Sabbath Psalms - Belonging to God

Psalm 24:1 The Earth belongs to the LORD, including everything in it, the whole planet, and every living being.

I’d like to make a banner of this verse and super-impose it on a photograph of a hungry child in Appalachia. It would remind me that the least in our community, like those who sleep under the overpasses on the interstate, are still counted as belonging to God. I want to be challenged that the things I take for granted – my health, my home, my work, my money, and my resources – are all gifts from God. It’s very easy, in fact, too easy for me, to forget about such things, which causes me to neglect to remind myself that everyone is a child of God’s grace.

The psalmist tells us clearly that everything belongs to God – the world, the nations, and all of the people. Not one of us is a self-made person or an independent being. We might think that our actions, our deeds, our accomplishments, as well as our achievements come naturally because of our abilities; but we delude ourselves if we do not assign all of those qualities and successes to the grace of God. The source of all our blessings is the real owner of our planet. Without God, we would not exist. Without God’s power to create, we would not have life. 

Without God’s constant grace, we could not maintain ourselves. As Jesus so masterly puts it, “Which one of us can add a day to our lives?” We cannot. It all boils down to the fact that we are created, sustained, and completely owned by God. And when we understand this, we begin to care for other people, joining God in the work of being mindful of the Earth and all its inhabitants.

This is why I regularly support the work of the World Central Kitchen. Wherever natural disasters, human conflict, or famine takes place, chefs from the WCK organize food for people who are displaced, persecuted, and hungry. They encourage local restaurants and food truck owners to help them prepare and distribute meals. It’s a fantastic international mission of compassion which recognizes the urgent needs and upholds the dignity of different people across the Earth. To me, they epitomize the belief that everyone is a child of God’s grace and deserves the right to food, as well as shelter and clothing.

Point to ponder: If the whole Earth belongs to God, including everyone in it, what am I doing to help God’s work of sustaining this planet?

Prayer: Lord God, You challenge us every day to be faithful, but sometimes we thoughtlessly forget to also care. In the place of helping others, we often just help ourselves. Forgive us for being neglectful; grant us the strength to see and to support those who are hungry and needy across Your world. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

A Father's Love - Mark 1:10-11

Mark 1:10-11              Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (NIV)

            A couple of days ago, I reminded myself that it was my Dad’s 90^th birthday – or it would have been had he lived. My Dad was part of that great generation of hard-working determined people who lived to protect and provide for their families. With six kids to raise and feed, he had to work long hours and was often exhausted when he came home. He was a typical Stoic Scotsman who kept most of his feelings to himself, but he was also a fair man who treated us all well.

            Dad was proud of what each of my siblings and I accomplished, but he never really expressed it in words. However, we felt both his pride and love in other unspoken ways – a brightness in his eyes, a pleasant smile, or even just a pat on the back at the right time. As he grew older, he became more comfortable in communicating his feelings and we all cherished his approval.

            Today’s highlighted verses tell us about God’s great love for Jesus and how He expressed His love for His Son. We see God’s wonderful affection and deep pride in Jesus. It must have been a beautiful moment and blessing to each of them. The great thing about this event is this: Jesus has provided each of us with both God’s favor and delight. Christ’s death on the Cross not only paid the price for our sins, it also opened up the way to the loving-kindness and great goodness of God. Just as the Father was proud of His Son, God can now cherish and embrace us in the same way.

            No matter who you are or what you’ve done; no matter how you’re feeling or what you’re going through, please know this: You are a beloved child of God, lifted up by His grace, and cherished by Him forever.

Personal reflection

Do I know that God loves me? Am I willing to share that gift with others?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for restoring us to God’s love. We are truly grateful for all that You have accomplished with Your sacrifice. Help us to share this great news with our families and friends. 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 make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s Bible drawings called ‘The Baptism.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Baptism.

Church Devotion - Wee Small Hours - Hebrews 11:3

Hebrews 11:3  By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (NIV)

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this message at this link: Wee Small Hours

            Sometimes when I wake up in the wee small hours of the morning, I gaze at the stars from one of the upstairs windows in my home. I recently purchased a pair of binoculars which makes the whole experience amazing. The stars that I can see with my own eyes are few in number, but when I look at them with the binoculars, I see thousands of stars and galaxies. After quietly stargazing for a while, I then prayerfully whisper to God my thanks for the incredible sights I have seen in the night sky.

            I’ve always believed that God was the Creator of the Universe, as well as being the Sustainer of Life on our planet. I see His handiwork in the stars and also in the world around me. At times, I am overawed by the depth of beauty and creativity that God displays; but I am also grateful that He created me to experience the joy of His loving labor.

            Looking at the stars at night makes me feel quite small and insignificant, and yet at the same time, I feel assured that God is real and He enjoys me enjoying His creation. This feeling gives me a peace of mind and solace in my heart. It builds up my faith and quietly strengthens my relationship with God through the gifts of wonder, amazement, and joy.

            Today, you may feel isolated and vulnerable, alone and forgotten. Please know and embrace this: the God Who created the wonderful stars also brought you into being. You are important to Him and You will always be loved as a child of God.

Prayer:            Heavenly Creator, thank You for allowing us to experience the universe in so many wonderful and awe-inspiring ways. Thank You for loving us personally and individually, wholly and completely. In Your Son’s precious Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to send him an email to Traqair@aol.com about this message.

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