Sunday Shorts - Choices

John 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

It was the lowest point in Christ's itinerant ministry. For three years, He had traveled up and down Galilee, gathering a great number of disciples and followers through His preaching, teaching, and healing. But now things were becoming gravely serious because He was meddling in people's lives. Jesus was also notorious to some of the authorities, and His preaching kept hitting raw nerves. On this particular occasion, Christ called His followers' faith into question, suggesting that some among them did not believe in His ministry and mission. And what was the outcome? The scripture states it very plainly: 'Many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.'

Christ continues to have a way of doing that same thing to Christians in our time, too. He still confronts us today, questioning our choices, demanding firm allegiance, and challenging our ways. We all want hope in our lives and a loving Savior, but we sometimes find it difficult to accept the belief baggage and lifestyle lessons that come along with our Christian faith. And for some folks, like those in today’s scripture (John 6:60-66), this is too hard to accept and apply, so they also sadly drift away from Jesus and His Church.

The good thing about this incident is that not all of the disciples abandoned Him. It was left to that good old boy, Peter, to encourage Jesus for a change. When His Savior asks the Twelve, "Will you also go away?", the Big Fisherman gives the sweetest answer to Christ's ears. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Our faith journey isn't easy and sometimes we will be discouraged or deceitful, sinful or faithless, but we shouldn't despair. Instead, we should look at how Christianity ends. We do have a wonderful Savior and the promise of everlasting life. We have the opportunity to serve Jesus and to joyfully enter into His loving presence forever. We may feel like going away at times, but His healing words will keep drawing us back to Him to receive forgiveness and acceptance, guidance and grace. And when all is said and done, isn't that why we placed our faith in Christ in the first place?

Point to ponder: How difficult is following Jesus for me? How can Christ help me overcome this?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we were once lost souls, whose lives had no real meaning or purpose. In Your mysterious way, You drew us towards You and helped us to give our hearts to You. Sometimes, being a Christian is very difficult and we don't always get it right. We thank You for Your patience, forgiveness, and grace. Without them, we would perish from the Earth and have no hope. With them, we will delight in Your love forever, for You have the words of eternal life. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

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

Sunday Shorts: Christ's Church

John 17:9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. (NIV)

            I see a lot of memes on Facebook that appear to condemn the Church for not being the Church that the world expects. The memes usually attack the Church for being hypocritical, intolerant, and not compassionate enough. There is some truth to what is posted, but these barbs often don’t offer a solution. It’s very easy to poke the Church in the eye for being so blind, but the negativity of those posts doesn’t act as an encouraging remedy; instead, they discourage folks from changing because there’s no guidance to do so being presented.

            When Jesus established the Church, He didn’t go looking for perfect people – He wouldn’t have found them anyway. What He did do was to take a bunch of sinners and set them on the right path toward God.  Despite their weaknesses and faults, sinfulness and selfish ways, He managed to put together a band of devoted people who would try to live their lives according to His teachings. He never expected them to be perfect which is why in today’s highlighted verse we have something that Jesus constantly did – He prayed for the ones given to Him by God; He prayed for His Church.

            Today’s Church has many problems and issues, but that’s what you get when sinful people are called by God. Despite the setbacks that the pandemic brought upon the Church worldwide, the world still needs Christ’s Spirit of compassion, healing, and love to fix our broken planet – which is why Christ is still praying for His Church and this is what we should be doing for our local congregations, national denominations, and international situations. The Church is Christ’s Bride and will always exist, even beyond Time itself.

Point to ponder: What should I be praying for in my local congregation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Church exists because You brought it into being. Its purpose is to spread the Good News of the Gospel through word and deed. Despite our sinful and fallen ways, You still pray for Your Church and for us. Help us to align our prayers with Your will for the whole Church. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 

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

Begin Again - Hebrews 2:18

Hebrews 2:18 Because Christ himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (NIV)

I’ve already broken several of my New Year’s resolutions, so I can’t even keep up with my own standards. Like most of us, I start off with the best of intentions but quickly get distracted or even too comfortable to follow through with my self-imposed promises. I guess I can reset my determination and begin again – hopefully, I will resolve to accomplish all that I want to achieve this year.

Today’s verse reminded me that this is what Christ offers us each day – a fresh chance to begin again. When we fall into temptation and fail to keep God’s commands, Jesus gives us the grace to pick ourselves up and start once more. He doesn’t do this either from a smug and self-satisfied position of knowing that He is perfect; He forgives us because He understands what temptation is like and how prone we are to fall prey to our own selfish and sinful ways.

So, today is a new day. Christ offers all of us the opportunity to begin again. He not only understands our personal struggles, but He is absolutely able to help us let go of our sinful past, acquire His grace today, so we may walk with Him day by day. We are not fallen failures, we are forgiven sinners; we are not cast aside by God, we are embraced by His patient and enduring love.

Application: Allow yourself to be forgiven by Christ for anything you have done. Let this be a new day of restoration in your forever relationship with God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Savior who completely understands our struggle to keep God’s commands. Grant us Your grace and show us a better way to live our lives. 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 a Communion drawing for the New Year. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: New Year.

Carrying Burdens - Galatians 6:2

Carrying Burdens

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

One of the best things about church is the amount of support, empathy, and love that faithful people give to one another. Whether it's through the power of prayer, a kind word and a smile, the sending of a handwritten card, or turning up with a tray of food, many of our church folks are grateful for the friendship and kindness that congregational members share with one another whenever trouble, illness, or issues take place in their lives. The burdens that some have are lessened whenever good church folks rally round.

Over the decades that I’ve been a pastor, I’ve constantly been impressed, encouraged, and proud of how lovingly and effectively our church members will respond to meet the needs of those who are undergoing tough times. Organizing acts of kindness is a great way to fulfill Christ’s teaching; showing support to others in need is a wonderful demonstration that God’s love truly exists.

So, today, let’s be thankful for the ‘first-responders’ in our congregation whose generosity and true charity have helped us all when we needed them most.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the ministry of compassion and care that we have received from other church folks. Encourage us to become burden-bearers and loving supporters, too. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step: Write and mail a card this week to someone in our congregation who needs to be encouraged, supported, and loved.

August 26 devotion - Once and For All

Hebrews 9:14  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

            Sometimes when we disappoint people, they find it hard to trust us. We may try to make things better or show some remorse about what has occurred, but that cannot guarantee things will ever be the same again. People have feelings, so when they are hurt, injured, or disappointed, they feel vulnerable and unprotected, perhaps even gullible or stupid. We may regret causing some injury, but we cannot make others forgive us or forget what happened. The sad consequences of our actions may ruin relationships or fracture friendships. We cannot change the past, nor can we insist on mending the matter.

            With God, things are different. His Son has died for us in order to heal the breaches we have caused between ourselves and our Creator. When we disappoint God, He could punish us severely; instead, He chooses to forgive us completely. The death of Jesus, as bloody and as brutal as it was, paid the price for our sins, so our contaminated spirits can be cleansed once and for all. This is what it means to be washed in the blood of Jesus – His sacrifice makes us whole once more; His death deletes the disappointments; His crucifixion wipes out every sin we have ever committed.

            So today, let’s all rejoice in the wonderful fact that Jesus is our Savior and we are eternally restored to God’s grace and love.

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for deleting our sins and eliminating our faults forever. We are grateful that You cleanse us of our past mistakes, so we can joyfully serve God from this moment on. Be with us and bless our spirits this day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

July 31 devotion - What is Church?

Revelation 21:22         I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

            Today’s verse reminds me that the beautiful church building where I minister is not the actual church, nor is it the real center and focus of worship. The people who gather for worship, study, prayer, and mission are the church, and the focus of our praise is Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God. The building serves as a meeting place, a learning center, and a sacred sanctuary. It is holy ground where God's people can gather, but it is not the centerpiece of our worship of God. That esteemed place belongs solely to Jesus, which is why we are called Christians and not Churchians.

            Please don't get me wrong; I love the church building and I am delighted about all of the renovation and expansion that has been accomplished over the last couple of years. It is a safe place for souls and a haven for many people. It serves as a focal point, a gathering place, and a house of meditation for lots of people, including me. Whether I am working quietly in my office, or participating in a room full of elders, or sitting quietly in the sanctuary, this church building is very meaningful to me. But again, it is not the object of my beliefs, worship, or relationship with God. Only Jesus has that place in my life; only He is at the center of my being.

            When we all get to Heaven, perhaps initially we’re going to miss seeing churches, hearing church bells, or meeting in church sanctuaries. However, I believe it will quickly dawn on us that Christ is our meeting place, our encountering point, and our real destination. We won’t need temples to contain Him, or churches to welcome Him. His abiding presence will be all that we will ever need and we will serve Him eternally, which why we go to church in the first place - to worship Christ and enjoy Him forever.

Question for personal reflection

Why do I go to church? How do I become church?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are our everything. You are at the center of our faith and in the fullness of our hearts. We worship You alone and seek to serve You faithfully. You are the reason why we believe in God, and You are the One to whom we owe our lives. Thank You for being our Savior and for allowing us to serve, worship, and follow You in many different ways. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come 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 drawings of Christ. It’s called ‘Jesus Weeps’ and reflects the sad state of our world today. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Jesus Weeps.

July 29 devotion - Talking to Jesus

Revelation 20:14-15   Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (NIV)

            When I first read today’s passage from Revelation, I was a teenager who had rebelled against God and my family. The words shocked me and cast a dire shadow over my soul. I felt quite anxious about the whole scenario depicted in Revelation 20 and fearfully convinced myself that God was waiting to punish me for all of my sins on the other side of death. I felt miserable and alone, unloved and hopeless.

            Instead of making me turn my life around, this frightening knowledge only made me worse. I flippantly cast aside God’s judgment for two reasons. Firstly, I was in denial about my own selfish and sinful ways. Secondly, my self-destructive attitude was summed up in an old saying: “I may as well be hanged for stealing a sheep, rather than a lamb." Defiance and rebellion against God fed my despair. Since God was going to punish me anyway, I might as well just sin as much as I could.

            Thankfully, Jesus saved me from myself, as well as from God’s wrath. Giving my heart to Jesus was the best decision that I have ever made in my entire life. It did not make me perfect, holy, or sinless, but that personal commitment offered me a hope to hold on to, as well as a Savior who has never let me go. Each day, I depend upon Him to accept, correct, and direct me; each day I need Jesus to both forgive and fortify me. Without His grace, I cannot truly find God. Without Christ’s love, I cannot truly live.

            Perhaps you are worried about your future with God. It may be the case that you’ve been burdened with a personal mistake, or a deep regret, or a secret shame which makes you fearful of God’s final judgment. Whatever it is, know this for a fact: it can be forgiven; it can even be forgotten. All it takes is a simple act of faith, a prayer of sincere confession to Jesus. Talk to Him about it and ask for His pardon. He will forgive you. He will save you. He will always love you.

Questions for personal reflection

What sins am I still carrying from the past? When will I bring them to Jesus and ask Him to forgive me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Only One who can forgive our past mistakes and bless us with an everlasting future. We carry our burdens too long and ask too little of You. Forgive our pride and resentment, pardon our shame and disappointment. Help us to come to You today, praying for mercy and asking for love. 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 ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s drawing is John’s latest digital glass image called ‘Tree of Life.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Tree of Life.

June 30 devotion - Scary Times

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.

June 17 devotional - Hope for the Weary

Isaiah 50:4a    The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.

            We all get weary at times and wonder what life is really about. Some of us are over-worked and under pressure much of the time. Others are over-worried and fighting depression. Some folks are lonely and barely manage to get through each day. Still, others find life hard to endure especially when family, friends, or loved ones are struggling, too.

            Being human means that we will experience good days and bad days, broken dreams and unfulfilled promises, hardships and perhaps even hostility. However, it’s good to know that we are pilgrims passing through this planet, heading towards something else, something bigger, and something better.

            Being human also means that we can appreciate beauty, kindness, love, and peace. We can be inspired by others, encouraged through their words, and comforted with their presence. In the midst of our worries and weariness, good friends and faithful people can make all the difference. The Irish often say that all people need is ‘a kind word and a smile’ – which are great gifts to receive and are wonderful blessings to share.

            When we take the time to read the scriptures, we often find verses and passages that reflect our current experiences. This reminds us that God’s Word is alive and relevant, with the potential to sustain us in times of trouble and encourage us in days of joy.

Questions for personal reflection

How am I feeling today? Am I willing to ask God to guide and sustain me with His Word?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing Your Spirit to be present with us each day. You know everything that we are experiencing; You understand all that we are currently going through. Encourage and sustain us; embrace and remain with 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 send him a message, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is an old drawing of John’s called “A New Earth.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: New.

June 16 devotional - WineMaker

John 2:11      What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. (NIV)

            Even these days, a person who could turn water into wine, would be very popular and handy to invite at any wedding. Despite this, Christ’s first miracle seemed to be unknown to most of the wedding party, in the midst of all the celebrating and carousing at Cana. Only Mary, the mother of Jesus, Christ’s disciples, and a few house servants knew that a miracle had taken place. Everyone else was oblivious to what had occurred; all the other guests had no earthly idea about the heavenly event that had just taken place.

            In the church, we sometimes experience something similar. Miracles of healing, God-answered prayers, gifts of beautiful blessing frequently occur in our congregations, no matter how big or small. People of Christian faith, from many different backgrounds, have actually known of individual miraculous moments in their lives. Sadly, the rest of the world appears to miss out on these special events because folks are too busy, too distracted, too distant, or too unconnected to God to be able to realize, or even recognize, that miracles are taking place in churches all around the globe.

            Each time I come across and re-read the story of the wedding in Cana, Jesus continues to make me smile because I know that He is still in the miracle business, taking empty lives and filling them with His beautiful Spirit. He makes the best out of the worst. He turns critical moments into miraculous events. He changes sinners into servants, as well as making dedicated disciples out of the most desperate and disastrous of people. In other words, He still turns ordinary water into the choicest wine.

Personal questions:             How has Christ wrought changes in me? Where have I seen His miraculous works in my church and community?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, thank You for the miraculous changes that You constantly make throughout the world. Thank You for turning our lives around by allowing us the opportunity of becoming Your servants. Be with us and help us to carry on Your great work of changing the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to make a comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. If you should ever find yourself in Knoxville on a Sunday morning, Erin Church people would be delighted to welcome you to their 11:00AM worship service.

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

June 14 devotional - Daniel & Alexander

Daniel 11:3-4              Then a mighty king will appear, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. After he has appeared, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others. 

250 years before Alexander the Great began his conquest of the mighty Persian Empire, the prophet Daniel spoke about him in a vision. For some people that might just be coincidental, but for most Bible believers, it’s the amazing way that God works throughout history.

People tend to think that history is largely circumstantial, just a random sequence of events that keeps marching on from one generation to another. But if we are Christians and believe that God has actually created Time and Space, then isn’t it more than possible that God grants prophets like Daniel visions, dreams, and clues about what is yet to come? In fact, a large portion of what we read about Christ in the Gospels had already been prophesied and alluded to before He was even born in Bethlehem.

Why does God do this? For two basic reasons:

a)      to show us that He is in control of Time and History;

b)      to prepare His people for what is yet to come.

As we spin across the Milky Way on this third rock from the sun, we may think that we are inconsequential in a universe that is teeming with billions of galaxies, as well as billions upon billions of stars. And yet, when we consider that our beliefs are centered upon the Creator of the Cosmos, who sent His Only Son to die for the people on this paltry planet, we should quickly understand that we are not alone, nor are we unimportant to God. Alexander the Great’s empire may have gone forever and he is turned to dust, but Christ’s Kingdom remains on Earth and we await His prophesied return.

Questions for personal reflection

What historical event or period in history captures my attention? Where do I see the hand of God operating there?

Prayer:            Lord God, You are in control of time and space, as well as history and geography because You created everything. We know of Your existence through the wonderful works of creation that surround us, all over this planet and throughout the entire universe. We thank You for the great gift of Life and we praise You for Your oversight of who we are, what we do, and of what we have yet to experience. Be with us and bless us forever. In Christ’s 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 traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Scottish drawings. It features the Abbot’s House on the grounds of the medieval ruins of Crossraguel Abbey, near Maybole, Scotland. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4121/4750541985_53ed2bfa13_b.jpg

June 11 devotional - Family Blessings

Acts 21:5         But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach, we knelt to pray.

One of the most beautiful and sacred parts of our Sunday worship at Erin takes place at the end of the Family sermon. That’s when our young children sit at the front steps of the sanctuary with their parents or grandparents, or aunts and uncles, all bowing their heads, closing their eyes, and saying a simple prayer. The prayer is led by whoever presented the Family Sermon and everyone repeats the words, phrase by phrase. It’s a wonderful blessing to see each of the families do this; listening to the voices of the youngest children pray out loud, often brings happy tears to my eyes. This is Family ministry at its simplest and best; this is how the Gospel is shared by one generation to another.

In today’s short passage from Acts 21vv1-9, we read about Paul and his companions leaving the city of Tyre. The whole church has gathered at the beach to say farewell – all of the disciples, their wives, and their children. It must have looked like a Sunday School seashore picnic, but it is also a wonderful description of how the Early Church operated. Families worshiped and prayed together; they served the Lord and witnessed as one. It must have been a beautiful scene, even though it was a sad farewell. The church at Tyre was intergenerational, showing to Paul that Christ’s message would endure across the generations represented on the shoreline.

            Churches are meant to be intergenerational – they don’t function well when they just cater to one age range or one eclectic group. The vitality of Christ’s mission depends upon each generation passing on the faith to the next generation. It never stays still and never looks the same, but it always truly connects with Christ across the centuries, throughout the nations, and among our precious families.

Questions for personal reflection

What opportunities for intergenerational sharing takes place at my church? How do these events strengthen the faith of the people?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You speak to people of all ages throughout the entire world. Your Spirit seeks to bless our families with services and events, as well as missions and programs that can be supported and fulfilled by believers of any age. Thank You for the Family ministries among our churches and for their vitality in our congregations. 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 or ask a question about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com. John reads every email and learns much from your comments.

Today’s image is one of my latest Mackintosh rose drawings. It’s called “Celtic Roses.” If you would like to view a larger version,  please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9002967262_20aa571af4_b.jpg

June 10 devotional - Canceling Debts

Colossians 2:13b-14   God forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 

            In the political world, the National Debt becomes an important issue at every general election. Candidates from all the parties usually talk about how they will reduce the financial burden that is placed upon every taxpayer in their countries. Whoever comes up with the best solution normally becomes the poll favorite to win the office of leadership. However, when they gain that position, they soon discover that dealing with the National Debt is not as easy as they hoped. Current policies and other politicians usually get in the way of solving the problem. The debt becomes greater and is often left to the next leader or generation to find the right answers. The sad fact of the matter is this: politicians all over the world are not very willing to sacrifice their popularity by imposing stringent economic solutions – the art of national debt procrastination abounds all over the world.

            We are all under a similar debt when it comes to dealing with our sins. Each time we sin, we rob God of His glory and owe Him an apology. Every day, our sinful debts keep piling up so, at the end of our lives, we will be so indebted to God that we will never be able to face Him and pay back all of the divine glory that we have stolen and squandered. However, God has provided the solution to canceling our debt to Him. His Son Jesus has paid that sinful debt in full at the Cross of Calvary. We do not carry over our sinful debt into the next part of our lives when we accept Christ as our Savior-Redeemer. He has paid it all and, in doing so, has given us the opportunity to be fully and eternally restored to God.

            In the midst of any important election cycle with all of its complications, personalities, and issues, let’s also constantly remind ourselves of Who really is the Leader of our lives, the Canceller of our debts, and the Savior of our souls.

Questions for personal reflection

How do my sins alienate me from God and make me indebted to Him? Why do I need Jesus to save me from my sins by canceling my debt to God?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You were nailed to the Cross to cancel the debt due for the sins of humanity. Our sins are countless, so we owe everything to You. Remind us of the cost of our eternal restoration and freedom. 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 contact him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Good Friday drawings called ‘Sin Bearer.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Sin Bearer.

June 8 devotion - Global Gospel

Today’s Bible readings can be found at these links: Isaiah 47:1-9 and Colossians 1:21-29.

Colossians 1:28          Christ is the one we proclaim, cautioning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

            The Church exists to serve Christ and to let the world know about Him. We are meant to be servant-story tellers, who proclaim the words, works, and ways of Jesus through what we say and do. For almost two thousand years Christians have traveled all over the world to bring the Gospel to other people. Many wonderful miracles and effective missions have taken place over the centuries, causing billions of people to give their lives to Christ.

            We live in amazing times because we now don’t have to send anyone anywhere. Our technology carries the Gospel to people in other places, lands, and cultures. It’s a fantastic way of communicating Christ’s love to other folks. For instance, I send this message via Facebook to other Christians across the globe who are connected to the World Council of Churches. Each week, I receive messages, comments, and emails from folks in Africa, Asia, and South America. It’s wonderful to be part of a worldwide community of faith; it’s beautiful to see how God’s word inspires other folks.

            So the challenge for all of us today is this: how am I going to proclaim Christ to other people? How will I use the amazing technology at my disposal to spread the Gospel?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we live in wonderful times. We can communicate instantly with other people in other nations across this entire planet. We pray that You will give us opportunities to spread Your Gospel using our devices in effective, compassionate, and loving ways. In Your Holy Name, we serve and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to share this message. You may also send John feedback via email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

May 27 devotion - Forgetting the Past

Isaiah 43:18     “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

            Living in the past is a sure fire way to spoil the present and sabotage the future. As human beings, we are both blessed and cursed with powerful memories. Some of them are really good and cause us to be cheerfully nostalgic. Other remembrances are very painful and can sometimes be unhealthy.

            Letting go of the past is something that God calls us to do. It’s not easy to accomplish, but neither is lumbering a lot of baggage which weighs us down emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.

            God urges us to forget former things and not dwell on the past. His Son Jesus died painfully on the Cross, but God does not dwell on that terrible moment. Instead, He looks forward to the brightness of an eternal future where we will abide in His Kingdom and enjoy His everlasting love. This is why God wants us to let go of the past – so that we can look ahead to our future with Jesus.

Questions for reflection

What am I still carrying as a burden from the past? Am I willing to let it go and allow God to grant me a better present, as well as a brighter future?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are our Savior; please save us from ourselves. Release us from the past and guide us to a hopeful future. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to share this email with family & friends.

Today’s image is one of John’s Creation drawings called “Let There be Light.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Creation.

Wise Ways - Proverbs 9:7-8

Proverbs 9:7-8 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. (NIV)

We live in a dark age where brazen people publicly mock others and unabashed folks hurl abuse at anyone who crosses them. It’s been going on for a long time, but in recent years the emergence of social media like Facebook and Twitter has spawned massive amounts of intolerance, ignorance, and hatred on a scale that we’ve never seen before. Millions of people are being misled into thinking that to be strong and successful, they have to be strident and forceful. They follow the shameless example of their heroes, celebrities, sports stars, and leaders. Sadly, even faithful Christians and good church folks fall under the influence of such charmers, charlatans, and dubious characters. Instead of filtering our ideas and beliefs through Christ, we end up allying ourselves to false ideals and idolize the loudest insulters in our society.

As Christians, we are called to follow Christ and embrace His wisdom in our lives. If we are no different – which is what the word ‘holy’ means - from the rest of the world, then we have failed to be true disciples. If we jeer at our opposites and cheer when our ‘heroes’ kick them as they’re down, then we’ve forgotten who Jesus is and what He fully expects of us. His teachings of ‘turning the other cheek’ and ‘loving our enemies’ are not pious metaphors; they are spiritual commandments which are meant to differentiate us from manipulators and mobs, fearmongers and falsehoods.

In today’s highlighted verse from the Book of Proverbs, we are given great guidance and wisdom which we can actually embrace and practice in our lives. If we hate being criticized for mocking others then we are the saddest fools in Christendom; however, if we humbly receive godly rebukes, then we display spiritual maturity and great wisdom, making us effective witnesses to Christ’s forgiveness, grace, and love.

Point to ponder

Am I guilty of following celebrities and crowds instead of Christ? Am I willing to receive His critical teaching and apply His gracious ways to others?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive our arrogance, especially when it blocks or blinds us to Your merciful ways and loving teaching. Rid us of our self-deceit and open our eyes to Your understanding. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come 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 new Holy Week drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: HolyWeek.

Two Points - Luke 20:1-2

Luke 20:1-2 One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2 and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” (NRSV)

I like today’s passage from the Gospel because it reveals to us the respect that Jesus had for the Jewish faith He grew up in. That may seem strange because He experiences a fierce confrontation with the religious authorities, but if we focus on the conflict and ponder over the parable Christ tells, we miss the first couple of points that Luke makes in his description of this event.

You see Jesus was teaching in the Temple. He was at the very center of His Jewish faith and He chose to teach the people and pilgrims, bystanders and passers-by there. In other words, Christ embraced the idea of a structured religious center where people could assemble to worship God, say their prayers, and bring their gifts. If Jesus was totally against any of that, He would never have taught there. Instead, He teaches us the importance of religious places as being centers of discipleship and worship, wisdom and knowledge for spiritual people.

The second point is that He preached the good news – the gospel – inside the temple courts, too. If this was a sacred and holy house where God’s presence resided, then what better place to preach about God’s grace and love, mercy and forgiveness? Christ could have rejected all of this and taken His ministry back into the hills where He came from, but instead, He treats the temple – after clearing out the money-changers – as a place of blessing, teaching, and faith; a spiritual oasis for weary pilgrims and a house of learning for seekers.

All over the world, people still gather in churches to praise God, say their prayers, and bring their gifts. The churches are also learning centers for the Christian faith we now embrace. In other words, we follow in Christ’s footsteps by being part of a religious process that He initiated – to be among His people in a sacred house of God – teaching the truth and preaching the Gospel.

Point to ponder

How is Christ’s ministry continued in the church I attend?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You teach the Gospel through Your words and deeds. You show us how to respect and revere God. You also offer us grace and mercy, hope and love. Encourage us to be with Your people and receive the blessings of Your teaching in the sacred places called church. In Your Holy Name, we humbly 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 new Holy Week drawings called ‘Passion.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Passion.

Just Ask - Luke 11:9-10

Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (NIV)

            When I was twelve years old, my mother took a nervous breakdown in front of me. We were sitting in the living room and she just started going crazy, throwing things around her, breaking ornaments and other stuff, cursing loudly and shouting swear words that I had never heard her use before. It was a traumatic event for my youngest brother and me, who were the only two witnesses. It was also the beginning of decades of mental illness that saw her in and out of locked hospital wards for many months each year.

            My Dad, as well as my siblings, did not know what to do. It felt shameful to us and we worried about catching the same thing. We didn’t ask for help and we didn’t share it with anyone outside of our extended family and most trustworthy of neighbors. We individually carried our burdens within our own hearts and minds, didn’t talk much about it, and just sought to survive the whole experience.

            When I look back on those tragic events now, I wish we had asked for help, good counsel, and guidance. We were so fiercely independent and stubbornly proud which caused us to become locked in the past and unable to truly cope with my mom’s illness. In my case, I ended up as an alcoholic and only survived an overdose because of the quick intervention of dear friends. I now believe that if our family had all been properly counseled and learned to trust skilled professionals, my life, as well as those of my siblings, would have been addiction-free.

            I think this is why Jesus tells His followers to ask God for help. We tend to use today’s highlighted verses as a positive opportunity to get what we want. However, I now think it’s much more than that: Jesus is telling us to ask God for what we really need: help, healing, and direction. Christ is saying to us that God can unlock the door to our future health and happiness, just by asking for help. It’s a wonderful promise which can become a channel of deep and profound blessing in our lives.

            Wherever you are today and whatever you are going through, please don’t carry your burdens alone. In my opinion and experience, churches are safe places full of good people with compassionate hearts and professional skills that can make a great difference in the healing of our lives. All we have to do is simply ask for what help we truly need.

Points to ponder

What issues am I currently facing? What burdens am I still carrying? Am I willing to ask Christ for help? Am I ready to ask someone I can trust for support and guidance?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, too often we think that we are strong, don’t need help, and can deal with our own issues. Enable us to stop disabling ourselves by reaching out to others who can offer us patience and help, understanding and compassion. In Your Holy Name, we humbly 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 psalm drawings based on a verse from Psalm 138. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this Link: Psalm 138.

The Answer - Luke 1:76-78a

Luke 1:76-78a And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of God. (RSV)

            I’ve tried to be a Christian for forty-two years. When I first gave my heart to the Lord as a teenager, I thought that everything would get easier and my faith would grow stronger. As the decades have sped by, I realize that being a Christian is a daily struggle between doing what is right rather than what I want. Each day, I can choose to justify my sinful mistakes and selfish choices, or I can decide to repent of my wrong deeds and foolish notions. I wrestle with my conscience and fight with God, usually when I let my doubts and fears overshadow my faith and weaken my connection to Christ. Instead of enjoying my salvation, I allow my insecurities to rob me of my relationship with God; rather than experience the assurance of His love, I permit my worries to pick away at my Christian beliefs. So, each day, I need someone to guide me back to God; I look for a path to restore my peace of mind and salvation.

            As I read today’s Gospel passage about the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80), I quickly realized that the answer to my struggle is plainly written there. When Zechariah prophesies about his newborn son, he says that John will become a herald of the Messiah by proclaiming a message of salvation to his people, ‘in the forgiveness of their sins through the tender mercies of God.’ In other words, John’s people will be restored to God’s favor and love through the gift of grace, which we now know was manifested in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

            So, what does this mean? Will our spiritual struggles end? Will things become easier for people of faith? I think the answer during our lifetime will depend on how much we really believe in grace. The true power of forgiveness does not lie in the fact that our mistakes are pardoned, but in the ultimate reality that our connection to God is eternally restored. With forgiveness, we can move on from the chains of our sinful past, enjoy what life has to offer in this present time, and look forward to the everlasting love of God in the future. And that, my friends, is salvation in a nutshell which we can experience both now and forevermore.

Point to ponder

What am I looking for in my life? How can salvation from God bring that to me?

Prayer: Lord God, You fully understand our human frailties, fears, and failures. We often make mistakes and carry a lot of regrets. Encourage us to come to You for the gifts of forgiveness and grace. Restore us to Your peace and love through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come 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 Communion drawings called “Mungo’s Mission.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Mungo.

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.