A Favorite Bible Verse - Matthew 7:7

Matthew 7:7   “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (NIV)

            This was the first Bible verse that I ever learned as a child. One of my Elementary School teachers, Miss McKenzie, led an after school program called Scripture Union. Each Wednesday, we gathered in the gym hall to sing choruses, watch film strips, and listen to Bible stories. During the meeting, Miss McKenzie asked if anyone had learned a Bible verse and then encouraged them to stand up and recite it in front of everyone. Every student who successfully did this received a Bible picture card from her, so I was determined to do it, too.

            I spent a whole week reading, practicing, and reciting the verse in my home. It was important to me to remember it so I could receive a prize. The following Wednesday I had my opportunity and successfully completed the task. As Miss McKenzie handed me my card, she smiled and told me “Well done.” It was just a simple thing, but that precious moment has stayed with me for more than fifty years.

            Jesus gives us the same kind of encouragement which is why He taught this lesson in the first place. God’s grace is bountiful so when we sincerely and humbly come to Him with our prayers, He hears our requests and grants us what we need. This makes our faith more than just a religion; it’s a living relationship given to us through the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Point to ponder

What Bible verses have I learned to recite? How do I practice them in my life?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the source of our blessings and the enabler of our encouragement. Thank You for allowing us to come to You with our prayers, petitions, and requests. Be with us this day and guide all of our decisions. 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.

Today’s image is one of John’s Cross drawings called “Celtic Spirit.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7419/16514104821_32cc53c1a9_b.jpg

Church Meeting devotion: Topsy Turvy Teacher - Luke 9:48

Luke 9:48      Then Jesus said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest." (NIV)

            One of the earliest images of Jesus that most of us have, is usually of Him playing with and surrounded by children. Most church nurseries have pictures hanging on their walls with similar drawings. The best picture that I have ever seen was in an old Scottish Church where Jesus was encircled by children who came from all over the world, all wearing their national and ethnic costumes.

            We may not know it, but Christ upgraded the importance of children through His teachings. In His day, children were usually considered to be of little importance and their fathers had the authoritative right to fully direct their future. Indeed, in some Roman families, the father had the power of life and death over their children for their entire lives.

            When Jesus brought the little child into the midst of the disciples, He was teaching them a lesson about humility as opposed to pride, as well as weakness over strength. As usual, Jesus was turning everything upside down: in God’s eyes a little child was greater than an adult man. Christ was giving power to the powerless and a voice to the voiceless. He was exalting the least, as opposed to glorifying the best.

Question:       Who are the least in our present society? How should Christ’s Church highlight their value in the world?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, You constantly challenge us through Your teaching and example. The things and people that we think should be honored and exalted tend to be the very opposite of what You would consider. Help us to see the world through Your eyes, so that we may apply Your perception in all that we would do for You. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of 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 John’s latest Palm Sunday drawing called “Palm Cross.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Cross.