Sabbath Psalms - Sowing Sorrowfully, Singing Joyfully

Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

It was an old superstition. People once believed that if they planted their seeds positively, then something bad would happen to the expected crop. So, instead of looking forward to the harvest, they used to weep profusely as they sowed the seeds. They didn't want to make the agricultural gods angry by taking them for granted, so they developed a rite of mourning at seedtime.

Obviously, the Hebrew children did this too, although instead of angering the local Canaanite gods, they didn't want to offend the One True and Living God. The people of the land had been blessed in the past, therefore, they hoped that God's promises would be fulfilled at harvest time, so long as the people remained faithful. 

The farmers also knew that they lived less than perfect lives, so they planted their seeds with penitential tears. They sincerely believed that if God watched over them as they humbled themselves, then perhaps God would also take pity on them and bless them with a great growing season. The farmers didn’t take God’s compassion for granted, but when the harvest was bountiful, they were truly thankful – which is why we still celebrate Thanksgiving feasts as special days in our nation and around the world. 

Perhaps you are starting something new, beginning a new job or business, or going to a new college or location. Maybe you’re apprehensive about the future and hope that things will turn out well. Take time to bring God into this venture and humbly commit Your ideas, goals, and work to the Lord. You may not have to weep sorrowfully these days, but if You honor God at the outset of what you’re seeking to do, God’s approval will eventually come.

Point to ponder: Am I attempting something new in my life? If so, how have I sought God’s blessing?

Prayer: Lord God, You know everything about us and are fully aware of all our plans. We humbly seek Your approval and guidance in all that we hope to begin and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we dare to hope and humbly pray. Amen.

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

What Do You Want? - Matthew 20:32

Matthew 20:32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” He asked. (NIV)

            In the Gospel story from Matthew 20:29-34, Jesus heals two blind men outside the city of Jericho. They had been begging at the gate of the city, so when they heard that Jesus was there, they suddenly cried out to Him for help. Obviously, they had been told stories of this new teacher who healed all sorts of people. As He passed by them with His entourage of followers, they realized this would be their only chance to be cured of their blindness.

            When Jesus heard their cries, He stopped what He was doing and asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” The answer was obvious: they wanted to see. Jesus then quickly healed them of their blindness and they were both so thankful for this miracle that they decided to follow Him. It was not only an end to their blindness, but it was also a new beginning for their spirits.

            Throughout our days, we all ask Jesus for help and healing. We experience situations and circumstances that are difficult and sometimes painful. We look to Jesus to stop what He is doing, in order to lift us up and out of those predicaments. After Christ has helped us, how do we respond? Are we grateful for His aid? Are we thankful for His support? Are we willing to follow Him faithfully and serve Him after having our prayers answered, or do we take Him for granted until the next emergency or crisis in our lives?

Point to ponder

When was the last time Jesus helped me and answered my prayer? Have I responded faithfully by following Him?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and are fully aware of our present difficulties and current circumstances. When we cry out to You for help, please hear our prayers. And when those prayers are answered, strengthen our faith so that we may gratefully follow and serve You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest worship bulletin drawings called Bartimaeus. If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Bartimaeus.

A Thanksgiving Devotion - Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

            Sometimes people get nervous about Thanksgiving, especially those who are doing the hosting and cooking. I’ve never cooked a big meal for anyone, but I’ve watched my wife Evelyn prepare everything in advance – making the grocery list, setting the table, buying the groceries, preparing the food, cooking the meal, and beautifully presenting it to the whole family. I enjoy her cooking and marvel at how well she plans it in advance. I know she gets anxious about making everything perfect, but in the end, it’s always a wonderful meal and a great dinner.

            Other folks get anxious about traveling and hope that there are no major delays on the roads or at the airport. They want to be with their folks on time and enjoy the entire holiday. They hope that everyone will be pleasant and the conversations humorous. It will a special time to remember those who are absent, recalling past events and sharing stories that are cherished and embellished each year.

            Some people will be on their own throughout Thanksgiving, due to their own choices or because of circumstances. Whatever the reason, they may feel lonely or forgotten, isolated or unloved. In such cases, a kind call, a special card, or a reassuring word will go a long way in helping them to connect with folks around them.

            Lastly, there will those from our nation who are on active duty in other parts of the world, facing intense situations and encountering hostile forces as they seek to defend liberty and preserve hope in other places. Their thanksgiving at the end of the day may be one of thanking God for having survived a conflict. In the midst of all of our celebrations, we should all take time to remember our military and express a prayer of thanksgiving for all that they do on our behalf and for the cause of freedom throughout the world.

            Whatever your circumstances, concerns, or cares, receive God’s blessing through today’s Bible verse from Paul. To me, it is a promised source of reassurance which helps me in troubled times and enables me to give thanks to God each day, each season, and each year of my life. I hope and pray that it will become the same for you.

            May God bless you and all of your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

Point to ponder

What am I truly thankful for?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your presence in our lives which strengthens and sustains us each day. You know our present circumstances and current concerns. Help us to place them into Your hands, so that we may feel supported and reassured by Your grace and love. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully 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 one of John’s Thanksgiving drawings called ‘Cornucopia.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Cornucopia.

Thanksgiving devotion: Outlaw - Judges 11:3

Today’s readings:       Judges 11:1-11 and 2 Corinthians 11:12-21

Judges 11:3    So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a group of adventurers gathered around him and followed him.

The story of Jephthah reminds me of the tale of Robin Hood. Jephthah becomes an outcast because of his immoral parentage and, in order to survive, he collects around him a band of adventurers who fiercely defend the exiled land where they are now living. Jephthah and his band of brothers are treated like outlaws until their homeland comes under a severe attack from its enemies. Jephthah’s strength, bravery, and courage are so well known in the region that the elders of his tribe come to him for help. They are even willing to forget his shady family tree and offer him the leadership of his own people. They are all living in desperate times, which requires desperate action.

Later on in the story, Jephthah becomes a tragic character because of a rash promise, but during this time when the people needed him, his leadership saves the day. God obviously blesses Jephthah because he is a man of faith who keeps his word. Even though this will cost him his dearest love, Jephthah will not abandon his people who had once forsaken and outlawed him.

It’s a remarkable story, full of many different angles, lessons, and teaching points. It shows us how God can use outcasts to fulfill His will. It also reminds us of the noble qualities of loyalty and service which can be found in humanity. It displays fortitude and courage in the face adversity and prejudice, as well as how compassion and sacrifice show humility and devotion before God.

Jephthah’s tale could have been written as a Shakespearean tragedy, but it also reminds us of how God kept His promise by sacrificing His own dear Son in order to redeem and restore the world that He loved. And if you read through Judges 11 over the next couple of days, you’ll fully understand all that I am writing about today.

Questions for personal reflection

Have there been times in my life when I've felt like an outcast among my peers? How has God helped through those moments of isolation?

Prayer:            Lord God, You have kept all of Your promises and continue to fulfill Your word each day. We thank You for the precious gift of Your Son Jesus whose death brought us life, and whose compassion granted us mercy. Help us to share His gift with our families and friends during this time of Thanksgiving and Hope. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is a holiday card for a friend.