Art devotion: An Artistic God - 1 Kings 6:35

1 Kings 6:35   He carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers on them and overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

I love reading about the craftsmanship that occurred during the building of Solomon’s Temple. As an artist, I appreciate the descriptions of what was carved in order to decorate and set apart the temple as holy. In my mind’s eye, I try to picture what it would look like and sometimes I seek out other artist’s illustrations. However, I think it must have been must grander than I or anyone else can imagine.

Some people believe that artistic images are sinful and should never be allowed in churches. During the Reformation, many churches had their beautiful carvings, statues, and windows smashed to pieces and destroyed. If the destructive Protestant iconoclasts had ever reached Pisa, Florence, or Rome, we might never have known of the beautiful, artistic, and sculpted works of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Cellini. Thank goodness that it was the will of God to keep those sacrilegious vandals away from those masterworks!

We are all pieces of art, created, shaped, and sculpted by God. We are living testimonies of His masterworks. How we express or convey our faith displays who we faithfully are to the rest of the world. Our personal contribution to Christianity is carved by what we say and do. Sometimes we allow God to do the shaping; at other times, we take over and diminish part of what He has initially created.

Let’s use this day as a time of witness and faith. Let’s make a focused and worthwhile attempt of allowing God to shape our day, our decisions, and our faith. May we surrender ourselves to His spiritual influence over our hearts and minds. In other words, may we all become what God wants to make of us today.

Questions for personal reflection

When am I most aware of God’s influence and direction over my life? What can I do to freely give this day to Him?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, there are several paths and choices that we could take and make today. Guide us completely by Your will, so that our words, works, and ways may become effective and positive displays of Your influence in our lives, as well as Your mission for the world. 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 or ask a question about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Christ images called “Redeemer Rabbi.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: Redeemer Rabbi.

Art Devotions: Bible Artist - Exodus 35:30-33

Exodus 35:30-33        Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. 

            I rediscovered art about six years ago. It happened late at night because, as usual, I couldn’t sleep. I came across a box of wax crayons, took some white paper from my printer, and started to draw. At first I was only doodling, but after a while shapes and forms, shades and objects began to emerge on the paper. I drew cartoons and abstracts, posters and religious designs. And then I made an amazing discovery: using my computer scanner and reversing the colors, I made wax crayon drawings look like stained glass windows and chalk art. I called the process ‘digital glass’ and have used it ever since.

            Last week I was commissioned to design a 2015 conference logo for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. Last month, scores of churches throughout the world used my Easter drawings for their worship bulletins and screens. To date, I have sold over 650 prints and over 400 ACEO cards. I design Bible art cards for our church kids and teach them how to draw in a weekly art class. To think that it all began with a sleepless night, a box of crayons, and some ordinary white paper!

            I feel blessed and hope that my religious artwork pleases God. When I read about Bezalel in the Book of Exodus being given creative art skills by the Spirit of God, I am both humbled and delighted. He was empowered to design the sacred artwork in the sanctuary of the Holy Tabernacle. What a commission!  It seems that art is given a special place in the Bible. It appears that God also likes His people to create things artistically for Him.

Questions for personal reflection

What kind of art inspires me? How does religious art bring us closer to God?

Prayer:            Lord God, thank You for the blessings of artistic creativity that You have given to the world through the Holy Spirit. May we be drawn closer to You through the religious works of art that You have inspired throughout the centuries and across the nations. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully 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. You can also view his latest and past art online at his website www.stushieart.com.

Today’s image is the poster design for the PAM 2015 conference. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8635937266_cafcf4360b_b.jpg

Stushie art: Winter Windmill

Just in time to cool us all down...:)

Christmas card design 2010

Lent Devotions: Turning Coffee into Trees - Psalm 24

Psalm 24:1      The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

There’s a new coffee shop in town called “Ja Verde.” It’s situated on the West End of Middlebrook Pike and its grand opening takes place on Saturday 27^th March. I was in there this morning having coffee with a friend and had a conversation with the manager.

“What does Ja Verde mean?” asked my friend.

“It’s a combination of Java and the Spanish word for ‘green.’”

“Why green?” I asked.

“It’s because we use our profits to plant trees. Last year we planted 10,000 trees. This year we hope to plant 12,000 trees.”

I think that is a wonderful project and worthy of support. Paul and Carly, the managers, are a young couple with global ideals. They want to make a difference in the world because they respect God’s Creation. Paul is actually a Theology graduate and believes that Christians should be conservationists and good stewards of the Earth.

Today’s verse from Psalm 24 is a timely reminder that the Earth belongs to the Lord and that includes everything within it. God allows us to live on this planetary jewel and fully expects us to take care of it. We have both the created capacity and a divine obligation to be caretaking conservationists of this beautiful world. Young people like Paul and Carly are doing their share. The challenge for us is to find opportunities where we can do something similar.

Prayer:                        Almighty God, thank You for creating this beautiful and unique planet. Help us to love the Earth and conserve its wonders through good stewardship and environmental care. Bless those who dedicate their lives and businesses for the renewal of the Earth. In Jesus’ 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, pleases end him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Tree of Life: Eden in the Fall.” A larger version can be found here online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/3951802007/sizes/l/

It is also on display at the Ja Verde Coffee Shop on Middlebrook Pike in Knoxville, about a mile west of Cedar Bluff.

lenten Devotion: A real Likeness - Psalm 17 v 15

Psalm 17:15 And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Yesterday I made a special presentation to our church Seniors group about my artwork. I showed them the processes that I use when I create a drawing of a place or animal. I think they were all fascinated by the procedure and I took great pleasure in seeing them pleased with my work.

My art is impressionistic which means that it is like the subjects that I draw, but not as real as a photograph. I love impressionism because it allows you to use different shades, colors and strokes to represent a building, a place, or a creature. Most people enjoy impressionism because it allows them to put the picture together in their minds rather than on the canvas. The viewer becomes a participant in the artistry and, because each person is different, everybody views the drawing in different ways.

When the writer of Psalm 17 declares that he will be satisfied with seeing the likeness of God, I think that he is talking about looking at God impressionistically. It’s as if the psalmist understands that he cannot gaze directly into the face of God, for that would put him on equal terms with God. Therefore he looks forward to the day when he will see the likeness, the impression, the representation of God. To me, this is a prophetic and messianic verse because the psalmist is referring to Christ.

I believe that when we look at God in eternity, we will see Jesus face-to-face. He allows us to view Him directly because He has made all things level through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. The Cross cancels out our sin, so that we are no longer separated from God. The Resurrection gives us an everlasting hope, so that we may enjoy and be in God’s presence forever.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for being the likeness of God for us. Thank You for making the way clear for us, so that we may look into Your eyes and know that You are our Lord and our God. Help us to share this good news with others today. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

John’s artwork is online at www.stushieart.wordpress.com. If you would like a signed copy of any piece, please contact him at the above email.

Today’s image is one that he completed last night. It is called “Iconic Moon” and features an American Bald eagle.

Niel Gow's Cottage, near Dunkeld: Scottish Art Series

Niel Gow was the Father of Scottish Fiddle Music



The arc of the moon represents a fiddler's bow.

Winter Art: Snowed In - Snow in the Smokies

Part of my new winter art series

Appalachian Art: Smoky Mountain Falls

Pastor Stuart's new series...

Stushie Art: Sunflower Impression - Inspired by Van Gogh

Continuing my Vincent series

Local Pastor's Waterfall Art: Paradise Falls

Rev. John Stuart of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville has created some unique and inexpensive Waterfall prints, just in time for Christmas.

The prints are 8x10 inches surrounded by an 11x14 navy colored matte. Each print is signed and numbered. The cost is $20 for each print. If you would like one as a gift, contact Pastor John at traqair@aol.com. If the prints require to be mailed, there will also be a $5 shipping & handling charge for mainland US.

River of Life


Mountain Stream


Paradise Falls


Wild Water

Stushie Art: Shady Grove

An Autumn drawing, based upon a photograph from one of my favorite Bloggers, Gannet Girl.

Her beautiful photograph can be seen at http://searchthesea.blogspot.com/2009/11/little-retreat-8-fall-color.html

Stushie Art: Moon Tree

I think the moon is becoming my trademark....

Daily Devotions: Divine Doodles

Isaiah 40:18 To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare Him to?

If you had seen my math notebook when I was in High School, you would have found penciled images of two things in between algebraic equations and geometrical patterns – illustrated pictures of goldfish and cartoon depictions of Jesus. Don’t ask me why I drew goldfish because I can’t remember, but I drew images of Christ because I was struggling with my faith. (I was also struggling with calculus, but that’s a different story).

As a teenager, I had a very insecure and immature faith which didn’t influence my lifestyle choices. I still carried around in my heart and mind the Sunday School Jesus who was always helping and healing other people. I had an image of Jesus being either surrounded with lots of excited children or of Him touching sick people with His gentle hands. Those were good images for my childlike faith, but as a young person who was wrestling with issues of injustice, tragedy, and calamity that “Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild” image just didn’t fit in the real world.

So I doodled images of Christ on my math book, which makes me now wonder if I did that because I couldn’t factor faith and life, Christ and the world into one easy logical equation. I guess I was struggling with the age old question: if God is so good, then why does suffering exist?

Years later, when I saw paintings of Christ on the Cross, I began to understand how to put the equation together. God is so good, He allows Himself to suffer.

These days, I continue to draw pictures of God and Christ because it’s one of the important ways that I express my faith. Sometimes a simple drawing can convey more meaning than a thousand words. And yet I also understand that those created images can never do justice to the reality of Jesus or God. After all, as Isaiah so boldly stated centuries ago: To whom will we compare God? What image will we compare God to?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are beyond our imagining and all that we know about You is so little compared to who You really are. As we each journey through life, help us to seek more about You and grant us a faith that never stops growing. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

If you would like to see some of John’s religious and other drawings, please visit his art site at www.stushieart.wordpress.com.

Daily Devotions: Picturing the Psalms

Luke 24:45 Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

I regularly suffer from insomnia, so the chances are that you’ll find me reading, writing, or drawing late at night. I do this to keep my mind occupied and to weary my eyes so that eventually I will fall asleep.

For the past two years, I have been working on a special art project. I’m trying to create a drawing for each of the 150 psalms in the Bible. As I read each psalm, I ask God to help me choose the right verse in order to create a symbolic drawing. Once I feel that he ahs shown me what to do, I start putting my crayons onto paper. Each time I finish, I feel fulfilled.

When I first set out to complete the project, I thought it would only take me 150 nights. I was so wrong. It’s probably going to take me about three years to complete the project. Last night I completed Psalm 79, which was a tough one because it’s all about God’s wrath.

I don’t know what I’ll do with the project once I have finished it. In the meantime, I hope that those who come across my picture psalms on the internet will be drawn closer to God. It’s my way of trying to follow in Christ’s footsteps to help people open their minds, so that they can understand the scriptures. Sometimes a picture can convey the message that can’t be done with hundreds of words.

When Christ opens our minds to the scriptures, He does this to affect major changes in our lives. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient stories, it’s a living document that’s meant to shape our ideas, formulate our decisions, and influence our choices each and every day of our lives.

Perhaps you’re at a new crossroads in your life and you need help to make the right decision. Pick up your Bible and look at the Book of Psalms. As you read the personal spiritual trials of people in the past, ask Christ to open your mind to the scriptures. At some point, He will lead you to a verse that speaks to your heart and helps you make the right choice.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about our lives, so when You give us guidance from the scriptures, You are perfectly and fully informed about our circumstances. We pray that You will open our minds to Your words and our hearts to Your ways. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

If you would like to see the progress that I’m making with the Psalms project, please visit the following link online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/sets/72157603288751629/

You can also see my other artwork at http://www.stushieart.wordpress.com

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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.