively for God. They did too much, said “yes” too many times, and often wouldn’t let others help them. They thought that if they temporarily gave up their work for the Lord or handed it over to someone else, the ministry or mission would suffer. Frequently, the ministry was suffering because they didn’t like to share or delegate the responsibility to some other person. However, when Covid came and forced us all to stay away from church, those people reflected on their chosen roles, soon realizing that God was working through the whole church membership, and not just them. After Covid, they fully reassessed their own service and, for the first time in years, they allowed others to work with them.

            I like what Jesus suggests to His disciples in this Bible verse. They have all been very busy helping Him with His ministry. They are devoted to the Kingdom of God, but they are also sapped of their spiritual strength, so Jesus urges them all to take a break from the mission to go to a quiet place and replenish their spirits. This reveals to us how much Jesus cared for His closest followers and did not expect them to always be on duty wherever He went. By giving them time to be alone with Him, Jesus was encouraging them to do nothing for a while. The mission would always be there, and the Kingdom of God would continue, but they were only human with weaknesses and limitations. Like the writer of Psalm 23, Jesus was inviting them to find a quiet place in order to restore their souls.

            Perhaps you need permission to let go of some of the ministries and missions in your own congregation. Maybe you’ve overextended yourself and instead of feeling the joy of serving God, it is a heavy burden to you. Let Christ encourage you to find a quiet place, to release you from your responsibilities, to enable you to reflect on how best to serve God, to replenish your weary spirit, and to refresh your tired soul. Go ahead and be busy – doing nothing.

Point to ponder: How do I serve God in my local church? Am I too busy?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us more fully than we know ourselves. We love You completely and want to serve You faithfully, but sometimes we are tired and need to rest. Help us to find a peaceful quiet place where we can be refreshed by Your Spirit and restored to God’s Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

July 10 devotion - Short Story

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 view 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.

Beyond Belief - Acts 15:8-9

Acts 15:8-9 God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith. (NIV)

It must have come as a great shock to some religious traditionalists that Paul and Barnabas were preaching Christ’s Gospel to the Gentiles. For generations, the people of God had assumed that their way of doing things was perfect and could only be properly accomplished by keeping their religion pure. They faithfully accepted Christ as their Savior but were not too happy to give Him away to outsiders. They believed that Jesus was their exclusive Messiah and that they were being rewarded for their faithfulness, so why should renegades like Paul and Barnabas carelessly share the Good News of salvation with anyone who was willing to listen and accept Christ for themselves?

They had good intentions about keeping Christianity under the umbrella of tradition, but they had forgotten how radical Christ had been when He ministered on Earth. He never turned away outsiders, but instead, He took opportunities to meet, heal, and tell them about God’s Kingdom. He even asked God to forgive them when the Gentile Romans nailed Him to the Cross. This was a sign of how boundless God’s grace was, but those who sought to control Christian faith after His death had either forgotten His expansive ministry or chose to ignore it.

As Christians in the world, we are meant to be the same type of gracious and boundless people. If we discard or discount others because they are outsiders – religiously, culturally, or racially – then we have forgotten who Christ was and what His ministry still is today. If we are fearful, we will want to keep Jesus for ourselves in a belief box of our own making; however, if we are faithful, we will want to share His mercy, grace, and love with everyone, no matter who they are, where they come from, or whatever they do. Remember, we were all once outside of His fold and enemies of God, so why shouldn’t the same opportunity of Good News and Salvation, kindness and love be shown and given to all?

Point to ponder

Whom do I consider to be outsiders in my life? How can I show and share Christ’s love and God’s compassion with them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we get so caught up in trying to serve and please You that we forget to spread Your Gospel by sharing Your love with others who are outside of our circle of faith. Forgive us for narrowing Your grace and help us to overcome our fears of those who are different by seeing them with Your eyes and loving them with God’s heart. In your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please 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 original drawings called ‘Eternal Mystery of Trinity.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Mystery.

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.

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.

Wonder Woman - Ruth 4:10

Ruth 4:10  I have also taken Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, to maintain the dead man’s name on his inheritance, in order that the name of the dead may not be cut off from his kindred and from the gate of his native place; today you are witnesses.” (NIV)

            It has been strongly suggested that the Book of Ruth was written in response to the xenophobia (fear of foreigners) that is exhibited in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, especially in the end chapters of those books where foreign Moabite women are cast off by their Jewish husbands in order to ‘purify’ the Jewish community. That unjustifiable expulsion is one of the reasons why I dislike both Ezra and Nehemiah, and very rarely preach from those Old Testament passages.

In some church circles, Ezra and Nehemiah are lauded as magnificent leaders and teachers who restored the broken Jewish community by rebuilding the Promised Land after returning from exile. Their words are often used as a rallying cry for getting people back to basics, but I find their actions questionable, especially when used against the innocent foreign women and children who were ousted from their families in a puritanical purge to make Judah great again.

            The Book of Ruth, when it was written, boldly reminded the restored Jewish community that one of their greatest leaders, King David, was a direct descendant of a foreign Moabite woman called Ruth. The lesson was clearly made: foreigners need not be feared and God can use outsiders to fulfill His work of salvation. In this case, Ruth the Moabite had a great-grandson, David, who was destined to become one of the most admired leaders and greatest king of the Jewish people.

            In these turbulent times when xenophobia is increasing across the world in many nations, as well as our own, the Book of Ruth can be a vehicle for reconciliation and restoration. Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi and her devotion to God teach us that we can find goodness, loyalty, and compassion in the hearts and lives of those who come from other lands. In fact, when we really stop to think about it, the Bible is a foreign book, full of foreign people, customs, and history which we have embraced and translated into English, not to make us or our way of life great, but to humbly accept God’s Word and give Him the glory for the great things He has done in foreign places, with foreign people, using foreign ways.

Point to ponder

Where do I see God working in the world? Why does He still use foreigners?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You lived, worked, and died in a foreign place. You spoke no English and followed foreign customs. You started Your life as a refugee and ended up being executed as a criminal. If You walked among us today, we would not notice You because You would be a peasant, a poor worker, and a foreigner. Help us to understand how profound those things are and how much they should affect our worldview. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish pastor at 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 Nativity drawings called “Undocumented.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Undocumented.

We Have No King - John 19:15

John 19:15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. (NIV)

            It was the ultimate act of betrayal. The chief priests in Jerusalem were the highest officers and leaders in the Jewish community. They represented centuries of their faith and all of the people. They were meant to be living examples of how to serve God and follow Him faithfully. They were supposed to be the upholders of the Law of Moses and all of their religious traditions. But in one hate-filled answer, they betrayed all that was dear to them and denied God’s authority over them.

            What was this act of betrayal? The answer that they gave to Pilate: “We have no king but Caesar.” God was their King and He was their Sovereign. The whole of Jewish history was built upon having no other god or ruler before God. Sure, there had been kings in the past who tried to rule the people as God’s chosen servants, but there was always a struggle between being ruled by God and governed by local kings. In the Book of Judges, the great warrior Gideon refused to be made king with these words: ‘I will not rule over you…the LORD rules over you.’ (Judges 8:22-23).

            When the chief priests said to Pilate that only Caesar was their king, they were betraying all of their beliefs in God and trading them in for a foreign despot to rule over them. Their hatred for Jesus was so intense that they were willing to displace God with a Roman Emperor. It was a scandalous act of betrayal and one which doomed Jerusalem. Forty years after this event, the Roman Emperor crushed the priests in Jerusalem and destroyed most of the great city. Allying their faith with a tyrant brought this upon themselves; putting their faith in a political figurehead created a situation where eventually their religion and nation lost God’s protection and wrought calamity on themselves.

            As Christians, we are supposed to remind ourselves each day that Jesus is our Savior, Lord, and King. Our allegiance belongs to Him and we are meant to serve His ways by applying His teaching in our daily lives. His words and ways are specifically meant to overrule any notions or ideas that go against God’s Will. Christ is our only King on Earth and in Heaven. If we displace Him with any other being, then just as the chief priests sadly did long ago, we betray Him.

Point to ponder

How often do I let Jesus shape my ideas, opinions, and choices? Am I guilty of rejecting Him in order to follow other people and other ways?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are our King and there is no other power or person who can take Your place. We call ourselves Christians, but we can only prove this to be true by how we embrace and apply Your words. Keep us from displacing Your authority and help us to truly serve You. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly 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 send John a question or a message, please email him at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s church banner designs called ‘Christ is King.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: King.

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.

Turning Point - John 6:63-64

John 6:63-64 (Jesus said) “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” (NIV)

            It was a turning point in Christ’s ministry. For a while, many people followed Him because they expected Jesus to fulfill their own longings for their nation, people, and personal lives. Christ’s mission, however, was about fulfilling what God wanted, which ultimately meant some people would turn their backs on Jesus because He would not do what they expected. But Christ was adamant about what He was sent to do: His ministry had grown beyond their parochial expectations; Jesus had come to bring salvation to the entire world and not the restoration of an exalted Jewish State.

            Even today, some Christian people balk at Christ’s words: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” In a society that is obsessed with our physical well-being to the exclusion of our spiritual growth, what Jesus said is still difficult to accept. We spend so much of our earthly time and resources trying to keep our bodies healthy and pure that we tend to forget two things: a) we are not physically immortal and b) our spirits are eternal.

            Now I don’t think that Jesus would condemn us for looking after our earthly bodies – healthy eating and regular exercise are good for all of us – but I do think He would expect us to focus just as much on the health and well-being of our spirits as we do on our bodies. In the end, it’s not how we physically appear that is going to be important when we come face to face with God; it’s how well our spirits are connected to Him through Jesus that is going to be eternally important.

            So, perhaps next time that we look at starting a new diet plan or an exercise regime, we should also set aside the same amount of time, energy, and effort to going to church, reading the Bible, and praying daily to God. After all, as Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.”

Point to ponder

Am I as focused on holiness as I am on healthiness?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, encourage us to look after our spirits and grow in faith. Enable us to accept each day as an opportunity to grow closer to You. 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 send John an email to Traqair@aol.com with your feedback, questions, and comments.

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

Like One of Us - John 4:6

John 4:6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. (NIV)

            Every now and then, we come across verses in the Gospels that reveal this simple truth: Jesus was not superhuman. In today’s verse, we read that Jesus was tired from the journey. He had walked many miles with His disciples to reach this part of Samaria and needed to rest for a while. The noon day sun was beating down on Him and the disciples had left Him on His own. As usual, they were hungry and had gone looking for food, instead of finding a way to get Jesus some water to refresh Him. Jesus was weak and weary which lets us know just how human He actually was.

            His rescuer is a Samaritan woman of ill-repute and the whole event becomes an opportunity of changing her life, as well as for some people in the local community. It’s a remarkable story of salvation and has been eloquently preached about for centuries, but we should always be aware that it begins with Jesus at one of His weakest moments – He is exhausted and thirsty.

            Perhaps this story is also part of a prophetic journey. At the end of His life, Christ will be exhausted after walking through the streets of Jerusalem carrying His Cross. His disciples will have abandoned Him again and when He is nailed down, His thirst will be unquenchable. It will also be a moment of salvation, this time for the whole world. His would-be rescuers – His mother and other women – will not be able to do anything for Him. His exhaustion will be extremely painful and His thirst will rage on till He dies, proving once again that Jesus was not superhuman.

            For us, knowing how human Jesus was, can give us hope, especially during times of weakness, low-energy, and exhaustion. It means that Christ truly understands our circumstances for He has also faced similar experiences. If He was superhuman, our problems and burdens would be alien to Him. However, because Jesus was truly a human being, He knows exactly what suffering, pain, and discomfort involve, so we can confidently pray to Him for help, guidance, and support, in any and every situation we face.

Point to ponder

What am I currently enduring? How can Christ help me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, God wisely sent You to Earth to become like us in order to experience human frailty and weakness, infirmity and pain. You embraced our human condition completely so that You could redeem us fully. Thank You for Your empathy; thank You for Your sacrifice. 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 may also send John an email with questions or feedback to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Psalm drawings, based on Psalm 17. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm17.

The Best Wine Ever - John 2:1-11

John 2:10  He said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” (NIV)

            I think it must have been the best wine ever produced in history. Why? Because the person who miraculously made it was Jesus, so He would make it the most perfect wine ever. It wouldn’t be mediocre or some of the cheap stuff folks now buy in supermarkets. It would reflect the sovereignty, power, and grace of God all in one, so it must have been the best wine ever made. Perhaps we’ll get to taste how good it was when we participate in the great Heavenly Feast that is yet to come.

            I like the process that Christ uses here. He has empty vessels filled with water which, when poured back out, has miraculously turned into wine. As well as being a miracle, I think it’s also a reflection of what Christ can do for each one of us. He receives our empty lives and fills them with His Living Water of God’s Word, and then, when we are ready to share this blessing with others, it is poured out and received as a wonderful wine of Christ’s mercy, grace, and love. In other words, He miraculously changes us in order to share the fruits of our faith with other people.

            Today, and throughout this coming weekend, we will be given opportunities to share our faith with our families and friends, acquaintances and strangers. Let’s hope and pray that what we pour out from our spirits will be something sweet and palatable, exceptional and life-changing.

Point to ponder

How has Christ changed the emptiness in my life? How have I shared my faith with others?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for filling our lives with Your love and grace, mercy and compassion. Grant us opportunities today to share these blessings with the people we encounter. 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 may also send John an email at traqair@aol.com. John reads all the emails and enjoys your feedback.

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

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.

Happy 428 Day - Mark 14:55

Mark 14:55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. (NIV)

            As a teenager, I was very cynical about the Church and what Christianity stood for. I was determined to do my own thing and go my own way, so I had no need of any of the joy that Jesus was supposed to bring or the love that God had for my life. In fact, when one of my younger brothers brought in a Bible to the house with a ‘Jesus is Lord’ sticker on it, I mocked him in front of the family. As far as I was concerned, Jesus didn’t exist and anyone who thought differently was a complete idiot. Christ’s story was just a fantastic lie made up by religious fanatics who couldn’t cope with His death.

            A couple of years later, everything changed. Instead of being a stupid, drunken lout to my friends and family, I accepted Jesus into my life and decided to become a Christian. The evidence that I denied suddenly became an experience that I embraced. At the 428 Gospel Club in the heart of Glasgow, I surrendered myself to Jesus one Wednesday evening. My life has never been the same ever since that precious moment. And today, on 4/28, I fondly remember those friends that I made for life, including Evelyn my wife, and give thanks to God for leading me to Christ, even though I had followed a reckless path of alcoholism which could have destroyed my life.

            Today, I would encourage everyone who is reading this message to embrace Jesus in their hearts and lives. He can change everything and set you on a new path of spiritual discovery. “Today,” as the preachers used to say at the 428 Gospel Club, “can be the beginning of the rest of your eternal life.” All you have to do is to let Jesus embrace you, once and for all.

Point to ponder

Am I weary of trying to be strong? Am I willing to let Jesus become my strength?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You love us completely, no matter who we are or what we have done. Enable us to embrace Your reality in our lives and lead us from this day forth. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is another of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called ‘Spirit 2017.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit.

Misunderstood - Mark 8:21

Mark 8:21 Jesus said to them, “Do you still not understand?” (NIV)

            It took me years to understand that Jesus was guiding me throughout my wasted teenage years to a time and a place where I would give my life over to Him. Like the disciples in today’s Gospel story (Mark 8:14-21), I took Christ’s blessings for granted and didn’t pay attention to the source of guidance and goodness that He was giving me. It was only when I became a pastor that I truly understood what He was doing in what I call my ‘wilderness years’. Christ had a plan for me, but I didn’t know it way back then.

            Jesus asks the question in today’s highlighted verse because the disciples thought He was referring to the amount of bread they had forgotten to take from the baskets of left-overs in the miraculous feeding of thousands of people. Jesus had warned them to beware of the yeast - fake news - that both the Pharisees and King Herod’s supporters were spreading among the people. Both groups were conspiring to oppose Christ’s ministry; Jesus wanted the Twelve to be fully informed and, therefore, fully armed against what the future would bring. Unfortunately, the disciples misunderstood and thought Jesus was rebuking them for leaving the baskets of bread behind. They took His miraculous blessings for granted and, albeit unintentionally, diminished His ministry.

            I think we all take Jesus for granted in our lives because He gives us so much grace, forgiveness, and love. When we need help, we say a prayer and for guidance, but how thankful are we when He gives us what we need? When we look for His blessing over something new or something that’s important to us, how do we respond when his grace is given? And when we need Jesus to forgive us for our mistakes, how do we treat Him when He pardons us? Do we still misunderstand His ways, or are we ready to faithfully embrace His teaching and serve Him?

Point to ponder

What do I personally owe to Jesus this week?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we daily seek to follow You and makes sense of our lives through Your many blessings. Help us to understand Your ways in the world and accept the lessons You would have us apply in our lives. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

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

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

Don't Be Afraid - Mark 6:50

Mark 6:50  They all saw him and were terrified. Immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (NIV) 

            There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty in our world today. You can hardly pick up a newspaper without reading about terrorist bombs, gas attacks, and civilian deaths all over the globe. For those of us who were born in the 20^th century, we felt that the 21^st century was going to be a wonderful time to be born and live, experience and know. Unfortunately, the brutality and inhumanity of man have been carried over into this new millennium. The clean sheet and new start we were given in 2000 has been contaminated with cruelty and stained with sin. We are our own worst enemies who, instead of shaping the future for the benefit of humanity, we mangle it with our hands.

            In the midst of a life-threatening storm, the twelve disciples thought that they were all going to drown. They couldn’t keep their boat afloat and the boiling waves kept battering against their vessel. They were in the midst of a hopeless situation and even though all of them strained to row the oars, the wind was totally against them.

            And then Jesus appeared, walking on the water. At first, they thought He was a ghost, a phantom, or even a demon come to torment them. But then Christ speaks those beautiful words which instantly reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” As He stepped onto the boat, the wind and waves died down and everything was calm again.

            In the midst of a baffling and brutal world, Christ’s Church and all of His people need to rely on His words and share them with the rest of humanity. Tensions may rise and storms of hatred may threaten our way of life, but Christ’s Spirit still walks among us, so we as Christians, more than any other group in the world, should hold on to the hope He offers humanity and share His peace which can pacify the people of this planet. The beautiful boat we are in is called ‘Earth’ and the One who can save it is Jesus.

Point to ponder

When I worry about current events, what do I pray?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, come among us and bless us with Your peaceful presence. Diminish the wickedness that damages our planet and help us to share Your hope in our community and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s stained glass designs of Christ calming the storm. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Calm

Broken Bottles - Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

            “My head is full of broken bottles” is an old Glaswegian saying from Scotland that I sometimes experience and express.  To me, it means that I can’t really concentrate on what I need to do and that my focus is all out of whack. It usually occurs after a bad night’s sleep or a stressful time. My mind can’t fix on anything and I’m relatively unproductive until it passes.

            When I go through those moments, Bible verses like the one for today reassure me that Christ is in control and no matter what happens, His words will endure. The older I get, the wiser Jesus becomes. When I am weak, He is strong. When my mind is scattered, He is mindful of me.

            Perhaps you’re feeling something similar today and don’t know what to do about it. Maybe the solution is that sometimes we don’t have to do anything – we just have to allow ourselves to be embraced by Christ and depend on His promises.

Point to ponder

How am I feeling today? Am I letting Christ hold on to me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are there for us in so many different and reliable ways. You know our needs before we ask; You understand our feelings before we express them. Thank You for always being near to us. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest worship bulletin drawings called “Love Your Enemies.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Love.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can find the church’s website at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org. John and the congregation would be delighted to see you there at any time J

Daily devotion: Global Gospel - Colossians 1:28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Church devotion: Gospel Fruit - Colossians 1:6b

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

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

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

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

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

Questions for reflection

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

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

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

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

Gospel devotion - Fools for Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:18

1 Corinthians 1:18     For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (NIV)

            There are some Christians today who believe that the Cross was accidental and not a part of God’s plan. They say that Christ’s message of love is what is important now, and that to pin our faith on being forgiven through Jesus’ agonizing death is to worship a God that is vindictive, violent, and vile.

            Paul would call them foolish and that they will end up perishing because they cannot accept the purpose of the Cross. I agree with Paul because if I accept that Christ’s death was purely accidental, then God is powerless and not worthy of worship. It would also mean that Jesus was just a foolish preacher who got caught up in his own rhetoric and deserved to be killed by the authorities. Christ would become just another was a self-centered religious simpleton instead of a selfless Savior.

            For those of us who accept the power of the Cross as being predestined by God, we embrace an understanding that we are sinners who need to be saved from our sins. We don’t ever want to be separated from God and we don’t want to be cast aside forever. We claim the power of the crucified Christ, whose body was broken for our mistakes and whose blood was shed for our transgressions. In other words, without the Cross there is no forgiveness, and without Christ being nailed to that Cross, there is no hope of life after death. We would rather be fools for Christ on this side of life than fools for all of eternity on the other side of death.

Question:        What does Christ’s Cross mean to me? How has it shaped my faith?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of the world and the Redeemer of our souls. Your life was predestined by God to end in a sacrificial way. You accepted God’s will to be crucified, so that we can be forgiven of our sins and restored to God’s favor. Thank You for not abandoning us; thank You for loving us so much that You willingly sacrificed Your Life. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s new Lenten Cross drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.