Watching Us - Psalm 121:7-8

 

Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV)

The mindfulness of God is something that I have grown to really appreciate over the years. His constant presence has helped me on many occasions to overcome times of adversity, distress, and tragedy that I thought I would never be able to endure. It wasn’t just that God sustained me during those critical times; He embraced the situation I was in and walked with me through the pain, fear, and confusion. God’s empathy with my sickness and sorrow reassured me; His quiet presence strengthened me and gave me the hope to begin again.

Some people think that God watches over our lives to catch us out and add to our list of sins, so that on the Day of Reckoning God can fully indict us of our defiance, disobedience, and dalliance with sinful choices and deeds. That would make God capricious, a deity who delighted in tormenting our souls and overshadowing our lives with fear. I don’t see that in this scripture. In this text, God watching over us is like that of a parent who is both concerned and aware of what their child is experiencing. Rather than being punitive, God is protective. Instead of being vengeful, God is mindful, so He watches over us with concern and compassion, awareness and love.

I hope that this watchfulness of God will help you through your current experiences; I pray that Gods’ mindfulness will also give you the strength to overcome whatever you are presently enduring.

Point to ponder: Am I aware that God lovingly watches over me? Am I ready to receive His love and compassion?

Prayer: Lord God, You have given us life to experience Your light even in times of suffering and despair. Help us to reach out to You in the midst of what we are presently experiencing, in order to receive and be embraced by Your love. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to see what’s happening at the church, just click on this link: www.erinpres.org

Today’s image is one of John’s Pentecost drawings called “New Spirit.” You can view a larger version at this link: New Spirit.

Short devotion: Setting Me Aside - Psalm 34:4

 

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (NIV)

We live in anxious times and I suspect that many of us, including me, are just glad to get through each day. There’s so much uncertainty in the world and it’s affecting each one of us. We don’t know what lies ahead and, after three years of instability, we may wonder if things will ever change for the better. It’s been a tough time to endure and we’re weary, even in Churchworld.

When I came across today’s verse in my daily readings, it reminded me to seek God in order to cope with my fears. Far too often, when I’m faced with difficulties, I offer up a rocket flare of a prayer to God, asking for strength to sustain me, as well as a timely solution to my problem. It’s not an ideal way to build any solid relationship with God, for it causes me to treat Him as my personal spiritual paramedic and individual issue solver. In other words, I’m only using God for special emergencies.

Seeking God, on the other hand, takes time. It requires me to stop what I’m doing in order to have a deep conversation with God. I get so used to rushing my prayers that I forget Whom I’m actually addressing. However, when I intentionally set aside my busyness or anxiety, and patiently explain to God what I feel or fear, I humbly listen for His counsel, wisdom, and teaching. Because I focus on God and not me, my fears subside and my anxieties diminish.

I think this is why Jesus invites all of us to come to Him when we’re weary or burdened. It takes time, as well as personal intent, to respond to such an invitation. Christ means us to use it as a relationship-builder with Him, and not as a problem solver for us. He wants us to seek the Lord, be given His answer, and then be delivered from all our fears.

Point to ponder: What is currently making me most anxious? Am I willing to seek the Lord and take time to talk to Him about it?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us so well and are fully aware of what is presently troubling us. You’re waiting for us to set aside time to let You know how we feel, so that You can embrace us in the midst of our fears, hearken to our issues, and offer Your counsel. Teach us to pray again and to trust You completely. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can see what’s happening at the church by viewing its website at www.erinpres.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest winter drawings called “Snow Moon.” You can view a larger version at this link: Snow Moon.

Short devotion: Sometimes - Ephesians 1v7

 

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (NIV)

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and remember something foolish or sinful that I’ve done in the past. I revisit the event in my mind and end up feeling embarrassed or ashamed for what occurred long ago. I wish that I had said or done something different and because I can’t change the past, I feel as though I’ve blemished my faith and damaged my relationship with God and even other people. It’s too late to alter what happened, so I feel regret and end up saying sorry to God.

Some days the guilt lingers, and it afflicts me, making me doubt that I’m forgiven by God and then something wonderful happens. I come across a verse in my daily Bible readings like the one listed above which fills me with comfort and assurance. My sins are forgiven because Jesus gave everything to ensure that my past is cleansed through the holy blood of Christ. I may not fully understand how this works, but I am grateful for this unique act of grace which restores my spirit and reconnects me to the love of God.

Perhaps you are also dealing with something similar. Maybe there is some event in your past that has become a major regret in your life. It could be that you’ve carried the weight of your guilt for years and worry about how you can fix your relationship with God. Take courage and be assured: there are more than enough riches in God’s grace, as well as power in Christ’s blood, to forgive your foolish and sinful ways in order to renew your life and reset you on the path to God’s Kingdom.

Am I seeking forgiveness for my past mistakes? Am I ready to receive the grace of Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, without Your sacrifice we would have no way to receive God’s forgiveness or be restored to God’s love. Thank You for redeeming us through Your blood and embracing us despite our sins. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Today’s image is one of John’s Fall drawings. You can view a larger version at this link:

Forest Glade

Short devotion: Unworthy - Luke 12:6-7

 

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (NIV)

A couple of times this week, I’ve had friends confess to me about how unworthy they feel to be loved by God. It bothers them greatly and hinders them from coming back to church. They genuinely feel that because Covid has isolated them from coming regularly to the sanctuary to worship on Sundays, they have somehow disappointed and failed God. They seem to think that this unworthiness has separated them from both the worship community and the Lord Himself.

This is very hard to bear, and I can remember going through a similar time when I strayed away from the church. The feeling of unworthiness creates a barrier and forms a shell of shame around your spirit. It’s difficult to break through and overcome; it’s also one of the best weapons that the devil uses to keep people away from God.

The good news is this: we are all unworthy to be loved by God and yet, despite what we feel, God still values us as His children and His Son’s servants. This is why Jesus told His people not to worry about their lives or be anxious about their unworthiness. God valued them greatly and loved them deeply, so deeply, in fact, that God sent His Son to die for unworthy people and restore them to God’s favor forever.

So, know this: we who are unworthy, are welcomed back by God to worship in Christ’s church, not because of who we are, but because of Who God is and what Jesus has done.

Q: What makes me feel unworthy of God’s love? How has Christ overcome this for me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are times when we feel that we have failed You and sometimes this stops us from worshiping with others. Help us to accept that we are all unworthy, but that we are also valued highly by God, Whose love for us never ends. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and thankfully pray. Amen.

 

Pastor John.

www.erinpres.org

 

Short Devotion: Psalm 42

 Psalm 42:1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.

Psalm 42 tells the story of someone who is going through a hard and painful time. The psalmist has endured some personal suffering which has caused those around him to question God’s existence. The writer’s faithfulness to God has not protected him from this tragedy; in fact, it has made the burden of pain heavier to carry. In order to deal with this unhappy event, the person writes down his feelings and ends up crying to God in prayer.

Of all the psalms written in the Bible, this is the most human. Vulnerability and pain, bewilderment and frustration are all expressed by the psalmist – he longs for God’s comfort like a thirsty deer pants for water. He yearns for God’s compassion to lift up his weary soul.

It’s a beautiful psalm because it deals with pain and suffering honestly. The writer is freely permitted to question God, and not just to seek His comfort. It is a psalm that any one of us could write or recite when painful events occur. It is the raw edge of faith encountering the perplexity of God; it is the plaintive song of every person living on Earth.

The question that is asked and the longing that is sought are never really answered in the psalm. The writer still maintains his faith because he has no where else to go and no one else to turn to. He cannot let go of God despite what has happened and yet he seems to understand that God is with him, experiencing the same pain and enduring the same suffering. They are both in this together – human and divine – in a Christ-like moment of truth and frailty which foreshadows the Cross that is yet to come, for, just as the psalmist asks, “Why have you forgotten me, God?” - Jesus will also exclaim, “My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we long for God, especially during troubled times and painful moments. Help us to endure and grant us faith to overcome. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 

One of the best renditions of this psalm is the modern song “As the Deer.” You can watch and listen to this beautiful interpretation at this Youtube link: https://youtu.be/UZv3jzOTE70

 

 

Short devotion: Turning Point - Acts 10:28

 

Acts 10:28 And Peter said to them, “You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.” (NIV)

 It was a turning point in Peter’s ministry. He thought that his mission for Christ was to be narrowly focused on his own people, but God showed him dramatically in a vision that the Gospel Peter was preaching was for everyone. It was a remarkable event in Peter’s life, so when folks approached him on behalf of an outsider – Cornelius – the Big Fisherman knew that God was calling him to bring Christ’s message of salvation and grace to those who were least like him. As Peter confessed at that time, “God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.”

 In our current divided and fragmented society, it’s very easy to think of others who have different opinions, ideas, and lifestyles as being subhuman, wicked, and unworthy of our prayers, compassion, or care. It’s far easier to put people in biased boxes so that we can ignore them completely. Giving them labels allows us discount their situations and disregard their grievances. We can even force them to live in ghettoes or lock them up in cages in order to get rid of the annoyance of having to deal with their problems. However, in doing that we set aside the Gospel of grace and disrespect what God has shown – that we should not call anyone profane or unclean.

 On Wednesday nights, our wee church is actively attempting to reach a turning point with our BridgeBuilders program. We want to learn from others what damage has been done to them by racism and prejudice, biased systems and manipulation. The discussions we are having are not easy to hear, but the only way to bridge the gaps that we have created or allowed is to actively listen to what people of color, creed, or orientation have to say. By doing this, we hope to reach a point where we will call no one profane or unclean. We will see them as the Lord does: children of God in need of love and grace.

 Point to ponder: Who am I prejudiced against? How does God see them?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, being a Christian is never easy because You challenge us on so many different levels. We justify our biased ways and validate our judgment of others. Forgive us for being morally profane and spiritually unclean. Heal us of our blindness and open our hearts to embrace all of God’s children. 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 learn more about our Bridgebuilders program, please visit our website for more details at www.erinpres.org.

 Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “A New Earth.” If you would like to view a larger version, just click this link: A New Earth.

Short devotion: Love Each Other - John 15:12

 

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV)

When I think of my Savior’s love for me, I am reminded that I did not deserve one ounce of it. I am thankful that Jesus did not say, “I’m tired of doing things for other people. I’m tired of those who expect me to heal them for nothing. I’m tired of those who take everything from me. I’m tired of those who don’t deserve to receive God’s resources or Heaven’s wealth. I’m tired of those who take me for granted and constantly call on God to help them. I’m tired of looking after their spiritual welfare, especially when they neglect their spirits. I’m tired of feeding them when they turn up hungry, looking for food. I’m tired of being treated this way and just won’t save them because they’re just too lazy to save themselves.”

I am grateful to God that Jesus never said that – instead, He loved immensely, broadly, richly, wonderfully, and beautifully. And then He asked His followers to do the same: ‘Love each other as I have loved you.’ His followers, mind you; His disciples, you know the folks like us who call ourselves Christians – we’re meant to love each other in Christ’s way, not on our own terms. There are no boundaries, there are no walls; there are no restrictions, there are no barriers – not if we call ourselves ‘Christians.’

Yep, calling ourselves ‘Christian’ is easy; being a Christian is one of the hardest things to do in life.

So, Christian sister or brother, do we honestly love each other as Christ loves us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess to being shallow people and hollow Christians. Forgive us when our prejudices prevail and we forsake our faith through pride. Lead us back to be embraced by Your love and then move us forward into the world with Your love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Check out what’s happening at the church on our website: www.erinpres.org.

Mid-Week Devotion: Way to Go - Psalm 32:8

God is willing to help and guide us through this unsettling time.
A short devotion based on Psalm 32 v 8.

Mid-week devotion - Looking Ahead

A short devotion on Psalm 22 v 31 and how it can help us through this time.

Overcoming - Mark 9:23-24

Overcoming our fears and restoring hope in a time of pandemic.

Pandemic Purpose - Mark 9 v 5

Mark 9:7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” (NIV)

For most of us, being at home is like house arrest. We want to go places and be with people elsewhere, but we cannot because we’re trying our best to help others. We end up sitting around after our work, probably watching old movies, checking out the fridge, or cleaning out stuff that we’ve gathered or kept in boxes way too long. Perhaps there are some moments when we don’t know what to do with ourselves, so we just end up trudging through the day as best as we can and then go to bed early. We’re on pandemic imprisonment and we don’t like it.

But what if God wanted us to use some of this time to grow closer to His Son Jesus? What if this was the opportunity to fully read that Gospel or Old Testament book that we’ve always promised ourselves to do? What if God, who really loves His Son, wants us to listen to Him now? Wouldn’t that transform our spirits? Wouldn’t that give us something to aim at or spiritually deepen?

Usually, we are so busy that we never really stop to listen to Jesus. We bring Him into our lives whenever there’s a crisis or something that we want from God. Now that we’re in a crisis, shouldn’t we be asking ourselves what does God want me to do in this strange time?

So, go on. Read that book from the Bible. Study that passage that has always intrigued you. Choose a Gospel and read it from beginning to end. The insight that Christ gives you may also change you, but then again is that not why God says to the three disciples on the mountainside and also ourselves: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we waste a lot of our lives by focusing on unimportant things. During this pandemic help us to change that. Encourage us to meditate on Your Word and allow us to use this opportunity to grow closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

PS – if you would like to find a Bible online, the best ones to be freely found are at this great link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Today’s image is John’s latest Pentecost drawing called “Spirit 2020.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit2020.

Video devotion - Clean Hands - Psalm 18:20

September 7 devotion - Embracing Eternity

Ephesians 1:19b-21 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Sometimes we get so preoccupied with what’s going on each day that we forget about the everlasting qualities of our faith. We get so involved in the ‘here and now’ that we neglect to meditate and ponder about our eternal future. We have an immortal King and He grants us everlasting life, so why do we continually get stuck in an earthly rut that is both temporary and fleeting?

Some Christians believe that we shouldn’t become so heavenly minded that we’re of no earthly use, but what if the reverse is also true? What if we become so earthly grounded that we have no use for heaven? Aren’t we making the mistake of believing that life revolves us individually, instead of having Christ at the center?

I wish that more people would take time to think about everlasting life. According to scripture, it will be a time and a place where peace abounds, pain is gone, and God shall wipe away every tear from our faces. Being with Christ forever is a wonderful prospect to me. To hear Him speak, to watch Him rule, and to serve Him forever are precious to me and keep me from being chained to insecurity and doubt, anxiety and depression.

When Paul was writing to the young Christian churches so long ago, he wanted them to understand Christ’s eternal sovereignty. They lived under the rule of the Roman Emperor and had suffered for their faith. Paul was constantly reminding them that Jesus reigned forever, whereas Caesars would come and go. In other words, kingdoms and empires may rise and fall, but Christ’s words endure forever.

I think that Christians should meditate on the everlasting component of our faith. I believe that we should embrace eternity in our everyday lives. Some anti-religious people may call it deluded escapism, but millions of others believe it to be an everlasting hope that gives us a purpose to live our lives in meaningful, faithful, and Christian ways.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of eternal life and for the many ways in which it enriches our spirits and strengthens our faith. Help us to share this wonderful hope with many people, so that they may also experience Your everlasting promises. 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@erinrpesbyterian.org.

August 6 devotion - Dealing with Anxiety

Psalm 139:23  Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

            Anxiety is part of being human. We all experience anxious moments in our lives; we all go through times of intense worry and deep concern. Our anxiety may be about our health, our family, our work, or our resources. We may constantly worry about what people think or how we appear, who we are or what we do. We may even perhaps be deeply concerned about our community, our nation, and even our world. No matter who we are, we will experience anxiety at some point; no matter what we accomplish, we will have worrying times.

            Psalm 139 is one of the most intimate psalms ever written. The author expresses his intense relationship with God, which he believes began even before he was born. The intimacy of God is almost claustrophobic; there is not one area of the psalmist’s life that God doesn’t fully know or completely understand. This comforts the writer because he deeply relies upon God to help him throughout his entire life. God has always been there for the psalmist; his belief in God is personally defined by the deep abiding presence of God all through his days.

            If, as I have stated before, anxiety is a part of being human, then so is our spiritual capacity to pray to God. Over 90% of the world’s population pray to a Higher Being, so in the midst of the world’s difficulties and crises, a lot of praying must continually be going on.

            As Christians, we focus our faith on Jesus Christ and look to His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us through our anxious times and troubling moments. We rely upon God in much the same way as the ancient psalmist, but we experience our deep intimacy with God through our Savior’s grace and love. We turn to Christ to seek His wisdom and guidance. If we worry too much, then we are praying too little. If we are anxious too long, then we are making Jesus too small. The solution has always been the same: to let Christ search our hearts and bring peace to our anxious thoughts.

Questions for personal reflection

Am I presently anxious about some issue or personal crisis? Am I willing to really pray to Jesus about it?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You know us completely and understand our present circumstances. You see the critical times that we experience and offer us Your grace and guidance to persevere with our problems and overcome our issues. Help us to set aside some real prayer time to be intimate with You, to express our concerns, seek Your solutions, and follow Your ways. 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 bulletin cover drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm.

July 10 devotion - Short Story

Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (NIV)

            I’ve always been a short person, so I know how Zacchaeus must have felt when he couldn’t see above the crowd to catch a glimpse of Jesus. I’ve been in more than a few places and situations where I have struggled to see what’s happening at a concert, movie, or even church service because of a larger person standing or sitting in front of me. Sometimes I move to the right or left just to find a clear view; on other occasions, I just sigh and sit quietly, choosing instead to listen to what’s going on.

            I don’t know if I would have climbed a tree to get a better view of Jesus, although I have stood on benches and walls to watch parades and other public spectacles. It seems that the wee man was so desperate to see Jesus that he was willing to look ridiculous, after all, it’s usually children who climb trees to get a better view. I can imagine that the people around him laughed at Zacchaeus, diminishing his pride and self-esteem. Perhaps some of them felt like he deserved to be humiliated because he was despised for being a tax-collector and colluding with the Romans.

            I love what Jesus does to restore Zacchaeus’s dignity, as well as his soul. Our Savior does not laugh at the short tax-collector or rebuke him for working for the enemy. Christ doesn’t even ask to come to his house – look at the verse again – Jesus actually insists on going to his home. It’s a wonderful moment of acceptance and Zacchaeus responds immediately by climbing down and welcoming Christ gladly.

            This is an event which is filled with God’s love and grace. It reminds all of us – short, medium, or tall – that Jesus actively seeks to restore us to God’s Kingdom. All we have to do is to welcome Him gladly into our hearts and homes, which is where salvation begins and never ends.

Point to Ponder

Am I willing to let Jesus into my heart? If I welcome Him into my life, how will He change me?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace and acceptance. We know we are unworthy of those blessings, but we are also delighted that You are willing to grant them to us. Enable us to extend this blessing to all whom we encounter today. 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 at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also email John at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s tree drawings called ‘Season Finale.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Tree.

June 1 devotion - Everything Changes

Exodus 13:21   By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (NIV)

            The world constantly confuses me because everything keeps changing. People talk about TV shows, movies, and actors that I’ve never heard of; stores and restaurants that I used to go to are closed; folks that I once knew in Scotland, as well as the US, have moved away or gone upwards to glory. Nothing stays the same, so I feel nostalgic about the past, unsettled in the present, and fearful about the future.

            I guess the ancient Hebrews felt the same when Moses uprooted them from Egypt and took them into the Wilderness. There was so much uncertainty and insecurity that they longed for the past even though they had suffered under Pharaoh. They couldn’t work out where they were going or what lay ahead of them. They experienced culture shock and wanted things to return to the way they once were. They may not have been happy in Egypt, but it was better than being fearful and traumatized in the desert. Just like the sands around them, their faith had dried up and they felt both helpless and hopeless.

            And then God did something that showed them He was with them every step that they took. His presence was seen ahead of them as a pillar of smoke during the day and a pillar of fire at night. God was leading them every day, further away from their enemies and onward to the Promised Land. No matter what they felt or feared, God would not abandon them. All they had to do was follow His presence.

            The world constantly confuses me because everything keeps changing, but I have learned to look for God and seek His presence each day. When I am fearful, He is faithful; when I feel lost, He always leads. No matter what is in front of me, the Lord is always ahead of me, pointing the way before me by showing me what path to follow. The world may change around me, but God never does, so that assures and comforts me, as it can also do for you.

Point to ponder

What changes have I experienced recently? How has God helped me to cope with them?

Prayer:  Lord God, thank You for loving and leading us. Your presence is always with us and we are blessed by Your compassion and concern. Help us to look for You in all that we experience today. In Christ’s 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 latest Pentecost drawings called ‘As a Dove.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Dove.

May 11 devotion - Life's Greatest Gift

Ephesians 2:8-9          For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

            If ever there was a Christian who did a lot of great works and fulfilled many mighty tasks for God, it was the Apostle Paul. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, he spent the rest of his life sharing the Gospel, planting new churches, and writing inspirational letters which have largely shaped our faith for over 1900 years. He was an exceptional servant of Christ and an amazing church leader, the likes of which we shall probably never see or experience again. If Heaven was only granted to us through what we do, then Paul could stand at the very beginning of the line of billions of people waiting to get in.

            And yet, even with all of the great and important things he fulfilled, Paul understood that his salvation did not depend upon what he did, but it absolutely hinged on everything that Jesus accomplished.

            The gift of Heaven comes to us through Christ’s grace. We are saved because He allows us to be forgiven and restored to God. Without Christ, we would end up being eternally separated from God; with Christ, we are uniquely given the promised opportunity of entering God’s everlasting and loving presence. Salvation is not awarded to us because of who we are or what we have done; salvation is given to us because of who Christ is and what He has fulfilled. His crucifixion has given us forgiveness; His painful death has granted us everlasting life.

            Today, we should all feel blessed to be Christians and cheerfully share that blessing with others – our families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues – for in the end, isn’t this the gift that everyone is looking for at the end of their lives?

Questions for personal reflection

What do the words ‘salvation’ and ‘grace’ mean to me? How have I experienced them in my life?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of grace and the opportunity of salvation. Remind us each day that these promised gifts are real blessings in our lives. Give us the courage to share these blessings with our loved ones and others. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Today’s image is one of his latest Pentecost drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Pentecost.

May 10 devotion - Send Someone Else

Exodus 4:13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (NIV)

            When I read about how reluctant Moses was to do God’s bidding, it makes me smile. Getting people to volunteer in church for leadership or ministry roles can be just as hard, too. Some folks feel as if they’re not good enough; others think they have too much going on to be effective, while others hope that someone else will step forward to do the work. Year in and year out, volunteers are needed to continue Christ’s mission, but it seems lately that more folks don’t feel called to work for God.

            I understand how they feel. After more than thirty years in ministry and attending thousands of meetings, I wonder how effective or essential those meetings have been. In the short term, each one of them has been important; in the eternal scheme of things, however, perhaps not so much.

            Moses didn’t want to respond to do God’s work. He felt it was a mistake and that someone else more qualified could do it. But God doesn’t make mistakes and He personally sought out Moses for the task. No matter how inadequate or reluctant Moses felt, God would not be thwarted. Moses was the right person, so God wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.

            Perhaps you’ve been asked to do something special in your church or have been invited to consider a leadership role in your congregation. Maybe you feel unqualified or overstretched, so you would like to say ‘no,’ and have someone else fulfill the call. However, before you reject the invitation, honestly ask yourself this question: “Is this something that God wants me to do?” If it is, then no matter how inadequate or how burdened you feel, know this: God does not make mistakes and He will help you to fulfill the role.

Point to ponder

What can I do for my church? What is God presently asking me to undertake and accomplish?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your ministry and mission continue in our congregations, communities, and around the world. You call on Christian people to be part of Your work on Earth. Help us to hear Your invitation and cheerfully accept what You need us to do. In Your Holy 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 latest Pentecost drawing called ‘True Spirit.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click on this link: 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.

Dog Ears - Proverbs 26:17

Proverbs 26:17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. (NIV)

Sometimes the Bible makes me laugh out loud, especially with some verses from the Book of Proverbs. It’s full of common-sense wisdom which, at one time, must have been based on real events. Take today’s highlighted verse, for instance. Some foolish person must have been seen grabbing a stray dog by the ears and ended up becoming a victim of their own stupidity. I can imagine the barking and biting that went down as the dog fought back against its assailant. Whoever initially did this hopefully learned a hard lesson that he would not repeat.

This also reminded me of how easily we all get caught up in social media conflicts when we cannot resist throwing in our two cents worth of opinionated replies to posts that we disagree with or don’t like. I wish that I could say that I am able to resist the temptation, but there are some days when someone writes something that I don’t accept and, before long, I get caught up in a war of words, ideas, and beliefs. Perhaps if I changed my profile picture to a fierce looking dog with big ears, I might be able to save myself from my own stupidity!

The Bible is a great book full of knowledge and wisdom that can be applied in so many different, but still relevant ways. Maybe if we meditated more on God’s Word each day instead of checking up on the latest posts and replies on social media, we could avoid the pitfalls and conflicts that we each foolishly create. On my laptop, I have taped a reminder of this which reads: “Don’t react to negative posts on Facebook; respond positively to the good ones!” In other words, don't grab a stray dog by the ears 😊

Q: Have I written something positive on social media today? Have I complimented someone else for doing this?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind us that we actually witness to You in all that we write or reply to on social media. Keep us from stirring up or stoking conflicts and instead help us to encourage those who add positive thoughts and worthy posts to our screens. In Your Holy 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 latest Pentecost drawings called ‘Spirit 2019.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit.