A Favorite Bible Verse - Matthew 7:7

Matthew 7:7   “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (NIV)

            This was the first Bible verse that I ever learned as a child. One of my Elementary School teachers, Miss McKenzie, led an after school program called Scripture Union. Each Wednesday, we gathered in the gym hall to sing choruses, watch film strips, and listen to Bible stories. During the meeting, Miss McKenzie asked if anyone had learned a Bible verse and then encouraged them to stand up and recite it in front of everyone. Every student who successfully did this received a Bible picture card from her, so I was determined to do it, too.

            I spent a whole week reading, practicing, and reciting the verse in my home. It was important to me to remember it so I could receive a prize. The following Wednesday I had my opportunity and successfully completed the task. As Miss McKenzie handed me my card, she smiled and told me “Well done.” It was just a simple thing, but that precious moment has stayed with me for more than fifty years.

            Jesus gives us the same kind of encouragement which is why He taught this lesson in the first place. God’s grace is bountiful so when we sincerely and humbly come to Him with our prayers, He hears our requests and grants us what we need. This makes our faith more than just a religion; it’s a living relationship given to us through the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Point to ponder

What Bible verses have I learned to recite? How do I practice them in my life?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the source of our blessings and the enabler of our encouragement. Thank You for allowing us to come to You with our prayers, petitions, and requests. Be with us this day and guide all of our decisions. 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 this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s Cross drawings called “Celtic Spirit.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7419/16514104821_32cc53c1a9_b.jpg

peace devotion: Calming Troubled Hearts - John 14:1

John 14:1      “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

            We all suffer from troubled hearts and minds at times. We worry about our families and friends; we are sometimes anxious about our health or work; we are even concerned about our churches, communities, as well as the world that we live in. It just seems to be that we are all subject to trouble and suffer from worry, no matter who we are, what we’ve become, or whatever we’ve accomplished. As it once stated on an old t-shirt: ‘A person who has no worries, probably doesn’t understand the problem.’

            Looking back at the Gospels, you would think that the disciples who were with Jesus would have no problems; after all, if the Son of God is on your team, then you’re going to be successful and worry-free, right? Wrong! Jesus had to constantly tell His followers not to let their hearts be troubled. He knew that they were just human beings like us; He understood their fears and anxieties, their troubles and worries. They had given up everything to be with Him and yet, the closer that they approached Jerusalem, the more issues, troubles, and problems arose among them.

            This reminds me that faith communities, even with Jesus, are often subject to division and disunity, as well as fears and issues. There are no trouble-free guarantees concerning God’s work. The path will not always be smooth, nor will the skies always be blue. If anything, the whole of the New Testament expresses to us this commonality: our hearts will be troubled and our lives disrupted just because we do actually follow Jesus.

            Christ’s presence among His disciples, before and after His Resurrection, was meant to pacify their souls and calm their minds. He could do it for them, if they let Him. The same is true for us today. Praying to Christ is our antidote to worrying about life. The more we pray, the less we worry; however, the more we worry, the less we pray. Placing Jesus at the center of our concerns is the first practical step toward solving our problems and experiencing His peace.

Questions for further discussion

What problems are currently worrying me? Am I praying enough to put Christ at the center of them?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, we like to be independent and strong, effective and free to make our own choices, live our own lives, and deal with our own problems. Sometimes, Lord, worry diminishes our self-confidence and fear drains our strength. We forget to pray because we are afraid; we let go of Your words because we languish in our problems. Turn us to Your teaching and calm us with Your love. Strengthen us with Your wisdom and pacify us with Your presence. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Bible drawings with a verse from Psalm 62. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Psalm 62.

New Year devotion: Asking for Help - Mark 10:51

Mark 10:51   "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 

            So, we've crossed the threshold of yet another New Year and only God knows what lies ahead. We've probably still got that feeling of wanting to do something significant, something different, or something effective in 2015, but within a couple of weeks, that feeling will usually diminish and we’ll settle back into our old ways, old routine, and old ideas. After all, we’re human – we like to be challenged and changed, but we prefer being cozy and comfortable.

            Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 10:46-52) about Jesus and Blind Bartimaeus made me wonder about why Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted. Wasn't it obvious? Did Jesus actually need Bartimaeus to vocalize what he desperately needed? He was blind, so what does any blind person want, but to see again?

            There must be something more to this request. It’s blatantly clear to everyone that Bartimaeus wants his sight restored, but Jesus makes him clarify the request personally. In other words, Bartimaeus has to humbly ask in order to be healed. He also has to confirm that it’s only Jesus who can do this for him, which is why Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”

            As we walk deeper into this fresh year, we could imagine Jesus asking of us a similar question: “What do you want ME to do for you in 2015?” Do we know? Are we prepared to ask Him? Are we willing to express our personal hopes and dreams to Him, as well as completely depending upon Christ to fulfill those requests? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Prayer:           Lord Jesus, You sustain our lives each day and we are thankful for Your love, mercy, and grace. Help us to turn to You at the start of this year, in order to confidently bring You our hopes and dreams, ambitions, and goals. Grant us the opportunities, power, and persistence to realize and fulfill them. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a question or make comments about today’s message, please send John an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Epiphany drawing for church kids called “Epiphany 2015.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: Epiphany.