Sabbath Psalms - Comfort and Peace

Psalm 29:11   May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! (ESV)

There seems to be a lot of trouble currently going on in the world, so it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed by its brokenness and be powerless to change anything. It’s like being in a tunnel of constant turmoil and, until we see light at the end of it, we’re probably all emotionally exhausted and spiritually drained.

During turbulent times like these, I look for comfort in verses from the Book of Psalms. It seems to me that those writers of ancient holy songs experienced a lot of instability and trouble in their lives, too. However, it made them rely on God instead of themselves; it made them seek strength and peace from the Only One who could provide it for them. The great news about what they experienced is this: we can still do the same.

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in this week, whatever’s happening to you or your family, whatever is going on in your lives, please know this: God has more than enough strength to carry you through this; and as today’s verse from Psalm 29 states: God will graciously help you find the peace that you need.

Q: What am I currently going through? How can God’s strength and peace help me endure and overcome it?

Prayer: Loving Lord, You know everything about us, so You perfectly understand what we need at this moment in our lives. If we are weak become our strength; if we are agitated, be our peace; if we are lost, be our Guide. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms - Gentle Shepherd

Psalm 80:11 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth. 

One of the gentlest people that I have ever known was a country shepherd. His family had been shepherds for generations, so it was natural for him to follow in their footsteps. He was a clever man who probably could have been a great teacher at college or university. When he spoke in church or community meetings, everyone listened. Whatever the issue or situation, it was obvious that he had given it a great deal of thought. He presented his ideas and opinions in a quiet, unassuming way. More often as not, whatever decisions were made, they usually included much of what the shepherd had expressed.

I guess working with sheep on the hillsides of Scotland, you get a lot of time to think clearly. And because things are generally quiet, you don’t have to raise your voice or get upset when making a point in public meetings. This shepherd knew the value of simple words with a quiet message which is why he was very effective when he shared his viewpoints.

I think this is why one of our most favorite images of Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We’ve seen countless images and stained-glass windows that depict Christ in this manner. The serenity of those pictures makes us feel secure and embraced. The Good Shepherd quietly loves us and gently calls us to Him.

Currently, some of us may be going through hard times or maybe we are stressed out and weary. We may feel frightened or confused about the issues we are facing. We may be angry or distressed at being hurt or disappointed. During these times, amid the clamor of the world, the gentle voice of peace and assurance comes to us from Jesus. He knows the issues; He understands our worries. He’s had time to think about them; and now He has gentle thoughts to express to our hearts and minds. If we also quietly take time out of our busy schedules, we will hear His voice. If we turn to Him now for help, He will gently speak to and shepherd us.

Point to ponder: What is stressing or worrying me now? Am I willing to quietly bring it to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Shepherd of our lives and souls. Sometimes we deeply worry over our problems and think that there is no end to them. We often forget that our lives are in Your Hands because we are part of Your flock. Talk to us today about our troubles and gently show us the path towards peace, resolution, hope, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 

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

Sunday Shorts: Abide in Me

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

            I like the word ‘abide’. In this verse it has a very peaceful meaning attached to it because it refers to remaining with Jesus and stopping everything else just to be with Him for a while. We all get so busy in this post-covid age and overload our schedules that we often miss out on our sleep and constantly wake up tired. Our hyper-activity is relentless at times and the pressure to accomplish six impossible things before breakfast is causing us a lot of stress. We all have hopes and dreams, ambitions and goals that we want to pursue but if we get obsessed by them, we’ll end up being possessed by them, and this is not what God wants for our lives.

            To abide in Jesus is to let go of everything that drives us and let Him lead us. It means stepping back from who we think we need to be, to become what God wants us to be. In the end, whatever we accomplish, build, or achieve will mean nothing in eternity, but the fruit of faith that we bear by abiding with Christ – that will delight God and bring us everlasting joy. This is what Jesus means when He says that ‘apart from me you can do nothing.’

            Today is Sunday. God set it apart so that we can abide with Him and His Son. It’s not just a sacred day with religious obligations, it’s also a trysting place, a thin space when everything in heaven and on earth is meant to stop and abide in God’s presence. It’s a day to step back from the busyness of life and let God embrace us peacefully and lovingly, in order to reset our lives and recharge our spirits.

Point to ponder: Am I willing to abide in Christ today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to let go of our relentless activities and driven ambitions in order to experience a sacred piece of eternity in our finite world. Allow us to abide in and with you, so that we may renew our faith and reconnect our souls with God. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 

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

Church devotion: Being Christian - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

 

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

There’s something wrong with our faith when we polarize it and seek to demonize others for having different opinions and lifestyles. The older I become, the more I realize that the greatest gift God gave to the world was the sacred act of reconciliation through His beloved Son. God could have chosen to have us remain sinners and be cast out of God’s presence for all of eternity; instead, God decided to send His Son into the world to free us from our sins and offer us the blessing of everlasting life.

God also gave us a divine example on how we should practice our faith. If we are endlessly castigating others for their lack of faith or different beliefs, we are following our own selfish agenda. If, however, we want to walk in God’s shoes on Earth, we need to find ways to reconcile our differences and heal the wounds we may have caused. It will be a hard task to undertake and fulfill – but Christ never told us that carrying and practicing our faith would ever be easy.

So, today, let’s make the Kingdom of God real in our lives. Let’s look for opportunities to reconcile with one another instead of promoting discord and division. If we dare call ourselves Christians, then we should follow in His footsteps and fully apply His teaching of reconciling love.

Q: Am I guilty of sowing discord and causing divisions? Will I comply with Christ’s command to love one another?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, only You can save our people; only You can save the world. Your perfect love enabled God to be reconciled with us sinners. Help and encourage us to do the same to honor Your Name and fulfill Your ministry in today’s world. Amen.

 

Short devotion: Time Tunnel - Psalm 29v11

 

Psalm 29:11   May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! (ESV)

I don’t know about you, but this last year has been the longest I’ve ever lived through. I’ve used up most of my energy trying to figure out ways to keep our church folks connected and to provide help wherever it’s needed. This time last year, we were all heading into a tunnel of turmoil which we never expected. As we begin to see light at the end of it, we’re probably all emotionally exhausted and spiritually drained.

This is when I find comfort in verses from the Book of Psalms. It seems to me that those writers of holy songs experienced a lot of turbulence and trouble in their lives, too. It made them rely on God instead of themselves; it made them seek strength and peace from the Only One who could provide it for them. The great news about what they experienced is this: we can do the same. 😊

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in this week, whatever’s happening to you or your family, whatever is going on in your lives, please know this: God has more than enough strength to carry you through this; God will graciously help you find the peace that you need.

Q: What am I currently going through? How can God’s strength and peace help me endure and overcome it?

Prayer: Loving Lord, You know everything about us, so You perfectly understand what we need at this moment in our lives. If we are weak become our strength; if we are agitated, be our peace. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

www.erinpres.org

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

Real Shalom - Isaiah 48:22

Isaiah 48:22 “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” (NIV)

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace is ‘shalom.’ It is a beautiful word and is not limited to the avoidance of conflict, but is all about the total well-being of a person. To be blessed with shalom by God means to be given absolute peace of mind, the health of body, strength for the spirit, and tranquility for the soul. It means to be completely free of anything that will harm you and be filled with everything that will fortify you. It’s wonderful blessing and is something that God offers repeatedly throughout the stories and events in the Bible.

To be without shalom means the exact opposite. Your mind is restless and your soul is agitated; your body is uncomfortable and your spirit is exhausted. You use up all of your energy and are easily angered; you take offense quickly and destroy relationships abruptly. The prophet Isaiah even suggests that this is the hallmark of the wicked – they have no peace, no rest, and clearly, no shalom.

In the New Testament, Jesus continually promises peace to His followers, especially in times of crisis or trouble. He is telling them that even when things look bad, God’s peace can still be experienced which will enable them to conquer their fears, endure any suffering, and overcome any problems. This is why He also asks us to trust Him, so that we may receive this wonderful blessing.

Perhaps you are currently going through a hard time or maybe you’re worried about the future. It could be that you have unresolved issues or present troubles. Whatever the case, Jesus can give you the assurance of His shalom to help you regain your confidence, your well-being, and your strength. Just ask Him now in prayer and His peace, His shalom will come to you.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about me and all of the things that I face right now. In the midst of my fears and worries, be my strength and grant me Your peace. In Your Holy Name, I humbly ask. Amen.

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

Today’s image is John’s drawing of a Celtic Peace Cross. If you would like to view a larger version, click here: Peace.

July 7 devotion - Seeking Solutions

No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. – Isaiah 60:18

            No matter who we are, where we are from, or whatever we do, we all want peace in our neighborhoods, communities, country, and world. As a species, we have been fortunate to survive eons of anger, conflict, and violence. As a planetary people, we have been tainted with the sins of inhumanity, cruelty, and hostility. Sometimes we wake up and wonder where it will all end. Sometimes we see no solution to the violence; at other times we feel there is no answer to all of the conflicts across the world.

            And yet, we worship Christ as the Prince of Peace, so we basically believe that all of this hostility will end. We put our faith in God who is holy, just, and good, so in the end, there will be a ceasing of all of these tragedies and conflicts. We ardently hope and look forward to that day as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, when God’s salvation will surround and protect us, and we will find the gate that leads to an everlasting time of peace, praise, joy, and love.

            At the end of the Bible, in the Book of Revelation, we can read these beautiful words which echo those spoken by Isaiah:

‘And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for those former things will have passed away.”’

-          Revelation 21:3-4.

So let us not give up hope, but instead, may we keep praying for peace and that violence will come to an end. Let us seek justice in our communities and show true love to one another. In doing so, we will discover God’s peaceable Kingdom on Earth and Christ’s grace in our daily lives.

Questions for personal reflection

Where can I spread peace and love in my life? How can I support those who seek justice in my community?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, the challenges that we face today have always been a sorrowful part of the human condition. Long ago, You spoke words of peace and love, justice and mercy in order to help us build a better world, a brighter future, and a basic foundation for Your Kingdom on Earth. Help us at this crucial time to seeks Your ways and apply Your words in our lives, wherever we go, whatever we do, and to whoever we meet. 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 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 drawings called ‘Prince of Peace.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Prince.

Only A Youth - Jeremiah 1:7

Jeremiah 1:7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you.” (NRSV)

            Ever since the tragic Parkland massacre, High School students in the United States have been at the forefront of our daily news. Our young people are gravely concerned about the violence in our nation and want to make changes. Their voice is raw with intense feeling and their statements are unfettered by any cultural niceties or social courtesy. They feel insecure and outraged; they express a strong desire to make a difference, so that their generation can live in a more peaceable world and a less intolerant one. They are determined not to let this moment pass away, so they are showing a high amount of solidarity which may eventually define this upcoming generation.

            Sadly, some people are dismissing their views because they are young and inexperienced in the ways of the world. There is a pushback against any proposed changes to our current laws and some folks are even disparaging the sincerity of the young people, accusing them of being political foils for clandestine groups. I find this difficult to accept because I’ve watched and listened to these young people on all sorts of different occasions, but I guess those who falsely promoted the Sandy Hook conspiracy theories are jumping on the same cynical bandwagon once more.

            When God chose Jeremiah to be a prophet to his generation, Jeremiah pushed back against God’s choice because he thought he was too young. He couldn’t see himself as being effective because of his age and inexperience, so he tried to get God to change His mind and pick someone else. But, as always, God knew what He was doing. He needed someone to be the voice of prophecy for an entire generation, someone who had decades of life ahead of him. God was enlisting Jeremiah’s youthful zeal to a prophetic call that would constantly challenge God’s people for many years. In other words, God knew what He was doing when He appointed Jeremiah to the role of prophecy. No matter how young he was initially, God would use Jeremiah’s voice for justice and mercy, truth and change; perhaps He is still doing this with our own High Schoolers today.

Point to ponder

What kind of world do I want young people to live in? Am I willing to help them accomplish this?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when You were a teenager, You asked many questions in the Temple which amazed the elders and priests who heard You. Your life challenged traditional values and contemporary customs. You came to both save and change the world. Allow us to continue Your ministry in our communities, so that we may make this planet a more peaceable and less fearful place. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings of a Celtic Peace Cross with the Liturgical colors surrounding it. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Peace.

Advent Devotion - Perfect Peace - Psalm 85:8

Psalm 85:8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His faithful, to those who turn to Him in their hearts. (NRSV)

            Sometimes we get so busy at this time of year that we forget to listen to what God is saying to us. We get so wrapped up in meeting deadlines – personal and work-related – that we set God aside and promise within our hearts to get back to Him later. It’s not that we mean to diminish God’s presence or lessen His influence over us, we are just too busy for our own good and end up harassing ourselves with stress and pressure, which keeps us awake at night and makes us tired throughout the day. We become our own worst taskmasters and complicate Christmas in ways that were never intended by God.

            When I came across today’s highlighted verse, I knew it was meant for me. I’ve been listening too much to other things – the nightly news and political panels, the urgent cry to get everything done, the clamor of crowds, and the voice in my head that keeps telling me I’m not doing enough to make things perfect for other people. I listen to them all and buckle under the burden of these relentless sounds. And yet somewhere, God is saying something substantial and is patiently waiting for me to listen. He speaking peace to me and everyone around me. He is gently and quietly offering His gift of shalom – the perfect peace for our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. We’re just not listening which is sad because God really wants us to know, receive, and experience this perfect gift of this holy season.

            So today, I’ve decided to let go of all those stressful things and loud noises around me. Instead, I’ll let God do what He does best – to speak quietly to my heart and breathe peace into my weary soul.

Point to ponder

How much peace do I need from God?

Prayer: Lord God, speak quietly to our hearts and help us to free ourselves from ourselves. Help us to stop, wait, and listen so that we may hear Your beautiful and loving words of peace. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

June 2 devotion - Prayer Poem

Please feel free to use or share

Luke 9:6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Lord Jesus,

We are desperate for good news.

All over the Earth, there is turmoil,

All over the planet, there is confusion.

We long to hear good news

Instead of

Bombings that bewilder us,

Hunger that horrifies us,

War that worries us,

Pollution that poisons us,

And Disease that destroys us.

Lord Jesus,

We are desperate to be healed.

All over the Earth, there is a sickness,

All over the planet, there is brokenness.

We long for healing

From all

Hatred that harms us,

Bigotry that belittles us,

Ignorance that injures us,

Tyranny that terrifies us,

And Sin that separates us.

Lord Jesus,

Grant us good news

And fill us with healing.

Give us

Peace that protects us,

Hope that helps us,

Joy that joins us,

Faith that forgives us,

And Love that lifts us.

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 this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Syrian Sadness - Mark 7:26

Mark 7:26       The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.(NIV)

            In High School, I won academic prizes for being first in my grade at History for three years in a row. It was and still is, a subject that fascinates me. Through my life-long interest, I have come to know the truth behind the statement ‘history repeats itself.’ When I was in High School, I studied the First World War, as well as the years leading up to World War 2. I read about the devastating effects that mustard gas and other chemical weapons had on the soldiers in the trenches and why it was outlawed by civilized nations in the 1920s. I read with horror how Mussolini used it on primitive tribal villages in North East Africa in the 1930s. Mussolini’s uncontested brutality then gave Hitler the opportunity to perpetrate abysmal war crimes against those whom his Nazi regime gassed in the concentration camps during the 1940s. The lesson that History teaches us is this: if such wickedness goes unchecked, then Man’s inhumanity to man will increase in the future generation.

            Today’s Gospel story of the Syrian- Phoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30) and her plea to Jesus to heal her sick daughter impacted me greatly because of the current devastating news about the gassing of civilians, especially innocent children by the Syrian leader Assad. Watching the parents of dead and dying children begging the civilized nations to do something was heartbreaking. If nothing is done, then we are all guilty of abandoning those children. If we set it aside, then History will repeat and manifest itself into something more atrocious, inhumane, and evil. I know there are no easy answers or a quick solution, but I am also aware that turning our backs on the situation degrades our humanity and diminishes our future ability to protect other people in uncivilized nations, living in terror under rogue governments.

            Perhaps this is not the devotion you were expecting or looking for. I would rather write something encouraging, upbeat, and bright to help you with your day, but if I did that, I would be complicit in the gassing of those families and children.

Point to ponder

Why do we allow this?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, when the Syrian-Phoenician begged You for help, initially You pushed back against her request. Eventually, her pleading impacted You and made You heal her daughter. Lord, You know that there are parents in the same region today, looking for the world and us to help them in their hour of need. Enable us to find both the wisdom and courage to do all that needs to be done against this evil. 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 John’s latest drawing for Maundy Thursday called ‘Breaking Point.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Maundy.

Seeking Peace - Genesis 8:11

Genesis 8:11    When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. 

            It has become a universal symbol of peace throughout the world. Images of a dove with an olive branch in its mouth are still used by the United Nations and other international peace organizations. Most people know that it represents a human yearning for peace throughout the world, but some folks forget that it was first described in the Noah story from Genesis. In other words, it’s not just a universal symbol for peace, it’s a God-given sign of restoration.

            As the waters from the Great Flood receded, Noah needed to know that dry land was emerging, so that he could safely take his family ashore. The immense rains had fallen for forty days and it would take 110 more days before the Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat. This means that Noah, his family, and most of the animals spent almost half a year on the Ark before they could return to the land. The storms were over, but the long wait for the flood to recede must have seemed like an eternity to each living being on board.

            When the dove came back to Noah with an olive branch, he knew in his heart that God’s wrath was over and that peace between God and man was now possible. From that biblical moment in time, the dove has represented God’s presence and the olive branch is a peace offering. Today, on the United Nations flag, our planetary globe is cupped in a half circle of olive leaves, symbolizing the future hope that one day we will live in peace.

Points to ponder

Where do we currently need peace in the world? How often am I willing to pray for peace?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace, so we earnestly ask You to send forth Your Holy Spirit to those parts of our world where war and violence are sadly taking place. Allow Your Church to act as peacemaker throughout the nations and give us the ability to embrace peace in our homes, communities, and nation. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s Celtic Cross drawing called Siochain – the Gaelic word for peace. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.

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

Holy Week devotion: No More War - 2 Samuel 1:27

2 Samuel 1:27             "How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!"

Like most people on Earth, I long for a day when war will be no more. Tragically, I don’t think that it will ever happen in my lifetime, or indeed anyone else’s. I personally think that it’s going to take the Return of Christ on this planet before war will be over. Between now and then, a lot of nations, peoples, and ethnic races will still raise arms and fight one another.

For instance, presently we’re ending a long and fruitless war in Afghanistan and Iraq, with another Russo-Slavic war in the Crimea on the horizon, as well as a conflict between the two Koreas. Just when we’re successfully bringing our military folks home, another conflict arises and man’s inhumanity to man raises its ugly head again. As creatures, we’re supposed to be the greatest work God ever made because we’re hallmarked with His image. In reality, we are abysmal warmongers, whose depths of cruelty, aggression, and hostility denounces and shames the good work of God within us.

            As we draw closer to the historical events and commemorations of Holy Week, we will be reminded of the loathsome betrayal and unjust arrest, trial, and execution of Christ. We will see humanity at its best in Christ’s obedience, meekness, and sacrifice, compared to mankind’s abominable acts of cruelty, injustice, and even insanity. If we are really honest with ourselves, we will recognize that all of us are capable of the same despicable deeds that sent Christ to the Cross. We are no different than the vilest characters depicted in the Gospel stories; we are no better than anyone else.

            The good thing about this self-awareness of human depravity is this: it brings us humbly before Jesus, from whom we receive undeserved grace and total mercy. Even though our sins nail and kill Him on the Cross, Jesus pours out His godly love to rescue and redeem us, as well as to save and sanctify us, so that we may be eternally restored to God’s favor, love, and peace.

Questions for personal reflection

What areas in the world are currently experiencing conflict? What are my prayers for the people of those warring regions?

Prayers:          Lord Jesus, today we call upon You as the Prince of Peace and the Royal Redeemer who rescues and reconciles the world. We pray for all those regions where war and conflict, unrest and division are painfully affecting the lives of many innocent people. Help us, as Christians, to pray for peace continually. Grant us peaceable attitudes to help reduce hostility, disagreement, anger, and aggression in our own lives. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the 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 on of John’s new Holy Week images called ‘Cup of Salvation.’ If you would like to view a larger image, please click here: Cup of Salvation.