Midweek Message - Sent by Christ

Mark 5:20 So the man went away and began to tell in the ten cities how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. (NIV)

I always feel sorry for the man who was healed by Jesus of his demon-possessed spirit. His mind and soul were liberated from the violence and darkness that had overcome him; he was now freely able to think for himself, for the first time in years, so all he wanted to do was to go with Jesus and gratefully follow Him.

But Christ had other plans. He wanted the healed man to go and tell his story to his own people. He was given a mission to spread the good news about Jesus among his family, neighbors, and wider community. They had known him as a fearful and violent man; they could now see him as someone completely restored by God’s mercy and renewed through Christ’s compassion.

The man’s mission would become important because he was preparing the region for a time when Christ’s followers would be persecuted and forced to flee from religious authorities that wanted to eliminate them. The ten cities where the cured man preached would become safe havens for the fleeing Christians. In other words, the mission that Jesus sent the man to fulfill would have major consequences in the future for the dispersed Christian church.

This makes me wonder, what it is that Christ expects of me and my faith today, in order to make it important for others in the future? If I am willing to share my testimony, my story about who Jesus is in my life, it may have a significant impact on loved ones and others who have yet to know and experience His presence in their lives.

Point to ponder: How, and with whom, can I positively share my faith in Christ today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we each have a personal mission that You want us to undertake and accomplish. Encourage us to listen for Your advice, wisdom, and counsel to help us go where You would send us and do what You have us fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Midweek Message - Time to Pray

Midweek Message – Time to Pray

Mark 1:35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. (NRSV)

Let’s be honest, we often neglect taking time to pray, and instead give God quick requests about needing blessings for us, our families, and our plans. We've turned prayer into a brief spiritual interruption in our busy lives, sending the Lord urgent requests as if they were telepathic texts. Unfortunately, this isn't enough to build a strong relationship with our Creator. If we think we're too busy to pray, then as old preachers used to say: we're just too busy.

Jesus was also extremely busy during His time on Earth; every day included teaching, healing, solving problems, and guiding His disciples. He likely had very little time to relax. However, despite constant demands and interruptions, He still made time to pray by deliberately rising early to be alone with God. Similarly, Martin Luther, the great Reformer of the Church, who also had a very busy schedule, was once asked how he found time to pray. He responded by saying: "I get up an hour earlier to pray before my work begins."

Perhaps, then, if we want to spend some quality time in prayer, offering God our thanks, requests, praises, and petitions, then we should also make time to pray in the earlier and quieter part of our day. And if we are truly concerned about our personal circumstances, national issues, and global situations, we should purposely set aside time to pray, and then quietly listen for God’s response.

Point to ponder: When do I make time to pray?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You taught us how to pray and why we should pray, but You also revealed to us when we should pray. Encourage and enable all of us to quietly make time to talk to You faithfully, fully, and effectively before our scheduled day begins. In Your Holy Name, we ask. Amen.

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

Midweek Devotion: Restless Nights

A short devotion based on Psalm 103:11-12. Dealing with sleepless nights because of anxious thoughts? Me, too :) Here's the remedy.

 

 Text:

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is God’s love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)

 Have you ever had one of those restless nights when you suddenly remember something foolish you did ages ago and feel so embarrassed that you can’t get to sleep? Me, too. When it happens, I relive that moment in my mind many times and get weary beating myself up for doing something so stupid. I feel a bit ashamed and realize I’m not so perfect after all. I have many flaws which floor me from time to time, especially when those foolish moments randomly emerge in my thoughts.

 There’s nothing I can do to change the past and that’s part of the problem. If I could jump into a time machine and prevent myself from being foolish, I most certainly would. But I’m not Doctor Who, nor do I have a Tardis to take me back. I’m stuck in the present and have to deal with the emotional consequences of doing something wrong, so long ago. If was I was left in that state of bleakness, I would soon become a miserable creature and give up any hope of healing my broken life.

 But there is hope because God compassionately cares for all of His children. His love for you and me is so vast that it cannot be measured. His ability to forgive our sinful past is infinite, so no matter what you or I have done, God will forgive us if we personally and humbly ask Him.

 It’s this point of faith which helps me sleep. My random thoughts diminish, as well as my shame. God makes peace with me and helps me not just to be forgiven, but to also forgive myself. He does this because God cares and also because of the sacrifice His Son Jesus Christ made on my behalf. Jesus healed the breach between myself and God by bridging the gap with His Cross. I am forgiven and so are you, truly, tremendously, and totally for all time.

 Q: What’s the most foolish thing I have ever done? Am I willing to seek God’s forgiveness for that, now?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about us and yet You are still willing to forgive us. We have all been foolish and selfish, sinful and shameful. Please pardon our past mistakes and help us to move forward into a better future. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 Thanks for watching. God bless you all.

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