Short devotion: Pandemic Post - 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

 

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (NIV)

 Throughout this pandemic, I have been collecting British stamps. I am doing this for two reasons: firstly, I’m gathering them in several albums to give to my grandson in years to come. I hope he appreciates the stamps as something that I personally put together for him during a time of crisis. Secondly, I needed something in the evening to take me away from the television and my obsession with the news. I was becoming overwhelmed and depressed with the situation which was affecting my faith and relationships. I thought that if I did something quietly and peacefully it would bring down my levels of anxiety and distress. It worked.

 I rediscovered my boyhood joy of collecting stamps. The colors, the artistry, and the events depicted on the stamps – all brought back memories from my childhood and remembrances of historic celebrations and commemorations. It helped me to escape from the pressures of the present pandemic into a past world that I cherished. It has been a wonderful godsend to me and has kept me balanced, focused, and determined to get through this critical time.

 Stamps are really postal seals that are used by us to guarantee that a letter or package will be successfully sent from one place to another. Most of the stamps that I have collected have been purchased online from all over the world. It has been delightful to receive letters from folks on the other side of the planet who share this wonderful hobby. I’ve also realized that the stamps I collect have their own individual stories of messages and packages, letters and notes sent by people years ago. It’s amazing to think that something which began its journey in someone else’s life has ended up in an album that I will pass on to my grandson.

 When I read today’s Bible verses, I was reminded of the seal of ownership – the stamp of approval, if you like – which God gives to us through Jesus. And with the Spirit’s blessing within our hearts, we are guaranteed a better and brighter future to come. I like that idea, especially during this pandemic. It gives me hope for the years to come and peace throughout this present time.

 Q: What have I done during this pandemic to sustain me and bring me peace?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the greatest gift in our earthly lives and by God’s seal, we are stamped with Your love, grace, and approval. Help us throughout this present crisis and enable us to discover new or old ways to find hope, peace, and love. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

 John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and see what’s happening at the church by visiting our website at www.erinpres.org.

September 19 devotion - Changing Swords

Isaiah 2:4        He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Years ago, I attended a church conference in Duluth, Georgia. It took place at the world-renowned Crosspointe Church and throughout the conference, I felt refreshed and renewed in my spirit. I enjoyed the worship and the preaching, the testimonies, and faith sharing. It was a very uplifting time for me and I still gladly remember it.

On the last day of the conference, I was listening to a conversation by one of the deacons at the church. He was explaining to a visitor that the church building used to be a Sidewinder Missile factory forty years ago during President Reagan’s administration. After the taking down of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent thawing of the Cold War, the factory was no longer needed. Eventually, the growing Crosspointe congregation bought the building and converted it into an amazing church space, where thousands of people gather each week to praise the Lord. Instead of a place of death and destruction, it has become a house of peace and prayer. The Lord has truly turned swords into plowshares!

In our own lives, we go through times of conflict and argument, disagreement and trouble. We fall out with family and friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Our hearts become hardened and our tongues fire verbal missiles that are meant to hurt, anger, or upset other people.

God wants to turn the swords of our spirits into plowshares of peace. As always, He has the power to make those changes, but we need to begin the process by swallowing our pride, humbling ourselves, and acting upon God’s guidance.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace to our planet and the Healer of the Nations. We pray that You will help us overcome the conflicts and disputes in our lives by leading us with Your Spirit to resolve the differences and disagreements we have with others. 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 Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome :)

Today’s image is one of John’s latest stained glass designs of a Siochain – a Celtic Peace Cross. If you would like to view a larger version of it, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6113973739_53680e29ee_b.jpg

Peace devotion - Young Voices

Jeremiah 8:11 They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.
“Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. (NIV)

            Across the United States today, thousands of High Schoolers are walking out of their classes to collectively express their anger and distress over the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. For seventeen minutes, these young people will gather together at flagpoles, outdoor recess areas, and beyond the school gates to display their solidarity against the violence that is sadly too often experienced all over our beautiful nation. Like the Boston Tea Party members before the War of Independence, they are protesting about the current legislation which most people agree needs to be changed but is never truly altered. They are expressing their weariness of politicians at all levels who promise to make much-needed amendments after each mass shooting event, but who never get around to fulfilling their words. The protests, then, are our young peoples’ way of putting our representatives on notice that when their turn comes to be given the right to vote, they will remember this day and recall who actually listened to their voices.

            Today’s passage from Jeremiah deals with a similar time in the life of God’s people. The prophet bewails the fact that injustice and wickedness, corruption and violence are breaking apart the whole community and diminishing the faith of the nation. Fear and greed, dishonesty and coercion have contaminated the courage and strength of God’s people. They are drifting apart from one another and distancing themselves from God. Sadly, they are also being deceived by the authorities who declare that all is well. In response, God speaks through Jeremiah with words that cut through the hypocrisy and hyperbole: ‘They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace.’

            I don’t know what the outcome of today’s protests will be, but I am proud of what our young people are doing and it makes feel better about the future. In my opinion, they are displaying one of the great freedoms that our nation gives to our people: the right to freely assemble and protest. May God bless all of their endeavors.

Point to ponder

How supportive am I of our young people? How am I seeking to give them a better future?

Prayer: Lord God, there were times and moments in our history when Your Spirit moved an entire generation of folks to seek life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They showed their solidarity and worked for the good of our people. In the midst of these current days, anoint our young people with common ideals and personal commitment that will alter our insufficient ways and change our nation, for the betterment of our society and the rest of the world. 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 give some feedback about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

Don't Be Afraid - Mark 6:50

Mark 6:50  They all saw him and were terrified. Immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (NIV) 

            There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty in our world today. You can hardly pick up a newspaper without reading about terrorist bombs, gas attacks, and civilian deaths all over the globe. For those of us who were born in the 20^th century, we felt that the 21^st century was going to be a wonderful time to be born and live, experience and know. Unfortunately, the brutality and inhumanity of man have been carried over into this new millennium. The clean sheet and new start we were given in 2000 has been contaminated with cruelty and stained with sin. We are our own worst enemies who, instead of shaping the future for the benefit of humanity, we mangle it with our hands.

            In the midst of a life-threatening storm, the twelve disciples thought that they were all going to drown. They couldn’t keep their boat afloat and the boiling waves kept battering against their vessel. They were in the midst of a hopeless situation and even though all of them strained to row the oars, the wind was totally against them.

            And then Jesus appeared, walking on the water. At first, they thought He was a ghost, a phantom, or even a demon come to torment them. But then Christ speaks those beautiful words which instantly reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” As He stepped onto the boat, the wind and waves died down and everything was calm again.

            In the midst of a baffling and brutal world, Christ’s Church and all of His people need to rely on His words and share them with the rest of humanity. Tensions may rise and storms of hatred may threaten our way of life, but Christ’s Spirit still walks among us, so we as Christians, more than any other group in the world, should hold on to the hope He offers humanity and share His peace which can pacify the people of this planet. The beautiful boat we are in is called ‘Earth’ and the One who can save it is Jesus.

Point to ponder

When I worry about current events, what do I pray?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, come among us and bless us with Your peaceful presence. Diminish the wickedness that damages our planet and help us to share Your hope in our community and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. The church website can be found at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained glass designs of Christ calming the storm. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Calm

Resolving Conflict - I-Thou

Genesis 13:8-9            So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” (NIV)

            I like today’s passage from Genesis 13 about the dispute between Abram and Lot’s herders. Abram’s wisdom, generosity, and grace quickly resolve an issue between them, ensuring that an amicable agreement can be reached before it turns into a nasty conflict. Lot is given the opportunity to choose which direction he would like to take his herd. Abram promises to go in the opposite direction, so that the two of them, along with their families and servants, can live in peace. It appears to be a lesson in conflict management where the gift of deference appears to resolve the problem.

            There’s a lot of discontent and divisions currently taking place between families and friends. We have become so polarized about our opinions and ideas that it is very difficult to actually have a conversation without conflict or a dialogue without disagreement. Rudeness and rivalry are ruining relationships and opposites, instead of attracting one another, are creating outcasts and opponents. We are a divided people which negatively affects our long-standing friendships, sense of fun, and even our faith.

            When I was at Glasgow University in Scotland, training to become a pastor, I studied the works of Martin Buber, the great twentieth-century Jewish philosopher, who wrote a famous book called “I-Thou.” The premise of the book is that we are all made in the image of God, so when we have a dialogue with one another, we should speak to each other as if we are talking directly to God. If we did this, then we could still disagree without being rude, and remain committed to our own ideas without being combative.

            Perhaps it’s time for me to re-read the book and apply Buber’s wisdom in my own discourses with other people, especially my family and friends. I’ve just downloaded it to my Kindle, so I hope and pray it will help. J

Point to ponder

Have I recently experienced some conflicts with my family and friends? Am I willing to do something positive to resolve them?

Prayer:             Lord Jesus, we call You the Prince of Peace and You command us to love one another, even our enemies. Enable us to embrace Your teaching and to share Your peace. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

(If you would like to view Martin Buber’s book and read some reviews, please click on this link: Martin Buber – I-Thou )

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

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website on the following page: www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Conflict Management - Matthew 12:25

Matthew 12:25           Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”

            Division and conflict ruin families, businesses, churches, and nations. Whenever two groups are pitted against each other, those who get caught in the middle end up being the real victims. For instance, in a hostile divorce, the children end up emotionally scarred for life. In a church conflict, things are never the same and old wounds get re-opened every time there is a difference of opinion. And among nations, where hostility arises, war usually follows and millions of people are displaced, ruined, and decimated.

            When Christ was challenged by the religious leaders of His day about His healing powers, He knew that they spoke out of envy and were trying to shut down His ministry. He confronted their lies, which negatively impacted the people, in order to set the record straight. He also reminded His critics that in causing a conflict they would end up destroying themselves, especially if they promoted false messages and expressed incorrect assumptions.

            In a divided community, Jesus came to restore God’s Kingdom among them and reunite the people under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He wanted them to embrace a new understanding of God, which would heal their divisions and stop their conflicts. Sadly, however, His words went unheeded because those in control were afraid to give up their power over the people. It was left to His real followers to carry on His message, long after He was gone, and take the Gospel to other nations around the world.

            Perhaps you are in the midst of a conflict. Maybe it’s a family issue, a business concern, or even a global worry for you. Whatever is causing it, seek Christ’s peace first in your heart and then reach across the barrier or the gap that the conflict has created. It may be just the solution both of you are looking for, but you won’t know or realize it until you try.

Points to ponder

What conflicts are currently going on in my life? What is Jesus asking me to do about it?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we call You the Prince of Peace and the Healer of the nations. Let Your Holy Spirit come into our present circumstances and help us to remedy any current conflict in our lives. Be with us and bless this day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s image is John’s latest Martin Luther King drawing called ‘Tasking the Dream.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: MLK2017.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. The church website can be viewed at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Peace Devotion: Perfect Peace - Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3      You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.

            We’re all looking for peace in our lives. Peace and quiet in order to rest. Peace in our households in order to get along. Peace at our work, so we can be effective as teams. Peace in our neighborhood, so we can sleep at night. Peace in our church, so we can minister to the larger community. Peace in our souls, so we can be renewed and re-strengthened by God.

            The old Hebrew word for peace is ‘Shalom,’ which is a complete peace. The perfect peace that Isaiah refers to in today’s verse is even greater than that – it’s a divinely gifted peace which blesses the body with health, the mind with clarity, the heart with strength, and the spirit with holiness. It’s what God meant us to experience when He first created us as human beings.

            As Christians, we look for that perfect peace in Jesus. He forgives us of our failures, restores us to God’s favor, and reshapes our lives so that we can serve God faithfully, cheerfully, and wisely. It’s a wonderful gift and something that we should always aspire toward.

            So, today, in the midst of yet another busy day, let’s seek God’s perfect peace by embracing His presence and placing our faith, hopes, and lives in His loving hands.

Questions for personal reflection

Where do I currently need God’s perfect peace in my life? How may I seek this blessing from Christ?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we all need peace in our lives. We call You the Prince of Peace, so we pray that You will allow us this precious gift in our lives, our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and in our 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 questions or make comments about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. John appreciates your feedback J

Today’s drawings is one of John’s special Celtic Crosses called Seochan, which is a Celtic Peace Cross. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Seochan.

Peace devotion - A Call to Co-Existence

Revelation 17:14         They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

            This morning I have been reading some troubling reports about Christians suffering in Northern Iraq. Supposedly a Catholic cathedral has been burned and razed to the ground. The Islamic terrorist organization, Isis, is reportedly telling Iraqi Christians to convert to Islam or prepare to be slaughtered. I don’t know what the whole truth is about these different reports, but the sources appear to be reliable. CNN has a report at the following link: Christians Flee Mosul.

            I can’t imagine what it must be like for those Iraqi Christians to abandon everything in order to escape persecution. Christians have lived in Iraq for centuries, so this type of religious tyranny is very similar to the Europeans pogroms that regularly took place against the Jewish communities across several centuries in different nations.

            What really disturbs and appalls me is that this is all being carried out in the name of God. There is no justification for this and there is no divine command calling for this. Religious man’s inhumanity to man is at the root of it all. This is a fanatical evil which besmirches both the Christian and Islamic faith of billions across the world who peacefully co-exist.

            Those who go to war against the Lamb of God and His people will end up on the losing side. Those who use their religion as a means to cruelly persecute others will not find any paradise or reward awaiting them beyond death. These baneful bullies are religious renegades who are drunken with the deceit and delusion that accompanies religious fanaticism. All that they are doing is drinking a cup of wrath that one day will destroy them completely.

            Pray for the fleeing Christians in Iraq and also for the brave Islamic people who will try to support and protect them as they escape. Pray against the cruelty of those who would use faith as a means of transmitting fear, and for fanatically empowering themselves. Pray for peace to prevail and common bonds of humanity to be extended between those who value human lives and compassionately co-exist with their neighbors.

Questions for personal reflection

How can I promote peace between the different faiths in my community?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, there is a lot of suffering and pain in the world and most of it is driven, perpetrated, and advanced by religious fanaticism. We pray against those who would use their faith to promote fear and inhumanity; we pray for those of any faith or even none at all, who are presently enduring hardship, persecution, cruelty, and tyranny. Lord Jesus, help us to do whatever we can to promote peace, compassion, goodwill, and co-existence in our community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin 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 religious drawings called “Mother and Child.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Mother and Child.

Peace Devotion: World War 1 - Revelation 6:4

Revelation 6:4             Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.

            Three days from today, the world will begin a five year centennial commemoration of World War 1. Articles will be written in many newspapers and a plethora of historical documentaries will be broadcast on television channels. We will remind ourselves of the inhumane slaughter that took place, especially in and across the trenches of Europe and Turkey. Battles like the Somme, Ypres, and Gallipoli will once again become familiar and we will probably be horrified by the millions of lives that were wasted. It will not be a celebration or jingoistic fest. It will be a grave and somber commemoration of those dark days when humanity went insane for five terrible years.

            Despite the awful carnage that took place, this ‘Great War,’ as it was once known, did not become the war to end all wars. Instead, after the war, the world became more divided, destructive, and decadent. Within a generation, this planet succumbed to satanic forces and another six year world war was fought all over the globe. Despite the outcome and the victory of the Allied Forces, we are still fighting localized wars which, I believe, stem from the brokenness of the First World War. Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are still areas of strife, violence, and war. Even Bosnia and Serbia, where the First World War began in Sarajevo, are still potentially hostile, unforgiving, and prone to the wickedness of ‘ethnic cleansing.’

            It seems that peace on Earth will never be actually achieved until the Prince of Peace returns. As Christians, we can hope and pray, as well as strive for reconciliation and tolerance, as well as respect and peace, throughout the world, but we are not always going to achieve this. And even in the Church itself, the divisions that we have caused and the theological fights that we have fought, have weakened our witness and eviscerated our effectiveness. We are at war with ourselves, and so the message of Christ’s Peaceable Kingdom is being tarnished and largely ignored by our society.

            Perhaps hostility and war are part of the depravity and wretchedness of humankind. Perhaps this is the actual price of our sinful ways and separation from God. Perhaps hell exists on earth just as much as it exists beyond death. If so, then we are urgently and wholly in need of a Savior to bring us salvation from belligerent selves, in order to restore us to the One, Triune, and Living God.

Questions for personal reflection

Where do I see hostility in my community, church, nation, and world? What should Christ’s Church be doing about this?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of peace and the Savior of the world. We appeal to You for guidance and strength, peace and discernment in these troubled times. Open our hearts and minds to Your Spirit of true Peace and lead us in ways that will help heal this broken and embattled 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 ask questions or offer comments on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com. John reads all of the emails.

Today’s image is one of John’s Remembrance drawings. It’s called ‘Tommy’s War,’ and it symbolizes the mud, blood, and tears of trench warfare. You can view a larger image at the following link: https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2029/1977408030_ab40752c5f_b.jpg

Peace devotion: All It Takes - 1 Peter 3:11

1 Peter 3:11    He must turn away from wickedness and instead do good; he must be a peace seeker and constantly practice it. (JSV)

I recently read that in order to eradicate poverty across the planet, it would cost about $125 billion per year. It sounds like an immense cost, but then I read the next line: the world spends $1738 billion each year on war. In other words, we could eradicate poverty for ten years with what we spend on fighting one another in any twelve months. It made me think that if ever there was a Universe award for Stupid Species across the Cosmos, it would surely go to humankind each year.

What we do to one another is monstrous and it may be that we will eventually destroy ourselves completely because of our stubborn, prejudicial, and belligerent ways. This year sees the centennial anniversary of World War 1, which used to be called “The Great War” because it was thought to be the war to end all wars. Sadly, within a generation, World War 2 occurred, proving to God and the rest of the universe how foolishly bellicose we really are.

As human beings, we have the potential, as well as the resources, to rid our planet of the scourge of poverty. Instead, we sinfully waste and squander our opportunities by enslaving or slaying one another. We have the ability to conquer many diseases, as well as to feed, clothe, and educate every person on this planet, but we throw it all away on war.

As Christians, we should be at the forefront of seeking and making peace across the planet because we call our leader the ‘Prince of Peace.’ Sadly, we are just as bellicose inside and outside of the church, following our own heresies of pride, prejudice, and protagonism, on both sides of the theological spectrum, creating our own little wars which shamefully divide the Church and diminish Christ’s work in the world.

One day, Jesus will return and, as the old song states, we will study war no more. However, between now and then, we should prepare His way among us by practicing His way between us. Otherwise, we are just wasting our God given talents and squandering our sacred resources.

Questions for personal reflection

How do I seek and practice peace in my life? How does this shape my Christian beliefs?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, sometimes we are hopeless when it comes to being peace seekers in our homes, churches, and communities. We let pride painfully separate us from our loved ones. We allow prejudice to contaminate our souls. We allow belligerence to dictate how we express our faith. Forgive us, Lord, for being peace breakers instead of peace seekers. Challenge our sinful ways so that we may truly cherish You as the Prince of Peace. 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 or ask some questions, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings. It’s called ‘Promised One.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/14146360152_17b1a0693a_b.jpg

Christmas devotion: Two Great Gifts - Galatians 1:3

Today’s readings are Judges 2:7-15 and Galatians 1:1-10

Galatians 1:3  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

If I could give two precious gifts to the world this Christmas, they would be grace and peace.

Grace would be given, so that folks could forgive one another and allow their past mistakes to remain in the past. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters could set aside their differences and begin again. Fractured feelings, persistent pride, and baneful bitterness could be gone forever, replaced by love, kindness, and compassion. What a gift to give our broken world!

Peace would be given so that different groups could learn to dialogue with one another; nations could recommit themselves to the betterment of humanity; religions could turn their theological barbs and spears into plowshares for effectively working against poverty, oppression, and injustice. Races across the globe could respect the wonderful variety of God’s image in all people and work together to eliminate bigotry and prejudice, humiliation and rivalry.

The bad news is that I don’t have the ability or power to give those gifts to the world; but the good news is this: Christ has already given those two great blessings through His sacrifice on Calvary and obedience to God. The gifts of grace and peace are already ours; we only have to find and apply them in each of our lives to begin the worldwide celebration of God’s love to the world.

Questions for personal reflection

Where have I experienced God’s grace and peace in my life? To whom can I share these great gifts during Advent?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are both the greatest gift and the greatest gift-bringer in the history of the world. You came among us to grant all people everywhere the opportunity of being restored to God’s favor and love, as well as His grace and peace. Help us to share these blessings with the other people 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 comment on today’s message or ask a question, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Christmas drawings called “Tree Window.” It’s a stained glass design of a Christmas tree. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/11164226093_863c950b18_b.jpg

Daily devotion: Unholy Vows - Acts 23:14

Acts 23:14      They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 

Men do stupid things, especially when religious fanaticism is involved. A lot of the unrest that we know in the world today is caused by males who swear oaths and wreak havoc all over the planet. Wicked and evil acts are justified because they are undertaken in God’s Name. Inhumanity and fanaticism are called holiness and faithfulness, whereas in reality they are religious excuses for creating horror and fear. Those who teach young people to grow up hating and call it ‘being faithful’ are the biggest blasphemers in the world today. Jesus would not participate in anything remotely connected to spiteful religion. He called upon and challenged His followers to do the exact opposite. “Love your enemies,” is what He specifically taught.

I wonder what happened to those forty men, mentioned in Acts 23, who religiously vowed not to eat until they had killed Paul. When he escaped their plot, did they all die of hunger two months later? Did their anger and bitterness against Paul continue to relentlessly feed their fanaticism? Somehow I suspect that most of them slunk away in humiliation and cried into their first bowl of soup. There’s a good old-fashioned Scottish word for people like that: eejits.

            We all have one life to live on a small solitary life-filled planet. Self-righteous religion is something that the world needs to address and be rid of by the end of this century. As Christians, if we listen more to Christ and apply His ways, we might yet convince the world that His peaceable Kingdom can actually be fulfilled on Earth. Perhaps if we stopped fighting one another, we might even begin to see this in the Church first, and then in the rest of the world.

Questions for personal reflection

Where is religious fanaticism destroying people’s lives in the world today? How can we oppose this effectively and peacefully?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we have all failed to live by Your teachings. We are sorry for our part in making the world a bitter place. Help us to look deep inside of ourselves and see where we are feeding hostility, resentment, and discord in our lives. Teach us to be truly faithful instead of being religiously right. 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 traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called ‘Face to Face.’ It’s made up of the skin colors of people all over the world and the faces merge into one another signifying dialogue, intimacy, and peace. It was used earlier this year as a logo for a national conference in the Philippines dealing with tolerance. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2267/2503232332_7491c708d1_b.jpg

Christian Devotions: Prayers for Peace - Isaiah 19 v 24

Today’s Bible readings are: Isaiah 19:18-25 and Matthew 8:1-4

Isaiah 19:25                The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance."

For as long as I can remember, peace in the Middle East has been the goal of every Western political leader, as well as of the United Nations General Assembly. The wars between Egypt, Israel and Syria have been going on for thousands of years. The major disruptions that have occurred in that troubled region affect the well-being of the whole world. But no matter what political deals or mandates from the United Nations are made, without God’s blessing they will never be sustained or bear any fruit.

I’m intrigued when I read the prophecies of Isaiah that were written over 2,500 years ago. They could have been spoken this morning and gone to press this afternoon. The Biblical truth is that there will always be divisions in that area of the world until God finally resolves the problem. In the same chapter of Isaiah, the prophet writes about God sending a Savior and Defender to rescue all of the people from that area – Egyptians, Israelites, and Assyrians. As Christians, we know Who that Savior and Defender is: Jesus Christ, the Holy Son of God.

This also means that we, as Christians, should be constantly praying for peace in the Middle East by the conversion of all the people in that area to Christianity. If Christ has to become their Savior and Defender, then they will have to know Who He is and what He can do for them. For almost two thousand years, Christian churches, monasteries, and congregations have existed in those regions. It’s time that we supported them with our prayers, asking God for an almighty movement of the Holy Spirit to sweep over the region, in order to open the heart, minds, and souls of all the people to the life, work, teaching, and ministry of Christ.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, our world and its leaders are constantly seeking ways to bring about a lasting peace in the Middle East. Although their aspirations and work is important, we know that within our hearts that only Your Presence can truly affect the whole region. We ask You, as the Prince of Peace, to send forth Your Holy Spirit among the churches of that area. Enable and empower them to promote Your teaching and to expand their faithful communities so that salvation, peace, and faith may be rediscovered by all Middle Easterners. In Your Holy 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 or ask a question, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s psalm drawings. It comes from Psalm 80. If you would like to view a larger version online, then please click on the following link: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3615925254_87ab8df8b0_b.jpg

Devotion - Changing Swords - Isaiah 2:4

Isaiah 2:4        He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Two weeks ago I was at a conference in Duluth, Georgia. It was taking place at the world renowned Crosspointe Church and I felt refreshed and renewed in my spirit. I enjoyed the worship and the preaching, the testimonies and faith sharing. It was a very uplifting time and I am now looking forward to next year’s conference.

On the last day of the conference, I was listening to a conversation by one of the deacons at the church. He was explaining to a visitor that the church building used to be a Sidewinder missile factory thirty years ago during President Reagan’s administration. After the taking down of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent thawing of the Cold War, the factory was no longer needed. Eventually, the growing Crosspointe congregation bought the building and converted it into an amazing church space, where thousands of people gather each week to praise the Lord. Instead of a place of death and destruction, it has become a house of peace and prayer. The Lord has truly turned swords into plowshares!

In our own lives, we go through times of conflict and argument, disagreement and trouble. We fall out with family and friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Our hearts become hardened and our tongues fire verbal missiles that are meant to hurt, anger, or upset other people.

God wants to turn the swords of our spirits into plowshares of peace. As always, He has the power to make those changes, but we need to begin the process by swallowing our pride, humbling ourselves, and acting upon God’s guidance.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace to our planet and the Healer of the Nations. We pray that You will help us overcome the conflicts and disputes in our lives by leading us with Your Spirit to resolve the differences and disagreements we have with others. 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, or ask a question about it, please send John an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest stained glass designs of a Siochain – a Celtic Peace Cross. If you would like to view a larger version of it, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6113973739_53680e29ee_b.jpg

4 Minute Devotions: Holocaustic or Holistic?

Do we use faith as a weapon of fear and hostility, or as an instrument of compassion and reconciliation?

Podcast version here

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

I grew up at a time when the world was constantly threatened with a nuclear holocaust. I don’t know where or when I learned about the US-Soviet arms race, but I can remember worrying about a nuclear war even during the best of my younger days.

It was a terrible fear to live under. It tainted every aspect of life. As a teenager, I wanted to try anything and everything before the world was wiped out and blown to smithereens. I didn’t care about what I did or who I hurt, because the world didn’t care about hurting me.

And then things changed. Several movies on the TV and the big screen made us all aware of our madness. “Threads,” “War Games,” and even “The Martian Chronicles” showed us all the futility of nuclear deterrents and Cold War antagonism. A shift in the philosophies of Western and Soviet leaders brought about concord and pacts were made to avoid the holocaust that I and billions of other people on earth dreaded.

Christian fatalists, who used today’s verse with glee as a means to get people fearfully saved before the impending holocaust, were disregarded as a new hope blossomed throughout the world. Books like “The Late Great Planet Earth” and songs like “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” were set aside. Instead of fear being used as a method to convert people to Christ, peace and love, along with redemption and reconciliation, were offered as a means of getting to know Jesus.

Perhaps you’re anxious about your family and friends, and worry about their salvation. Maybe you come across as being fearful instead of faithful, crushing instead of Christian, or hellish instead of heavenly. Think about how Jesus loved and embraced sinners in order to gain their trust. Think about how He employed compassion and reconciliation in order to open hearts and minds. Think about these Christ-like things and then apply them. Don’t be hostile or holocaustic with your faith; instead, become helpful and holistic.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, save us from using fear to bring others to faith. Instead, allow us to be compassionate and loving, gracious and generous in order to attract people to You and Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.