Sunday Shorts - To Boldly Go

Mark 1:14-15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (NIV)

            It was a very brave thing for Jesus to do. When John was thrown into prison, King Herod and the other authorities thought that they had shut down John’s prophetic ministry. The Wildman of the wilderness had been effectively eliminated and totally silenced. He would no longer be able to upset the king and his wife, nor would he be able to challenge the religious leaders like the Pharisees and Sadducees that John had called vipers and hypocrites. He was cut off from the rest of the world to languish in a dreary, damp, and dark dungeon cell. John’s ministry was finished, and his opponents could not have felt better.

            But then Jesus appeared and took up the ministry that John had been forced to relinquish. He even started His mission by proclaiming the same words John had used to rouse the crowds of people who came to be baptized at the Jordan river. Jesus declared that “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” John’s radical ministry was not over; it was extended and expanded by his successor, Jesus.

            Now Christ could have remained silent for a while until the ruckus that John caused had died down. Jesus could have quietly begun His ministry among family and friends without disturbing the peace or challenging the authorities. Instead, He boldly proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was imminent and that everyone – kings and priests, soldiers and citizens, prophets and the people had to repent – to turn away from the things that distracted them from God and to turn toward God to receive forgiveness, grace, and truth. Christ was preaching a radical message, just like John; and in time, He would also be opposed, arrested, and killed, just like John.

            As we continue to extend Christ’s ministry in our community and across the world, we should ask ourselves what do we need to boldly speak out against in our present society? When we are faced with leaders who are corrupt liars and spread false news, do we remain silent, or do we speak out against them? Are we willing to let truth be tarnished and people be exploited? Or will we follow in Christ’s footsteps and speak out against prejudice, injustice, and hatred, even though it will cost us friendships and relationships, reputations and privileges?

Today’s scripture lets us know what Jesus would do, so are we willing to follow His example?

Point to ponder: How radical is my faith? How ‘woke’ was Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You boldly went out into the world to challenge everyone to change their ways. You spoke words that would anger Your opponents and disturb those in power. Help us to have the courage to stand up against the liars and haters in our world, to boldly speak out against those who would corrupt and mislead Your people. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

October 20 - Finding the Light - Matthew 4:16

Matthew 4:16   “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

When I first became a minister, I worked for a while in an ophthalmic ward as its part-time chaplain. All the patients in it were recovering from eye surgery. Some of them needed implants, some suffered from glaucoma, and still others had been involved in car accidents which meant that the surgeons had to patiently pick out small fragments of glass and metal from their eyes. Most of the time, the surgeries were successful. Some patients had to undergo several different operations before their eye ailments were cured. Sadly, a small number of people each year remained blind. Dealing with those patients was amongst the saddest pastoral experiences I ever had.

For the rest of the patients, recovery took several days. They were gradually brought into the light so that their eyes would not be permanently damaged by the sudden brightness of daylight. I can remember that large wooden shutters were placed over each window in the ward. The merest ray of sunshine, if prematurely exposed to the patients, could ruin their eyes forever.

The best experiences in the ward were those great days when a patient was wheeled out into the courtyard in full sunlight. Their joy was ecstatic and tears of gladness were often shed by the patients, nurses, as well their families. It was indeed a fulfilling of the old Biblical prophecy – “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

Spiritual darkness occurs in the hearts and souls of many people in the world today. Sometimes they’ve allowed fear, disbelief, and distance from God to take them back into the shadows of doubt and despair. Sometimes painful events, grief, and illnesses cause people to retreat within them, cutting themselves off from God’s love and His people. Whatever the causes or the circumstances, as a pastor I have seen the light of Christ heal, restore, and reclaim people like them for God’s Kingdom, in words and ways that cause them to rejoice in the Lord and delight in His glory.

Perhaps you are currently undergoing some pain, hardship, or trouble. Maybe you feel vulnerable, isolated, and alone. Dark clouds may have almost overwhelmed your soul and you may feel depressed. Know this: Christ has the capacity to bring you back into the light. Allow Him to do what He is best at accomplishing – restoring lives and returning people to God’s Love. All you need to do is ask Him to do this for you, even now as you are reading this message.

Point to ponder

When I have experienced dark times in my life? How can Christ’s light heal me of those moments?

Prayer:                       Lord Jesus, You know the struggles we are all experiencing and the issues that over-shadow our lives. In the midst of all the darkness that we feel, bring to each of us Your Everlasting Light. Encourage and embrace us; empower and enable us to follow Your Path. In Your Holy Name, we sincerely 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. You can also read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s picture is one of John’s seasonal drawings called “Halloween Jack.” If you would like to view a larger version of this drawing, click on the following link: Jack.

More Than Enough - Exodus 36:5

Exodus 36:5 And they said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” (NIV)

            It was a beautiful act of community generosity and a wonderful witness of God’s people. Moses must have been very pleased with the response that his people gave to the request for money and materials to build the Holy Tabernacle. As a leader, Moses would have been gratified at how cheerfully the people gave and how effectively their resources could be used. And as a man of faith, Moses must have felt proud that his people honored God in this respectful and generous way. In fact, the people gave so much, that Moses had to send out a special request to give no more because all that was needed had been provided by the community.

            On Sunday mornings, the combined offering in many churches enables them to fulfill the ministries and missions that God calls each congregation to undertake. Individuals could not do it on their own, but when the community of God’s people pools their resources as a thankful free-will offering, they are not just being grateful for the blessings that God has given, they are also being good stewards of God’s gifts. If our society and civilization were to honestly stop and think about how Christians throughout the world make the world a better place, perhaps they would better appreciate our faith. Billions of dollars are used in millions of ways to preach the Word, spread the Gospel, and continue Christ’s ministry in every land across the globe.

            Thank you for your contributions and generosity which make Christ’s churches better faith centers. Thank you for combining your gifts to joyfully advance God’s Kingdom on Earth. May God bless all of your hopes and dreams by allowing your plans to succeed.

Point to ponder

How does my giving contribute to Christ’s ministry?

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to Your Church in Earth and for the many ways which our time, talents, and money can be used to enhance Your work in our congregations, communities, and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully give and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. if you would like to send John an email – he reads them all – please write to him at Traqair@aol.com.

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

June 26 devotion - Acedia - Romans 5:5

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. (NIV)

I came across a new word the other day: acedia. It means ‘spiritual languor.’ I guess it’s like belief burnout or compassion fatigue. It’s when you lose your connection to God, His church, or His people, and you end up feeling isolated, vulnerable, and maybe even abandoned.

Acedia is like being in a spiritual wilderness with no sense of direction, focus, or meaning. It’s a hard state to be in and a difficult experience to endure. Souls can feel lost in acedia, but it seems to be an important part of our spiritual journey and Christian growth.

The Desert Fathers of the fourth and fifth centuries experienced a lot of this, especially when they chose to be isolated from the rest of the Christian community. They went out into the desert to find themselves because they were too many distractions around them in the towns and cities where they lived. They found the peace and quiet, solace and tranquility they were looking for, but slowly and surely acedia wormed its way into their hearts and minds. For a time, their souls became depressed and their grasp of God weakened. Some of them went mad with despair, whilst others were overwhelmed with a spiritual malaise.

So, how did they overcome acedia? They kept on praying. They kept on meditating about God. They kept on reading the scriptures. And even although this was hard to do, they persevered; bringing their souls through that acediac wilderness to a realization of a new hope in God’s overflowing love, through being reconnected to the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps, you are feeling the same acedia. Maybe you’ve felt disconnected to God for a while and have lost some of that peace, presence, and spiritual strength you so desperately need at this time. You’re not alone; others have walked that wilderness path before you. Keep praying. Keep reading. Keep persevering. You’ll one day discover that God still holds you in His hand and that He keeps pouring out His love to you day by day, hour by hour, second by second.

Point to ponder

How am I spiritually feeling today? How am I spiritually feeding today?

Prayer:            Father God, sometimes we feel that we have lost our grasp of faith and that things are not the same. Sometimes we wonder if You are really there, or if we are really that important to You. As we struggle with acedia, keep on loving us. Continue to guide us by Your grace and lead us with Your love. In Jesus’ Name, we 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 John’s Christ drawings called “Eternal Savior.” If you would like to view a larger version, click on this link: Savior.

A Wonderful Gift - Matthew 20:34

Matthew 20:34           Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed Him. (NIV)

            I love reading about the healing miracles of Jesus. What usually affects me is not what He does, but why He does it. In this passage, (Matthew 20:29-34) two blind men cry out to Jesus for mercy and healing. He hears their request and He restores their sight. Why? Because He had compassion on them.

            Compassion is a wonderful gift that Jesus has given to His followers and church. Compassion means that we align ourselves with those who are suffering and seek ways to relieve their pain, illness, or circumstances. The major role of the Church is to be a compassionate reconciler and healer to the world. Compassion is a major hallmark of our Christian faith – if we ever lose that, we will no longer be the Church in God’s world.

            Jesus could have walked by the two blind men and carried on with His mission. Instead, He listened to their plea for help and as He did, His heart melted with compassion. At that moment in time, He had the power to remedy their blindness, so He stopped what He was doing and healed them of all that was harming and debilitating them. They were powerless to do anything but cry out; He was powerful enough to help and cure them.  As Christians, we are called to do the same – to be heart-led followers of Christ and not heartless folks in our community.

Point to ponder

What is compassion and how do I show it to others?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we call You ‘Lord,’ because we seek to serve You. We are meant to emulate Your ways and share Your compassion to the world. Help us to empower the powerless and to support the weak. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest church bulletin drawings for Epiphany 6A. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Ep6A.

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

Church devotion: Three Important Things - Matthew 4:23

Matthew 4:23           Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

            Teaching, preaching, and healing – those were the three main strands of Christ’s ministry among His people. He taught them the Word of God in new and authoritative ways. He preached the Word of God by challenging their ideas and confronting their sins. And He practiced the Word of God by healing the people of their illnesses, anxieties, and distresses.

            Teaching, preaching, and healing – these should be the three major strands of Christ’s Church throughout the world. People still need to be taught the Word of God, otherwise they make up their own set of beliefs to suit themselves. Folks need to be preached to, and at, in order to shake up their choices and life styles. And people still need to be healed because there is brokenness, suffering, and despair all over this planet.

            If we are truly taught the Word of God, we can become Christ’s followers. If we are fully receptive to the preaching of God’s Word, we will make good and honest choices. And if we allow ourselves to be healed of the past, as well as cured of our present woes and anxieties, we will discover a newer, brighter, and more blessed future with Jesus.

            Teaching, preaching, and healing – the continuous and effective ministries of Christ which we can still experience today, in any part of this planet, in any place where the Spirit of the Lord can be personally known – which is everywhere and by everyone.

Questions for personal reflection

What part of Christ’s teaching means the most to me? How has preaching increased my faith as a Christian? When and where has Jesus healed me?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, thank You for being the True Teacher, Preacher, and Healer of the world. Help us to rely upon Your words and ways each day. Grant us the grace to receive, retain, and apply God’s Word through Your teaching, preaching, and healing 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 Lectionary art images. It’s based on a verse from Psalm 67. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Psalm 67.

Ministry devotion: A Tale of Two People - James 5:13

James 5:13     Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

            Yesterday morning, I was supposed to attend our quarterly Presbytery meeting which was being held at our beautiful John Knox Center. It’s always a delightful place to visit because of the wonderful scenery which surrounds the campground. However, God had other plans.

            As I was driving down the Interstate, I saw two people walking along the shoulder. Both of them were wilting under the tremendous heat of the sun. I thought that one of them was a woman and she seemed to be carrying all of her belongings in a rag bundle. After passing them, because I was in a hurry to get to Presbytery, I couldn't get the image out of my mind.

            I took the next exit and doubled back. By this time, they had stopped walking and were sitting on the metal railing in the shade. I eventually came around their way again and stopped the car on the shoulder beside them. They were relieved that someone had actually stopped.

            They hadn't eaten anything hot in two days. They were both unwashed, sunburned, and suffering from exhaustion. They had been on the road for four days and still had another six days journey ahead of them. They were heading to Arkansas but hoped to reach Nashville that day, whereas I was heading to the camp just a couple of miles up the road. As my exit came up, I decided to take them to get them breakfast and then drive them to Nashville.

            After they had eaten, I told them to go to sleep in the back of the car if they needed it. Within minutes, they were sleeping like babies. Nashville was almost a three hour drive and they slept all of the way until we reached the outskirts of the city. We stopped for coffee and lunch. I then took them to one of the biggest churches in the city, which has a large benevolence ministry. I knew that they would be well looked after. Today, they may be on a Greyhound bus traveling home. It my fervent hope and prayer that they get home quickly and safely to be with their families.

            As I drove back to Knoxville, I wondered if it had been a wasted day. I could have spent it at the Center enjoying the scenery and getting involved with a few theological tussles that us ministers like to provoke and participate in. And then I remembered the smiles on their faces when I stopped the car, as well as the laughter that we shared over lunch.

The day was not wasted; it was totally blessed.

Questions for personal reflection

What are my plans for today? Am I willing to let God’s plans change those of my own?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us in Church World to become part of the Real 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 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 “Emmaus Window.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/13905769187_8b7a246e57_b.jpg

New Year devotion: Serving God - Ephesians 6:7-8

Ephesians 6:7-8          Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

We all have good intentions at the start of the New Year. We think about what we would like to do and accomplish, and maybe even dream about making fresh starts and fulfilling our long-term goals. It’s a great time of year to think about the future rather than dwell on the past. As we cross over this new threshold, we all hope for something good and significant to happen in our lives. It could be the birth of a whole bundle of blessings; it could be the start of something special.

            As a pastor, I like to use this time to seriously contemplate what God wants me to do with this year. I think about the path that the congregation is taking and try to work out how I can enable and encourage the good folks to find new ways and opportunities of supporting the church and serving Christ in our community. Each year is different from the past and God usually adds new folks, new missions, and new ideas to the whole process. It’s a large part of my ministry to see that God’s chosen people are placed in positions to be effective servants of Christ. If I can manage to do that well, then God’s work will be glorified and the congregation’s ministry will flourish.

Question for personal reflection

Do I feel called to a special ministry and mission in my congregation and community? Am I willing to talk to my pastor about it?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we are all blessed to be Your servants. We each have unique backgrounds and gifts that are useful to Your continuing ministry. Help us all to pray about where You want us to serve You in our churches and communities. 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 ask a question or make a comment about today’s message, please contact him by email at traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest winter drawings. It’s called “Winter Cardinal,” and it features a beautiful red cardinal perched on a winter branch during snowfall. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/11634466773_6186ee6629_b.jpg