July 28 devotion - History's Mysteries

Exodus 37:9 The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the cover of the Ark. (NIV)

            Like most people, I never really gave much thought to the Ark of the Covenant until I saw the movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” which starred Harrison Ford in the lead role of Indiana Jones. The excitement of that film captivated me completely and so each time I come across the descriptions of how the Ark was made, I can’t help but think about the fables concerning the holy artifact. I know that most of them are non-Biblical and more science fiction fantasy than sacred scripture story, but the history of the Ark – how it was made, where it was carried, and how it disappeared – still intrigues me to this day.

            The artist in me also resonates with the beautiful imagery and craftsmanship that Bezalel used to create and construct the Ark. His skills must have been amazing and the Hebrew people would surely have been proud of what he made. Out of all the lost artifacts of ancient civilizations, Bezalel’s Ark is the one that I would most like to see. I hope when we all get to Heaven, there will surely be some sort of Hall of Fame Museum where all of those ancient items like the Ark of the Covenant, Aaron’s Rod, and the original stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, can be seen forever.

            I like the fact that the Bible has yet some mysteries which cannot be found or factualized. It means that faith is still necessary for us to become connected to God and His continuing work of salvation. I also prefer that God has all the answers which means that we are continually learning new things about His words, ways, and works. This is what attracts me to the scriptures and my faith; this is what unites me to Christ’s Spirit.

Point to ponder

What mysteries in the Bible still intrigue me? What have I newly learned about God recently?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we don’t know everything, but we believe You do. Draw us closer to You through the stories in the Bible and with Your sacred teaching. Bless us this day with Your Holy Presence. In Your sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to send join an email, write to him at Traqair@aol.com. John enjoys reading your feedback 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Bible drawings. It’s called “And God Said.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Creation.

June 28 devotional - As Free People

1 Peter 2:16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. (NIV)

            Freedom is a wonderful gift which should be cherished, encouraged, and protected by people everywhere. All over the world, there are regions and nations where liberty is denied and justice is callously set aside. For freedom to be truly experienced, equality and dignity have to be made available and shared with everyone, even with those whom we disagree. Freedom does not work if people cannot express their views, opinions, or ideas. We may not agree with what people think or say, but if we choose to forcefully silence dissent or stridently suppress the opposition, then we are no longer free; instead, we are held captive to our choices and enslaved by our own prejudices.

            When the apostle Peter was writing to the newly formed Christian churches, he wanted them to personally experience the freedom that Christ had obtained for humanity through His crucifixion. They were set free from the eternal consequences of their sins, so they could now live as a free people – freed from fear and liberated from guilt – whose response to this great grace from God should have been to love and forgive one another. However, as Peter rightly cautioned those believers, they were also not to abuse their deliverance from damnation as a means of covering up evil. God had pardoned them through Jesus, but this did not mean they were now free to do what they liked or to justify their sins. It meant that they should respond by serving God faithfully, doing what He wanted, and sharing this great privilege of being forgiven.

            As we approach a great day of liberty – the 4^th of July – let’s cherish our freedom by sharing our Christian faith in the best ways that we can: accepting and forgiving one another, as well as listening to and loving each other, especially with those whom we disagree.

Point to ponder

How can I celebrate my faith and cherish freedom at the same time?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You commanded us to love God and one another. To truly practice this, we will have to overcome our loathing and despising of those whom we strongly oppose. Help us to embrace and be changed by Your commands. 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 comment or ask questions about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

Signing Off - Philippians 4:22

Philippians 4:22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (NIV)

            Throughout my time as a pastor, I have known some political leaders who were also very fine Christians. Their dedication to the local community and the people of the region that they represented was a great witness to both their faith and loyalty to God, as well as to their own folks. They did not seek to be esteemed or powerful; they only wanted to serve and build up the community. They were honorable people and dedicated Christians, so I felt privileged and thankful for what they did and accomplished. Their witness to Christ and their service to the locals was both a blessing from God and a great gift to the community. They proved that both politics and religion can be mixed successfully.

            As the apostle Paul signs off on his letter to the Philippian church, he inserts something that would have been a surprise to the congregation. He passes on the greetings of those who belong to Caesar’s household. This was remarkable because it showed that Christianity had actually penetrated Caesar’s inner circle and close family. Who these people were, we do not know, but they would have been powerful and influential because of their close proximity to the Emperor himself. It was a foreshadowing of what would eventually happen hundreds of years later when Christianity would be sanctioned by Constantine as the official religion of the whole Roman Empire. From those tiny seeds of faith that were planted within Caesar’s household in Paul’s time, Christ’s Spirit grew until it overcame Rome and spread throughout our entire planet.

            I think the lesson that Paul teaches us here is this: political leaders do not have to ditch their faith in order to be effective. In fact, what this says to me, is that Christianity can positively influence powerful people, politicians, and local representatives to make their communities better places for opportunity and service, strength and growth.

Point to ponder

Who are the local leaders in my community? Am I willing to pray for them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray for those people who represent us locally, regionally, and nationally. We ask that Your Spirit guides their thoughts and decisions to make our communities better places of opportunity, harmony, and unity. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings. You will be made most welcome!

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

Oct 26 devotion - Sword Fight - John 18:11

John 18:11     Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

I used to fence with swords when I was a teenager. My friend Graeme and I somehow managed to purchase two foils in a second-hand shop. I think we originally bought them for a play we were doing, but we got so hooked on the swords that we started to fence outside in my backyard.

It was good fun, but we didn’t have any masks or protective clothing, so it was pretty painful at times. The foils were tipped, but if they scraped across our open skin, it left a scar for days. We even worked out a staged fight and used it to entertain the local kids.

And then one day, Graeme lunged at me and hit me in the face. He hit the corner of my right eye, which left a nasty red mark across my face. If he had hit me a quarter of an inch to the left, I would have lost the eye. It was a very painful and poignant moment. That night we put the swords away and decided to take up jujitsu instead.

In the Garden of Gethsemane when Christ was being arrested, Peter just wanted to protect Jesus when he lunged at Malchus with his sword. Out of all the disciples, he was the only one who defended Christ. It was an impetuous and impossible thing to do. The high priest’s posse had arrived with clubs and swords, so no matter what Peter did, Jesus would still be arrested.

Strangely enough, Jesus didn’t rebuke the posse. Instead, He rebuked Peter, which must have seemed harsh at the time. It’s only later that you realize Jesus was protecting Peter from being arrested, too. By insisting that Christ had to drink the cup of wrath from God alone, Jesus was giving Peter a way out. He was diverting the mob’s attention away from the big impulsive sword-wielding disciple and turning it back toward Himself. It was an act of grace. It was a gift of mercy from God.

Sometimes, as Christians, we get all fired up and are full of zeal for the Lord. We want to protect Him from all of the discredit and damage that the world still wants to cause Jesus, but in the process, we act irrationally and put ourselves in danger. We seem to forget that Christ alone has the power to make all things right and that one glorious day, His justice will prevail.

Point to ponder

When have I acted impulsively in an effort to defend Christ? How would Jesus have responded?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we love You and we want to please You. Forgive us when our zeal blinds our reason and our strident ways diminish our faith. Grant us the godly gift of discernment, to know when and how to say and do the right things, as opposed to doing them at the wrong time, in an un-Christian way. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make a comment about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Bible devotion - Herod's Fate - Acts 12:22-23

Acts 12:22-23 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

            It was a dreadful end to a wicked leader. One moment, Herod Antipas was being lauded as a god by his supporters for a rousing speech, the next he was dying from a painful parasite which was taken to be a punishment from God. He who once was mighty and powerful was debased and diminished because of his vanity and pride. Instead of being hailed as the kingly champion of the people, Herod is remembered as an amoral schemer whose downfall was brought about by his own narcissistic tendencies and delusions of grandeur.

            This all took place at the same time when the fledgling Christian church was beginning to grow substantially. Herod’s influence was waning whereas that of Christ and His followers were increasing rapidly. The bold Galilean, whom Herod interviewed and sent to His death, would now be praised and lauded for centuries to come. Antipas, however, would remain in the past – along with all of his achievements, buildings, and decisions.

            Good leadership is a gift from God and those who are in positions of power – whether in our congregations or communities – should acknowledge God’s presence in their endeavors, accomplishments, and success. To claim those things as self-made is to rob God of His glory, something which Herod Antipas learned way too late.

Point to ponder

What leadership responsibilities have I been given? Do I thank God enough for any of my successes?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us to remember that everything belongs to God, especially our own victories and successes, achievements and accomplishments.  Keep us mindful of the many blessings that You grant in order for us to fulfill our dreams. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you have any questions or comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

You can also read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

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

October 20 - Finding the Light - Matthew 4:16

Matthew 4:16   “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

When I first became a minister, I worked for a while in an ophthalmic ward as its part-time chaplain. All the patients in it were recovering from eye surgery. Some of them needed implants, some suffered from glaucoma, and still others had been involved in car accidents which meant that the surgeons had to patiently pick out small fragments of glass and metal from their eyes. Most of the time, the surgeries were successful. Some patients had to undergo several different operations before their eye ailments were cured. Sadly, a small number of people each year remained blind. Dealing with those patients was amongst the saddest pastoral experiences I ever had.

For the rest of the patients, recovery took several days. They were gradually brought into the light so that their eyes would not be permanently damaged by the sudden brightness of daylight. I can remember that large wooden shutters were placed over each window in the ward. The merest ray of sunshine, if prematurely exposed to the patients, could ruin their eyes forever.

The best experiences in the ward were those great days when a patient was wheeled out into the courtyard in full sunlight. Their joy was ecstatic and tears of gladness were often shed by the patients, nurses, as well their families. It was indeed a fulfilling of the old Biblical prophecy – “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

Spiritual darkness occurs in the hearts and souls of many people in the world today. Sometimes they’ve allowed fear, disbelief, and distance from God to take them back into the shadows of doubt and despair. Sometimes painful events, grief, and illnesses cause people to retreat within them, cutting themselves off from God’s love and His people. Whatever the causes or the circumstances, as a pastor I have seen the light of Christ heal, restore, and reclaim people like them for God’s Kingdom, in words and ways that cause them to rejoice in the Lord and delight in His glory.

Perhaps you are currently undergoing some pain, hardship, or trouble. Maybe you feel vulnerable, isolated, and alone. Dark clouds may have almost overwhelmed your soul and you may feel depressed. Know this: Christ has the capacity to bring you back into the light. Allow Him to do what He is best at accomplishing – restoring lives and returning people to God’s Love. All you need to do is ask Him to do this for you, even now as you are reading this message.

Point to ponder

When I have experienced dark times in my life? How can Christ’s light heal me of those moments?

Prayer:                       Lord Jesus, You know the struggles we are all experiencing and the issues that over-shadow our lives. In the midst of all the darkness that we feel, bring to each of us Your Everlasting Light. Encourage and embrace us; empower and enable us to follow Your Path. In Your Holy Name, we sincerely 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. You can also read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s picture is one of John’s seasonal drawings called “Halloween Jack.” If you would like to view a larger version of this drawing, click on the following link: Jack.

Guilt and Grace - Acts 10

Acts 10:43 Peter concluded, “All the prophets testify about Jesus that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

            Guilt is something that a lot of us struggle with on a regular basis. As we go through life, we carry a lot of baggage, some of which include regrets from the past. This might be something wrong in our teenage years, an old family conflict, a foolish and embarrassing choice, or even a mistake that affected our relationships or careers. Whatever the case, our guilt is usually about something that remains unresolved and unforgiven.

            From its very beginnings, the message of Christianity has always included the gift of forgiveness, which Jesus offers to us in His name. He can do this because God allows Christ to claim us as His own. This means we can be both pardoned and restored to God at the same time. All of the baggage that we carry from past mistakes can be personally removed when we trust Jesus. We also don’t have to go through religious acts of penance or make major sacrifices to appease God. We only have to embrace Christ and rely on Him to keep His word.

            Perhaps there is still something in your life that constantly casts a shadow over you. Maybe there is an unhealed memory that haunts you or a deep regret that weighs you down emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Please know that you can bring those things to Christ in prayer, express to Him your sorrow, and ask Him to forgive you in His name. As soon as you do this, God will forgive you, Christ will release you, and the Holy Spirit will help you to start again.

Point to ponder

What is my greatest regret? Am I willing to let Jesus forgive and heal me of this burden?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You know all that we carry in our hearts and play over again in our minds. You are aware of the burdens of guilt that we carry and the sources of sorrow in our lives. Please help us to quietly come to You to ask for mercy and grace. Hear us now as we humbly pray in Your Holy Name. 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 John an email to Traqair@aol.com. You can also read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s digital glass drawings called ‘Time to Pray.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Pray.

An Inconvenient Truth - Acts 9:16

Acts 9:16 “I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

            After his Damascus Road experience, things would never be the same for Saul of Tarsus – nor would they ever be easy, according to Christ’s words. Saul was being called to bring the message of the Gospel, which he initially hated, to the very people he was meant to be striving against. Groups on both sides of the Christian persecution now had no reason to trust him. To the Syrians Christians, Saul would be considered as a tremendous risk for the fledgling faith; to his religious overseers in Jerusalem, he would be known as an unholy traitor who betrayed his own faith and dishonored God. And even though Saul was put in this situation against his own will, Christ would not fully protect him from the many years of suffering that would come. His calling was not just to spread the Gospel, but to suffer the consequences that came along with it.

            As post-modern Christians, we tend to avoid suffering for our faith as much as possible. We want laws to protect our beliefs and advance our causes. We want other people to follow our moral codes to prove that we are right and they are wrong. We want our faith to be individually shaped and personally convenient. We want God to operate within our timetables and according to our goals. We disown anything about our faith that interferes with our desires and we embrace everything that makes us feel good about ourselves, no matter if it conflicts with Christ’s teaching. If Christ were to meet us on our own Damascus Road, we would probably put up with our own blindness rather than have Jesus change everything about us. As for suffering for our faith? – that belongs to the saints in the past or fanatics in the present.

            It seems that being nice to one another is more important than being honest with Christ. To be secure is better than suffering; to be comfortable is way much better than being called. Perhaps we should re-read the New Testament passage again (Acts 9:1-22) and then honestly ask ourselves this question:

Am I willing to let Christ call me, even though He will change everything?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, sometimes we are scared to give You our hearts and open our lives to Your calling. We don’t want things to change and we would rather turn away from suffering. Help us to approach You honestly so that we may serve You faithfully and do what You want for the rest of our lives. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. You can also read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Christmas drawings called “Mary Had a Baby.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Mary.

Times of Refreshing - Acts 3:19-20a

Acts 3:19-20a  Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (NRSV)

            We have all been emotionally impacted by the tragic events that have occurred over the past few weeks. Hurricanes and floods, mass murder and terrorism, and even the deaths of music icons like Tom Petty, have severely dented the well-being and joy of our spirits. As we wake up each day, we all wonder what sort of world we will encounter and what new crisis may be just around the corner. It seems that life has lost some of its sparkle and that we are all living in some sort of global Shakespearean tragedy from which there is no escape or happy ending.

            God doesn’t want us to feel pain or unhappiness, to be depressed by events beyond our control or fearful of what could happen. He wants us to turn away from the darkness and despair in the world in order to be welcomed into His light and love, so that our weary souls may be refreshed and our sorrowful spirits may be uplifted. Because God cares for who we are and what we experience, His presence is with us every day, no matter what occurs, where we are, or what we do. In times like these, it’s very easy to withdraw from the world and isolate ourselves, but God does not want us to emotionally hibernate from all the people, places, and things around us. We were created by Him to enjoy what He has made and to be reassured that we are not on our own.

            Perhaps you are feeling down and discouraged. Maybe you are anxious about the future and don’t understand why bad things happen. Perhaps you are really tired and in a rut simply because you are carrying burdens or responsibilities that are heavy to bear. I’ve been there, too, and know how easy it is to slide back into despondency. But I’ve also known the refreshing experience of turning to God like a child to be comforted and consoled by His love, compassion, and care. I hope and pray that you will seek these blessings, too.

Point to ponder

What scares and saddens me about the world? Am I willing to turn to God for guidance, hope, and strength?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You personally suffered a great tragedy and terrifying pain. You perfectly understand how we feel when we are faced with sorrowful circumstances and emotional despair. Allow Your Spirit to come to us when we turn back to You. Refresh our weary spirits and renew our personal faith. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.  You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to send John a message about today’s devotional, please email him at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Mackintosh style drawings called ‘The Love of Roses.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Roses.

Wonder Woman - Ruth 4:10

Ruth 4:10  I have also taken Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, to maintain the dead man’s name on his inheritance, in order that the name of the dead may not be cut off from his kindred and from the gate of his native place; today you are witnesses.” (NIV)

            It has been strongly suggested that the Book of Ruth was written in response to the xenophobia (fear of foreigners) that is exhibited in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, especially in the end chapters of those books where foreign Moabite women are cast off by their Jewish husbands in order to ‘purify’ the Jewish community. That unjustifiable expulsion is one of the reasons why I dislike both Ezra and Nehemiah, and very rarely preach from those Old Testament passages.

In some church circles, Ezra and Nehemiah are lauded as magnificent leaders and teachers who restored the broken Jewish community by rebuilding the Promised Land after returning from exile. Their words are often used as a rallying cry for getting people back to basics, but I find their actions questionable, especially when used against the innocent foreign women and children who were ousted from their families in a puritanical purge to make Judah great again.

            The Book of Ruth, when it was written, boldly reminded the restored Jewish community that one of their greatest leaders, King David, was a direct descendant of a foreign Moabite woman called Ruth. The lesson was clearly made: foreigners need not be feared and God can use outsiders to fulfill His work of salvation. In this case, Ruth the Moabite had a great-grandson, David, who was destined to become one of the most admired leaders and greatest king of the Jewish people.

            In these turbulent times when xenophobia is increasing across the world in many nations, as well as our own, the Book of Ruth can be a vehicle for reconciliation and restoration. Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi and her devotion to God teach us that we can find goodness, loyalty, and compassion in the hearts and lives of those who come from other lands. In fact, when we really stop to think about it, the Bible is a foreign book, full of foreign people, customs, and history which we have embraced and translated into English, not to make us or our way of life great, but to humbly accept God’s Word and give Him the glory for the great things He has done in foreign places, with foreign people, using foreign ways.

Point to ponder

Where do I see God working in the world? Why does He still use foreigners?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You lived, worked, and died in a foreign place. You spoke no English and followed foreign customs. You started Your life as a refugee and ended up being executed as a criminal. If You walked among us today, we would not notice You because You would be a peasant, a poor worker, and a foreigner. Help us to understand how profound those things are and how much they should affect our worldview. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

A Dog's Tale - Ruth 1:20

Ruth 1:20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.” (NIV)

            Two years ago, my wife and I brought a newcomer into our home. She was called Mara and she was only seven years old. Mara was a puppy-mill mama who had been kept in a cage for most of her life with other Shiatzu dogs. She had been badly abused and had been inhumanely treated to make money for the puppy-mill breeders. Mara had produced two litters of puppies a year and her body was covered in scars where the breeders sectioned her to ensure that the puppies were ready for special holidays like Christmas or Easter. Her life was very bitter indeed, so her name suited her because Mara means bitterness in Hebrew.

            We rescued Mara, but refused to call her by that bitter name. She is now known as Addie – short for Adorable – and we are blessed with her company and friendship. When she first came to our home, we had to keep her leash on because she ran away from us and hid in different corners of the house. She was scared and the only place that she felt safe was in the cage that we had. She would rest her head against the bars, touching them for security because that is all that she knew.

            These days, Addie is a wee loving and sociable dog who has become our best friend. She sits beside us on the sofa as we watch television and plays with her toys. Every now and then, she prefers her own company and wanders into her cage. I guess she’ll never be cured of the trauma she experienced, however, as the years go by, I know her life is becoming much sweeter.

            In today’s Bible passage (Ruth 1:1-22), we come across Naomi, whose Hebrew name means ‘sweetness.’ Sadly, she has undergone several painful tragedies with the loss of her husband and sons; she no longer considers herself to be ‘Naomi,’ but insists on being called ‘Mara’ because the bitterness in her life is hard to bear. She feels let down by God and believes that her life has been ruined. However, as the story of Ruth progresses, her sweetness will one day return through the grace of God.

            Perhaps you’re having a hard time right now. Maybe you’re experiencing some pain or tragedy that has left you with broken dreams and a bunch of bitterness. It could be you feel forsaken by God and bereft of any joy. Those moments can be very difficult to carry and endure, but even in the midst of painful circumstances that we all experieince, God is usually quietly, simply, and effectively carrying us.

Point to ponder

What is hurting me currently? Am I willing to ask God to help me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You know the pain of being human and understand the suffering that we all experience in our lives. Help us to endure the hurt and overcome any fear or bitterness that overshadow us. In Your Gracious Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you have any questions or comments about today’s message, please feel free to send John an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is of Addie 😊

We Have No King - John 19:15

John 19:15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. (NIV)

            It was the ultimate act of betrayal. The chief priests in Jerusalem were the highest officers and leaders in the Jewish community. They represented centuries of their faith and all of the people. They were meant to be living examples of how to serve God and follow Him faithfully. They were supposed to be the upholders of the Law of Moses and all of their religious traditions. But in one hate-filled answer, they betrayed all that was dear to them and denied God’s authority over them.

            What was this act of betrayal? The answer that they gave to Pilate: “We have no king but Caesar.” God was their King and He was their Sovereign. The whole of Jewish history was built upon having no other god or ruler before God. Sure, there had been kings in the past who tried to rule the people as God’s chosen servants, but there was always a struggle between being ruled by God and governed by local kings. In the Book of Judges, the great warrior Gideon refused to be made king with these words: ‘I will not rule over you…the LORD rules over you.’ (Judges 8:22-23).

            When the chief priests said to Pilate that only Caesar was their king, they were betraying all of their beliefs in God and trading them in for a foreign despot to rule over them. Their hatred for Jesus was so intense that they were willing to displace God with a Roman Emperor. It was a scandalous act of betrayal and one which doomed Jerusalem. Forty years after this event, the Roman Emperor crushed the priests in Jerusalem and destroyed most of the great city. Allying their faith with a tyrant brought this upon themselves; putting their faith in a political figurehead created a situation where eventually their religion and nation lost God’s protection and wrought calamity on themselves.

            As Christians, we are supposed to remind ourselves each day that Jesus is our Savior, Lord, and King. Our allegiance belongs to Him and we are meant to serve His ways by applying His teaching in our daily lives. His words and ways are specifically meant to overrule any notions or ideas that go against God’s Will. Christ is our only King on Earth and in Heaven. If we displace Him with any other being, then just as the chief priests sadly did long ago, we betray Him.

Point to ponder

How often do I let Jesus shape my ideas, opinions, and choices? Am I guilty of rejecting Him in order to follow other people and other ways?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are our King and there is no other power or person who can take Your place. We call ourselves Christians, but we can only prove this to be true by how we embrace and apply Your words. Keep us from displacing Your authority and help us to truly serve You. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to send John a question or a message, please email him at Traqair@aol.com.

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

True Love - John 16:27

John 16:27    No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (NIV)

            We live in a world where many people believe that God loves everyone, therefore, we can do whatever we want and God won’t mind. Sadly, it’s the biggest misconception that good folk have, and may even be a questionable idea which promotes a teaching of false assurance. It’s very easy to embrace this impression because none of us are comfortable with the notion that some folks are not loved by God. Even as a pastor, I struggle with this one but when I see the consequences of a carefree, casual approach to faith – moral anarchy, self-indulgence, and narcissism -  I question the veracity of such a popular misconstrued philosophy.

            As usual, when I get perplexed about this, I look to the Gospels and try to focus on what Christ actually taught, as opposed to common misunderstandings of what He said and did. In today’s passage (John 16:16-33), I am intrigued by Christ’s remark that God solely loves the disciples simply because they love and believe in Jesus. As a parent, I can understand this – whenever I see my daughters in the company of good and reliable friends, I love those friends dearly for loving my daughters. I think God, as Christ’s Father, felt the same way about the disciples who truly loved, believed, and supported Jesus. This, in turn, causes me to ponder on the whole idea: does God truly love us when we faithfully love and believe His Son?

            If this is the case – and remember, it comes from Christ’s lips – then doesn’t the Church do a disservice to Jesus, as well as to the world, when we dilute the faith by presenting it as a vehicle for being nice to others rather than being true to God? As I see congregations dwindling in mainline Christianity, it makes me wonder if our one-god-fits-all message has lulled us into a false sense of security and sadly doomed many people, including our own loved ones, into being separated from God forever for not truly loving and believing in His Son.

Point to ponder

Who do I truly believe that Jesus is? Is this what God expects me to believe?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your words often challenge us and Your ways confront our choices. Open up our hearts and minds to Your Gospel. Help us to read Your life story and teachings carefully, so that we may live our lives by loving You faithfully. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to communicate with John, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s psalm drawings based on Psalm 149. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm149.

Short reflection - Happy Endings - John 11:25-26

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (NIV)

            Most of the stories that I read or heard as a child ended up with this unforgettable line: ‘And they all lived happily together.’ No matter how scary the wicked witch was in ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ or how terrifying the Giant was in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk,’ or how cruel the villain was in ‘Aladdin,’ everything turned out well and the heroes of the story ended up being blessed and happy. I guess that because most of those stories were told to me at bedtime, it was far better to go to sleep on a blissful note than to have nightmares about the villains. We all like good stories and prefer those that have happy endings, even if they are all contrived just to make us feel secure.

            Throughout my sixty years on Earth, I have watched folks go about their lives expecting a happy ending. I guess they figure that God will somehow work that out for them, granting them a blissful everlasting life no matter who they are, what they believe, or what they’ve done. Jesus has taken care of everything, so there’s no need to worship or serve Him; all we need is to acknowledge that Christ will do it for us, no questions asked. If only it was as simple as that – we could close our churches forever, stop printing the Bible, and put a halt to praying. After all, if Jesus understands how busy we are, how wise we have become, and how important we’ve made ourselves, He will give us a happy ending. We can get on with life and Christ will be there at its conclusion as our personal Caretaker, Assistant, and Guide into the next life.

            I wonder if it really is that simple, and if so, then why was Christ crucified? I wonder if eternal bliss is waiting for us somewhere beyond the rainbow just because we want a happy ending? In my heart, I may want to believe this, but I feel as though it would just be wishful thinking. If Jesus is the Resurrection and Life that we truly want, doesn’t actually obtaining it involve some sort of allegiance to Him?

            There’s much more to Christianity than just thinking happy thoughts and taking Jesus for granted. Wishing for a happy ending is not the same as truly hoping for eternal life. At some critical point in our lives, we need to connect the dots between Christ and us – without that full and final connection, we’re just whistling in the dark and deluding ourselves.

Point to ponder

Am I truly connected to Christ? Am I ready to receive everlasting life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep us from deceiving ourselves that everything will turn out okay just because we want it to be that way. Help us to reflect on our commitment to You and enable us to serve You faithfully throughout all that is left in our lives. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to ask questions or make a comment about today’s devotional, please send John an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

Christian devotion - Fake News - John 8:45

John 8:45 Jesus said, “Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me!” (NIV)

            Personally, I’m tired of the over-used term “Fake news,” because it’s being employed by all types of folks to close down any dialogue or discussion of different opinions. I see it on Facebook, news reports, and newspaper articles all of the time, especially in the comment sections. I thought it was just an American thing, but sadly, I’ve come across it in the Scottish and British newspapers that I read online from time to time. It seems that everybody has their own personal truths about every situation under the sun, and nobody has any time or notion to honestly discuss contrasting viewpoints, ideas, or beliefs.

            ‘Fake news,’ however, isn’t new. In the Gospel passage John 8:38-59, Jesus confronts His opponents by rebuking them for not accepting the truth He was expressing about God. Instead of accepting Him as a genuine source of God’s grace through the miracles and lessons that Christ displayed, some people opted to believe what they wanted to believe, and wouldn’t let Jesus convince them otherwise. I get the feeling that Christ was frustrated by some of them, not because they opposed Him, but because they were missing out on a wonderful opportunity to be embraced by God in a new and encouraging way.

            As Christians, we are expected both by God and the world to be truthful followers of Jesus. We have been given the Gospels to enable us to share God’s gracious blessings with all kinds of folks. If we mix our faith with the trappings of so-called ‘fake news’ or pass on false stories, then our credibility as a religious people is diminished and our reliability as witnesses to Christ is undermined. In other words, we have a responsibility to not only seek the truth but to express and share it with the rest of the world. Our allegiance belongs to God and our devotion as disciples of Christ is owed solely to Him. If we let anything or anyone else get in the way, we become ‘fake news’ messengers, instead of followers of Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Point to ponder

Am I dismissive of other views? Am I willing to listen to contrasting ideas and opinions? Do I accept Christ as the source of Truth?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we live in turbulent times and often seek security in thoughts and people that reflect our own ideas, opinions, and beliefs. Sometimes, we displace You with those very same things. Forgive our fallen and prejudicial ways. Help us to seek Your guidance and truth for our lives. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you have any questions or feedback for John, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

Turning Point - John 6:63-64

John 6:63-64 (Jesus said) “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” (NIV)

            It was a turning point in Christ’s ministry. For a while, many people followed Him because they expected Jesus to fulfill their own longings for their nation, people, and personal lives. Christ’s mission, however, was about fulfilling what God wanted, which ultimately meant some people would turn their backs on Jesus because He would not do what they expected. But Christ was adamant about what He was sent to do: His ministry had grown beyond their parochial expectations; Jesus had come to bring salvation to the entire world and not the restoration of an exalted Jewish State.

            Even today, some Christian people balk at Christ’s words: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” In a society that is obsessed with our physical well-being to the exclusion of our spiritual growth, what Jesus said is still difficult to accept. We spend so much of our earthly time and resources trying to keep our bodies healthy and pure that we tend to forget two things: a) we are not physically immortal and b) our spirits are eternal.

            Now I don’t think that Jesus would condemn us for looking after our earthly bodies – healthy eating and regular exercise are good for all of us – but I do think He would expect us to focus just as much on the health and well-being of our spirits as we do on our bodies. In the end, it’s not how we physically appear that is going to be important when we come face to face with God; it’s how well our spirits are connected to Him through Jesus that is going to be eternally important.

            So, perhaps next time that we look at starting a new diet plan or an exercise regime, we should also set aside the same amount of time, energy, and effort to going to church, reading the Bible, and praying daily to God. After all, as Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.”

Point to ponder

Am I as focused on holiness as I am on healthiness?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, encourage us to look after our spirits and grow in faith. Enable us to accept each day as an opportunity to grow closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also send John an email to Traqair@aol.com with your feedback, questions, and comments.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained-glass drawings called “As a Dove.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Dove.

Like One of Us - John 4:6

John 4:6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. (NIV)

            Every now and then, we come across verses in the Gospels that reveal this simple truth: Jesus was not superhuman. In today’s verse, we read that Jesus was tired from the journey. He had walked many miles with His disciples to reach this part of Samaria and needed to rest for a while. The noon day sun was beating down on Him and the disciples had left Him on His own. As usual, they were hungry and had gone looking for food, instead of finding a way to get Jesus some water to refresh Him. Jesus was weak and weary which lets us know just how human He actually was.

            His rescuer is a Samaritan woman of ill-repute and the whole event becomes an opportunity of changing her life, as well as for some people in the local community. It’s a remarkable story of salvation and has been eloquently preached about for centuries, but we should always be aware that it begins with Jesus at one of His weakest moments – He is exhausted and thirsty.

            Perhaps this story is also part of a prophetic journey. At the end of His life, Christ will be exhausted after walking through the streets of Jerusalem carrying His Cross. His disciples will have abandoned Him again and when He is nailed down, His thirst will be unquenchable. It will also be a moment of salvation, this time for the whole world. His would-be rescuers – His mother and other women – will not be able to do anything for Him. His exhaustion will be extremely painful and His thirst will rage on till He dies, proving once again that Jesus was not superhuman.

            For us, knowing how human Jesus was, can give us hope, especially during times of weakness, low-energy, and exhaustion. It means that Christ truly understands our circumstances for He has also faced similar experiences. If He was superhuman, our problems and burdens would be alien to Him. However, because Jesus was truly a human being, He knows exactly what suffering, pain, and discomfort involve, so we can confidently pray to Him for help, guidance, and support, in any and every situation we face.

Point to ponder

What am I currently enduring? How can Christ help me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, God wisely sent You to Earth to become like us in order to experience human frailty and weakness, infirmity and pain. You embraced our human condition completely so that You could redeem us fully. Thank You for Your empathy; thank You for Your sacrifice. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You may also send John an email with questions or feedback to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Psalm drawings, based on Psalm 17. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm17.

Stone Monuments - John 1:17

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (NIV)

            Sometimes I wonder why other Christians get so upset over the placing of the Ten Commandments in public places. I know that those ten sacred laws are important to our faith tradition and have helped many people lead good lives throughout the centuries. However, the Gospels often remind us – as in today’s verse – that the legalism of the Old Testament was replaced with the compassion of Jesus and that we are meant to be living monuments of Christ’s grace and truth. Setting up a stone monument is an easy thing to do and may make us feel proud about how we witnessed for God, but being living monuments and witnessing with Christ’s mercy and love are much harder, more complicated, and very difficult to practice.

            Grace gets me through each day, especially when I’ve said or done something wrong. It makes me think critically about myself and what sort of witness I’m displaying to others. My faith is a living embodiment of who Christ is wherever I go – I’m not stuck in the ground, gathering weeds, or fading away like a stone monument. I’m a Christian human being who tries to love God, my neighbor, and even my enemies. A rock cannot do any of that, but a dedicated person can.

            So today, let’s all try to witness effectively, faithfully, compassionately, and lovingly to the people we encounter in our homes, neighborhood, and community. Because, just like ourselves, there are a lot of people around us who need the grace of God and the truth of Christ’s love in their lives.

Point to ponder

How do I display my faith in Jesus? Who is He asking me to help today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing us the grace of God and showing us the truth about life. Help us to see Your work in our community and follow a path that allows us to be living monuments of our faith. 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 website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also email John with your feedback to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Communion banner drawings called ‘Bread & Wine.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Communion.

More Than Enough - Exodus 36:5

Exodus 36:5 And they said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” (NIV)

            It was a beautiful act of community generosity and a wonderful witness of God’s people. Moses must have been very pleased with the response that his people gave to the request for money and materials to build the Holy Tabernacle. As a leader, Moses would have been gratified at how cheerfully the people gave and how effectively their resources could be used. And as a man of faith, Moses must have felt proud that his people honored God in this respectful and generous way. In fact, the people gave so much, that Moses had to send out a special request to give no more because all that was needed had been provided by the community.

            On Sunday mornings, the combined offering in many churches enables them to fulfill the ministries and missions that God calls each congregation to undertake. Individuals could not do it on their own, but when the community of God’s people pools their resources as a thankful free-will offering, they are not just being grateful for the blessings that God has given, they are also being good stewards of God’s gifts. If our society and civilization were to honestly stop and think about how Christians throughout the world make the world a better place, perhaps they would better appreciate our faith. Billions of dollars are used in millions of ways to preach the Word, spread the Gospel, and continue Christ’s ministry in every land across the globe.

            Thank you for your contributions and generosity which make Christ’s churches better faith centers. Thank you for combining your gifts to joyfully advance God’s Kingdom on Earth. May God bless all of your hopes and dreams by allowing your plans to succeed.

Point to ponder

How does my giving contribute to Christ’s ministry?

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to Your Church in Earth and for the many ways which our time, talents, and money can be used to enhance Your work in our congregations, communities, and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully give and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. if you would like to send John an email – he reads them all – please write to him at Traqair@aol.com.

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

Life Lessons - Luke 19:47-48

Luke 19:47-48  Every day Jesus was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. (NIV)

            Jesus never missed an opportunity to teach people about God. Teaching was central to the mission that God had sent Him, so when He reached Jerusalem, Christ went to the national teaching center inside the temple grounds. Folks from all over Judea and traveling Jews from other nations were there, so Jesus taught all who were willing to listen in the hope that His words would be taken back to where the people had originated.

            But not everyone was happy about this. The religious leaders felt that Jesus was stepping on their turf and spreading radical ideas. They had built up their power and reputation over centuries, so they were determined to keep control over the people. Instead of embracing His new ideas, they wanted to wipe out Jesus permanently. He was getting in the way of their power structures and religious rules. He had to be dealt with; He had to be annihilated.

            At this point, however, Jesus was popular with the people. He brought fresh ideas to their faith and brightened their lives with His new insights. As the scriptures tell us, they hung on His words – they had never heard such things about God, faith, and life so clearly, so attractively, and so personally. As a teacher, Christ was conveying to them God’s gracious message of salvation in the heart of a holy place where grace was relatively unknown. Centuries of sacrifice had enslaved the spirits of the people to ritualism and legalism. Jesus’ words were like a breath of fresh air which opened up their spirits to a new way of understanding God, connecting to His love, and applying His will in their lives.

            As Christians today, Jesus offers us the same message and teaching which can help us make better choices, live meaningful lives, and deepen our relationship with God. When we make time to read His words like today, we can receive blessings that will help us on our way and guide us through our problems. Christ’s teaching is just as relevant for us now as it was way back then, and like the people in the temple, we can alsochoose to accept His insights and be blessed with His instruction.

Point to ponder

How often do I allow Christ to influence my decisions? Which parts of His teaching can help me today?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your words have ways to reshape our lives. Your teaching about God can still transform us and bring us closer to our Creator. Help us to learn more about You, so that we may embrace the life-lessons that You offer us each day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You may also send John an email at Traqair@aol.com.

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