Do Not Forget - Hebrews 13:15-16

Hebrews 13:15-16 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (NIV)

Anyone can say from their lips that they love and serve Jesus. It doesn’t mean that they actually believe it or even practice what this entails. Healthy folks can also post religious verses or statements on the internet to indicate their beliefs, but they may not even go to church on Sundays. This is not a new issue, however, because the writer of Hebrews reminds the young Christian Church that praising Jesus also involves doing good and sharing with others. In fact, the author urges the new congregations not to forget about doing these things because some of them became so centered on their personal beliefs that they neglected to follow through with good deeds and Christian love.

Application: Is my faith deeply personal or distinctly relational? Who can I help to love and support today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to proclaim our faith in You by practicing Your teaching through helping and caring for others. In Your Holy Name, we humbly 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 ‘A New Earth.’. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Earth.

Half Time Devotion: A Godly Promise - Haggai 2:5

Haggai 2:5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ (NIV)

            I love watching the Super Bowl. When I lived in Scotland, I started watching live broadcasts of this great sporting final during the 1980s. From the get-go, I have loved the game and since then I haven’t missed this annual spectacular televised event. Now that I live here in the United States, I get caught up in the team rivalries during the football season, but no matter who appears in the Super Bowl, I root for the game itself which is a wonderful display of athletic strength, coordinated teamwork, and skillful strategies.

            As both teams enter the field, the players all have one aspiration: to win the game. In the locker room, the coaches have just given them the last of their inspiring words and positive affirmations about the need for commitment, dedication, and unity on the field to ensure victory. In the end, the team that is most determined and consistent will usually claim the win.

            Today’s verse from Haggai contains some inspiring words that God gave to His people during troubled times. The prophet conveyed the blessing of God’s constant presence and reassured them that His Spirit would remain with them. The outcome of this promise was that they did not have to fear what lay head; they just had to trust God’s words, as well as His consistent ways.

            That promise is still with us today. We may be facing some new issues in our lives, our homes, our work, and even our church, but no matter what lies ahead of us, God’s constant presence through Christ will be there to guide and support us, to reassure and lead us.

Point to ponder

What challenges am I currently experiencing? Where is God in the midst of them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the presence of Your Spirit in our lives. Bless us with Your guidance and love, so that we may overcome whatever problems or concerns are currently happening. 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 share some feedback about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is another of John’s Celtic Crosses called ‘Celtic Spring.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spring.

Short Devotion: Wonders of His Love - Psalm 36:5

Psalm 36:5      Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. (NIV)

            Late last night, as I was taking the weekly garbage out, I looked up at the night sky. It was full of bright stars. I love this time of year because the skies at night are generally cloudless, so there is a vast array of planets, constellations, and even galaxies that can be seen with the naked eye.

            I always get thrilled when I see them so clearly. In response, I usually thank God for such a glorious sight and then I wish that I could actually travel through space to see the wonders of creation in close proximity.

            I also find myself closer to God through looking at His amazing handiwork. I feel His presence in a deep absorbent way that I never experience elsewhere. I guess it’s because I feel so tiny compared to the gigantic astral globes that beautifully sparkle across the heavens. I think to myself that if God could create all the vastness of the Universe, then how almighty and powerful He truly must be.

            Perhaps you are feeling downhearted or vulnerable today. Maybe you think that you’re not important or significant. Perhaps you’re depressed about your life or feel forgotten by everyone around you. Please know this: the One Who created the stars and calls them by name fully knows and loves you. You are not forsaken or abandoned; you are not unimportant or insignificant to Him. You are a child of His grace, made of the same stuff of the glorious stars, and given an everlasting soul that will always be loved, embraced, and known to God through Jesus Christ.

Question for reflection

When was the last time I looked at the stars? What does their existence tell me about God?

Prayer:            Lord God, You are the Creator of all things and the Lover of all living beings. Your power is majestically displayed across the heavens and also intimately felt within our souls. Thank You for allowing us life and letting us enjoy the wonders of Your making. In Jesus’ Name, we thankfully 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. John is always delighted to receive your feedback on these devotions.

Today’s image is John’s latest winter drawing. It shows the Oliver’s Cabin at Cades Cove in the heart of the Great Smoky mountains. John has signed 8x10 prints available. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Cabin.