Daily Devotions: A Real Promise - Genesis 8:22

Genesis 8:22   (God said) “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

I am not a scientist so I have to trust what the environmentalists tell me about what’s happening to the planet. I also don’t fully understand what global warming may or may not be, so I have to depend upon them to let me know the truth. If they have a political agenda or an ecological philosophy to push, no matter what the facts present, I wouldn’t know because I am no expert in their fields. It’s all a matter of trust and faith, good will and wise conclusions.

I’m a theologian and a biblical scholar, so when I read in Genesis that God says everything will be okay on this planet so long as the Earth endures, then I trust that His promises are true. Throughout my life, I have never known of God breaking His Word, so I can readily accept that thousands of years ago, when He stated that the agricultural and weather cycles on Earth would persist, as long as the Earth endures, then it will always be the case. I realize, however, that these cycles will only continue so long as the Earth herself is sustained. If we destroy the planet by abusing the environment then those cycles, upon which all life on Earth depends, will be absolutely ruined. In other words, we don’t have to worry about God bringing the world to an end – we can manage that tragedy all on our own.

Question for personal reflection

­How can I faithfully serve God through cherishing the Earth and protecting its environment?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the King of all Creation and we best serve You when we look after others and the world that we live in. Help us to recycle our faith through sharing it with others, as well as combining our resources with other Christians to renew and value the Earth. 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 one of John’s latest digital glass drawings. It’s called “The Bright Morning Star.” If you would like to view a larger version, click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6997700470_2e5fe82c6e_b.jpg

Daily devotions: Two by Two? - Genesis 7: 2-3

Genesis 7:2-3              Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and also seven of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.

‘The animals went into the ark, two by two; the elephant, giraffe, and kangaroo’ was part of a children’s song that I used to sing in Sunday school. I loved to do the actions and sounds of all the animals and could even picture them in my mind walking onto the ark in perfect pairs. Two of every kind of animal that ever existed – except that it wasn’t two at all – for some ‘clean’ animals it was fourteen in all, especially sheep and cattle. Fourteen birds of every kind were also included. ‘Two by two’ might sound great as a rhyme to the word kangaroo, but ‘seven by two’ doesn’t really fit in the song or as a picture in my mind’s eye.

This is a good example of a popular misconception of the Bible. We’ve become so used to singing ‘two by two’ and seeing pictures, drawings, cartoons, as well as movies depicting this image that we take it for granted and believe it to be correct. If we don’t read the Bible accurately, then we accept the popular misconception. If we don’t take time to study God’s Book, then we will take short cuts and believe what is currently acceptable.

This is why Gospel preachers are presently struggling with society. There are a lot of popular misconceptions and even some serious deceptions going on in Church World. If people take the Bible for granted, they’ll end up believing in anything and make up their own ideas about Jesus and God. Usually those ideas will be shaped around their own lifestyle choices. It’s far easier to live with a popular misconception than it is to live according to an unpopular biblical truth. It’s far simpler to make up ideas about God and think everything will be okay rather than actually reading His Word and accepting the robust challenges of the Gospel. ‘Two by two’ and ‘kangaroo’ are far easier to rhyme for children than ‘seven by two’ or fourteen, but when we become adults can we honestly continue to accept popular misconceptions about our faith?

Questions for personal reflection

What is the actual source of my Christian beliefs? Have I succumbed to popular misconceptions or surrendered to God’s True Word?

Prayer:             Lord Jesus, Your words are Gospel and God’s Word is Truth. Somehow we’ve managed to stop regularly reading the Bible and, in doing so, have diluted and even ‘dumbed down’ the standards of our Faith. Forgive us for such arrogance, ignorance, and foolishness. Help us to humbly turn to You as the source of all that is true as revealed through the Holy Words of the Gospel. In Your Sacred 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 John’s latest lectionary drawing called “True Vine.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7140981637_f1a12a5d31_b.jpg

Sunday devotions: Hired Hands or Higher Hand? John 10:11-18

Today's Lectionary Reading: John 10:11-18

John 10:12     The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 

I read a very sad statistic this morning and it has bothered me since that time. According to a 2008 survey of a mainstream denomination, 54% of pastors did not believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. That was four years ago, so I now suspect that the number will be about 57 - 60% of pastors.

Why is this happening? Any business that employed sales people who did not fully believe in the product would soon go under. Any sports team that did not have players who believed in the coach would keep on losing. And any church that has a pastor who does not believe Christ is the World’s only Savior is doomed to fail because congregations, with shepherds who believe in nothing, always end up believing in anything.

I am fortunate to lead a congregation of folks who try to put Christ at the center of their lives. They know Who He is and all that He has done for them. They understand that they have faults and sins like everyone else on Earth, but they also believe that the grace of Christ saves them from being eternally separated from God. If I didn’t believe 100% in Christ being the Good Shepherd who calls everyone to His flock in order to be forgiven and restored to God through Him alone, then I would create havoc with their beliefs, confuse the minds of the congregation, and eventually scatter the sheep. I would only be a hired hand and not influenced at all by a Higher Hand.

Any business that employs sales people who do not fully believe in the product is doomed to fail. Any branch of Christendom that ordains pastors who do not fully believe in Christ being the Only Savior of the World is destined to diminish and, sadly, eventually die.

Hired hands or the Higher Hand – which leads the church we serve?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we play around in our minds with notions, ideas, and opinions that are self-serving, self-fabricated, and self-centered. You died for those sins and, deep within our hearts, we know that only You have the key to unlock Heaven’s Door. Forgive us for failing to believe in You and for allowing the world to distract and deceive us. Help us today to fully accept that You are the Good Shepherd and that when we listen to Your voice, we find salvation. 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 John’s latest Pentecost drawing. It’s a stained glass design called “Pentecost Paraklesis.” If you would like to view a larger version of the image, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6978306792_200832531b_b.jpg

Super Bowl devotions: Down to the Wire - Isaiah 46:4

Isaiah 46:4      Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

It was one of the best Super Bowls that I have ever seen in my life. The game could have gone to either team. The New York Giants and the New England Patriots played fiercely against each other until the very last second. It was a nail biting finish and I enjoyed every second of it. If those two teams played every Sunday night for a year, I would continue to watch them because neither side gave in. American football was the grand winner last night and I can’t wait for next season to begin!

The tenacity that both teams displayed last night is a quality that God shows to His people time after time. He will always be there for His chosen people. He will always sustain and carry them. His covenant will never be broken by God. His faithfulness will endure to the end of Time.

As Christians, we have been given that blessing from God through Jesus Christ. He came to save the world by dying on the Cross. He kept faithful with God right down to the last breath of His life. He remained loyal to God’s plan even when God’s people were disloyal to Him.

Perhaps you are feeling vulnerable, weak, isolated or anxious. Maybe you’re going through a tough time, a family crisis, or some problems at work. It could be that you’ve been strong for too long and need to let God be God in your life. He has the strength to sustain you. He has the power to carry you. Just let God do what God does best.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we carry crosses of our own making and bear burdens that we have built. Remind us today of how much God loves us and how strong He can be for us. Enable us to lay down our burdens and allow ourselves to be carried by Your grace. 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 one of John’s latest winter drawings. It’s called “Northern Lights” and features the beautiful colors of the Aurora Borealis. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6773836733_67954361dc_b.jpg

John has also just published his fourth devotional e-book called “Kindle Your Faith.” It contains 40 daily devotions for the upcoming season of Lent, as well as 40 of his art images. You can view and sample a part of the book at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/7ooct66

Christian Halftime devotions: I AM - Isaiah 45:5-6

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 45:1-7 and Matthew 23:1-12

Isaiah 45:5-6  I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. 

How clear does God have to be? What more does He have to say that will convince the world that He is God alone? How long will we go on thinking to ourselves that this does not matter?

The scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, are consistently clear about God’s exclusiveness. If we believe otherwise, then from where did we garner that belief? Certainly not the scriptures.

Maybe we have to seriously think about our world view and personal philosophies again. Maybe we’ve got it wrong and God, as always, has it right.

Prayer:                        Lord God, You are almighty, unique, and exceptional. There are no other gods. Give us the courage to surrender our hearts and minds in faith to You alone, instead of giving in to the ways of the world. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently 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 John’s latest winter drawing of the beautiful Northern Lights. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6773836733_67954361dc_b.jpg

Superbowl Halftime Devotion: Glorious Things - Isaiah 40:6

Today’s Bible readings are: Isaiah 40:6-11 and Matthew 19:1-12

Isaiah 40:6      A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.”

 Yesterday, I spent the afternoon and evening watching the NFL playoffs. I usually don’t get to see much football in the year, but when the playoffs take place, I try to clear my calendar to watch the games. I like the playoffs because there is a sense of urgency during the games and any one mistake or unexpected play can quickly lead to an intense battle between the teams. Competition is fierce and the level of skill required to win is top notch. Luck sometimes plays a role in the outcome, but usually a team wins because of their focus, commitment, and strength on the field of play.

As I watched the games yesterday, I tried to remember who won last year’s Superbowl. I couldn’t recall the teams involved, so I had to look it up on the internet. It made me realize that Superbowl victory and glory is just a thing of the past. It may be a remarkable achievement when it occurs, but eventually it just becomes another game and set of numbers that will largely be forgotten by the majority of sports fans.

Isaiah’s message reminds us of the same transience of humanity. We may live long and accomplish a lot, but eventually our achievements, glory, and lives will fade away into eternity. We are all like the flowers of the field which blossom for a season and then are gone. Even Jesus picked up on this message when He spoke to His own people six hundred years later: “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:27-28)

Jesus was telling His people and us, not to get anxious or focused on worldly things. God provides for our lives and through Jesus, He has also provided for our eternal salvation. We may just be like the flowers of the field on Earth, but we are also the everlasting heirs of God’s Kingdom in Heaven. Jesus has achieved that victory on the Cross at Calvary. His supreme sacrifice will never fade away or be discarded to the history books. His glory is unending and His accomplishment will be praised for evermore.

Question for reflection: What glorious things has Christ accomplished for me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of Humanity, the King of the World, and the Lord of all Creation. You have accomplished the everlasting salvation of our souls through Your perfect life and complete obedience to God. We will praise you forever and serve You cheerfully throughout all of Eternity. 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 John’s latest digital glass design for a church window. It’s called “Spirit of Peace.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6648678701_338eba88b2_b.jpg

Devotions: Pat Summitt - A Courageous Lady - Ecclesiastes 12:1

Ecclesiastes 12:1         Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"

Like everyone else in Knoxville, Tennessee, I was shocked yesterday to learn the sad news that our Lady Vols basketball coach has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Pat Summitt is a remarkable woman and an exceptionally talented coach. She has risen up from humble beginnings and is one of the most successful leaders in American College Sports. She is a fierce competitor and a magnificent teacher. Tennessee fans adore her and this news has rocked us all.

But Pat Summitt is a courageous person. Yesterday she went on television to broadcast the news to her fans everywhere, in order to personally tell them of her disease. As always, she did this with great dignity and resolve, letting her supporters, players, and team coaches know that she is determined to continue leading the basketball team, while fighting the disease that is progressing within her. In Pat’s words, she intends to do this “as long as the Good Lord is willing.”

I have no doubt that Pat Summitt will prevail. I am also certain that she will become an important spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association. If ever a person was destined to become a national advocate to seek a cure for this devastating disease, Pat Summit is truly the one.  

Every true Tennessean and sports fan across the United States supports Pat in her new battle. And our prayers go with her in the hope that the Good Lord will extend her life and diminish this disease.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we pray for families everywhere who are experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s in their homes and among their loved ones. We ask that You will surround them with supportive and compassionate friends. We pray also for Pat Summitt and thank You for her bravery and tenacity. Grant her the strength that she needs to continue leading her team and give her many opportunities to advocate on behalf of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pat Summitt’s video announcing the news can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DsXfInhkF8

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 drawing is John’s Knoxville picture called “Sunsphere City.” It features the world famous Sunsphere which is situated in the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5095209018_cf3f00de0f_b.jpg

Christian Devotions: Cartoon Capers - Proverbs 28:19

Proverbs 28:19           He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Years ago, I used to watch a show called “My World and Welcome to It,” starring William Windom, one of my favorite American actors. Windom played a cartoonist called John Monroe and the storylines of each show were crafted around short stories written by American humorist and cartoonist James Thurber. In fact, it was James Thurber’s cartoons that peaked my interest in drawing.

In the show, John Monroe often resorted to fantasy and created cartoons in his head to deal with the issues and problems that he was facing. It was a fascinating way to bring solutions to his family’s difficulties and everything was usually neatly resolved by the end of the 30-minute show. It was pure escapism and moralistic entertainment, but it was only comedic drama and could not be counted upon as a real way of dealing with personal problems.

The gift of imagination that God has given us can be a blessing or a curse. We can fantasize about being successful, rich, and famous; we can even draw on paper or make cartoons in our heads about experiencing health, wealth, and power, but unless we do something about achieving those goals, they are just mere fantasies and unfulfilled dreams that disappear into thin air.

This week, we are all given a new opportunity to do something better with our lives and to make something beautiful for God. The potential is there and the dreams are in our hearts, but do we have the resolve to follow through and fulfill them? As Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers once said: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”

So the challenge for us today is this: will we work for our dreams or just fantasize? The free-will choice belongs to us alone.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You fully know what our life’s potential actually is. There are things that You would have us accomplish this week for Your Kingdom. Help us to focus upon what we need to do to fulfill our dreams and to complete the tasks of faith that You constantly set before 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. Please feel free to share this devotion with your own family and friends.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s latest depictions of the Space Shuttle, which launches for the last time this week. The drawing is called “Reach for the Stars,” and is John’s artistic homage to the NASA program. 8x10 inch signed prints are available. Contact John by email if you are interested. You can view a larger version of the drawing at the following link: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5235/5883222966_d5585b0e03_b.jpg

Daily Devotions: Ministry of Parties - Proverbs 22:9

Proverbs 22:9    A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. 

We have a Fellowship team at our church which has sometimes jovially been called the “Ministry of Parties” because of all the social events that the team organizes. To some people, it may appear that way, but I know the work of the people involved. They don’t organize parties – they strengthen the church through caring for others.

Many of the ministries that the Fellowship team fulfills are immensely beneficial to the whole congregation, but one that constantly impresses me is when the team provides food and support for those of our church or community who are grieving, ill, or going through hard times. The care that is expressed through calls, cards, and meals is a wonderful example of generous giving and gracious living. The love that is outpoured to those in need is something that the recipients never forget. It’s truly being the Church in the world and is one of the best ways to witness to Christ.

Perhaps there are people in your church or neighborhood, at work or school, who need a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a hand-written card, or a simple meal. Look for the opportunities that God sends your way to be generous with your food, your fellowship, and your faith. If you respond positively, it will make a tremendous difference in your own life, as well as in the lives of others.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You came into the world to heal the broken, comfort the lost, and support the weak. Each week, You grant us opportunities to apply our faith in generous ways that will help those in need. Grant us the courage to fulfill those moments of potential blessing with our faith, gifts, and support. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully 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 John’s latest Appalachian drawing. It’s of the famous Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church which is situated in the Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click the following link:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5784883406_f850e09961_b.jpg

John also has a limited number of signed & matted prints available of this scene. If you are interested in purchasing one, contact John at traqair@aol.com for details.

Free Daily Devotions: Against the Tide - Zephaniah 3 v 16

Zephaniah 3:16                 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

I felt sorry for the Texas Longhorn quarterback last night. Five plays into the game, he was injured and had to be benched. He saw his team battle bravely from the sidelines, but the Alabama players were just too much for them. Without their leader, the Longhorns were no match for their Crimson Tide opponents. The whole team didn’t play well at all because their potential for success was diminished when McCoy was injured.

Today’s passage from Zephaniah is about restoring God’s people after many years of exile, oppression, and defeat. The prophet has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to lift up the hearts of the people and cheer them with good news about being rescued by God. Instead of being afraid and letting their hands hang limply by their sides, Zephaniah is encouraging his people to reclaim their hopes and lift up their arms in praise of God’s power and presence in the community. Instead of being hopeless, God’s people become hopeful. Rather than languishing in fear, they are being led back to their faith in God.

At the start of each New Year, we all have hopes and dreams mixed with some fears and worries. The promises of restoration and salvation are given to us so that we may rejoice in God’s grace and be assured of His care. We are not isolated or alone, forgotten or abandoned. God is still in our midst, battling for His people and bringing them back to Christ, His Holy Son.

So let’s raise our arms and voices to praise our God. Let’s fill our hearts with faith to overcome our fears and allow Jesus to joyfully lead us through another year of faith, hope, and love.

Prayer:                 Lord Jesus, You are our Leader and Savior, our Sovereign and Guide. Throughout our days, You are willing to show us God’s work in the world. You are the One who inspires our dreams and empowers us to fulfill our lives in meaningful and abundant ways. Thank You for Your words. Thank You for Your guidance. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

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

4 Minute Devotions: Band Aids

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

The current economic situation gives us a wonderful opportunity, as Christians, to show our support to those who have greatest needs. We have a faith that not only gives us comfort in times of despair, but it also grants us the confidence not to be enslaved by our worries, anxieties, or fears. If Christians are insecure about life, then what is the point of our faith?

Last night, when I was watching the College Football Game for a while, I marveled at the Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. It wasn’t his playing that captivated me, but the fact that below his eyes he had placed two black band aids which read John 3:16. To the whole watching audience, Tim Tebow was using the broadcasted game to tell others that he was a Christian.

To some people, this might have looked like a piece of religious arrogance, but to me it reflected Christian confidence. He was going out to battle for his team and whether he lost or won, he was using the opportunity to let others know about his faith.

During this time of recession, a lot of people are going to have their confidence down-sized and their resources diminished. That’s when the church can step in to offer the opportunity of faith, compassion, and care. It’s a perfect time to witness for the Lord. It’s the right occasion to show others what God can do.

So today, let’s think about our families and friends, neighbors and colleagues who are going through tough times. And let’s also have the confidence to step up to the mark and offer them the friendship, understanding, and support that they need.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, these are tough days for all of us and many people are fearful about their future. Help us, as Your servants, to show them how faith works through good deeds, acts of compassion, and complete confidence in You, Your power, and Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

4 Minute Devotions: A Loving Handful

John 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.

I’m the eldest son in my family and in Scotland that means I would have been given the responsibility of looking after my father’s estate. But because I live in America, that wasn’t possible, and so my Dad entrusted it all to my brother Andy.

Andy did a terrific job with what was entrusted to his care. He saw to all the funeral arrangements, the bills that had to be paid, and all of the hundreds of loose ends that had to be tied up. In fact, Andy did a better job of it than I ever could, and my Dad would have been proud of how he handled everything.

Even to this day, Andy looks after the royalties that are still paid on my Dad’s books. Every year, Andy receives them from the publishers and he carefully distributes them to all of the family. In this way, he honors my dad and does what it fair.

I love the fact that God placed everything into Christ’s hands. He knew that Jesus would fulfill His obligations and complete the task of salvation. God had made promises to His people for thousands of years, and when at last He placed them into Christ’s hands, God was giving Jesus the responsibility of keeping God’s Word. It was an awesome thing to do and we are blessed because Jesus did what was required of Him.

Christ honored God by perfectly accomplishing His mission. And we are the benefactors of that complete trust and obedience. If Jesus had wavered one little bit from His task, we would never have been forgiven by God. If He had left one single thing undone, we could never be restored to God’s goodness, perfection, and holy love. God placed everything in Christ’s hands because He loved Him. And Christ returned that love because He completed all that He was told to do.

Christ’s continues that mission by placing into our hands opportunities, responsibilities, and tasks that both honor God and expand His Kingdom. He does this because He loves us. The question for us today is this: are we willing to return that love by completing all that He entrusts to us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for completing all that God expected of You when He placed everything into Your hands. We are truly grateful for all that You did, for Your accomplishments have brought us eternal blessings. Empower and enable us to fulfill all that You call us to undertake for God’s Kingdom and His glory. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

4 Minute Devotions: Pace Yourself

We are all at the starting line of 2009, ready to begin a New Year. How will we pace ourselves for what we will encounter?

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

One winter, when I was in High School, I became a member of the Cross Country team. It was much harder than I anticipated. I usually practiced long distance races on the level playing fields at the school and easily outran my peers. For some reason, I could last longer running around the track about fifteen or twenty times.

My coach had taught me how to pace myself by breathing well and maintaining a regular rhythmic pace around the track. So long as I worked on those two things, I kept winning the long distance races at our school.

But cross country running was entirely different. I had high expectations for myself and when I joined other runners from Glasgow in a country park for a three mile race, I thought I would easily finish in the top ten. As soon as the starter fired the gun, I set off at my usual pace and then I encountered something that upset my breathing and rhythm: hills and valleys all across the park.

I was so used to running on a level track that it never crossed my mind to prepare for a different kind of track. Going down hill, my legs went faster than expected and broke my rhythm. I struggled to pound up the hills and it affected my breathing. About halfway around the course, I was totally winded and had to stop. Some of my school team mates, whom I had consistently beaten on the level track, galloped past me. By the time the race was over, I had come in 125th! So much for my own high expectations.

We all stand at the starting line of a New Year, anxiously waiting to see how it will turn out. We all have high expectations and make many resolutions to ensure that we will accomplish our goals and fulfill our ambitions. We expect a level track, but there will be hills and valleys, crests and troughs, highs and lows along the way. That’s when our perseverance, faith, and hope in the Lord will be crucial to our successes and failures.

This year, let’s take and make time to put Christ at the center of our lives and to give God the glory for all that we achieve. Let’s not take our blessings for granted; rather let us accept them humbly and apply them meaningfully in ways that will both honor and please the Lord.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we know that You are our Savior and Teacher; we ask that You become our Leader and Guide throughout 2009. No matter what we face or encounter, keep us safe in Your hands, and enable us to accomplish much in our homes, at our work, and through our churches, to the glory of God. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.