Short devotion - How Long?

Short devotion – How Long?

Psalm 4:2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? (NIV)

            The great sadness that I carry in my heart these days is seeing people that I thought I once knew, who are being deceived and deluded by intolerance and arrogance. They have transferred their faith from God’s glory and placed it into the hands of unscrupulous, powerful people. They have genuflected before the altars of ignorance and prejudice, believing in human idols who are glorified and worshiped like demi-gods, whose wickedness and crimes are whitewashed and set aside, excused and even embraced. I used to feel sorry for those among my friends who have been led astray. I now sadly realize that their true selves have been revealed.

            The Bible continually warns us of being led astray by false gods. The story of Israel is a history of God’s people constantly forgetting their Creator and Deliverer by turning to corrupt leaders and wicked kings who promised to make them great again. The story of Christ is similar, especially when His people blasphemously cry out “We have no king but Caesar!” They do this in order to kill Jesus to get rid of His woke ministry and allow the political powers to crucify Him.

            The same is true for the New Testament Church which faced fierce opposition and persecution because it dared to place its allegiance not in an emperor, military banner, or symbol of power, but in a meek carpenter who died for the entire world of sinners, outcastes, and aliens. True humility was cherished more than tarnished honor; grace and mercy were embraced more than greed and malice.

            We also live in such times and, sadly, like in the past, those who follow false gods will not admit their idolatry or change their misguided ways. However, as always, the remnant of those who truly believe in Christ’s compassion and love will eventually triumph. The truth will not be defeated and the glory that is due to God alone will not be shamed.

Point to ponder: Am I guilty of following a false god?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, challenge our churlish behavior and childish ways. Preserve us from accepting bullies who only serve themselves. Keep us living lives of love and compassion in these days of deception and hate. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Marginalized Ministry

Luke 14:13-14 “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (NIV)

            When I first met Brian Merritt, I knew that I liked him. Theologically, we were poles apart and had traveled different routes in Presbyterian ministry. I was a typical church pastor who had spent much of my career looking after congregations, preaching the Word of God, and trying to care for church members. Brian was out there on the streets of New York, protesting against injustice and being a burr under the saddle to both church and community. Despite our differences, however, we were both passionate about ministry and Christ’s mission to the world. It was that similarity which sealed our friendship.

            Brian started a mission in Chattanooga called ‘Mercy Junction,’ which ministers to people on the margins of society. It’s not your typical church mission either. It involves a lot of risks, especially with people who have been broken or damaged by the mainstream church. The St. Andrews Center in Chattanooga, where a federation of inter-faith groups connect and meet, is where Mercy Junction resides. The Center has become a sanctuary for the homeless, a place of safety for marginalized people, a feeding place for the hungry, and even a shelter for abandoned dogs. Its mission goes where most churches drawback and retreat from; its focus is Christ inspired and humane.

            This kind of ministry depletes the energy of its leaders very often. Brian and the other leaders have constantly emptied themselves through giving to, advocating for, and supporting the powerless. The area of Chattanooga where they minister does not have a lot of resources; quite recently, the last grocery store in the area closed leaving local people with the hardship of traveling further for everyday needs, food, and other items. The Mercy Junction leaders set up a food distribution bank and are politically advocating the city for more help. All of this requires time, energy, and resources leaving the Center stretched almost beyond its own capabilities.

            This week the Center has been through a lot of turmoil due to a major disturbance caused by a couple of misguided people. The Center has had to close until the situation can be rectified. This is very distressing for Brian and the rest of the leadership because it means that vulnerable people are being turned away with only a little help. You can read about the situation from this press report: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2017/may/18/church-leaders-occupy-mercy-junction-forcing/428716/

            Ministering to the marginalized is never easy, otherwise, all churches and congregations would do it. Mercy Junction is in need of prayer, as well as resources to keep it open because this sort of negative publicity diminishes the mission and depletes the means by which the Center can be sustained. So, please be in prayer for Brian Merritt, Beth Foster, and the other leaders at Mercy Junction. If you can also give an online gift to help, then please do so at this link: http://www.mercyjunction.org/

            As I wrote above, Brian and I are poles apart theologically and as different ministerially as chalk from cheese, but I admire his courage, dedication, and passion for the marginalized and powerless, which is why I personally support his work and mission, for even though I may not often understand it, I believe it is a part of Christ’s crucial work in that city.

Point to ponder

Who are the marginalized in our community? How can our churches reach out and help them?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You were often accused of being in bad company and feasting with sinners. Your ministry was disturbing and radical to the leaders in Your own community. Help us not to be afraid of our differences, but to look beyond them, in order to see the lonely, broken, powerless, and marginalized who need our understanding and embrace. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church’s website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

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

Bible devotion: From Afar - Psalm 138:6

Psalm 138:6    Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar.

            Every day, I look at my Facebook page. Because most of my family live 3000 miles away in Scotland, it’s about the only regular contact I have with them. I like to read their comments and see what they are doing. I like to share a few jokes with them and look at their photos. I’ve not seen my family in person for over 11 years, so Facebook gives me the ideal opportunity to interact with them from afar.

            In today’s psalm reading, we are told that God kindly watches us from afar. He is really interested in who we are, what we do, and wherever we are situated. Even though God is in the highest halls of divine holiness, He is still focused on what is happening in the lowest levels of human lives. We are His created people; He is our wonderful God.

            So wherever we find ourselves today and whatever we set out to do, let’s be assured that God is always with us, and that the presence of Jesus Christ our Savior abides with us each day through the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit in our lowly lives.

Questions for discussion

What am I hoping to accomplish this day? How will I know that God is with me?

Prayer:            Ever present and Almighty God, thank You for being lovingly interested in our personal lives. Thank You for Your constant watching of what we do, where we go, and whatever we complete. Continue to be with us and bless us with the presence of Your Son Jesus throughout our lives. In His Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s bulletin cover images for churches called ‘Bread of Life.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Life.

Ministry devotion: A Tale of Two People - James 5:13

James 5:13     Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

            Yesterday morning, I was supposed to attend our quarterly Presbytery meeting which was being held at our beautiful John Knox Center. It’s always a delightful place to visit because of the wonderful scenery which surrounds the campground. However, God had other plans.

            As I was driving down the Interstate, I saw two people walking along the shoulder. Both of them were wilting under the tremendous heat of the sun. I thought that one of them was a woman and she seemed to be carrying all of her belongings in a rag bundle. After passing them, because I was in a hurry to get to Presbytery, I couldn't get the image out of my mind.

            I took the next exit and doubled back. By this time, they had stopped walking and were sitting on the metal railing in the shade. I eventually came around their way again and stopped the car on the shoulder beside them. They were relieved that someone had actually stopped.

            They hadn't eaten anything hot in two days. They were both unwashed, sunburned, and suffering from exhaustion. They had been on the road for four days and still had another six days journey ahead of them. They were heading to Arkansas but hoped to reach Nashville that day, whereas I was heading to the camp just a couple of miles up the road. As my exit came up, I decided to take them to get them breakfast and then drive them to Nashville.

            After they had eaten, I told them to go to sleep in the back of the car if they needed it. Within minutes, they were sleeping like babies. Nashville was almost a three hour drive and they slept all of the way until we reached the outskirts of the city. We stopped for coffee and lunch. I then took them to one of the biggest churches in the city, which has a large benevolence ministry. I knew that they would be well looked after. Today, they may be on a Greyhound bus traveling home. It my fervent hope and prayer that they get home quickly and safely to be with their families.

            As I drove back to Knoxville, I wondered if it had been a wasted day. I could have spent it at the Center enjoying the scenery and getting involved with a few theological tussles that us ministers like to provoke and participate in. And then I remembered the smiles on their faces when I stopped the car, as well as the laughter that we shared over lunch.

The day was not wasted; it was totally blessed.

Questions for personal reflection

What are my plans for today? Am I willing to let God’s plans change those of my own?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us in Church World to become part of the Real World. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Emmaus Window.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/13905769187_8b7a246e57_b.jpg