Pursuing Wisdom - James 3:17

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. (NRSV)

When I was much younger, I thought that life was all about pursuing happiness and finding pleasure. Now that I am older, I realize that wisdom is more important than indulgence and that God’s wisdom is greater than anything I can possibly know or experience. Pursuing His wisdom is now the main part of my life, so when I read James’ words about the wisdom from above, I can relate to them in ways that my younger self would never have understood or even cared to receive. I guess that Time has a way of stripping away trivial pursuits and showing what is truly important – to enjoy all that God has created and live in His love forever.

Application: Take time to quietly think about God and cherish His love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for our lives and the many ways when we encounter Your wisdom, love, and presence. Be with us this day and help us to take time out to contemplate Your words, works, and ways. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called ‘Christ is King’. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: King.

September 8 devotion - Texting

Matthew 11:19         “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”

            Traffic on the interstate to church this morning was very busy, so I had to be doubly alert about the vehicles around me. I hoped that the other drivers were doing the same until I noticed that the car behind me was getting very close to my own. From my rearview mirror, I could see the cause – the young woman behind me was busy texting as well as driving. No doubt she thought that she was multi-tasking and that her message was very important. Unfortunately, she was causing me to speed up and the drivers around her to do the same. She didn't know it, but she was also weaving in her lane. Thankfully, no accident occurred, but if she keeps doing it then one day she will probably cause a terrible crash.

            In today’s highlighted verse, Jesus said that ‘wisdom is proved right by her actions.’ Throughout my life, I have found that to be the case, especially in Church world. The wisest people that I have known have usually been focused faithfully on ministry or mission, or have regularly participated in worship, study groups or classes.

            Much of what I do is in the preaching and teaching realm of Church world. I can’t make people do the right faithful things, but I can offer them Christ’s words and God’s guidance. However, much like the young woman who thought that she can text and drive at the same time, some people are going to do what they want to do and believe what they want to do believe. The trouble is this: they are potentially going to lose their salvation by doing their own thing, going their own way, and believing what they want to accept.

            ‘Wisdom is proved right by her actions.’ If God offers salvation to those who truly believe in Jesus, would it not be wise to do something about it now, on this side of eternity? Almost saved, as the old preachers used to say, is the same as not being saved. Almost getting it right has the same consequences of getting it totally wrong. As our young people would say: YOLO – You Only Live Once – which is absolutely right, but it also comes with this caveat: you only have this opportunity to be saved by Jesus before death; after we die, even Christ cannot change things.

Questions for personal reflection?

Am I saved? If not, what am I going to do about it?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, Your teachings in the Gospels are mostly about making the right decisions in different circumstances and ultimately about making the One Great Choice to be saved by You. Enable us to diminish our pride, so that we may humbly accept You as our only Savior and Lord. 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 message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of my latest paper sculpted drawings called ‘Caledonian Soul.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Cross.

Creation devotion: Wildlife Wonders - 1 Kings 4:33

1 Kings 4:33   Solomon described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.

            One of the best programs that we have in our church takes place on Wednesday nights. It’s called the Pioneer Club and our Family Ministry Director, Joy, puts together special presentations about animals and wildlife. Most of the kids who attend the program are not church kids; they are siblings of other children who are involved in our popular Creative Ministry program called the Sonshine Company.

            I attended Joy’s programs and was often amazed about the animals she spoke about. She used pictures and books, videos and sounds to captivate the kids’ attention. She gave them animal stickers and treats which delighted the young children. Joy also prepared special crafts which the kids made and proudly took home with them. It was a great program and a wonderful way to reach out to unchurched families. Joy was not just teaching the children about different wildlife, she was doing missionary work by giving these kids a positive experience at the church we both serve. Hopefully, in future years, the children will remember Joy’s programs and perhaps they will be drawn nearer to God as the Creator of all Living Things.

            I like today’s verse from 1 Kings. Solomon was a wise person, but he also was a great naturalist, maybe even the David Attenborough of his day. He used the talents of wisdom that God gave him not just for the running of his kingdom, but also to increase his knowledge about the wonders of life and all living things. I find that both incredible and also very understandable. Most people who enjoy God’s Creation seek to learn more about it, whether it be life on earth, birds in the sky, fish in the sea, or even planets and stars in the vast universe.

            As I reflect on this, the first question and answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism of the reformed tradition comes to mind:

Q: What is the chief end of man?  A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

            I think that for me, and for Joy, and for the kids at Pioneer Club, for Solomon too, and may other good folks, enjoying God also means to delight in His works of wondrous creation. After all, life on earth would not be possible without God’s creative handiwork and sustaining grace.

Questions for personal reflection

What is it about life on Earth that fascinates me? Where do I see God’s handiwork on this planet?

Prayer:            Lord God and Creator of all Life, thank You for allowing us to enjoy Your wonderful works. We praise You for sustaining Life on this planet and for the great enjoyment that we, as human beings, experience in the world today. Bless all life and enable us to appreciate it as a precious gift. 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 ask questions or send comments about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s many wildlife drawings. It features a Baby Raccoon. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Baby Raccoon.

Life devotions: Memory Surfing - Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4:13             Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Yesterday evening, when I was channel surfing the television, I came across one of my favorite musical movies. It was “My Fair Lady,” starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn. They just don’t make movies like that anymore.

As I watched entranced by the ghosts on the screen, I started to quietly weep. It wasn't the story that was affecting me; it wasn't even the beautiful songs and music. It was something that I had forgotten from long ago.

You see, I can practically sing all of the words of “My Fair Lady.” When it was first released, my Mum and Dad went to see it. Soon after this, Dad bought the vinyl album of the musical and each evening for a couple of months, he played it again and again.

I closed my eyes last night and listened to the songs. As I did this, I was transported back to my home in Glasgow and I could picture my Dad pouring over massive engineering blueprints on his desk. As he looked at the drawings, he listened to the musical. My mother was sitting across from him, either reading a book or knitting a cardigan. My siblings were playing on the floor with toys or coloring with crayons. The room was warm and peaceful. As I re-experienced that beautiful moment, I wept. It was wonderful to go there again.

The wise writer of Proverbs talks about holding on to instruction because it is our life. Precious times are Life’s lessons that teach us about the sacredness of simple things. That forgotten memory is priceless to me because a large part of who I am today was borne out of those past experiences. Growing up may not have been easy and there was some pain and bitterness, but the beauty of just ‘being there and being here’ still teaches and affects me. I weep not for woe, but for the wonder of Life itself.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, life is precious and we each are part of a grand journey of personal experiences, wonders, and precious moments. We applaud and adore God for allowing us to live, to laugh, to sing, to weep, and to love. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Psalm drawings. It depicts a verse from Psalm 104 which is an ancient song about the wonder of God’s creativity and providence. If you would like to view a larger version of the image, please click on the following link:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5525542400_9d38e160ed_b.jpg

John’s Psalms art project can also be viewed as a slideshow at the following internet location:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/sets/72157603288751629/