Super Bowl devotion - Team Spirit - Zechariah 4:6

Zechariah 4:6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (NIV)

            Sunday’s Super Bowl is an annual gladiatorial contest between two mighty teams whose players become warriors on the football field. Both sides use all of their strengths and skills to overcome the other, and the outcome is usually decided by either some clever point-winning strategy or an element of luck. Whatever the final result, the football athletes on the gridiron will have given their best for their team.

            As Christians, we are also meant to give the same commitment and devotion to the local congregation that we have joined. Our gifts and talents, as well as our faith and support, enable the whole church to continue the ministry and mission God has appointed. When we worship and work together, we are also given the added bonus of having the Holy Spirit in our midst. The Spirit’s powerful presence directs our ways and gives us the focus we require to be effective and purposeful in the church, across the congregation, and throughout the community. Without the Spirit, we are just a religious club; with the Spirit, we become disciples of Christ and servants of God’s Kingdom.

            In the Great Game of Life, the victory has already been won by Christ; all we have to do is to align our lives with His, so that more people can be brought into this important commission that Jesus has asked to undertake and fulfill.

            So, whatever plans you have for this weekend, which may or may not include the Super Bowl, plan also to be in church with God’s people to thank Him for Christ’s victory and also to be ready to serve His Son, Jesus our Lord.

Point to ponder

How do I share my gifts and talents with Christ’s church?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have called us to serve You in the world through the Church that You established. Encourage us to joyfully take up the opportunities of faith and fellowship, worship and service that You offer us each week. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s Celtic Cross drawings called ‘Son Light.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Cross.

Half Time Devotion: A Godly Promise - Haggai 2:5

Haggai 2:5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ (NIV)

            I love watching the Super Bowl. When I lived in Scotland, I started watching live broadcasts of this great sporting final during the 1980s. From the get-go, I have loved the game and since then I haven’t missed this annual spectacular televised event. Now that I live here in the United States, I get caught up in the team rivalries during the football season, but no matter who appears in the Super Bowl, I root for the game itself which is a wonderful display of athletic strength, coordinated teamwork, and skillful strategies.

            As both teams enter the field, the players all have one aspiration: to win the game. In the locker room, the coaches have just given them the last of their inspiring words and positive affirmations about the need for commitment, dedication, and unity on the field to ensure victory. In the end, the team that is most determined and consistent will usually claim the win.

            Today’s verse from Haggai contains some inspiring words that God gave to His people during troubled times. The prophet conveyed the blessing of God’s constant presence and reassured them that His Spirit would remain with them. The outcome of this promise was that they did not have to fear what lay head; they just had to trust God’s words, as well as His consistent ways.

            That promise is still with us today. We may be facing some new issues in our lives, our homes, our work, and even our church, but no matter what lies ahead of us, God’s constant presence through Christ will be there to guide and support us, to reassure and lead us.

Point to ponder

What challenges am I currently experiencing? Where is God in the midst of them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the presence of Your Spirit in our lives. Bless us with Your guidance and love, so that we may overcome whatever problems or concerns are currently happening. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is another of John’s Celtic Crosses called ‘Celtic Spring.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spring.