How to Begin Again - James 5:19-20

James 5:19-20             My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (NIV)

            When I think about how I became a Christian, I sometimes shudder at what would have happened to me if I hadn’t found Jesus. Like most young Glaswegians, I was besotted with alcohol and couldn’t get enough each day to feed my addiction. Somehow I managed to keep my job as an insurance clerk during the day, but after my work, my sole quest was to get to the nearest pub and drink as much as I could buy or mooch until I got drunk. It was a self-destructive cycle which worried my parents and deeply concerned my true friends. When I eventually came to Jesus and poured out my heart to Him, He turned my life around and set me on a path which, thankfully, I am still walking upon.

            Some people think that Christianity is just about loving one another and being at peace with other folks. Those are great gifts to the world, but there’s more to our faith than the Earth dreams of. Christ has the power to change our lives completely for the better, totally and forever. Most folks fear change and resist the urge to humble themselves before Christ, to plainly ask Him for mercy and grace, support and renewal. We all make mistakes in our mortal lives, but perhaps the greatest mistake of all is not taking the opportunity that Christ graciously and lovingly gives us – to stop heading down the wrong path, to turn around to face Him and to allow Jesus to direct our future lives.

            Perhaps you are in a muddle or your life is an actual mess. Maybe you’ve made some decisions recently that have harmed you or hurt others. It could be that you don’t know what to do or how to change things. You may even feel trapped by your own choices. Please know this: Jesus has the power to overcome what you are presently facing and He is willing to give you His power in order to prevail. It is no shame to admit that you have made some bad decisions – we all do that at times – but what would be a shame would be to miss out on a wonderful opportunity to re-set your life and begin again: Jesus can give you that, even now as you read these words.

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You know of all the bad choices and sad mistakes I have made. Despite these errors, You are still willing to grant me forgiveness and allow me a fresh start for my life. Help me find the courage to admit my mistakes and then turn to You for mercy, grace, hope, and love. In Your Holy Name, I 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 contact John by email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Cross drawings called ‘First Dawn.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3353/3326921922_68d111931e_b.jpg

4 minute Devotions: Starting Over

I love being a Christian. I love the experience of being a sinner saved by Christ. Without Christ’s grace and mercy, I don’t know where I would be right now. Without God’s compassion, I don’t know where I would end up.

Podcast version here

Christianity is a beautiful faith. It makes us recognize that we are all imperfect (John Calvin would say ‘depraved’ and ‘fallen.’), but it doesn’t leave us there. We are given a wonderful life changing opportunity to come to Christ, in order to be forgiven, restored, and renewed. And it’s not just a once in a lifetime experience. We can go back to Jesus time and time again, confessing our mistakes and asking for pardon. We can begin again. We can have hope again. We can start our lives over again.

Throughout the years, I have seen many people, including myself, be transformed by Christianity. The Spirit of Christ has a power that is unequaled in this world. I have seen addicts cured. I have known sinners regain respect. I have experienced dysfunctional families rediscover their love for one another. It’s an amazing process and I thank God each day for His work in my life.

Bible Verse of the Day

Psalm 103:4 …who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

I am far from perfect and, like everyone else, I have my moments of foolishness, selfishness, and unholiness. But when I am weak, Christ is strong. When I fall, He stoops down and lifts me up. It’s a beautiful faith and a wonderful way of getting through life. And that’s why I want to share it with everyone. That’s why I want family and friends, neighbors and co-workers, acquaintances and strangers to learn about Jesus. For Christ is the Only One who can redeem us out of the pits of despair that we dig, by lifting us up with His love and crowning us with His compassion.

Perhaps you’re at a low point in your life and you feel that everything is pointless. Or maybe you know someone who is going through a lot of trouble, sickness or worry. Jesus is the key to lifting you or your loved ones out of that rut, and he is willing to do so, even now. Just ask Him for help and you’ll find that He cares.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are times in our lives when we regret the past and fear the future. There are moments when we feel isolated and insecure, insignificant and unimportant. When we experience those things, lift us up and help us to begin again. Grant us Your love and compassion, Your healing and strength. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.