Short Devotion: Blessed are the Caregivers - James 3:17

James 3:17     But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Caregivers are the most undervalued people that we can ever encounter. Over the past twenty five years, I've seen many caregivers who look after their spouses, their parents, or their special needs children and I have marveled at their patience, their commitment, and their love. I know that sometimes they feel worn down and in need of care for themselves. I'm also aware that some of them don't feel appreciated by those to whom they give all of their time, energy, and love.

Most caregivers experience a lot of stress, especially those who look after elderly parents. Age does not come on its own at times, and where disability or dementia are evident, the caregiver usually bears the brunt of their loved one’s frustration, bitterness, and hostility.

When I read today’s verse from James 3, it made me think about the many caregivers that I know who try to be peace-loving, submissive, considerate, and full of mercy. Their service to the person who needs care is remarkable; their dedication to a complaining loved one is courageous. If ever Jesus could have added another beatitude to His sermon on the mount, it should have been this one: Blessed are the care givers for they also will be given care.

Churches are good places where caregivers can find friends who support them, other members who pray for them, and compassionate people who love them. A good congregation knows who the caregivers are in their church; a loving congregation continues to offer caregivers support, respite, and above all sincere affection and encouragement to sustain them.

Questions for personal reflection

Who are the caregivers in my family and congregation? How am I/ can I support them effectively and sincerely?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, today we pray for the caregivers in our community who sometimes feel isolated and forgotten, overwhelmed and anxious. Bless them, encourage them, strengthen them, and give peace to them in the midst of their burdens and pressure. Keep them close to Your heart and enable us to give care to them when they need it most and expect it the least. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor at 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.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Secret Dancer.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14038380245_29919ca86e_b.jpg

Memorial Day Devotion - Enjoy this Day! - Acts 17:18

Acts 17:18       A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

            All across the land, families will be gathering together, enjoying Memorial Day. For most Americans, it’s a sacred day to honor those who gave of their lives in past and present wars, as well as a time to respect and remember those among us who are still serving our country in the military. There will also be a lot of feasting and fun because the best way to commemorate the war dead is to live life freely and fully, enjoying the precious liberty that we have with our loved ones, and embracing the freedom that we have been selflessly given.

            It’s also a day of faith, hope, and love when people of small towns and large cities will gather at military cemeteries to place small flags over the graves of those who served so long ago. Red, white, and blue is to be seen everywhere, and the Stars and Stripes is flown from flagpoles and homes all across the country. It’s a beautiful sight to see and a wonderful blessing to experience.

            For those of us who are Christians, there is also the wonderful hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ, who also gave of His Life so that we may be saved from our sins, restored to God’s Kingdom, and blessed with everlasting life. One amazing day, when Christ returns, all of those heroes’ graves will burst open jubilantly and the sleeping warriors within them will be raised to the glorious eternity that we all seek. Our commemorations of the dead will suddenly become celebrations of Life and we will all be together with Christ forever. This is the good news that Paul preached about in Athens; this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we continue to share today, till the end of Time.

Questions for personal reflection

What does Memorial Day mean to me? How are my freedom and faith connected to my salvation in Christ?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, on this special day when we remember the fallen heroes of our nation, we also remind ourselves of Your Supreme Sacrifice which has given us hope for the Life that is yet to come. Be with our people this day, and as we honor those who have served and are still serving our nation, keep us mindful of the service that we can still give to You each day. 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 or ask a question about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is a Memorial Day drawing of John’s called “Memorial Tears.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/2525663285/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Scottish Devotions - Jenny Graham - Isaiah 40:31

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Next to my wife Evelyn, Jenny Graham was the fastest walker I have ever seen in my life. When I ministered in Scotland, Jenny could be seen most days cantering down the Maybole High Street as she headed to the stores for groceries, the post office for stamps, or the bank for money. She was always hurrying to get her messages done and nobody could keep up with her. Walking alongside Jenny was not an option and everybody smiled a good morning or good afternoon to her as she trotted past them. When I knew her at first, she was in her sixties, but she continued rocketing along the High Street well into her nineties.

Jenny was a remarkable lady, an amazing pianist, gifted piano teacher, and a wonderful church organist. Music was a great gift to her from God and she used her talents to bless the townsfolk in Maybole for generations. Everybody kent (knew) who Jenny was and her long life was spent passing on the gift of her faith through music. When I was pastor at the Glenkirk in Maybole, Jenny was immensely helpful to me, especially in the putting together of worship services. I appreciated her skills, her stories of past ministers, her great friendship, and total commitment to the church. Much of what I accomplished in the congregation had a lot to do with Jenny’s support.

Jenny passed away on New Year’s Eve and her funeral service took place today. Many people would have been in attendance from all over the town and from all of the churches. It must have been strange, though, not having Jenny playing the music.

From now on, when I read or hear today’s verse, I’ll remember Jenny. The part about ‘they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint’ just sums her up completely to me. She had an amazing life with wonderful skills, and many people like me feel blessed to have known her. I’m also left with a wonderful image in my head of Jenny at the Pearly Gates cantering through them with St Peter behind her trying to catch up!

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for the many wonderful people that Your Church brings into our lives. Thank You for their dedication and commitment, service and faith. They inspire each generation to do something more beautiful for You. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is my drawing of the Glenkirk in Maybole under a Scottish moonlight. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4071/4317958402_fe0f23d3cd_b.jpg

4 Minute Devotions: Wisdom and Understanding

Jeremiah 51:15 He made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

These days, when we talk about a person of power, we usually mean someone who has strong leadership skills, popularity, and has amassed a fortune. They are usually hard working, focused people who have amassed wealth and credibility. Political leaders, company executives, and even very successful movie stars are usually thought be powerful people. The press, media, as well as society in general, listen to what they have to say and value their opinions. Because of their success, we are drawn to what they say and do.

Power in the Bible takes on some different characteristics. Instead of wealth and success, power emerges out of wisdom and understanding. Elderly people were accredited more standing and respect in Biblical communities because of the years of experiences that they had accrued. Their understanding of the times, the seasons, and the forces of nature were crucial to the well-being and sustenance of their people.

Sadly, we’ve lost some of that in our world today. Old people are set aside as being old-fashioned and out of touch. We’re more into what’s happening now and who’s doing what amongst our peers, instead of listening to the garnered wisdom and collective understanding of our seniors.

Even the church has foolishly disregarded what our senior folks have to say about faith. We’re more into ‘emergent’ and trendy ways of doing worship and being church. In our frantic effort to be relevant, we’ve unwisely ditched the best of our faith for the worst of our wants.

If we honestly seek to be powerful and make an impact in our communities, then we have to take time to give credence to the collective wisdom and understanding of those who have been faithful for decades, instead of constantly deferring to those whose faith is just beginning. Change for changes sake leads to chaos and division, and we end up being influenced by the world. Choices made through wisdom and understanding, give us the power to be influential and make a real impact for Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for the seniors in our faith communities whose wisdom and understanding have helped to sustain our faith. Help us to be more open to their ways that have kept them loyal to You for decades. Teach us through what they have learned about the world and the church. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.