Sunday Shorts: The Gift

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

            Every day, I pray for my family, for those living here in the United States and those across the world. I ask God to bless and protect them, to guide and to support them, to love and cherish them. It’s a ritual I go through each morning and whether or not I’ll see or hear from them that day, they’re in my prayers, on my mind, and in my heart. No matter what they’re going through or how they are feeling, I know that God is with them and that comforts me.

            The most important part of my daily prayer takes place at the end. I ask God to give them opportunities to draw closer to Him and accept Jesus as their Lord in Savior in their lives and hearts. I want them to know the love of God and the price that He decided to pay so that all of them could be favored and forgiven, renewed and restored to God’s Kingdom. I pray this, not just because I want them to know that they are not alone, but I believe it’s what God wants for them, too. This is why He sent His Son to the Earth long ago to reach out to humanity and gather us safely from the chaos, confusion, and commotion that we all experience in our lives. You see folks, God didn’t create us to be fearful or lonely; He made us to be thankful and loved.

            I hope that you understand this devotion and these prayers are also for you, your families, and your loved ones. Jesus gave everything so that we can gain everything about God that is everlasting. Our lives on Earth may be finite and the years go by too quickly, but God cherishes us so much that He wants our lives and love to continue beyond our time on this planet. God doesn’t want us to perish at all, but to gain everlasting life.

Point to ponder: Do I know God loves me?

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for creating us to be loved and not to be alone. Help us to reach out to You today and receive the blessings of Your acceptance and eternal love. Enable us to overcome our doubts and fears so that we may cherish the gift of Christ and receive His peace in our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. In His Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Watching Us - Psalm 121:7-8

 

Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV)

The mindfulness of God is something that I have grown to really appreciate over the years. His constant presence has helped me on many occasions to overcome times of adversity, distress, and tragedy that I thought I would never be able to endure. It wasn’t just that God sustained me during those critical times; He embraced the situation I was in and walked with me through the pain, fear, and confusion. God’s empathy with my sickness and sorrow reassured me; His quiet presence strengthened me and gave me the hope to begin again.

Some people think that God watches over our lives to catch us out and add to our list of sins, so that on the Day of Reckoning God can fully indict us of our defiance, disobedience, and dalliance with sinful choices and deeds. That would make God capricious, a deity who delighted in tormenting our souls and overshadowing our lives with fear. I don’t see that in this scripture. In this text, God watching over us is like that of a parent who is both concerned and aware of what their child is experiencing. Rather than being punitive, God is protective. Instead of being vengeful, God is mindful, so He watches over us with concern and compassion, awareness and love.

I hope that this watchfulness of God will help you through your current experiences; I pray that Gods’ mindfulness will also give you the strength to overcome whatever you are presently enduring.

Point to ponder: Am I aware that God lovingly watches over me? Am I ready to receive His love and compassion?

Prayer: Lord God, You have given us life to experience Your light even in times of suffering and despair. Help us to reach out to You in the midst of what we are presently experiencing, in order to receive and be embraced by Your love. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to see what’s happening at the church, just click on this link: www.erinpres.org

Today’s image is one of John’s Pentecost drawings called “New Spirit.” You can view a larger version at this link: New Spirit.

God is Everywhere - Sermon on Psalm 139

My sermon from yesterday is now available as a stand alone video. It's based on Psalm 139 where we are told that God is all around us and within us, as well as being ready and able to transform us. It only lasts about 13 minutes :)

Short devotion: Seeing God - 1 John 4:12

 

1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. (ESV)

 Throughout my many years in ministry, I’ve recognized that the invisibility of God is a problem for some people. Because He cannot be seen in person, they refuse to accept God’s existence. If He were to turn up one day and walk among us, then they would have no problem in believing that God is alive. Until that happens, however, they will simply not believe.

 But God isn’t invisible; His existence is seen in the lives of many people. As the Apostle John wrote long ago, ‘God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.’ This means that if we want to convince someone else that God is alive, then they need to see Him in us. If God’s love is perfected in us, then it should be apparent to others in our relationships and through our deeds. If we sincerely care for others, show compassion, and share love to the world, then we will display God’s existence. However, if we present to the world disdain, indifference, and dishonesty, then God will never be seen by those around us.

 So, perhaps next time when we hear from someone or read in a post that they don’t believe in God because He cannot be seen, let’s not argue or get into an online debate, Instead, let’s try to show God’s perfect love through what we say, write, or do because those will be more effective than scoring over others with theological or Biblical points.

 Q: Do I believe that God abides in me? Do others recognize this?

 Prayer: Lord God, help us to be open to Your love and grant us opportunities to show Your compassion to those we encounter today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to see what’s happening at the church, click on this link: www.erinpres.org.

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

Short devotion: Love Each Other - John 15:12

 

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV)

When I think of my Savior’s love for me, I am reminded that I did not deserve one ounce of it. I am thankful that Jesus did not say, “I’m tired of doing things for other people. I’m tired of those who expect me to heal them for nothing. I’m tired of those who take everything from me. I’m tired of those who don’t deserve to receive God’s resources or Heaven’s wealth. I’m tired of those who take me for granted and constantly call on God to help them. I’m tired of looking after their spiritual welfare, especially when they neglect their spirits. I’m tired of feeding them when they turn up hungry, looking for food. I’m tired of being treated this way and just won’t save them because they’re just too lazy to save themselves.”

I am grateful to God that Jesus never said that – instead, He loved immensely, broadly, richly, wonderfully, and beautifully. And then He asked His followers to do the same: ‘Love each other as I have loved you.’ His followers, mind you; His disciples, you know the folks like us who call ourselves Christians – we’re meant to love each other in Christ’s way, not on our own terms. There are no boundaries, there are no walls; there are no restrictions, there are no barriers – not if we call ourselves ‘Christians.’

Yep, calling ourselves ‘Christian’ is easy; being a Christian is one of the hardest things to do in life.

So, Christian sister or brother, do we honestly love each other as Christ loves us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess to being shallow people and hollow Christians. Forgive us when our prejudices prevail and we forsake our faith through pride. Lead us back to be embraced by Your love and then move us forward into the world with Your love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Check out what’s happening at the church on our website: www.erinpres.org.

Love Wins - 1 Peter 4:8

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV)

This is one of my favorite verses in the New Testament. Being a dour Scottish Calvinistic Presbyterian, I often feel that my depravity, according to both Calvin & John Knox, contaminates my faith and deeply separates me from God. Even though I’m a pastor, I feel miserable about my sins and regret many past mistakes. If it wasn’t for Christ’s love and God’s grace, I doubt that I’d ever feel good about myself, but thankfully, the power of love has the ability to overcome my misery and restore me to God’s favor. Or as the Apostle Peter simply put it: love covers over a multitude of sins.

Perhaps you’re feeling bad about your past or weighed down by a mistake you’ve made. Maybe you feel disconnected to God and not good enough for His love. Please don’t despair – God’s love is the greatest power in the entire universe. You can be loved by God; you will be forgiven and you definitely can start over again. How? – because love covers over a multitude of sins – even those that you have committed.

Application: Forget the past, live in this moment of God’s grace and receive Christ’s love every day for the rest of your life. 😊

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the greatest gift in all of our lives – the love of God that You purchased for us on the Cross. Help us this day to share this amazing love with all whom we meet. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully 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 psalm drawings based on Psalm 73. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 73.

Encouraging Words - Cheeky Sparrows - Matthew 10:29

Matthew 10:29           Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. (NIV)

            One of the simplest delights that I had during my childhood days in Scotland, was the feeding of sparrows in my backyard. It didn’t matter what time of year it was, or what kind of stale bread I threw to the birds, flocks of cheeky little sparrows would descend upon the morsels. I loved to watch them hop and bounce around the bread, as well as seeing them play tug-of-war with a large crust. In the saddest of times and gloomiest of days, they always cheered my heart.

            I like what Jesus had to say about sparrows. I think He must have enjoyed watching them, too. Those little playful birds were observed by God, Who even knew if one of them fell to the ground. This reveals to me both the compassion and pleasure that God has for His Creation and the creatures within it. And, as Jesus stated long ago, if God cares so much about common sparrows, how much more does He care about us?

            Perhaps you are going through a bad time, feel really stressed out, or are deeply disappointed. Maybe you’re anxious about the future, worried about someone else, or concerned about present difficulties. Please know this: God is watching over you and cares so much for you. Be assured of His presence in your life; know that He has your best interest in His heart.

Point to ponder

What burdens am I carrying today? Am I willing to let God carry me with them?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You said that we are worth so much more than sparrows. You constantly told Your people of God’s real and amazing love. In the midst of our setbacks and problems, enable us to be embraced, supported, and upheld by God. In Your Holy Name, we gladly pray. Amen.

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

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

A Father's Love - Mark 1:10-11

Mark 1:10-11              Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (NIV)

            A couple of days ago, I reminded myself that it was my Dad’s 90^th birthday – or it would have been had he lived. My Dad was part of that great generation of hard-working determined people who lived to protect and provide for their families. With six kids to raise and feed, he had to work long hours and was often exhausted when he came home. He was a typical Stoic Scotsman who kept most of his feelings to himself, but he was also a fair man who treated us all well.

            Dad was proud of what each of my siblings and I accomplished, but he never really expressed it in words. However, we felt both his pride and love in other unspoken ways – a brightness in his eyes, a pleasant smile, or even just a pat on the back at the right time. As he grew older, he became more comfortable in communicating his feelings and we all cherished his approval.

            Today’s highlighted verses tell us about God’s great love for Jesus and how He expressed His love for His Son. We see God’s wonderful affection and deep pride in Jesus. It must have been a beautiful moment and blessing to each of them. The great thing about this event is this: Jesus has provided each of us with both God’s favor and delight. Christ’s death on the Cross not only paid the price for our sins, it also opened up the way to the loving-kindness and great goodness of God. Just as the Father was proud of His Son, God can now cherish and embrace us in the same way.

            No matter who you are or what you’ve done; no matter how you’re feeling or what you’re going through, please know this: You are a beloved child of God, lifted up by His grace, and cherished by Him forever.

Personal reflection

Do I know that God loves me? Am I willing to share that gift with others?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for restoring us to God’s love. We are truly grateful for all that You have accomplished with Your sacrifice. Help us to share this great news with our families and friends. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully 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 drawing is one of John’s Bible drawings called ‘The Baptism.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Baptism.

Heart of God - 1 John 3:1

1 John 3:1        See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. (NIV)

            Like most of us, there are times and days when I rely on God’s love more than anything else. When I become weary or anxious, I need God’s assurance to pull me through those moments. When I feel depressed or confused, I lean on God’s understanding to help me find His light. And when I’m angry with myself or out of sorts with the rest of the world, I greatly require God’s peace to abide in my heart and mind.

            In today’s Bible verse, the apostle John tells us that we are God’s children. What a wonderful blessing! God calls us His children not because we’re perfect or saintly, but because Jesus has claimed that title for us. He has taken away the consequences of our sin and restored us to God’s delight and pleasure. Christ has become our elder Brother, who is willing to guide and bless us as His younger siblings, especially in our times of loss and grief, loneliness and isolation.

            I don’t know about you, but today I need God to be very close to me, to embrace and encourage me, and to hold and help me. Without God, life at times would be both unmanageable and unbearable. With Him beside me, I can stumble through the darkness and eventually come into Christ’s light.

            Wherever you are today and whatever you are going through, please know this: You are a child of God’s grace and love. You are not alone. His Spirit is with you and you are dear to God’s heart.

Questions for personal reflection

What am I feeling today? How can God help me?

Prayer:            Loving God, we thank You for Your Presence in our lives, especially when our minds are troubled and our feelings are unsettled. Allow us the gift of Your peace in our hearts and souls. Help us to know that we are loved by You, so that our spirits may be uplifted. In Christ’s Name, we make this heartfelt prayer. Amen.

John Stuart is 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.

Today’s image is one of John’s psalms drawings. It’s based on a verse from Psalm 51. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 51.

Church Devotion - Wee Small Hours - Hebrews 11:3

Hebrews 11:3  By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (NIV)

You can also listen to an audio podcast of this message at this link: Wee Small Hours

            Sometimes when I wake up in the wee small hours of the morning, I gaze at the stars from one of the upstairs windows in my home. I recently purchased a pair of binoculars which makes the whole experience amazing. The stars that I can see with my own eyes are few in number, but when I look at them with the binoculars, I see thousands of stars and galaxies. After quietly stargazing for a while, I then prayerfully whisper to God my thanks for the incredible sights I have seen in the night sky.

            I’ve always believed that God was the Creator of the Universe, as well as being the Sustainer of Life on our planet. I see His handiwork in the stars and also in the world around me. At times, I am overawed by the depth of beauty and creativity that God displays; but I am also grateful that He created me to experience the joy of His loving labor.

            Looking at the stars at night makes me feel quite small and insignificant, and yet at the same time, I feel assured that God is real and He enjoys me enjoying His creation. This feeling gives me a peace of mind and solace in my heart. It builds up my faith and quietly strengthens my relationship with God through the gifts of wonder, amazement, and joy.

            Today, you may feel isolated and vulnerable, alone and forgotten. Please know and embrace this: the God Who created the wonderful stars also brought you into being. You are important to Him and You will always be loved as a child of God.

Prayer:            Heavenly Creator, thank You for allowing us to experience the universe in so many wonderful and awe-inspiring ways. Thank You for loving us personally and individually, wholly and completely. In Your Son’s precious Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to send him an email to Traqair@aol.com about this message.

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

Short devotion: Blue Jays - Romans 5:17

Romans 5:17  For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

            This morning when I drove into the church parking lot, I was surprised to see a flock of blue jays hopping on the grass in front of our Fellowship Hall. They were feeding on something, but as there were no berries on the trees, I wondered what they were eating. As I watched a few of them fly away, I saw that they had small white cubes in their mouths. I quickly realized that they were feeding on the Communion Bread from last Sunday morning!

            After each Communion service, our church elders dispose of the extra bread and wine by emptying the cup’s contents on the grass, as well as scattering the small squares of bread on the lawn. Eventually God’s creatures come and feed on the elements – insects, birds, and small animals. Today, however, was the first time that I have seen any of them actually taking Communion!

            Grace is a wonderful gift that we’ve been given through Christ, so that we may dwell with God in His Eternal Kingdom. Seeing the blue jays feeding on the bread crumbs reminded me of the simple way that my Heavenly Father nourishes me with the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation.

            May you experience the richness of God’s grace and the blessing of His goodness today.

Question for reflection

What does Communion mean to me? How have I experienced God’s grace through it?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of grace that You purchased for us through the giving of Your Body and Blood. We know that we do not deserve such a bounteous blessing, so we are humbly grateful for what You have done and what we have been given. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

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

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