Short devotion: Sometimes - Acts 20v32

 

Sometimes

Some days, I feel so imperfect, inefficient, and inadequate that I question whether or not God will both accept and forgive me. I’ve made many mistakes throughout my life and sometimes I shudder when I think about the scrapes I got into during my teenage and drunken years. How I managed to survive them is incredulous to me. If it weren’t for God’s grace, I wouldn’t be here now, writing a devotional, trying to connect with other folks who have gone through similar things.

When I start the day with a ‘downer,’ at some point God interrupts my self-pity and usually highlights a Bible verse which I can both ponder and rely upon. This morning was no different: God provided the verse and made me realize that His mercy and grace still abound. Here’s the verse I was given:

Acts 20:32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

Just what I needed to read, embrace, and apply. God’s grace is not just for forgiving me, it is meant to help me grow in faith, with hope, and always through His love. It’s perfect for me today, so I hope that it will be very good for you, too. 😊

Prayer; Lord God, You love us completely and Your gracious heart beats throughout our lives. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, as well as Your patience and care. In Christ’s Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

www.erinpres.org.

Midweek devotion - Hallmark - Luke 6:31

A short devotion on Christ's words from Luke 6:31 "Do to others as you would have them do to you."


 

Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. (NIV)

Mutual respect. Equal opportunity. Loving one another. Those are three teachable and reachable qualities that Christ encapsulates into this mind-blowing sentence:

‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’

Many years ago, an old Scottish minister introduced me to this Bible verse and called it ‘The Golden Rule’ because it is basically taught by most religions throughout the world. It is also meant to be the hallmark by which Christians are recognized all over the Earth. Sadly, especially these days, that hallmark has been defaced and replaced with defiant un-Christlike words such as “Don’t tread on me,” or selfish, unbiblical phrases like “God helps those who help themselves.”

I find it deeply disappointing to come across Christians who are very selfish and insensitive to injustice. It makes me wonder what has made them so insecure and unsure about Jesus. His way of transforming human society was meant to bring out the best in us; however, we ended up idolizing the wrong things and, in the process, we have cast aside Jesus as the Liberator of our lives, choosing instead to embrace hostility, paranoia, conspiracies, and prejudice.

I believe we are at a significant crossroads today – not only as a nation, but as a worldwide faith. If we allow fear and falsehood, arrogance and indifference to publicly display our beliefs, then we will be called hypocrites and fools, driven by greed and power, defined as bullies and racists. People will walk away from our churches and reject anything we have to say. We will neutralize, marginalize, and stigmatize ourselves because of our failure to follow Christ’s path through selfishly pandering to our self-centered opinions, prejudices, and pride.

If we honestly believe ourselves to be Christians, then we will receive, embrace, and apply His teaching without polluting it with excuses, explanations, or exhortations that are definitely not what Jesus would ever have said or done. As always, the choice is ours to choose what is right or wrong; to select what our Savior says or to decide to follow something else. We will only have ourselves to blame for losing the world by pandering to our own souls.

Q: How do I display my faith in Jesus? Do others see Him or only me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for failing to follow You. Pardon us for permitting our prejudices to conceal Your truth and display our inhumanity. In Your Holy Name, we shamefully pray. Amen.

If you would like to respond to today’s devotion, just send me an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

God bless and be with you all.

Midweek Devotion - Anxious Times

We live in anxious times, so what can this moment teach us about our loved ones and other folks who struggle with anxiety every day? A short devotion on Philippians 4:6-7.


Anxious Times from John Stuart on Vimeo.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

For some people, anxiety is a chronic illness which paralyzes them emotionally and exhausts them physically. They struggle with everyday tasks and try their utmost to combat feelings of unworthiness and insecurity which riddle their thoughts and tramp over their hearts. When they try to express what they are enduring, other folks don’t understand and say trite things like “Don’t worry about it. You’ll get over it. You can do this.” Instead of helping, it only makes anxiety-sufferers feel worse; instead of healing them, it hinders their well-being.

Living under the threat of a pandemic has perhaps given a lot of us a better understanding of what anxious people experience every single day. We feel lost with no clear sense of direction. We fear the worst will happen and some of our dreams at night have become pandemic nightmares. We don’t feel empowered or in control anymore because this crisis is way bigger than anything we have ever encountered. We feel inadequate and don’t know when or how this will end. We are experiencing anxiety and those who know this feeling every day can now say to us, “Welcome to my world.”

Today’s Bible verses from Paul may give some hope and reassurance to most of us. We can take these words and find the right amount of encouragement that we need to endure. When all of this is over, we may be in a position to thank God for an end to our dilemma, but our family members and friends who have chronic anxiety may not feel the same way.

Perhaps, then, if we use this time of pandemic as a life-teaching moment, we will be more empathetic to our loved ones who go through this kind of anxiety each day. And instead of saying trite words to make us feel better, perhaps just a sympathetic nod, a listening ear, and a more patient heart may offer some real support to them in the future.

Q: What have I learned about anxiety during this uncertain time? How may I use this to help others?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, these are times that try our souls and weary our spirits. We are deeply worried about the future and very concerned about what is yet to come. Help us to reflect on our present anxiety and teach us to become aware that this feeling of dread is what others among us experience every day. Bless them with the strength to endure and enable us to give them the empathetic support they really need. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Mid-Week Devotion: Way to Go - Psalm 32:8

God is willing to help and guide us through this unsettling time.
A short devotion based on Psalm 32 v 8.

Midweek Devotion - Ancient Words - Psalm 27

A short devotion based on Psalm 27 v1 to help us through this crisis.

Mid-week devotion - Looking Ahead

A short devotion on Psalm 22 v 31 and how it can help us through this time.

Approaching God - Hebrews 4:16

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)

In ancient times, many people thought that God was unapproachable and too holy to safely come into His presence. They believed that their sins caused an unbridgeable gap between themselves and Him. They were therefore very wary about directly asking God for help or forgiveness. They usually tried to win His favor by making a personal sacrifice of livestock or grain, money or other resources. They hoped that they could appease God’s anger and then be granted His mercy.

After Christ died on the Cross, there was no need for any more sacrifices. He fully paid the debt that we all owe to God and opened up a new way for us to confidently approach the Lord for help and healing. Jesus purchased this gift with His beautiful life, so we can now freely and personally come to God to humbly ask for His grace, favor, and love without ever being afraid.

Application: Think about the mistakes and regrets that have disconnected you from God. Confidently approach God in prayer and ask Him for forgiveness. Receive God’s grace and begin again. 😊

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the amazing gift of grace that You have given to us through Your Son Jesus Christ. Forgive our faults and restore us to Your love. In Christ’s 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 Royal Crown. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Crown.

Eye Opener - John 9:10

John 9:10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. (NIV)

The greatest wish or prayer that I have for all of my loved ones is encapsulated in this verse from John’s Gospel. I want all of them to have their eyes opened by Jesus in order to see Him for who He actually is: The Savior of their souls and the Lord of their lives. I know that am I not a perfect witness or flawless example of what a Christian should always be, but that does not stop me from hoping and praying that they will one day discover Christ in all of His totality.

Before I took Christ seriously, I dabbled in different things spiritually. I always felt there was something bigger and better than me, a supernatural power or almighty force that kept sustaining the world and universe. However, I was too self-absorbed to make any true leap of faith, so I just meandered down my own reckless path and put any notion of God to the side. It was only when I realized I was actually being self-destructive and needed to change that I cried out to God for help. I had blinded and deluded myself into thinking that I could handle anything and even do everything I wanted, but instead of filling my life with substance, I was actually draining my spirit and emptying my soul. Only God could rescue me from my self-made pit; only Christ could heal the blindness within me.

Perhaps you’re also praying for your loved ones to have their eyes opened by Christ. Maybe you’re feeling empty and in the dark yourself. Whatever the case, please know this: Christ can help your loved ones, so keep praying; Jesus can also brighten your life, so keep asking Him for His light. On the day that I decided to surrender to Jesus, my life changed forever. He opened my eyes and enabled me to see life as it actually is: a gift from God that is wonderful to experience and amazing to know.

Point to ponder

Has Christ opened my eyes to His love? What about my loved ones? Am I praying for them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing God to our world. Open our eyes to Your ways in our lives and help us to share Your gracious gift with all of our loved ones. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

Whatever - Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)

            Facebook is a wonderful way of communicating with family & friends, especially if there are great distances which separate us from our loved ones. For instance, this morning I’m enjoying messages and photos from my Scottish relatives and friends who are on vacation in different parts of the world – Greece, Germany, Spain, Australia, Hawaii, and South Africa. I feel connected to what they are doing wherever they are, so I am thankful for Facebook giving me this instant opportunity to vicariously experience what my family & friends are presently enjoying in faraway places.

            Facebook, however, can also be an atrocious way of communicating bad ideas, false information, and untruthful posts. There is no doubt in my mind, that malicious people are trying to manipulate the hearts and minds of many innocent and naïve folks on Facebook. Vanity quizzes and heart-wrenching photos are devilishly being used to pull people in so that their private information can be captured and used for nefarious purposes. For instance, how many of us have had requests to be friends with strangers or from people we are already friends with on Facebook? These occur when our friends innocently pass on false propaganda or allow other Facebook pages to use their personal information (read the small print, folks).

            As I’ve said from the pulpit on several occasions, I am greatly disappointed when I see our own church folks post something that is obviously untrue or comes from a highly questionable source. It means my friends and parishioners are being used as pawns for clandestine groups who just want to spread division and disrupt the bonds of friendship, faith, and love that we hold dear. Perhaps if we were all to write out today’s highlighted Bible verse and stick it to our computers, we wouldn’t be so naïve about what we post or pass on. It’s very important that we as Christians, of all people, should not pass on false posts. Why? Because Christ tells us we will be judged for our words – “But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on judgment day for every careless word they communicate” (Matthew 12:36 - which includes our false Facebook posts or even our untrue tweets! However, if we have made a mistake, then it is easily rectified – we can delete the false post immediately, showing that we actually care about who we are and what we say.

            Folks, enjoy Facebook for the wonderful connections it gives us, but if you are going to post something controversial, research it first and ask yourself: Is it true? Can it be authentically verified? Is it kind? And, most important of all – will Christ commend or judge me for these words?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we live in wonderful times and we thank You for all of the amazing ways we can communicate and connect with one another all over the world. Help us to use this technology wisely, faithfully, and truthfully. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Falling Out - Acts 15:39-40

Acts 15:39-40 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. (NIV)

            There’s nothing more damaging to the life of a congregation than a church conflict. When Christians fall out with one another, things can get very ugly and a lot of pain is experienced on each side of the conflicting issue. I’ve been a pastor for over thirty years, so I’ve seen several conflicts, some of which I sadly and foolishly created. At the heart of each one is a very sinful thing: pride. Proud hearts and minds become stubborn and entrenched. Instead of seeking a healthy compromise, both sides want everything to be done their way. And rather than humbling themselves in the presence of God, in His own House, people walk away and carry wounds that still hurt for years after the initial conflict.

            In today’s New Testament passage, the great giants of the Early Church, Paul and Barnabas – who had been friends for years – have a sharp disagreement which causes them to part ways with one another. Barnabas wanted to give young John Mark a second chance to be part of the mission to the Gentiles; Paul, however, strongly disagreed. John Mark had left the mission when things became too tough for him, so Paul was unwilling to risk taking him again. This created an intense conflict between the two missionaries and in the end, the matter was unresolved, so they went their separate ways, dividing the ‘dream team’ that God had created years before.

            Congregations are full of imperfect people – members, elders, and pastors alike. If the New Testament Church couldn’t avoid conflict, then what chance do we have of avoiding conflicting issues? Faith is a very important and deeply individual aspect of every Christian, so we become passionate about things that personally affect us. However, when an issue does become a conflict, then perhaps we should honestly review our own part of the problem and ask ourselves if we are letting our pride get in the way of a solution. If only Paul and Barnabas had asked themselves that question, they might not have parted company and divided the church’s mission.

Point to ponder

Do I have a conflict with someone in church? Am I letting my pride obstruct me from finding a healthy compromise or an agreeable solution?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and are totally aware of what is going on in our lives. If we have any conflicts or issues with other people or even in our congregation, help us to seek Your Spirit and guidance in overcoming our pride and finding a real resolution. 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 ask questions or make 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 bulletin drawings called ‘Hands.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Hands.

Short Story - Luke 19:1-10

Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (NIV)

            I’ve always been a short person, so I know how Zacchaeus must have felt when he couldn’t see above the crowd to catch a glimpse of Jesus. I’ve been in more than a few places and situations where I have struggled to see what’s happening at a concert, movie, or even church service because of a larger person standing or sitting in front of me. Sometimes I move to the right or left just to find a clear view; on other occasions, I just sigh and sit quietly, choosing instead to listen to what’s going on.

            I don’t know if I would have climbed a tree to get a better view of Jesus, although I have stood on benches and walls to watch parades and other public spectacles. It seems that the wee man was so desperate to see Jesus that he was willing to look ridiculous, after all, it’s usually children who climb trees to get a better view. I can imagine that the people around him laughed at Zacchaeus, diminishing his pride and self-esteem. Perhaps some of them felt like he deserved to be humiliated because he was despised for being a tax-collector and colluding with the Romans.

            I love what Jesus does to restore Zacchaeus’s dignity, as well as his soul. Our Savior does not laugh at the short tax-collector or rebuke him for working for the enemy. Christ doesn’t even ask to come to his house – look at the verse again – Jesus actually insists on going to his home. It’s a wonderful moment of acceptance and Zacchaeus responds immediately by climbing down and welcoming Christ gladly.

            This is an event which is filled with God’s love and grace. It reminds all of us – short, medium, or tall – that Jesus actively seeks to restore us to God’s Kingdom. All we have to do is to welcome Him gladly into our hearts and homes, which is where salvation begins and never ends.

Point to Ponder

Am I willing to let Jesus into my heart? If I welcome Him into my life, how will He change me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace and acceptance. We know we are unworthy of those blessings, but we are also delighted that You are willing to grant them to us. Enable us to extend this blessing to all whom we encounter today. 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 email John at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s tree drawings called ‘Season Finale.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Tree.

June 28 devotion - My Eyes Have Seen

Luke 2:30-32              “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

            I have seen God’s salvation in the lives of other people, as well as my own. I have seen addicts turn their lives around and their families restored. I have seen people healed of various illnesses and injuries, and have watched them continue to enjoy life. I have seen the work of many churches across various cities, towns, and villages seeking to support the weak, love the lost, and embrace the hopeless. I have seen the work of missions and missionaries among the poorest of people and in the most deprived communities on Earth. In all of these places and among all of these people, I have seen the continuing ministry of Christ and God’s unending work of salvation.

            Today’s highlighted verses are taken from the prayer of Simeon when he encountered Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple (Luke2:25-35). His words of gladness are still relevant in today’s world. All over the globe, Christians are working for the Lord to bring salvation to anxious persons and healing to broken hearts. Life is a constant struggle for most people on this small planet, but Christ’s work, words, and ways still manage to bring light and love, as well as hope and healing to billions of human beings in hundreds of nations.

            The prophecy that Simeon expressed in the Temple courts can still be experienced today. If we open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to receive what God is truly doing among us, we will recognize His work around us. Christ’s light reveals to us the redemption, renovation, and restoration of lives throughout the Earth. We only have to be open to His Spirit; we only have to be willing to serve Christ in order to see.

Questions for personal reflection

Where is God at work in my life, community, and world today? How may I help Him?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the world and we look to You for everlasting hope and eternal life. You came into this planet to restore us to God through mercy and forgiveness, grace and love. Thank You for these priceless gifts and infinite blessings. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

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

Today’s drawing is one of John’s stained glass designs. It’s based upon windows that he saw as a child when living in tenements in Glasgow, Scotland. The drawing is called both “Halfway Up the Stairs” and “Glasgow Rose.” If you would like to see a larger version, click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7458512986_9fc4bdf206_b.jpg

Breaking the Silence

Psalm 39:2      But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.

            When I was eighteen, I tried to kill myself and ended up in the hospital for three days in order to flush out the overdose of tranquilizers that I had taken. My family and friends were horrified and my parents hadn’t a clue about why it occurred. I remember they felt very guilty as if they were to blame, which was not the case. They didn’t know what to say or how to deal with it. Thankfully, my Aunt Sylvia came to visit me in the hospital and helped me through some of those dark moments. I had felt that my life was worthless and that I was powerless to change anything. I wanted to give up on life and surrender to death. It was a bleak time for me and the specter of suicide almost claimed me.

            I was wrong, totally and completely wrong. If I had died when I was eighteen, I would never have found faith in Jesus. If I had given up completely, I would never have known Smithie, my wife, as well as Lynsey and Lauren, my two darling daughters. If I had succumbed to my own despair, I would never have become a pastor in Scotland or America. Forty-two years later, I know that my life has been full of hope and happiness, purpose and meaning that I could not see in front of me at that desperate time.

            You see, I had kept silent about what I was feeling inside of me and it almost led to my untimely destruction. If I had talked to someone I could trust – like my Aunt Sylvia – I might have avoided the suicide attempt. If I had asked God to help me through those dark times, I may never have tried to kill myself. Thankfully, within a couple of years, my whole life changed and it’s only by looking back that I see how Christ was carrying me to a better time and a better place in my life.

            Recently, our community has been shaken by a sad spate of suicides among our young people. Many of our wonderful High Schoolers have been emotionally impacted by the tragic loss of some of their friends. It feels so unfair, so unreal, and so unnecessary. It also makes all of us feel powerless, defeated, and confused. For me, church became the sanctuary and safe place that I needed to face my fears, listen to my questions, and give me a brand new hope that my empty heart so desperately needed. I still believe it can do those things for our young people today. Our congregations have to be welcome havens of help and healing, encouragement and support to those who feel lost, lonely, and isolated. We cannot and must not be silent on this issue; we have to walk and talk with our young people who need to be heard; who need to be embraced; and above all, who need to be loved.

Prayer:              Lord Jesus, walk with us today and let Your Spirit touch the hearts, minds, and souls of our young people. Be with them in their quiet times and deepest moments of concern. Help those who are emotionally stretched to find a safe space of acceptance, love, and support in our churches. 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. John can also be contacted by email at pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Sports Devotion - Olympic Christians - 2 Timothy 2:5

2 Timothy 2:5  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. (NIV)

            In 2016, the international sports community decided to uphold the Olympic ban on Russian track and field athletes, which came as no real surprise. A culture of doping athletes in Russia had been going on for decades. The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sports probably had some political consequences, but under the circumstances, it was the correct thing to do. Leveling the playing field for all athletes ensured that all of the competing nations had an opportunity to gain medals. To win events by cheating dishonored the whole Olympic ideal, so, hopefully, that punitive ban of one of the major athletic countries in the world perhaps began a new phase of cleaning up all kinds of sporting events by seriously expelling the worst drug offenders.

            When Paul wrote to Timothy about passing on the Christian faith to the next generation, he emphasized the importance of following Christ’s teaching and adhering to His truth. Paul’s example of a successful athlete gaining a crown by keeping to the rules was his way of describing how important it is to live a life of faith by sustaining basic Christian standards. Paul was concerned that the younger generation of Christians might be led astray through following their own ideas and choosing their own options. As an Apostolic teacher, he wanted to ensure that Timothy would maintain the core principles of Christianity so that the faith would grow in strength and influence.

            Paul’s words to Timothy are still relevant in our lives and churches today. We have to be careful about what we believe and how we live our faith. The world needs Christ’s compassion, mercy, and love as much now as it did way back then. If we remain true to the teachings of Jesus and continue to follow His ways, we will have the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in our communities and across this planet.

Questions for personal reflection

What are my basic Christian beliefs? How do I express them to others?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Enable us to follow Your Way, embrace Your Truth, and live Your Life so that we may encourage others to do the same. 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 comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Communion drawing called “Fruits of the Spirit.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Communion.

Daily Devotional: Canceling debts - Colossians 2:13b-14

Colossians 2:13b-14   God forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 

            In the political world, the National Debt becomes an important issue at every general election. Candidates from all the parties usually talk about how they will reduce the financial burden that is placed upon every taxpayer in their countries. Whoever comes up with the best solution normally becomes the poll favorite to win the office of leadership. However, when they gain that position, they soon discover that dealing with the National Debt is not as easy as they hoped. Current policies and other politicians usually get in the way of solving the problem. The debt becomes greater and is often left to the next leader or generation to find the right answers.

The sad fact of the matter is this: politicians all over the world are not very willing to sacrifice their popularity by imposing stringent economic solutions – the art of  national debt procrastination abounds all over the world.

            We are all under a similar debt when it comes to dealing with our sins. Each time we sin, we rob God of His glory and owe Him an apology. Every day, our sinful debts keeps piling up so, at the end of our lives, we will be so indebted to God that we will never be able to face Him and pay back all of the divine glory that we have stolen and squandered. However, God has provided the solution to canceling our debt to Him. His Son Jesus has paid that sinful debt in full at the Cross of Calvary. We do not carry over our sinful debt into the next part of our lives when we accept Christ as our Savior-Redeemer. He has paid it all and, in doing so, has given us the opportunity to be fully and eternally restored to God.

            In the midst of this important election with all of its complications, personalities, and issues, let’s also constantly remind ourselves of Who really is the Leader of our lives, the Canceller of our debts, and the Savior of our souls.

Questions for personal reflection

How do my sins alienate me from God and make me indebted to Him? Why do I need Jesus to save me from my sins by canceling my debt to God?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You were nailed to the Cross to cancel the debt due for the sins of humanity. Our sins are countless, so we owe everything to You. Remind us of the cost of our eternal restoration and freedom. 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 contact him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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


Podcast version

Christian Devotion: A Real Testimony - Philippians 2:17

Philippians 2:17          But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

            You may not realize it, but the above verse contains some chilling words. When Paul referred to a drink offering and sacrifice, he was writing about decapitation, which he expected to occur after he personally made his appeal to Caesar. He wrote this letter to the Philippian church – a congregation that he nurtured and loved – from his prison as a dying testimony. He knew that his chances of survival were slim, but rather than hide it from the church, he veiled his words in a way that his people would understand what he truly meant. After the letter was written and dispatched, Paul’s case went to trial and he was beheaded.

            It has always taken a great deal of courage to be a Christian. Over the centuries, millions of people have lost their lives for believing in Christ. Around the world today, Christians are still being persecuted. A recent survey by the Vatican revealed that up to 100,000 Christians of all different denominations are killed every year on our planet. That is a chilling number which should cause us all to reflect upon on own commitment to Christ. Is it inconvenient? Does it take a great deal of courage? Are we under pressure simply because we call ourselves Christians?

            Towards the end of May, we traditionally commemorate Memorial Day in the United States. It is a special day that we set aside to remember the true cost and sacrifices that have been made by the military to maintain the freedoms we enjoy over here. It is a somber time for those who truly remember why we hold it, but it is also a cheerful day for families who freely gather together.

            Perhaps as Christians who enjoy a great deal of freedom, we should also remember the true cost and great sacrifices in the past, as well as the present, that allows us to both somberly and cheerfully enjoy our faith.

Questions for personal reflection

How committed am I to Christ and His church? How has my personal faith been shaped by the lives of Christians in the past?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we thank You for the many leaders and people like Paul, who put their lives on the line, so that we may enjoy our Christian faith today. Help us to honor their sacrifices by living our lives in faithful and dedicated ways. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to share this message with others. John will also be delighted to receive any questions, comments, or feedback on today’s message. Send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s drawing for Memorial Day of this year. It’s called Memorial Rose. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Rose.

Worship devotion - Being Human - Isaiah 29:13a

Isaiah 29:13a              The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

            Worship is a very humbling experience because it requires us to set aside time to come into the presence of God. As we enter His holiness, we recognize that we are unworthy and unprepared to encounter His sacred Spirit. We also understand that we have come to serve God by acknowledging that He is our Creator, as well as the Controller of our lives. In other words, worship requires us to let go of who we are, in order to let God be who He is. Worship is not about us; it’s all about God.

            Being human, we get distracted during worship. Instead of focusing on the Lord, we think about other things – our homes, our families, our work, or our schools. We know that we should meditate and ponder on what the Lord has done, but instead we mull over our problems and allow our minds to wander. Sometimes we miss out on the best parts of worship because our thoughts are elsewhere. We don’t do this deliberately; it’s just that we are human beings who get easily sidetracked.

            It’s not a new problem either. Long before there were any cell phones, tablets, or devices, people still got distracted. Even 2,700 years ago, when Isaiah was prophetically given today’s Bible verses, God’s people still found it difficult to focus during worship all of the time. Just like us, they also had their worries, issues, and distractions which is why Isaiah calls them out. The people might have shown up and gathered together to worship God, but their hearts and minds were on other things. They couldn’t sustain their focus on God; they couldn’t free themselves from other diversions.

            So does that mean that worship is ineffective? Certainly not. When we gather together in worship, we are with a body of people who greet and befriend us, encourage and support us through both the good and bad times in our lives. We also share wonderful moments when the Spirit touches our hearts and souls together, so that we can build upon our relationships with God and one another. We come together to worship God in church; we leave together to serve God in the world.

Questions for personal reflection

What distracts me during a worship service? How do I get re-focused on God?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to worship God in church. Thank You for the songs we sing, the prayers we pray, the stories we hear, and the scriptures that are preached. Thank You also for the people who worship alongside us – our families, our friends, our Christian sisters and brothers. Bless the worship we attend and help us to focus on God. 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 or ask questions, please send your email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

New Year devotion: Asking for Help - Mark 10:51

Mark 10:51   "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 

            So, we've crossed the threshold of yet another New Year and only God knows what lies ahead. We've probably still got that feeling of wanting to do something significant, something different, or something effective in 2015, but within a couple of weeks, that feeling will usually diminish and we’ll settle back into our old ways, old routine, and old ideas. After all, we’re human – we like to be challenged and changed, but we prefer being cozy and comfortable.

            Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 10:46-52) about Jesus and Blind Bartimaeus made me wonder about why Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted. Wasn't it obvious? Did Jesus actually need Bartimaeus to vocalize what he desperately needed? He was blind, so what does any blind person want, but to see again?

            There must be something more to this request. It’s blatantly clear to everyone that Bartimaeus wants his sight restored, but Jesus makes him clarify the request personally. In other words, Bartimaeus has to humbly ask in order to be healed. He also has to confirm that it’s only Jesus who can do this for him, which is why Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”

            As we walk deeper into this fresh year, we could imagine Jesus asking of us a similar question: “What do you want ME to do for you in 2015?” Do we know? Are we prepared to ask Him? Are we willing to express our personal hopes and dreams to Him, as well as completely depending upon Christ to fulfill those requests? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Prayer:           Lord Jesus, You sustain our lives each day and we are thankful for Your love, mercy, and grace. Help us to turn to You at the start of this year, in order to confidently bring You our hopes and dreams, ambitions, and goals. Grant us the opportunities, power, and persistence to realize and fulfill them. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is John’s latest Epiphany drawing for church kids called “Epiphany 2015.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: Epiphany.

Grace devotion: No Limits - Mark 3:35

Mark 3:35       “Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

            As church people, we are meant to be brothers and sisters in Christ. Our identity is defined through Him and, by our faithful works in the world for Him, people should be able to see that we are united. The trouble is this: the world sees a fragmented church which is constantly in turmoil and being broken by inner conflicts. Instead of being the vehicle of Christ’s peace, healing, and grace, His Church has become a symbol of religious strife, constant battling, and sadly, self-righteousness.

This is a complete shame because the world needs Christ more than ever. His words and ways, His life and love could repair a lot of the damage and destruction that is experienced all over this planet. Poverty and ignorance, illness and despair could be effectively diminished if Christ’s people could totally unite and fight the real foes of humanity. Tragically, Church people have got into the habit of creating doctrinal divisions and are rent asunder by definitions of what is sacred. I include myself in this tragedy because I have often compounded some of these issues, conflicts, and separations.

            I often hear preachers preaching messages about getting back to the basics, but what they really urge is a conforming to past doctrinal truths and rigid religious rules. I understand that structure is important, however I am more inclined to think that you can’t theologically systematize and narrowly limit God’s grace, goodness, and love.  If God’s love is everlasting and His grace is infinite, then how can there be boundaries? If there is a limit to God’s love, then doesn't that also mean that God cannot love the unlovable, which may further mean that He is limited, finite, and impeded by a boundary that He cannot cross?

            Boundaries remind us that we are finite, mortal, frail, limited, and human. Jesus invites us to cross the limitations that are set upon us by aligning and uniting our lives to Him. He becomes our way of rising above our boundaries in order to be restored, reconnected, and reunited to the boundless grace and love that belongs to God. Through Christ, the unlovable are loved, the unreachable are reached, and the sinful saved. And when we faithfully do His work in the world beyond church world, we are further blessed to become not just brothers and sisters in Christ, but also brothers and sisters of Christ. In other words, we are adopted by Him into the everlasting heart, life, and love of God.

Questions for personal reflection

Where can I work for Christ and do God’s will today? How can I encourage others in church and my community to do the same?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we seek to truly serve You and yearn to please You. Today, and throughout this week, You will give us opportunities to share Your love and grace with other people. Help us to do all that we can to do God’s will among our families and friends, our neighbors and community. 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 comment on today’s message, then please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s drawing is John’s latest Nativity picture called “Outsiders.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Outsiders.

Christian devotions for Kindle Users

Looking for short devotions for meetings as the Church year begins? Got a Kindle? Then look no further. All you need is here: I have written several devotional books which are available on Kindle. You can check them all at the following link boxes.

Inspirational



Advent



Lent and Easter



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