Sabbath Psalms - Love and Hate

Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. (NIV)

            I like the ancient word that is used in this verse for ‘justice’. In Hebrew, it’s ‘misor,’ which refers to something that is geographically flat like a plain or level like a plateau. It’s the equivalent of us talking about fairness where everyone is given an equal opportunity because we’re all on the same level playing field. There is no advantage given to anyone because of their strength, esteem, or power. Everybody is treated the same, so that justice can prevail. There is no special favor or consideration given to one group over another. Justice occurs truthfully and honestly, which is why some courts have a statue of justice being blind. There is no favoritism or patronage given; justice impartially seeks the truth which is why it is a symbol of God’s everlasting sovereignty.

            In a world that is beset with powerful liars and chronic misinformation, the truth can often be buried under a mountain of lies. People are manipulated by brazen leaders who twist the truth into what their followers want to hear, no matter how absurd it sounds. It’s a form of evil that repulses God and damages the world. Blindly accepted absurdities can turn into acceptable atrocities where justice is ignored, and prejudice is fully displayed. The terrifying lynchings in our own recent history testify to the wickedness of ordinary people who were absolutely convinced they were supporting and doing the right thing.

            If justice is a symbol of God’s sovereignty, then there will come a time when all of those liars, manipulators, and unconstrained leaders will be made accountable in eternity, as well as those who blindly followed them. The misor of God will level and expose everything, so those who should have known better or who deluded themselves will also be held accountable for ignoring the truth and embracing evil.

Point to ponder: What does justice mean to me? Is it the same as what it means to God? Am I guilty of following liars and spreading lies?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to see the world through Your eyes and to seek God’s justice across this planet. Encourage us to express the truth in the face of lies and to confront corruption with faith, hope, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

A Humble Hero - Isaiah 37:23

Isaiah 37:23 Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? (NIV)

            I’ve always admired King Hezekiah in the Bible, in fact, he’s one of my faith heroes. During his lifetime, his people underwent a lot of turmoil and danger, but throughout it, Hezekiah remains faithful to God. When his people are besieged by Sennacherib’s mighty army and are being taunted by the powerful commander, Hezekiah does not lose hope or fall to pieces. He takes his problem directly to God and places Sennacherib’s letter of ultimatum on the holy altar in the temple. Rather than surrender to the arrogant might of the enemy, Hezekiah plainly looks to God for divine intervention. The whole event can be read in 2 Kings, chapters 18 & 19.

            The prophet Isaiah expresses God’s contempt for Sennacherib. The Assyrian leader had blasphemed against God by touting the might of his army and his great political power in the region. He ordered the people to hand over Hezekiah and reject the Judean king’s promise that the LORD would deliver them, after all, every other ‘god’ in the neighboring lands had been unable to protect their people from the Assyrians, so why should Jerusalem’s local deity be any different? He even stated that this was his chosen destiny by boasting that God Himself told the Assyrian king to go up against Judah and destroy it (2 Kings 18:25).

            Because of this lie, Sennacherib’s fate was sealed. Instead of being victorious, his entire army was defeated by a cataclysmic disease. Instead of proudly marching through the gates of Jerusalem, the Assyrian king would woefully go home and end up being killed by his own sons. He brought this retribution on himself by claiming to be something that he wasn’t; his blasphemy ruined his plans and destroyed his success (2 Kings 19:36-37).

            Good old King Hezekiah was victorious because his faith in God was real. He had humbled himself before God and asked for mercy; he and his petrified people received God’s goodness and grace. In fact, Hezekiah would reign for another fifteen years as an honest leader and gracious king. This is why he is one of my favorite heroes in the Bible – he wasn’t interested in power, pomp, or glory – Hezekiah served the LORD and his people simply, faithfully, and truthfully which made him a great king, beloved leader, and devoted servant.

Point to ponder

Who are my great heroes from the Bible? How does their faith speak to me today?

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for real heroes in the Bible like King Hezekiah whose faith and ways must have pleased You. We thank You for his courage to stand up against his proud and fierce enemies. We praise You for the deliverance of Your people because of the humility of Hezekiah. Be with us and bless us in the same way. 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 on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM – you will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s Psalm drawings based on a verse from Psalm 71. If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Psalm 71.

June 29 devotion - Looking for God's Kingdom

Luke 17:20-21  Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

            If the Kingdom of God is to be found in our midst, what is stopping us from seeing it in other people? Is it their attitude? Their bad habits? Their Facebook posts? Their political views or religious beliefs? Do we see them as foes or friends? Do we accept them as encouragers or enragers? Do we embrace them as real people or envision them as rival opponents? If the Kingdom of God is to be found in our midst, what is stopping us from seeing it in other people?

            Perhaps it’s us and not them. Maybe we’ve become too focused on ourselves, opinions, and ideas that we view them as unequal, unsophisticated, or unworthy of our acceptance. Could it be that we see ourselves as completely right and them as totally wrong? Are we so convinced that God’s Kingdom couldn’t be in their hearts, minds, or souls that we’re ready to cast them aside and treat them as imbeciles? Are we so sure that the Kingdom of God resides within ourselves that it couldn’t possibly be found in those so unlike us?

            We forget that God’s Kingdom belongs to God, who abides and resides wherever God pleases. We can’t pick and choose who we think deserves God’s favor, blessing, and influence – that right is God’s alone. When Jesus said to the Pharisees that God’s Kingdom was in the midst of them, He didn’t define it with moral margins, behavioral boundaries, or biased borders. The Kingdom of God, like the presence of the Holy Spirit, goes anywhere and everywhere God pleases.

            It is time that we stopped stigmatizing people because of their views, beliefs, and opinions, especially on social media like Facebook. The Kingdom of God even penetrates the Internet and is all over cyber-space. If we define ourselves as Christians then we should be looking for that Kingdom wherever we are – whether in our congregation or community, our workplace or even on the world-wide-web.

Point to ponder

Am I looking for God’s Kingdom today? Am I seeing it in other people? Are other people seeing it in me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, enable us to experience God’s Kingdom wherever we are and whatever we do today. Open our hearts and minds to accept and embrace other folks as Your Kingdom people. Diminish our pride and prejudices; release us from our egos and self-centered ways. In Your Holy Name, we humbly 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 image is one of my Celtic drawings called “Spirit of the Celts.” You can view a larger version here: Spirit.

May 08 devotion - Holy Ground

Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (NIV)

            Sometimes I wonder if as Christians we’re losing our understanding of sacred space and holy ground. For some folks, the church has almost become a leisure activity in the same league as weekly sports, pastimes, or hobbies, instead of a sacred time in the midst of our busy schedules or a holy break to refresh our spirits and reconnect ourselves with God. I see folks that I dearly love looking weary and tired, through trying to cope with family pressures, health changes, or career responsibilities. They’re constantly giving and emptying themselves, or busying and stressing themselves. I want to encourage them to rediscover the peace of God in their lives and find a sanctuary in His holy house. I want to tell them that God didn’t create us to always be active; He made us to enjoy His works and be strengthened in His sacred presence.

            When I read how God called Moses from the burning bush and asked him to remove his sandals, I am reminded of what holy ground and sacred space are: they are places where God’s presence is intimately experienced and deeply felt. It’s a place and a time for dwelling in the mysterious moment of God’s grace and love. It’s a divine dimension where Heaven comes down to the Earth so we, as beautiful and unique creatures, can be touched by the Perfect One who made us. It’s where we learn that worship is not a timetabled activity, but an eternal part of our relationship with the Everlasting Creator. There is no other experience like it, which is why where it happens becomes holy and sacred ground.

            Whatever you are going through right now, seek God’s presence in the midst of it. Whatever pressure you are under or issue you are struggling with, look for God’s holiness in it. Make time to find what is sacred, instead of dwelling on what makes you scared. Take off your shoes and dance with God, for holy ground is where we can best delight in His pleasure, blessing, and love.

Point to ponder

When did I last experience God’s sacred space and holy ground? Am I in need of it again?

Prayer: Lord God, show us where we can find some sacred place and holy ground. Allow us this beautiful blessing to refresh our spirits and renew our souls. In Christ’s Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

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

Pharaoh's Folly - Exodus 7:3-4

Exodus 7:3-4 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. (NIV)

            There are some parts of the Bible that both intrigue and disturb me. Take, for instance, today’s passage from Exodus 7. Moses is being told by God what to do in order to free his people. It requires a face-to-face meeting with Pharaoh. Moses is scared about the encounter, but God promises him two things: that the Egyptian ruler will receive him, but God will also harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will not listen to what Moses has to say.

            I can understand God allowing Moses being permitted to see Pharaoh; what I have difficulty with is that Pharaoh does not appear to have any free choice in discussing the matter. And, because the Egyptian ruler hardens his heart and will not listen to what Moses has to say, the Egyptian people will suffer the consequences of several devastating plagues. From what the Bible is teaching, it seems to be that whatever the choices ancient rulers made, whether voluntary or involuntary, it was the nation that ended up suffering.

            For one of my own ancestors, this was tragically true. In the seventeenth century, when King Charles the First surrounded himself with sycophants and ignored the appeals and requests that came from his own Parliamentary leaders. A Civil War ensued and Charles ended up being executed by his own people for treachery. Ever since then, British sovereigns have never again been given an absolute monarchy. Too many people died in that Civil War for their rights to be a free and democratic people – which is something that their American descendants also fought for in 1776.

            So, what can we learn from the Bible and history today? This: there are always consequences to our choices, which may be good or bad, depending on whether we listen to sound advice from others, or just do things our own way.

Point to ponder

What mistakes have I made in my life by rejecting good counsel? What have I learned from those mistakes?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, not one of us is perfect and we are sometimes too stubborn for our own good. Help us to listen to those around us who lovingly offer us wise and sound advice, so that we may avoid the pitfalls of making bad and uninformed decisions. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

The Best Come-back Ever - Matthew 15:27

Matthew 15:27           “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” (NIV)

            She was an outsider and a foreigner. She had no claim on Jesus and was not part of the Jewish nation. What she had was a daughter whom she dearly loved and like any other parent, she wanted the best for her child who was seriously ill. The Syro-Phoenician woman in today’s Gospel story (Matthew 15:21-28) had heard about Jesus, so when she saw Him, she immediately ran to him, fell on her knees, and asked for healing.

            She did not know what to expect. Christ’s disciples had already tried to send her back to where she came from because her crying and wailing disturbed them. But the woman was persistent and wouldn’t back down. Jesus had the power to help her child, so she kept on battering against the wall of prejudice that was in front of her, in a desperate effort to get Him to respond to her pleas.

            Initially, Jesus says and does nothing and then He points out that His mission is to His own people first. Did she expect Him to give her from the blessings that God intended for the Jews? Or as Jesus put it, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

            And then this foreign woman speaks the best come-back in the whole Bible, “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Her tenacity is relentless and her faith in Christ’s ability is undaunted. Jesus grants her what she may not have been entitled to, the immediate healing of her demon-possessed daughter, which now meant that Christ’s ministry and mission went beyond any borders, any barriers, any walls between nations and ethnic communities.

            It’s called ‘Grace,’ and it happens because Christ comes down among us, breaking down the barriers between Heaven and Earth, as well as bridging the gap between God and humanity. It means we are given an amazing blessing, of which we are not entitled or worthy, but only because God wants to share it, so that we may freely enjoy His love and kingdom forever.

Point to ponder

Am I aware that I am not worthy of God’s grace? How thankful am I to receive this unentitled blessing? How willing am I to share this gift with others, especially those unlike myself?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for healing the Syro-Phoenician woman’s daughter. Thank You for hearing her plea and showing us God’s grace at work. We know that we cannot earn such a sacred blessing, but we are grateful for the bounty of Your love, mercy, and grace in our lives. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s Communion drawings which reminds us of God’s grace. If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Communion.

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

Thanksgiving devotion: Outlaw - Judges 11:3

Today’s readings:       Judges 11:1-11 and 2 Corinthians 11:12-21

Judges 11:3    So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a group of adventurers gathered around him and followed him.

The story of Jephthah reminds me of the tale of Robin Hood. Jephthah becomes an outcast because of his immoral parentage and, in order to survive, he collects around him a band of adventurers who fiercely defend the exiled land where they are now living. Jephthah and his band of brothers are treated like outlaws until their homeland comes under a severe attack from its enemies. Jephthah’s strength, bravery, and courage are so well known in the region that the elders of his tribe come to him for help. They are even willing to forget his shady family tree and offer him the leadership of his own people. They are all living in desperate times, which requires desperate action.

Later on in the story, Jephthah becomes a tragic character because of a rash promise, but during this time when the people needed him, his leadership saves the day. God obviously blesses Jephthah because he is a man of faith who keeps his word. Even though this will cost him his dearest love, Jephthah will not abandon his people who had once forsaken and outlawed him.

It’s a remarkable story, full of many different angles, lessons, and teaching points. It shows us how God can use outcasts to fulfill His will. It also reminds us of the noble qualities of loyalty and service which can be found in humanity. It displays fortitude and courage in the face adversity and prejudice, as well as how compassion and sacrifice show humility and devotion before God.

Jephthah’s tale could have been written as a Shakespearean tragedy, but it also reminds us of how God kept His promise by sacrificing His own dear Son in order to redeem and restore the world that He loved. And if you read through Judges 11 over the next couple of days, you’ll fully understand all that I am writing about today.

Questions for personal reflection

Have there been times in my life when I've felt like an outcast among my peers? How has God helped through those moments of isolation?

Prayer:            Lord God, You have kept all of Your promises and continue to fulfill Your word each day. We thank You for the precious gift of Your Son Jesus whose death brought us life, and whose compassion granted us mercy. Help us to share His gift with our families and friends during this time of Thanksgiving and Hope. 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 comment or ask a questions about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is a holiday card for a friend.

Short devotion : Minimum Requirements - Genesis 18:32

Genesis 18:32                         Finally, Abraham said, "Lord, please don't be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?"

And the Lord replied, "Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten."

It’s called a ‘minyan’ in Judaism and it means ‘ten righteous men.’ In any nation or community across the world where Jews live together, a synagogue can be established when ten God-fearing faithful men are resident in the locality. It’s the minimum requirement and it traces its roots back to this moment in Abraham’s life when he pleads to God on behalf of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. If ten righteous men are found in those communities, then they will be spared and not suffer the wrath of God.

In the Christian community, we call them ‘charter members’ or elders or deacons. A certain number of men and women are required to be the spiritual leaders of the local church. Their faithful prayers and Christ-centered focus keeps the congregation that they represent alive, relevant, and vital. Their decisions and commitment, loyalty to God and humility before Christ become the driving force of the church that they lead. Without their leadership, the people can perish and congregations will fail. They are the backbone of the church and their ‘righteousness’ in Christ, even though they are human and imperfect, blesses both the local congregation and community.

So let’s take time today to give thanks to God for those leaders, elders, and deacons who uphold God’s Word in their churches by their example, dedication, and devotion to Christ in worship, in prayer, in meetings, and in their daily lives.

Questions for personal reflection

Who are the local Christian leaders in my life who continue to spiritually encourage me? How can I support them?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, Your ministry continues throughout the world and Your people continually praise Your Name. You have called and chosen ordinary people to take on the roles of leadership in every church and congregation on Earth. Bless them with vision and commitment, reliability and encouragement, so that they may attract others to spiritually grow closer to You. 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, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s art nouveau type drawings to celebrate ‘Corpus Christi.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7167767597_ef58f73d3d_b.jpg

Leadership devotions: Fresh Expressions - Isaiah 56:11

Isaiah 56:11    They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain. 

Yesterday I was reading a quote from Bishop Graham Cray who is an Anglican and a leader of the newly formed “Fresh Expressions” organization in the United Kingdom. His quote was something that I heartily agree with, because it addresses the current leadership crisis in the Western church.

Bishop Cray stated, "When I was ordained 37 years ago it took a particularly inept Minister to shrink a church. All of that has changed. It now takes an exceptional minister to prevent decline."

Sadly, I have found this to be true on both sides of the Atlantic. Seminaries and divinity colleges are producing inept pastors who go from church to church creating havoc, or who cannot stay in the ministry beyond five years. I’ve even seen one pastor be given three different churches by the same Presbytery and in each case the congregation diminished. The same pastor is a big voice at Presbytery when it comes to making decisions for new church developments!

In my opinion, the leadership crisis that we face can only be averted by raising up strong leaders who know, believe, and teach the Word of God. There are too many unsound preachers and self-serving seekers in our pulpits, or as Isaiah put it so succinctly, “They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain.” 

So what can we do about it? We can start to pray for leaders to be raised up in the next generation of Christians who will stop the decline and re-grow the Faith. There are some great young people in our congregations who may be called by God to do this. If that is the case, then our work is to encourage, support, and guide them so that they will become strong and faithful Christian leaders to their peers.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You called for leaders from all walks of life to grow the Faith by establishing Your Church. We pray for those of our young people who are feeling called to ministry and we ask that You empower them with Your Word and strengthen them with Your Holy Spirit. In Your Sacred Name, we earnestly 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 one of John’s latest Easter drawings called “Star Fall.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6811333724_b8573e54b6_b.jpg

Devotions - A New Book

Today I published my first book for Kindle on Amazon. It’s called “60 Devotions for Church meetings.” It can be used by pastors, church leaders, deacons, elders, teachers, church staff etc as short opening devotions. It can also be used as a two month daily devotions book for individuals.

I’ve used stories from my past experiences, memories from childhood, and pastoral situations from both Scotland and here in the United States. My hope is that the readers and listeners will use them to reflect upon how God has been at work in their own lives.

This may become the first of many. If you would like to view and buy a copy (it’s only $1.99), then check out the following link: http://tinyurl.com/3hw8lg4

Kindle books are not just for Kindles anymore. You can view them on PCs, MACs, IPads, Androids, cell phones and tablets.

Daily Devotions: Remembering God

Psalm 111: 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

Sometimes I envy the people of the past, particularly those in the Old Testament. I wonder what it must have felt like to escape from the clutches of Pharaoh and wander around in the wilderness for a whole generation, in the holy presence of God.

God seemed so immediate and near to them, probably because there was nothing else to distract them. They weren’t surrounded by the busy-ness of today’s urban communities. They weren’t inundated with the sounds of the city or urgency of our world. They were isolated in the desert, so perhaps they were more open to hearing God’s voice and seeing His wonders.

It must have been both amazing and terrifying to have God in their midst. They were given first hand experiences of God’s power, grace, and compassion. In the daytime, they followed a pillar of smoke and at night they looked to a pillar of fire. It must have daunted and comforted them at the same time.

Today, we mainly learn about knowing God through the scriptures. We read the Bible stories and study the events. We try to imagine what really happened and build upon theological teachings and archaeological findings to increase our understanding of God and His people. But we also look to other people in order to know what God is doing in the world today. We hear of personal experiences, answers to prayer, and other events which convey to us that the God of Old is still in control of what’s new today.

In the end, we remember God’s wonders from the Bible and we embrace personal stories of His work in the world today. We know God through what we read in the scriptures and in the faithful lives of other people. And through both of these channels, we begin to understand, embrace, and experience for ourselves that God is still gracious and compassionate.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for the stories of old that we have read and learned from the Bible and people of faith. We praise You that You continue to be known in the personal lives of so many people around the world. Thank You for Your gracious and compassionate interest in our planet. We are grateful for the opportunity to truly know who You are and how You continue to work in and bless the world. 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 passage, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Daily Devotions: Street Talkers

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

My wife Evelyn and I were gone for a couple of days this week. We went to one of our favorite cities – Asheville, North Carolina. We enjoy going there and walking in the downtown area. We love looking at the architecture of the buildings, walking along the sidewalks, and seeing the amazing artworks, galleries, and creativity that Asheville has to offer.

But there’s also a “weird” side to the town that just astonishes us and yesterday was no exception. As we were walking up the hill to some of the wee bistros at the top of Patton Ave, we noticed a street vendor and a driver were having a conversation. The driver’s car was stopped at a red light and both people seemed to know each other.

“I haven’t seen you in a while, “said the vendor. “Where have you been?”

In a loud voice, the woman driver answered, “Oh my boyfriend put me in jail for a while. I just got out this week.”

Evelyn and I looked at each other incredulously. This unknown woman was letting everyone know that she had been in jail and didn’t seem to mind who knew. Only in Asheville, I guess.

At one time, we were known to be People of the Book. We tried to live our lives and mold our society on good old fashioned Biblical principles. Now it seems that people no longer live by God’s rules and as the years go past, we become more brazen about our sinful ways and more boastful about breaking the rules.

I worry about the world that our kids are going up in. There’s seems to be no boundaries, no common rules, and no order or decency. The world is becoming more hostile, disloyal, and unfriendly. People no longer live by the Book, only by the rules that they write for themselves.

The world needs true Christian people and our next generation desperately needs faithful Christian leaders. I hope and pray that God will graciously allow them to be raised up amongst them.

Prayer: Lord God, we have carelessly set aside our beliefs and allowed our society to abandon its allegiance to You. We have corrupted our values and been led astray by our own willful and harmful desires. Forgive us, Lord, for not heeding Your words or ways. Raise up strong leaders like Joshua of old, who can help our children and children’s children return to the Promised Land of faith, hope, and love. In Christ’s 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, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

4 Minute Daily Devotions: Oscar Month

John 6:15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

I love February because it’s Oscars month on Turner Classic movies. I get to record and watch the old movies with famous actors like Errol Flynn, Olivia de Haviland, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Greer Garson.

For the past two night, I’ve been watching Laurence Olivier in Richard III. He plays one of the sleaziest, greediest, and wickedest villains on the screen. I love Shakespeare’s plays anyway, but Olivier’s acting is absolutely amazing.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester, cheats, conspires, and kills his way into becoming the King of England. Along the way, he makes many enemies and at the end of the play, he is left destitute on the battlefield. That’s when Olivier utters the immortal lines: “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!” Justice is served and the villainous king is cut down and killed by his rival.

When I read the Gospel passage this morning, I was reminded that the people wanted to make Jesus their king, just because He supplied them with fish and bread. They wanted Him to provide for them, to heal their sicknesses, to satisfy their hunger, and to make their lives pleasant.

But Jesus was on a mission from God, so He couldn’t be tempted by such an offer. He was serving God, not Himself. He was doing God’s will, not His own.

This also reminds me that our faith in Christ is purely meant to glorify and honor Him. If we seek Jesus to bless us all the time and to make our lives easier, then we’ve crowned the wrong kind of king in our hearts. If we place our lives into His hands and seek to serve His kingdom here on earth, then we’ve truly made Him the King of our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to place You at the center of our lives and to honor You with our service to Your Kingdom. Enable us to keep You as the King of our hearts and Lord of our days. 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, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Church in a State

I am very disappointed and greatly concerned over some Christians who are letting their fears and anxieties about next week’s election extinguish their rationality and diminish their faith. The demonizing of the candidates on both sides has revealed the ugliness of prejudice and the great amount of ignorance that still persists in the hearts and minds of our people. I am ashamed that Christian people, who should know better, are allowing the devil to prey on their fears and overturn their faith so quickly.

Romans 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

I’ve read some alarming emails and blogs from Christians on both sides of the political realm, who are absolutely hostile to the other camp. Their hatred is spewed out venomously and in doing so, they actually deny their faith. Isn’t Jesus who said love your enemies? Wasn’t it Paul who wrote that the authorities are God’s servants?

Perhaps the day after the election, on November 5, we should all get down on our knees and ask God to forgive us for being so spiteful, unrelenting, and unchristian. We represent Christ all of the time, if we call ourselves Christians, so when we diabolically demonize our opponents, we are not only guilty of slanderous gossip and character assassination, we are letting ourselves becomes the pawns of Satan. That’s something that we should never allow to happen, no matter how passionate we feel about our politics.

It will be part of my Christian duty to pray each day for the new President, whether or not I voted for him. As a Presbyterian, I firmly believe in predestination, so whoever the people choose, God has already decided that person will lead our nation. And no matter what policies the next President tries to push through or accomplish, my duty is still the same: I will pray for him as God’s chosen servant. I may disagree with politics and politicians, but I try never to disagree with God’s choices.

Perhaps this devotional has angered you. Maybe you feel as if you’ve been rebuked. If so, then look into your heart and ask yourself this question: have I allowed my political passion to override my faith?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes You must despair about how Your Church expresses its political views. Remind us that we are called to be peacemakers and servants, encouragers and disciples, citizens of heaven, as well as earth. Keep us from being hateful, proud, and alarmist. Remind us that God is always in control. 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 comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.