Short devotion: Fear vs Freedom John 3:16

 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

 We live in scary times because of all the uncertainty that we’re experiencing. We try to live our lives as normally as we can, but currently there seems to be so many setbacks that none of us can find a ‘normal’ routine. As creatures of habit, who have mostly relied upon things being stable, we find this deeply troubling and worrisome. As our worries increase, so do our fears; and as they increase, our freedom diminishes. Fear is the opposite of freedom – why? Because fear imprisons us.

 Freedom, however, is not the right to do what we want and act recklessly – that’s actually foolishness. Freedom is the God-given ability that human beings have to do the right thing at the right time, and not to do what we want just because we desire it. Sadly, so many people mistake selfishness for freedom and confuse their rights with their faith. Christ used His faith and freedom to save the world which involved sacrifice, humility, and love, so shouldn’t we as Christians be willing to show and do the same?

 God didn’t have to send Jesus into the world to become the cure for our sins, but love compelled Him.

 Jesus didn’t have to give up His life to grant us forgiveness, but our freedom required it.

 We don’t have to care for one another, but faith expects it, so we, who call ourselves ‘Christian’, should be at the forefront of doing what we can for others, not just for ourselves. If we are more concerned about our individual rights than the common good, then we need to get back to the Cross and look up at Jesus and ask ourselves this: what rights did He give up to fix our wrongs?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, release us from fear by showing us the freedom that love provides. 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 see what’s happening at the church, please visit the website at www.erinpres.org.

 Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Son Set.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click here: Son Set.

Short devotion: Love Each Other - John 15:12

 

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV)

When I think of my Savior’s love for me, I am reminded that I did not deserve one ounce of it. I am thankful that Jesus did not say, “I’m tired of doing things for other people. I’m tired of those who expect me to heal them for nothing. I’m tired of those who take everything from me. I’m tired of those who don’t deserve to receive God’s resources or Heaven’s wealth. I’m tired of those who take me for granted and constantly call on God to help them. I’m tired of looking after their spiritual welfare, especially when they neglect their spirits. I’m tired of feeding them when they turn up hungry, looking for food. I’m tired of being treated this way and just won’t save them because they’re just too lazy to save themselves.”

I am grateful to God that Jesus never said that – instead, He loved immensely, broadly, richly, wonderfully, and beautifully. And then He asked His followers to do the same: ‘Love each other as I have loved you.’ His followers, mind you; His disciples, you know the folks like us who call ourselves Christians – we’re meant to love each other in Christ’s way, not on our own terms. There are no boundaries, there are no walls; there are no restrictions, there are no barriers – not if we call ourselves ‘Christians.’

Yep, calling ourselves ‘Christian’ is easy; being a Christian is one of the hardest things to do in life.

So, Christian sister or brother, do we honestly love each other as Christ loves us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess to being shallow people and hollow Christians. Forgive us when our prejudices prevail and we forsake our faith through pride. Lead us back to be embraced by Your love and then move us forward into the world with Your love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Check out what’s happening at the church on our website: www.erinpres.org.

One Important Thing - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Today’s Bible reading can be found at this link: Jeremiah 2:1-22 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-21.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (NIV)

If there is truly one thing that I would implore all people to be – especially my family, my friends, and my acquaintances – it would be to reconcile themselves to God. Far too many folks miss out on this wonderful opportunity that Jesus has given to the whole world by dying for everyone. Some of us go through life with a notion or an idea about God, thinking that all we need to do is to carry that thought in our head and everything will be alright. We believe that God will understand how busy we are and why we are so focused on what life means to us. We can put God on a shelf or in a box, only to be used in an emergency. But that’s not reconciliation, that’s actually manipulation.

Some folks wonder if God actually exists, so until they get absolute proof, they are going to live their lives the way they think best suits them. They can do what they want, go where they want, and believe what they want. But that’s not reconciliation either, that’s actually delusion.

Other people can follow their own course and reject God entirely. They blame churches and religious institutions for being imperfect. They hold grudges against pastors or church members for failing to live up to their expectations, or for expressing different viewpoints, or for not appeasing their own beliefs. But that’s not reconciliation either, that’s actually self-righteousness.

Being reconciled to God requires humility and submission. It’s the realization that we exist in God’s Life and not the other way around. It’s the recognition that we are imperfect in need of perfection, that we are incomplete in need of completeness, and that we are creatures in need of our Creator. We can do a million things with our lives, but in the end, if we have not reconciled ourselves to God, then not one of those achievements will actually matter; however, if we are reconciled to God, then all of those things we have accomplished will matter forever. The key to such eternal happiness is reconciliation with God. As C.S. Lewis once wrote:

“I do not think that all who choose wrong roads perish; but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road.” – in other words, to be reconciled to God means getting back on the right path to God.

Point to ponder

Am I reconciled to God or have I let something get in the way?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Gospels tell us that You are the way to God and through Your sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God forever. Help us to understand that this is not a given, it is actually an offer. Grant us the courage to humble ourselves, so we may be reconciled to God from this time forth. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Heaven’s Highway.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Highway.

Roman Holiday - Romans 6:22

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV)

When my wife Evelyn and I were in Rome this summer, we looked forward to seeing the wonders of that great city. Every corner and every street had something amazing about it, so we were often mesmerized by the history, architecture, and art of Rome. Like every other tourist, the one place that we had to visit was the Coliseum. It was magnificent and more than we had ever expected it to be. We had often seen it in photos or TV shows, but to be walking around this great wonder of the world was unbelievable. Even today, when we think about that visit, we quickly re-experience both the awe and joy we felt.

As we walked around the Coliseum and climbed the ancient stairways, we also felt a connection to the many Christians who were publicly martyred in the stadium. We couldn’t imagine what they went through and how much humiliation, pain, and horror they endured, but we were truly thankful for their great faith which persevered beyond the unjust persecution. They were courageous people and we will be eternally grateful for their true faith.

As I read this mornings passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans, I wondered how many of those persecuted had been among the first Christians to read his letter. His words must have meant a great deal to them, so much so that they were willing to lay down their lives for the God who enslaved them and the Christ who saved them. They understood that death was not the end, but for all of them who died in the Coliseum, it was the beginning of a new day, a new world, a new eternity with God and Jesus.

On the ground level of the Coliseum, just beneath the point where the Roman emperor doomed the early Christians to death, there is a large cross which can be seen from any point in the ancient building. It’s a beautiful testimony to the truth of Christ and a sacred memorial to those who lost their lives in the ‘eternal city’ of Rome but won for their souls the eternal Kingdom of God.

Point to ponder

Who passed on the Christian faith to me? To whom will I pass it on?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are truly thankful for the sacrifices of Your followers whose personal commitment meant that Christianity would endure and survive. We are the beneficiaries of such wonderful disciples and devoted people. May we follow in their footsteps by passing on Your truth, way, and life to the next generations in our midst. 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 Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome. 😊

Today’s image is a photo of the Memorial Cross in the Coliseum that John took from the other side of the vast Roman stadium. If you would like to view a larger version, click here: Cross.

Love Your Enemies - Matthew 5:43-44

Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (NIV)

It was, and still is, the most profoundly radical religious teaching in the history of the world which sets Jesus apart from all other great philosophers or faith leaders. His bold words must have shocked His own people when they were initially uttered; their old Levitical laws demanded a fanatical hatred of enemies, which led to the total destruction of many established communities who were confronted by Joshua and his army as the Hebrews sought to secure their place in the Promised Land. This absolute hatred had been carried across the centuries, as well as the Jordan River, until it was foisted upon the Romans in Christ’s time. The Jewish people resented the imperial invasion and longed for the day when the Messiah would appear to vanquish all of their foes and restore their community to their proper place of being first among the nations and as the favored people of God.

When Jesus spoke about loving the enemy, it must have perplexed and infuriated some of His followers. They wanted Christ to be the Messiah, but this teaching about embracing their foes was not what any legitimate Messiah should be saying. Probably a number of people wrote Jesus off as being an appeaser of their enemies, a religious snowflake who snubbed their pious patriotism and put their destiny in jeopardy. It was as if He was bowing down before the Roman Imperial Standard and giving up His sacred Judaism.

There’s some truth in some of that because Jesus was extending their faith in unknown ways. He was tearing down the political and religious barriers which only served to divide people and destroy human kindness. In fact, Jesus was only preaching what God was already doing because sin had not only separated people from God; sinfulness meant that humanity had become enemies of God. If God had dutifully followed the old Levitical rules of hating and punishing His foes, then no people, no community, no nation or empire would survive, including the Jewish people. Instead, God chose love which is why God sent Christ into the world, so no wonder Jesus ended up radically preaching, “Love your enemies.” Jesus was just preaching what God was already practicing.

In these very divisive and partisan times, it’s very easy to treat people who disagree with us as our arch-nemesis and despicable foes. It’s even easier to mock and humiliate them through social media and end up feeling quite smug about what we’ve done. We buy into the world’s way of believing that a fierce pride can excuse a multitude of sins. As long as we are sticking into our opponents and making them squirm, then we can maintain our standards and sustain our beliefs. However, if we claim to be Christian, then our beliefs originate with Christ who candidly tells us to love our enemies, and not to hound, harass, or hate them.

Point to ponder

Who are my enemies and how do I love them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your words often comfort and strengthen us, especially in times of trouble, fear, or distress. However, sometimes Your words challenge us directly and make us aware of what You demand of Your disciples and expect of Your followers. Prevent us from allowing our pride to jeopardize our faith; keep us from being unjust and judgmental. Help us to love our enemies. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian 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 ‘Denial.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Denial.

Being a Christian - 2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3:12-13 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 

            I can’t honestly read Paul’s second letter to Timothy without reflecting on how his words are relevant for today. The great apostle was forewarning his protégé that things would get a lot worse before they became better. He was telling Timothy that trying to live a godly life as a Christian would make him a target for harassment, criticism, and persecution. In fact, within a couple of years of writing this letter, Christians across the Roman Empire would be hunted down and killed for their faith in Jesus. Paul’s epistle, then, was a serious word of caution, informing Timothy to be prepared for the troubled times ahead.

            Being a Christian has never been easy, especially when believers speak out against injustice, violence, and wickedness. They are criticized for being political instead of spiritual or castigated as being subversive and disloyal. Their voices of dissent are demeaned or silenced, especially in nations where powerful regimes suppress civil rights and limit personal liberty. When Christian leaders lend their support to social justice movements they are pilloried for their passion and sometimes convicted for their beliefs. The words from Paul, which were written more than 1900 years ago, are highly relevant in our world today, especially when people are blinded by their own prejudices and paralyzed by their own inadequacies or fears.

            So, how do we know when to stand up and speak out against injustice or oppression? I think Paul gives us the answer to this question in his final words from this third chapter:

3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

            In other words, we need to honestly ask ourselves if our beliefs are scripturally based or just our individual notions that we’ve personally attached to our faith for our own convenience. Scripture is a great litmus test of whether or not we are being indifferent, insensitive, or prejudiced. Believe me, I need this godly check of my own ideas on a regular basis, too.

Point to ponder

Think about some current news or controversial event. Ask yourself, “What is God needing me to see and understand here?”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your ministry was radical and Your mission created a lot of turbulence because You were honest, faithful, and fearless. Help us to see the world through Your eyes, granting us the courage to face our fears and overcome our prejudices. 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’ll enjoy the experience and be made very welcome.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called “Promised One.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Promised.

Scary Times - 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12         For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

            I must confess, the second chapter of 2 Thessalonians unnerves me. It deals with the End Times and each occasion that I read it, I feel that it is happening now. I find it scary to read that people will be deluded by someone or something they think is right. Instead of discerning the truth, they will be deceived by what they want to believe. Rather than look for God’s guidance, they will embrace their own ideas and disregard what is plainly placed before their noses. Human beings have this tragic propensity for being in denial when it comes to their favorite leaders, celebrities, and heroes. Instead of seeing their flaws, they are blinded by flattery. Instead of recognizing and embracing the truth, they quickly let go and discard it.

            When I read this chapter and in particular today’s verses, I reluctantly ask myself, am I being deceived? Do I see what I want to see? Do I only hear what I want to hear? Am I discarding my faith? Am I diminishing the truth? Those are not easy questions to answer, so in the end I have to come to Christ with my imperfect, flawed thinking and ask Him to forgive, guide, and assure me, so that I may become aware of what He wants, as well as what God wills.

            Being a Christian is never easy. Allowing Christ to influence me more than the media is a daily struggle and a constant temptation.

Questions for personal reflection

Who or what influences most of my choices? How often do I seek God’s will in what I believe, think, and do?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, grant us the gifts of discernment and acceptance. Help us to know what is right and the courage to accept it fully. Keep us from being deluded by those who tell us what we want to hear. Instead, allow us to listen to Your words and apply God’s ways. 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 send him a message, please do by email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Communion drawings called “Give Thanks.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Thanks.

Christian devotion - Cost of Faith - Acts 7:40

Acts 7:40         They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’

            Today’s passage from the Book of Acts (Acts 7:35-47), contains some of the things that Stephen spoke to the High Priest in Jerusalem , when he was put on trial for preaching Christianity. The charges made against him included accusations that he spoke blasphemous words against God and Moses. He was, therefore, taken before the High Priest, just like Christ, to answer those charges.

            Stephen defended himself by re-telling the story of the ancient Hebrew people under the leadership of Moses. Using scripture, he showed how fickle the people of God had actually been, and that they had also historically rejected Moses, which led to the casting of the idolatrous golden calf. Stephen must have hoped that his words would cause the religious authorities to truly reflect on the past and acknowledge that the Jewish people had wandered from the truth. If he could have convinced them, then he would have helped them to understand that Christ had come into the world to redirect the Jews toward God. Unfortunately, instead of guiding them to a better awareness of God’s plan of salvation, Stephen incurred the wrath of the High Priest and incensed the people, who stoned him to death.

            Last week, at the Umpqua Community college in Oregon, ten people were murdered, just for being Christians. They were shot in the head for simply declaring their belief in Christ. We usually hear of this kind of inhumane brutality in other lands and from past centuries. It has shocked us all and perhaps has made us more aware of the true costs of our Christian faith. It’s sad to think that such a terrible and tragic thing could happen in our land, and yet, every year, about 100,000 Christians lose their lives across the world for simply holding the same beliefs that we so casually carry in our hearts and minds.

            So today, let’s think about how deep our faith in Christ actually is, and ask ourselves this question: do I try to live my life for Christ and is He worth dying for?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, when we think about Christian martyrs we conjure up images from past centuries, instead of in our present world. We conveniently forget that our faith often challenges the wickedness of the world, and so our people become easy targets across the nations. Help us to remain faithful to You. Let Your Holy Spirit comfort and be with those families in Umpqua and elsewhere, who are dealing with such a painful and unjust tragedy in their lives. In Your Holy Name, we 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 devotion, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called ‘Beyond the Cross.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: BTC.

Christian devotional: Real Faith - Matthew 9:29-30a

Matthew 9:29-30a   Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored.

            Faith is a very rare commodity these days. I’m not talking about a religious notion, or a spiritual feeling, or even a mystical experience. I’m talking about real solid faith in Jesus. I've been a pastor for almost thirty years and during that time I've seen many people mistakenly think that what they believe in is faith. What they actually hold on to is wishful thinking, just like in the old Peter Pan stories, where if you think good thoughts and add some pixie dust, you can really fly.

            Faith isn't a feeling, nor is it a daydream. Faith in Jesus actually requires focus, commitment, service, and humility. Because people are so one dimensional in their thinking, they naively believe that just thinking good thoughts about Jesus is all that is required. They delude themselves into the notion that being nice is what counts, and they wrongly equate that with being faithful.

            Faith is much more than a spiritual trivial pursuit; it is the life quest that we are all given from the moment we are born to the day that we die. We have one opportunity to get it right, to be found by God through faith in Jesus. If we set Him aside or falsely think that everything we do is blessed, approved, and condoned by Christ, then we’re tragically and eternally fooling ourselves.

            Faith, real faith, is not just something that we live for, it’s also a divine gift that we die with. If we go to meet our Savior without following, worshipping, or serving Him, then we won’t find Him at all. The Gospels give us all of the material, resources, and clues that we need about what real faith looks like; if we think that we can make it up for ourselves and wing it through life, then we’ll end up on the wrong side of glory. Faith requires commitment, but commitment is so inconvenient at times.

            So, let’s all truly, sincerely, and honestly ask ourselves this today: to whom am I being faithful? To Christ or myself, to His teachings or my own ideas? We cannot hide the truth from ourselves, and we certainly cannot fool Jesus either.

Questions for personal reflection

Am I faithful to Christ or am I just living a lie? Am I committed to His Church or am I just committed to myself?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, we all want to have real faith in You. We really want to be Your followers and servants, disciples and messengers. Forgive us for playing at religion, or for feigning spirituality. Challenge our choices when they conflict with Your guidance. Change our lives when we contradict Your Word. 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 ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest artworks. It’s called ‘Chalice,’ and it was made using paper sculpting and crayons. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Chalice.

End Times devotion: A 2000 Year War - Revelation 12:17

Revelation 12:17         Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring--those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

            There’s a 2000-year-old war going on this planet which most people do not know about. It started when Christ came into the world to shake things up and give humanity one last opportunity to get right with God. When is happened historically, it appeared to be a minor event, but universally, it is a cataclysmic point where Heaven confronts Humanity in order to establish God’s Kingdom and let everyone know of His uncompromising sovereignty.

            The war exists between good and evil, faith and fantasy, orthodoxy and heresy. The Truth of God in the person of Christ is embattled with the temptation of sin, manifested by Satan. This constant struggle over the souls of men, women, and children has continued for almost 2000 years. In this war, we must take sides. Humanity has been given a crucial choice; if we fail to choose Christ, then we lose everything.

            The conflict is not dualism where both sides are equal in power, influence, and strength. The devil is fighting a losing battle - all that he wants to do is to take down as many confused, bitter, and unbelieving souls as he can in order to spoil God’s plan of salvation. The purpose of the Church is to be a shield against Satan’s displeasure. However, as we enter into what chess players call the ‘End Game,’ the devil’s works within the Church become more outrageous, more unorthodox, and more unrepentant. Sadly, good people are losing their hold on Christ’s testimony; church people are wavering in the apparent victory of wickedness over the world.

            The Book of Revelation was given to the Church in order to help Christians recoil from their folly and recover their faith. The trouble is this: so many people never read it, or instead reject it, or casually treat it as biblical science fiction which will never come to pass. That’s exactly what the devil wants; that’s exactly his intention. The more that people are actually ignorant of the Word of God and the testimony of Christ, which is plainly revealed in Revelation, the more lost souls the devil can take to be doomed along with him. In warfare, this is called a scorched earth campaign; biblically speaking, this is an Armageddon of the damned.

            I make no apology for the severity of today’s message. I’ve tried to be conciliatory, positive, and nice for years, but it’s made no difference. People do what they want to do, and believe what they want to believe. Ultimately, all of our choices will have eternal consequences. Heaven is not meant for those who refuse to repent; or as CS Lewis once wrote, “There is no one in Hell who did not choose to be there.”

If we let go of the testimony of Jesus, then know this: we let go of everything that is eternal.

Question for personal reflection

Have I honestly read the Book of Revelation? Do I understand the consequences of its message for me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, faith is a serious commitment because it constantly challenges who we are and what we do. The world is caught up in its own wickedness and the Church is constantly being challenged from within and without, about what is true, faithful, and Christian. Keep us from letting go of Your testimony, and help us to endure the turbulence that is coming. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message, please contact him by email at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest religious drawings called “Passion Flower.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Passion Flower.

Christmas Devotion: Signs and Symbols - Galatians 4:18

Galatians 4:18                        It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. (NIV)

Throughout December, we all see bumper stickers, church posters, and yard signs that read ‘Jesus is the reason for the season,’ ‘Keep Christ in Christmas,’ and my all-time favorite, “Beat the Christmas Rush – come to church this Sunday!” Whenever I see them, they make me smile, but I wonder how they come across to people who are not church goers or even Christians?

Are those signs too ‘preachy?’ Do they come across as being smug and self-righteousness? Is our zeal for the Lord hampering our effective witness in the community? And, can you really capture the real message of the Gospel in a bumper sticker anyway?

Over the years, the best witnesses to Christ at Christmas come from the loving words and deeds of compassionate people. They effectively put Christ back into Christian, which for me is more important rather than relying upon a silly slogan. If church people were zealous for the Lord in ways that would support the poor, comfort the heartbroken, and embrace the unloved then our churches would be filled each and every Sunday, no matter which season we were in.

Question for personal reflection

How can I become a sign of Christ’s love in my home, at work, and in the community at large?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we want to positively witness on Your behalf, especially at this time of year when so many people are thinking about Your Birth. Enable us to be aware of the effect that our words and deeds have on other folk. May we become human signs and symbols of Your grace and love. In Your Holy Name, we sincerely pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest snowman drawings. It’s called ‘Even Snowmen Know.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/11192118666_85888f4534_b.jpg

Christian devotion - Sin is Dead! - Romans 7

Romans 7:8    But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead.

Believe it or not, I struggle with sin every day. I constantly do stupid things or say hurtful words; I forget to keep promises or neglect to do good deeds. I waste opportunities for the Lord and let my life slip carelessly by. Sin is a constant struggle and some days I feel as though I’ve failed the Lord entirely.

But then I remember that I am not perfect and cannot always do everything right, perfect, or holy to save my soul. I have the potential to be better than I am, but never reach the high bar that I set myself. Like Paul writes elsewhere, I constantly fall short of what God expects, which means I am a sinner in need of salvation. I recognize that I need a Redeemer. I know that I need Jesus to save me.

            Sadly, some folks never reach this level of self-awareness. They don’t believe in sin, so they have no need of grace. They go through life making both good and bad choices, but they never seem to understand that, as each day passes, they are piling up more sinful, selfish, self-centered stuff that will ultimately separate them from God. Maybe if I was a better witness or better teacher or better preacher, or even a better Christian, I might be able to help them change ….but then I would be sinfully guilty of trying to perfect their lives by pointing out their sins, rather than dealing with the huge sins in my own life!

            Being a Christian is never easy. It requires constant attention. If I’m too busy pointing out others’ mistakes, then I’m missing the point about sin: we all do it! It doesn’t excuse it, which is what Paul is actually trying to express in Romans 7. When I become aware of my own sinfulness, then I know that I need to change something in me, which is why I desperately need Christ’s grace to transform me. I can only begin to become what He wants when I give everything of me over to Him.

Questions for personal reflection

Be honest, what’s the biggest sin I am dealing with in my life? Have I given it over to Jesus yet? If not, why not?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, sometimes we can’t see our own sinful ways because we mask it with the sins of others. Grant us true self-awareness, even though that may be ugly and unholy. Help us to reach out to You for help and the strength to overcome. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly 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 him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest crayon drawing called “Island in the Sun.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/9442299728_eeaec950ac_b.jpg

Church Devotion: Trying to be a Christian

Acts 10:2         Cornelius and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

I read somewhere this morning about a woman who was being questioned about her beliefs by a police officer. Each time she was asked “Of what religion are you?” she answered, “Trying to be a Christian.”

This frustrated the officer. “You must belong to a church, a denomination, a sect or a cult, so tell me, what is your religion?” Again the woman simply answered, “Trying to be a Christian.”

From what I have read about the centurion Cornelius in the Book of Acts, he was trying to be a Christian without even knowing of Christ. He was a devout person who believed in God, shared his beliefs with his loved ones, prayed to God on a regular basis, and gave regularly to those who had genuine needs. Isn’t that what we expect of Christians? Cornelius was trying to be as faithful to God as he possibly could, and this is why God gives him a special vision and draws him into the Christian faith.

Today, we will all have opportunities to witness to the effectiveness of Christ’s presence in our lives. We may be asked to pray for others in need; we may even be required to help them financially. The hope is that we will all try to be Christians in whatever situation, event, or issue that we face. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be the right thing to do.

Questions for personal reflection

How do I display my faith in Christ to other people? Dare I try to be a Christian in all things today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus Christ, we say that we follow You with our lips, but we frequently fail You with our deeds. Help us this day to practice and display our devotion to You by trying to be real, genuine, and sincere Christians in our 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 on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is a collage of four of my 2013 Pentecost drawings. If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8656938896_929e837c59_c.jpg

Christian devotions: To Be a Christian - John18:37

John 18:37     "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

The other night I got embroiled in another theological tussle on Facebook. This time it was in the company of a group of Scottish pastors, some of whom I have known for decades. The argument was over whether or not we should continue to use the word ‘Christian’ in our faith and ministries.

Over recent years, the word ‘Christian’ has garnered some negative connotations in our society. The word represents, in the minds of some people, self-righteous bigotry and unyielding fundamentalism. In our supposedly post-Christian and post-modern world, there is a push to get rid of undesirable labels and, unfortunately, ‘Christian’ is one of them. Instead of being known for loving one another as in ancient Antioch, Christians are lampooned as being ignorant, uneducated, unsophisticated, prejudicial and judgmental. While there may be some elements across all Christian denominations that reflect these negative flaws, they do not really represent who we are in most regions of the world.

To me, the word ‘Christian’ means a person who is a follower of Christ, who tries to live by His tenets and is not afraid to speak the truth, even when it might be considered unpopular. It would be so easy to ditch the word and just call ourselves ‘spiritual seekers who like Jesus.’ We could then do what we wanted and not be burdened by the word ‘Christian’ at all.

But the truth of the matter is this: to be a Christian means to follow Christ closely, knowing that we will frequently fail. His teachings and truths will challenge us constantly, in the hope that we can change ourselves positively and become more like Him each day. As C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, ‘Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.’ 

Questions for personal reflection

What does the word ‘Christian’ mean to me? How do I personally convey that meaning to others?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we try to follow You each day and grow in our Christian faith. Some days are better than others, and sometimes we fail to live up to Your ways. Forgive us for our mistakes and free us from our failings. Help us to be reconnected to Your Truth, Hope, and Love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest winter drawings. It features the Babcock Mill in West Virginia during snowfall. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8467215304_7af5d74172_b.jpg

Signed, limited edition prints of this delightful drawing are available from John.

Christian Devotions: being a Christian - Luke 12:57

Luke 12:57  (Jesus said)        “Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?”

There’s a lot of talk these days about Christians being too judgmental. We’re criticized for trying to live according to Christ’s words and sometimes those accusations sting us personally. Consequentially, some people of our faith are afraid of appearing to be judgmental in the eyes of others, so they’ve stopped making judgments altogether. Instead of being the leaven in society in order to change the world for the better in God’s eyes, we’ve become stale. We would rather be respected by others in society, instead of respecting Christ’s own words. We want to be considered broad minded and open rather than following Christ’s sacred and singular way. And even when our church pastors or Christian teachers mention this, we close off our ears, hearts, and minds to any questioning of our choices or to those suggestions that we are walking on the wrong path.

Jesus also had to deal with this in His own day. He was frustrated by the lack of judgment His people were making with regard to their faith and everyday choices. They could work out what kind of day it was going to be by looking at the color of the sky in the morning, but they couldn’t discern that Christ was among them, challenging their ways, and confronting their choices. Even though the signs of the Messiah were all there before them, they didn’t accept Jesus as the Anointed One. They wanted Him to be shaped according to their plans, their needs, and their beliefs.

“Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?” Jesus frustratingly exclaims. In other words, you know what is right, so what is stopping you from choosing it?

Being a 21^st century Christian and living a cosmopolitan world is difficult, but who ever said it was going to be easy? When faithful people judge what is right, the world is always going to complain that we are narrow-minded and spiritually closed: yet isn’t that why Christ was crucified? He was totally misunderstood, became unpopular, and was finally executed for daring to judge what was right – perhaps this is why we find it so hard to do the same.

Questions for personal reflection

What makes me a Christian? How different is my lifestyle from my non-Christian peers?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You have called me to be a Christian and to judge what is right. Help me not to be fearful of my peers when they attack my faith or ridicule my religion. In Your Holy Name, I 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 a Good Friday crayon drawing of John’s called “Passover.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5259/5394517049_ef741c1bdf_b.jpg

Daily devotions: God's Smiley Face - Isaiah 49:13

Isaiah 49:13    Shout for joy, O Heavens; rejoice O Earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. 

Like most people, sometimes all that I need are a few kind words and a smile to get me through the day. A little kindness, mixed in with some encouragement, goes a long way. In the busy-ness of our own activities and careers, it’s nice to be applauded and appreciated once in a while.

Sometimes when I’m writing emails, I put one of those smiley faces at the end of what I’ve written. Emails are great, but they often don’t communicate gratitude and grace very well. A little yellow smiley face or even the typed equivalent J helps the recipient to understand that you are pleased with what they are doing and encouraged by what they have written.

I like today’s verse from Isaiah because seeks to bless His people with comfort and compassion. They have endured a lot of suffering through the years of exile in Babylon. Their faith has been stretched to its limit and their beliefs have been battered and bruised. God wants them to know that in the midst of their struggles, He is still with them.

Perhaps today you need a kind word and a smile from God. Through the grace that Jesus Christ brought into the world, we are given God’s comfort and compassion. Come to Him today with your worries and woes, your problems and pressures. His promises will help you; His love will sustain you…. J

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the instrument of God’s blessing to the world and the channel of His cherished love. Grant us comfort in the midst of all that unsettles us, and compassion in all that worries us. 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.

Today’s image is my latest chess drawing called “Indian King,” featuring Indian designed chess pieces. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6854840939_1a83f370e8_b.jpg

Daily Devotions: Tennessee's Biggest Idiots

One of our local radio stations has a talk show host who devotes a section of his program to what he calls “Idiot of the Day.” In the last 24 hours, I’ve come across several people who would easily win that title.

Last night, when I was driving home from church, I got stopped at the traffic lights at a busy intersection, right next to the interstate. I happened to glance over at the car on my left side and was totally shocked at what I saw. A middle aged couple was in the front of the car with no seat belts and laughing carelessly.

Shocking? Surely not, John, I hear you say. But it gets worse. In between the couple was a small ten year old boy. His right hand was on the steering wheel whilst his “Dad’s” left hand held on to it, too. When the traffic lights turned to green, the young boy was actually steering the car! No seat belts, no signals, and no common sense. These idiots were all over the road and all three of them were laughing away. If I could have spotted their license plate, I would have called the police.

But just when I thought I had never seen a more idiotic trio of idiots in Tennessee, this morning I saw someone who topped them all. I was driving to church along the busy five lane interstate, when all of a sudden all the vehicles in the five lanes of traffic had to apply their brakes. A guy was running across the five lanes of traffic to get to the median where he would have to run across another five lanes in order to get to the other side. Totally unbelievable!

John 14:15 If you love me, you will obey what I command.

You know there are some scary people out there folks, and their stupidity endangers the rest of the community. And that’s also the message for this morning. Jesus says that those who love Him will obey His commands. But we’re living in a society where church members believe that it’s okay to love Jesus, but we don’t have to follow His commands. And the trouble is this: those who stupidly and sometimes brazenly discard Christ’s commands are endangering the souls of the whole Church community. Instead of sticking to the rules, teachings, and words of God through Christ, foolish theologians, prideful pastors, and completely misguided church members are heading down a dead end path that leads to oblivion, instead of heaven. It may be alright for these careless individuals to follow their own ways and end up separated from God, but the Biblical ignorance and Christian superficiality of some in Christ’s flock is causing them to stray away.

I think that’s why Christ’s emphasizes this in His teaching: “If you love me, obey my commands.” This is not unconditional love, as some misguided preachers and teachers would have us believe.  This is a love that has responsibilities placed upon it. We cannot say that we love Jesus and then go and do what we want. It may not be popular to preach or make people happy about their faith, but then again we have to ask ourselves these questions: does our faith shape us or do we shape our faith? Do we love Jesus freely without His conditions, or are we willing to love Him faithfully and serve Him responsibly?

Personally, I think if the Church has any future in the World, then it has to rediscover its backbone of Christ’s commands and teachings.

 Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, it’s getting harder to be a Christian in the world. We’ve let things slide and we each have failed to live up to Your commands. We want to love You truly, but we are afraid to love You conditionally. Forgive our foolish ways and help us to reclaim our spiritual strength through Your ways, words, and works. In Your Holy Name, we contritely 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.