Daily devotion: Following Paul - Acts 25;21

 

Acts 25:21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.” (NIV)

 

Evelyn and I have just returned from a beautiful trip to Greece. We explored many places, climbed thousands of ancient steps, and visited some of the most amazing Greek and Roman ruins in the world. It was a holiday we had planned for almost three years and we both looked forward to visiting the many historical places associated with the Apostle Paul. We were not disappointed.

 

I’ve always admired Paul’s ministry since elementary school. I grew up in a time when my schoolteacher began each day with a Bible passage and commentary. Most of the time, my teacher read from the Book of Acts and talked about Paul’s arduous journeys to plant churches around the Mediterranean and in Asia Minor. More than fifty years later, I got to see those historic places, especially those in Ephesus, Corinth, Rhodes, and Athens.

 

Paul purposefully lived to spread the Gospel of Jesus and eventually was martyred because of his faith. He wanted to share the good news of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection to everyone who was willing to listen to his message. He even managed to talk about Jesus to the most powerful man in the world of his day – the Roman Emperor – as he made his personal appeal to Caesar. Imagine that – an itinerant preacher with no wealth or esteem – standing before the mightiest and most-revered person in the ancient world, talking to him about Jesus.

 

As Evelyn and I walked on ancient roads where Paul travelled, we both felt a connection to the great work that Paul accomplished in his day. And, as we listened to different local guides tell us parts of Paul’s story, we were both humbled and inspired to spread the Gospel for the rest of our lives to those who are willing to listen, because everyone is a child of God, and everyone can be saved by God’s grace. We just have to make the most of our opportunities to share Christ’s love and words with all whom we are still to meet.

 

Point to ponder: How do I share my faith in Christ?

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for personally calling Paul into Your ministry. We are grateful for the many things he accomplished through his total devotion to You. Help us to carry on the mission of Your Gospel by sharing Your love with all whom we meet and encounter today. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to look at what the church is currently doing, please check out the website at www.erinpres.org.

 

Today’s photograph is of the ancient main street in Corinth where Paul spent eighteen months building up the church, preaching the Gospel, and probably selling the tents he made in one of the local stores on this remarkable street.

Short devotion - Spanish Lesson - Mark 7:8

Mark 7:8 “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”

            Christ’s teaching influences my whole life, but some parts of the Gospels directly relate to what I do as a Presbyterian minister. Much of the criticism that Jesus had for the religious clerics of His time still applies today and I confess to struggling with denominational practices and New Testament tenets. I inwardly flinch when I read about Jesus rebuking the Pharisees and Sadducees because I see myself doing similar things like them. This, in turn, causes me to question whether or not I am guilty of holding on to human traditions, rather than keeping God’s commands.

            Years ago, I can remember discussing this with a Roman Catholic friend who was training to become a priest. The conversation took place in Valladolid, Spain and we were talking about our denominational differences and what was personally important about our religious traditions. At the end of the discussion, my friend said to me words I will never forget, which still influence me today: “No matter what our differences are, John,” he said, “I am a Christian first and a Roman Catholic second.”

            Can you imagine what kind of a positive and effective influence we would have on the world if church people everywhere became Christians first and their denominational choice second? A lot of the religious wounds on Earth would be healed and we could begin to fix our broken world. For me, this means that the challenge I face is to be a better Christian than a Presbyterian, and to continually become a better disciple of Christ than a pastor. And in the end, is that not what Christ expects of me, as well as all of us who follow His ways?

Point to ponder

Do people see me as a Christian or something else?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we all want to be Christians at home, in church, in school, in our workplaces, and wherever else we go. Help us to grow closer to You in such a way that our faith will be honestly and positively displayed to those around us. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. The church website is at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

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

Meaningful Multiplication - Matthew 25:21

Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (NIV)

            As a pastor, I have seen a lot of people do wonderful things for God and others that are remarkable, as well as effective. Their faith is both enthusiastic and energetic, as well as considerate and compassionate. Some people think that churches are full of self-righteous hypocrites who look down on everyone else. I must say that I have not found that to be the case, in any of the congregations I served in Scotland or the United States. Christians may be imperfect and sinful like everyone else, but they are also moved by love to support those in need, comfort those who are grieving and befriend those who are lonely.

            Today’s parable is about a rich person giving his servants fiscal opportunities and responsibilities while he is away from home on a long journey. The gold, however, represents the gift of faith that Christ gives to each of us on Earth. What we are meant to do with that precious gift is to share it with others in ways that will attract them to Jesus, too. No matter what the world tries to tell us, faith is not a private and personal thing, it is a potentially powerful present from God which can be multiplied when we honestly, sincerely, positively, and compassionately share it with our families, friends, and other people.

            One day, we will be ushered into God’s presence to show Him what we have done with our faith. When God expresses those beautiful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” we will instantly know that the gift He gave us has not been hidden, diminished, or wasted, but that through our loving acts, faithful service, and compassionate deeds, we have multiplied our faith, pleasing both God and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Point to ponder

What faith-sharing opportunities has God given me this week?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of faith which keeps us connected to You. Help us to share the love we feel for and from You with others around us. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

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

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterianchurch.org. We would be delighted to see you there at any time. The Sunday worship service is at 11:00 AM.

Church devotions - Great Faith

Matthew 8:10                         When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

            When I read Gospel stories like the one about Jesus and the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), it makes me wonder if the days of ‘great faith’, are well and truly over. A lot of folks that I know, including myself, have faith, but I wouldn’t call it ‘great.’ Some of us have a simple faith – a down-to-earth pragmatic belief system that gets us through each day and encourages us to help our neighbors. Some of us have an historic faith, which is deeply rooted in our traditions and denominational backgrounds. Others have an emergency type of faith which is used to help us overcome setbacks, illnesses, and troubles. But ‘great faith,’ such as Christ saw in the centurion, - that is something which is quite rare indeed.

            The more I think about it, the more I believe that it’s meant to be rare. It’s like finding a diamond in a coal mine or a precious pearl in an oyster. It’s something that when we come across it, it’s meant to inspire us, as well as create a feeling of awe. It connects directly to the mysterious love of God and allows us the knowledge of knowing that we are not alone in the universe. It’s a rare jewel to bring us joy; it’s a priceless gift to give us hope.

            Perhaps you know or have known someone of ‘great faith.’ Celebrate that fact and think about how that person has influenced you or affected your faith. Praise God for such a blessing and keep looking – encountering people of great faith may be a rare experience, but once found, they offer a real glimpse of God’s everlasting love.

Question to ponder

Who has shaped and influenced my faith in Christ?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of faith and for the people who inspire us to become better Christians. Open our eyes, hearts, and minds, so we may see those who truly have a great faith in You. Allow us opportunities to share our own faith with others today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. The church’s website can be found at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org

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