Midweek Message: A Little Faith

Matthew 17:20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Mustard seeds are tiny, which is why Jesus used them to illustrate faith. Even a little can go a long way—like mustard on your plate.

 My mum once told me about her younger brother Andy, who was about four. One day, my Grandad McLay came home from work and sat down to his dinner of boiled ham with mustard. Young Andy, curious because he had never seen mustard before, asked for some. When he was refused, he cried and carried on.

 Eventually my grandfather gave in and handed Andy a teaspoonful. Delighted, Andy swallowed it quickly—then immediately cried out for water. As a child, he never asked for mustard again.

 A little goes a long way. Faith matters not only for us, but also for those we love and meet. Sometimes our faith helps others through hard times and brings change. Wherever we are today, let’s use even a little faith to make things better, especially for people around us.

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your words inspire us to use our faith in different ways. You ask us to help other people; You also need us to tell others about Your Kingdom. Enable us this day to do all that we can to make the world a better place, even with just a little faith. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 God bless you all.

Pastor John

July 23 devotion - The Rock

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NIV)

One of the privileges of being with a congregation for a long time is watching people grow in faith, especially during times of adversity, hardship, and loss. I am often touched by the spiritual strength that church members have which has been built up by their regular commitment to worship, study, fellowship, and prayer. Over the years, they have deposited a great deal of faith, hope, and trust in God, so that when the inevitable happens, they pull on those resources that they have banked within their souls, enabling them to both endure and overcome. It’s a remarkable process which I cherish; it’s something that I often wish others in the community would recognize in the lives of church folks today.

King David, the writer of today’s psalm, had his share of problems, too. Psalm 18 was written at a time when David as a young man was a fugitive, fleeing from the rants, wrath, and instability of King Saul. David sought refuge in another land, but he still looked to God to deliver him from the threats of violence and his enemies. Throughout his entire life, David depended on God to enable him to overcome his troubles and effectively solve his problems. His faith never faltered, even though his personal life included times of weakness, pride, and sin. Overall, he fully relied on God’s grace to both forgive and sustain him which is why in both the Old and New Testaments David is referred to as ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ (1 Samuel 13:14 & Acts 13:22).

Perhaps you are going through a hard time, a heartfelt loss, or a severe issue. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, lost, or confused. Whatever the case, please know this: The God who actively helped David in the past lives and watches over our lives today. In the midst of your pain or problems, lean on God’s love. At a time of turmoil or trouble, let God be the solid rock of faith, trust, and comfort that you need. God will not leave you or forsake you; instead, God will cherish and embrace, enabling you to endure and overcome.

Point to ponder

What is currently troubling me? Am I willing to place my burden prayerfully in God’s hands?

Prayer: Lord God, You know us completely and are fully aware of our present circumstances and difficulties. Allow to lean on You; enable us to rest on You; permit us to rely on You. In Christ’s Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. If you have any questions or feedback about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. If you are looking for a church or are in Knoxville at the weekend, come and join us for worship at Erin on Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome among us.

Today’s image is one of John’s original Psalm drawings based on another verse from Psalm 18. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 18.

The Answer - Luke 1:76-78a

Luke 1:76-78a And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of God. (RSV)

            I’ve tried to be a Christian for forty-two years. When I first gave my heart to the Lord as a teenager, I thought that everything would get easier and my faith would grow stronger. As the decades have sped by, I realize that being a Christian is a daily struggle between doing what is right rather than what I want. Each day, I can choose to justify my sinful mistakes and selfish choices, or I can decide to repent of my wrong deeds and foolish notions. I wrestle with my conscience and fight with God, usually when I let my doubts and fears overshadow my faith and weaken my connection to Christ. Instead of enjoying my salvation, I allow my insecurities to rob me of my relationship with God; rather than experience the assurance of His love, I permit my worries to pick away at my Christian beliefs. So, each day, I need someone to guide me back to God; I look for a path to restore my peace of mind and salvation.

            As I read today’s Gospel passage about the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80), I quickly realized that the answer to my struggle is plainly written there. When Zechariah prophesies about his newborn son, he says that John will become a herald of the Messiah by proclaiming a message of salvation to his people, ‘in the forgiveness of their sins through the tender mercies of God.’ In other words, John’s people will be restored to God’s favor and love through the gift of grace, which we now know was manifested in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

            So, what does this mean? Will our spiritual struggles end? Will things become easier for people of faith? I think the answer during our lifetime will depend on how much we really believe in grace. The true power of forgiveness does not lie in the fact that our mistakes are pardoned, but in the ultimate reality that our connection to God is eternally restored. With forgiveness, we can move on from the chains of our sinful past, enjoy what life has to offer in this present time, and look forward to the everlasting love of God in the future. And that, my friends, is salvation in a nutshell which we can experience both now and forevermore.

Point to ponder

What am I looking for in my life? How can salvation from God bring that to me?

Prayer: Lord God, You fully understand our human frailties, fears, and failures. We often make mistakes and carry a lot of regrets. Encourage us to come to You for the gifts of forgiveness and grace. Restore us to Your peace and love through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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

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

Holy or Human? - 1 Thessalonians 2:5

1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. (NIV)

            It’s very easy for all of us – myself included – to cast aside God’s Word and treat it as a basic moral guideline which we can either accept or reject without any serious consequences. We may sometimes use it to thread our thoughts and beliefs together and then throw it away when it does not suit our intentions, choices, or decisions. Instead of being sacred, the Bible just becomes a collection of ancient stories, songs, and prayers which may or may not be relevant to our post-modern lives.

God’s Word can also be taken as a spiritual encyclopedia of what people used to believe in the past and end up becoming a quaint record of old faith communities, whose members and devotees are all dead. We think that what we really need is something that reflects our own ideas, sophistication, and culture, making us the holy heroes of our present generation. In other words, what we want is something spiritual that connects with our personal lives, instead of sacred scriptures that show us how to connect with God.

When Paul commends the Thessalonians for embracing his message as the word of God, he praises them for treating it respectfully, humbly, and faithfully. They understand that the Gospel which Paul preaches is not something made up or manufactured by religious fanatics. When they hear what Paul has to say, they feel the powerful presence of God in the Word. They know that this message is different from anything else that they have heard; they understand that this Word will change their lives forever.

As Christians, we have been called to witness to the godliness of the Gospel, the holiness of Christ, and the existence of God in our lives. We are the products of a faith-forming process that began two thousand years ago, so the fruits of our beliefs also contain the sacred seeds of God’s Word for future generations. However, this fruit will only grow if we are connected to God through His Word – or as Jesus Himself expressed it: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

May we all treat God’s Word as being sacred and may we witness to its power with our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your words have been carried throughout the world for almost two thousand years. Your sacred message and godly Gospel have challenged and changed the lives of billions of people throughout history. Help us to cherish God’s Word as truly holy and enable us to apply its teachings and blessings each day. In Your Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

Deeply Rooted - Colossians 2:6-7

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (NIV)

            A couple of years ago, we added a rockery to our church campus through a gracious donation from some church members. It was built on the side of a slope which was forever covered in moss and weeds. The whole area was very unattractive and was right next to our main entrance. One morning, a group of landscapers appeared and transformed the whole area into a beautiful Japanese type of garden. Large boulders were built into place and special shrubs were planted. It was remarkable to see the slope change from being an eyesore into a very picturesque shrubbery.

            As the years have passed, the roots of the plants have grown stronger which means that during summer and fall, we will experience some beautiful colors all over the garden area. And now that we’ve added a special irrigation system, we can look forward to the shrubs and small trees growing and expanding all over the rockery. What was once an unattractive zone has become a place of beauty and pride for our members and visitors.

            Today’s highlighted verses from Paul to the Colossians convey the same type of planting and growth with regard to our faith in Christ. His Spirit works within us to produce thankful hearts and devoted souls to God’s Kingdom. As our faith deepens, our spiritual influence can expand so that we may positively share Christ’s blessings with our families and friends, neighbors and colleagues. In other words, we become living witnesses of the ministry and mission of Jesus in our homes, churches, circles, and communities.

Point to ponder

How thankful am I to know Jesus is my Lord and Savior? Do others see that thankfulness in me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for planting faith within each of us and for helping us to spiritually grow. Encourage us to deepen our connection to You, so we may become better witnesses of Your ways, words, and works. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost images called ‘Spirit 2018.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit.

Never Ending Story - Acts 7:58

Acts 7:58 They dragged Stephen out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

            I never knew my great-grandfather Andrew Stuart, but I heard some stories about him from my Dad. A hundred years ago in 1917, my great-grandfather was in the Royal Scots Guards who were fighting in the trenches of World War One. He was wounded a week before the Armistice was declared in November 1918. He lost an arm but he didn’t let it debilitate his life. He was born in 1875 and lived until 1955. By all accounts, he was a remarkable man and I would have liked to have personally met him.

            In November of this year, my first grandson is due to be born. I hope I have many stories to tell him about my family and our roots in Scotland. I also find it fascinating that if he lives into his mid-eighties, he will experience the beginning of the 22^nd century. That’s six generations covering four centuries – how amazing is that? Each time a life story ends, a new one begins.

            In the New Testament passage from Acts 7:54-60, we read about the sad ending of Stephen’s life, but we are also introduced to another significant life story – that of the young man named Saul. Christ’s work may have been completed for Stephen, but the ministry wasn’t over. Instead, it was being mysteriously transferred to an enemy of the Church called Saul. God’s story was continuing despite what may have been seen as a major setback by Christ’s followers. And the amazing thing is this – that very same story still goes on in our own lives today – person after person, follower after follower, generation after generation, and century after century until Christ’s Kingdom truly comes.

            Isn’t it wonderful to be a part of God’s never-ending story of salvation?

Point to ponder

Who helped me become a Christian? Have I passed on my faith to someone else?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your ministry is remarkable and we feel privileged to play a part in Your continuing mission. Encourage us to be a blessing of faith to someone else, especially among those of a different and future generation. 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 this devotion, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest art nouveau drawings called “By Any Other Name.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click here: Rose.

Listening to Jesus - Mark 4:9

Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (NIV)

            As a child, I often got into trouble for doing the wrong things, despite being pre-warned by my parents. I can still hear them saying to me, “This would never have happened if you had listened in the first place.” As a teenager, I promised to follow their instructions, but I still ended up making foolish choices which put me in reckless situations that I was lucky to survive. And then as a young man, instead of heeding the words of my family and friends, I almost destroyed my life completely through alcohol. In all of those circumstances, I just didn’t listen to the advice I was given. I wanted to make my own decisions and only ended up learning things the hard way.

            In the Gospel passage (Mark 4:1-20) where Jesus tells and explains the parable of the sower, I can hear some of His frustration with His own people. He has come among them to bring the good news of their salvation through the gracious Word of God. He is attempting to tell them, by means of this parable, about the consequences of listening to and applying God’s Word. Some of them get it and bear a fruitful faith, but most of them either discard His words or take them for granted and end up being fruitless. He is giving them the opportunity of a lifetime to get reconnected to God, but they just don’t listen and become separated from God forever.

            Christ’s words still challenge us across the centuries and His parable is highly relevant in today’s world. Sadly, some folks who consider themselves to be Christians are taking Jesus for granted and tossing away their opportunity of being saved. Instead of listening to His words, they make up their own beliefs and end up falling away. What little faith they have is fruitless, so whatever life they make for themselves is eternally pointless. They are choked with the cares of the world instead of cherishing the Word of God. In the end, they leave Jesus no choice but to say, “If only they had listened.”

Point to ponder

Is my faith fruitful or empty? Am I hearing what Christ has to say or just listening to my own voice?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, speak to our spirits and guide us to Your godliness. Open our ears to hear Your word and let our hearts embrace Your teaching so that we may bear a fruitful faith. Keep us from taking Your for granted and remind us of our dependence on You alone to restore us to God. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

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 devotion: Gospel Fruit - Colossians 1:6b

Colossians 1:6b            In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. (NIV)

            Yesterday, we concluded our annual Vacation Bible School for our church kids. It was a great success. The youngsters enjoyed a whole weekend of singing, crafting, playing, and listening. They learned Bible stories, sang new songs, made new friends, and enjoyed being there. It was good to see that all of the preparation, organization, and volunteering was very worthwhile. The whole church is very thankful for everyone who worked together to make the VBS program successful.

            We won’t see the fruits of our VBS work for many years. The seeds of faith that have been planted will take time to grow. However, if all goes according to plan, then some of those youngsters will become faith teachers in the future, passing on the Gospel to their next generation.

            Today, all over the world, people will hear the Gospel for the first time and it will impact their lives forever. Christ’s Church is always growing; in fact, in both the continents of Africa and Asia, it is multiplying at an exceptional rate. Church growth experts even predict that by 2030, China will be the largest Christian nation on Earth! That will be amazing and I hope I get to see it in my lifetime.

            Wherever you go today and whoever you encounter, please plant seeds of the Gospel with your words and deeds. Who knows, whatever you say or accomplish in Christ’s Name today may have a fruitful outcome in the future lives of others.

Questions for reflection

Who once shared the Gospel with me? Who can I share the Gospel with today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us to serve You today by witnessing to Your love in positive, influential, and effective ways. Enable us to see each person that we encounter as a child of God’s grace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can contact him by email at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Celtic Cross drawing called ‘Celtic resurrection.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.

Christian devotion - Cost of Faith - Acts 7:40

Acts 7:40         They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’

            Today’s passage from the Book of Acts (Acts 7:35-47), contains some of the things that Stephen spoke to the High Priest in Jerusalem , when he was put on trial for preaching Christianity. The charges made against him included accusations that he spoke blasphemous words against God and Moses. He was, therefore, taken before the High Priest, just like Christ, to answer those charges.

            Stephen defended himself by re-telling the story of the ancient Hebrew people under the leadership of Moses. Using scripture, he showed how fickle the people of God had actually been, and that they had also historically rejected Moses, which led to the casting of the idolatrous golden calf. Stephen must have hoped that his words would cause the religious authorities to truly reflect on the past and acknowledge that the Jewish people had wandered from the truth. If he could have convinced them, then he would have helped them to understand that Christ had come into the world to redirect the Jews toward God. Unfortunately, instead of guiding them to a better awareness of God’s plan of salvation, Stephen incurred the wrath of the High Priest and incensed the people, who stoned him to death.

            Last week, at the Umpqua Community college in Oregon, ten people were murdered, just for being Christians. They were shot in the head for simply declaring their belief in Christ. We usually hear of this kind of inhumane brutality in other lands and from past centuries. It has shocked us all and perhaps has made us more aware of the true costs of our Christian faith. It’s sad to think that such a terrible and tragic thing could happen in our land, and yet, every year, about 100,000 Christians lose their lives across the world for simply holding the same beliefs that we so casually carry in our hearts and minds.

            So today, let’s think about how deep our faith in Christ actually is, and ask ourselves this question: do I try to live my life for Christ and is He worth dying for?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, when we think about Christian martyrs we conjure up images from past centuries, instead of in our present world. We conveniently forget that our faith often challenges the wickedness of the world, and so our people become easy targets across the nations. Help us to remain faithful to You. Let Your Holy Spirit comfort and be with those families in Umpqua and elsewhere, who are dealing with such a painful and unjust tragedy in their lives. 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 devotion, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

Half Time devotion: Hope and Strength - Psalm 31:24

Psalm 31:24  Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

            This is one of my favorite verses from the Bible. When I read or hear it, it reminds me that faith is a mysterious mixture of hope and love. I place my hope in Christ because He loves me. I love the God of my heart because He sustains my hope. This is what I experience as faith. This is what I know to be personally true for me.

            Life isn't fair and sometimes we struggle through each day. We all have troubles and disappointments in our lives. We all experience times of sadness and loss. We all have difficulties to overcome and problems to solve. Today’s Bible verse doesn't fix our issues or cure our ills, but it does enable us to cope, to endure, and to eventually get through whatever we are facing.

            Like you, I muddle through each day as best as I possibly can. I take what comes and try to maintain a course that will steer me through whatever confronts me. The source of my strength comes from God, and my ability to deal with my problems is empowered by Christ. Without Him, I am both hopeless and helpless. With Him, I am hopeful and strong.

            Whatever you are personally going through at this time, please know this: God gives strength to the weak and hope to the helpless. You are not alone and you are loved. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Questions for personal reflection

What problems am I currently facing? Am I relying upon God for the strength I need? Am I hoping for His support and guidance?

Prayer:           Lord Jesus, You once said that each day has enough trouble of its own, in order to remind us not to worry about tomorrow. Be with us today and guide all of our responses and decisions. Let us know of Your comforting and abiding presence in our lives. 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 one of John’s latest winter drawings called “Northern Skies.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Skies.

Confirmation Devotion: Precious People - 1 Peter 4:16

1 Peter 4:16                However, do not be ashamed if you suffer for being a Christian; instead, praise God that you bear Christ’s name!

            This Sunday, four of our young people will go through the rite of Confirmation at church and publicly declare their faith in Jesus. They are very bright young people and each of them have prepared Faith statements about their Christian beliefs. They have been nurtured spiritually by their families and our congregation, so the whole event will be both a sacred and special time for all of us.

            They are all deep thinkers which is what Presbyterians are known for. However, they are also Presbyterians in the Bible Belt, which is not always easy to practice. Some of them have been have been confronted and demeaned by their evangelical peers, who seem to take great delight in telling them that they are not going to Heaven simply because they are Presbyterians. It must be very hard for our young people during those moments, but they are all strong in their faith and know who they actually are in Christ’s eyes. One day, each of them will become leaders in our church. They have a great potential and we all feel both honored and deeply privileged to have them among us.

            When Peter was writing about the sufferings that Christians were experiencing in his time, he was reminding them that to follow Christ was never easy. During those dangerous times, Christians were persecuted by both Imperial and religious authorities. They were regarded as seditionists whose beliefs were thought to be corrupt and shameful. They were hunted down and arrested, humiliated and executed for believing in a religious fanatic who had been crucified for his criminal behavior.

            I wonder what Peter would have thought of today’s Christians who bait and provoke one another, causing our young people to reject the church? I think that he may have been both disappointed and righteously angry by our pride and arrogance, our heartlessness and hostility. Perhaps it is time to re-learn our faith from our young people; perhaps it is time to seriously rethink about our divisive ways. I know that I have been guilty of this, too. I know that I need to reconsider that how I express myself as a Christian is more important to our young folks than what I actually have to say.

Questions for personal reflection

How do I convey my Christian faith to those around me? Is my witness to Christ effective or aggressive?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, the world is constantly changing and our young people are the most precious gifts that You bring to our churches. Help us all to support them in their faith journeys, to nurture them spiritually, and to encourage them faithfully, so that they may develop their Christian beliefs in productive and positive ways. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called “After the Fire.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/14077009816_c339a8caf4_b.jpg