Life Lessons - Hebrews 5:8-9

Hebrews 5:8-9 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. (NIV)

Most of the lessons that we learn about life usually come through some sort of trouble or suffering. Pain and pressure, heartache and hard knocks have ways to strengthen us after we endure them. We may not have chosen that way for ourselves, but what we gain through suffering is patience, endurance, and character.

According to today’s verses, Jesus also experienced this. As a human being, He was subjected to all sorts of pain, humiliation, conflict, and even shame. But in the end, He endured because He kept on the path that God had laid out before Him. His suffering led to perfection because of His obedience; that perfection has won for us forgiveness and absolution, salvation and everlasting life.

Application: Consider your present circumstances and how some negative experiences have actually made you into a better person. Would you have learned those important lessons in any other way?

Prayer: Lord God, be with us when we go through times of trouble, suffering, and pain. Grant us the strength to endure and teach us real lessons about life, faith, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship each Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called Take Up Your Cross. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Cross.

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.

Love is the Key - A Response to the Brussels Bombings

1 Corinthians 16:13-14          Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

            Today’s tragic news from Brussels, Belgium, probably caused most of us to either despair or get angry. We feel sorry for the innocent victims and their heartbroken families; we also feel disgust and outrage by those who committed such a despicable, wicked, and inhumane crime. It’s hard to accept that people would do this in the 21^st century; it’s very difficult to accept that the culprits are expressing their loyalty to God through such horrific events. The sweetness of religion becomes rancid when it is mixed with hatred; the godly gift of faith becomes demonized when it is blended with fanaticism. God weeps, Christ weeps; Allah weeps, as do all the angels in heaven. There is no goodness in ungodliness; there is no holiness in horror.

            When I read Paul’s words from today’s chosen verses, they struck me as being completely relevant about today’s tragic events. How we respond as Christians to terrorism actually reflects how devoted we are to Christ’s work on Earth. If we remain angry, then the devil wins. If we do nothing, then evil triumphs. Love is, and always has been, the key to overcoming this kind of incomprehensible violence. As Paul expresses it, so should we respond:

By being on our guard to protect people as best as we can;

By standing firm in our faith, to embrace all people as best as we can;

By being courageous in the face of terrorism and not succumbing to our fears;

By being strong together, knowing that most people on this planet seek to live in peace;

And by doing all that we can to show, share, and inspire love in our communities and across the world.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we pray for the heartbroken people of Belgium and those around the world who are personally affected, injured, and grieved by this terrible tragedy. Surround them with Your Love and enable us to support them in this hour of devastation and destruction. May Your Spirit move within all our faith and non-faith communities to seek the higher ground of respect, peace, and love. In Your Holy Name, we dearly pray. Amen.

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