Short Devotion: Begin Again - Colossians 1:19-20

 

Colossians 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (NIV)

For some folks, Easter is a special occasion when they feel as though they can start again. The resurrection of Christ gives them a hope of renewal in their lives and becomes the change agent that they have needed for such a long time. Just as the world around them appears to be coming alive, some people feel the same within themselves, so their spirits reconnect to God. They may not realize it at first, but this is the way that God, through Christ, reconciles them to Him. Those who were lost are found again; those who had fallen away are brought back and built up; those who were in despair or darkness are given the love and light that they require.

I don’t know about you, but I need to reset my life, too. It’s been a strange year and one which I hope never to repeat. I’m thankful that God has sustained the good folks around me – my family, my friends, my church folks – but I also feel ready to begin again and start a new journey of faith because I know that all things have changed.

Perhaps you feel the same, but before you or I take the first tentative step, we have to let God reconcile us to Himself first; in other words, God initiates the process and we let Him set the path for our new journey. Change comes to us each day, but the challenge for us is to see which changes God has begun and that we are invited to follow.

Q: How has God changed me through this last year? Where is God leading me now?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being with us each day of this past turbulent year. Let Your fulness fill our souls, allowing our lives to begin again. May we embrace Your Father’s love and receive His blessing of reconciliation. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

Today’s image is John’s latest Easter drawing called Son Dance. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Son Dance.

Pastor John

www.erinpres.org

Holy Week Devotion: God the Builder - Hebrews 3:4

Hebrews 3:4    For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

We’ve come to the end of two exciting building phases at Erin church here in Knoxville and we all feel very blessed by God. At the same time over in Maybole, Scotland, the building of the new community center and church is taking place. In both cases, the church people feel a sense of pride and renewal, of new hopes and great blessings. It’s been a long time in coming for both communities; at last we are all beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Both churches have been established by God and each of them will grow if the congregations and communities are open to the presence, work, and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The future of each place depends upon the faithfulness of the people involved; without their commitment, contributions, and constancy, none of this could have been accomplished. In many ways, the work of both churches is only just beginning and this is what makes the whole experience exciting.

As we head into Holy Week, we are all given the special opportunity of allowing God to rebuild our lives. We can come to Christ on the Cross to receive His forgiveness; we can meet Him outside the tomb and be renewed forever. In Him, we have a hope that will never die; through Him, we have a bright and everlasting future. God builds everything through Jesus. We can depend upon Him.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessings of building and growing, renewal and restoration that You are establishing in many churches and communities throughout the world. Let this holy and sacred time touch our people in significant and special ways. Grant us opportunities to invite and welcome other people to our churches, so that they may also experience these blessings. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

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

Today’s images are construction photos of what’s happening in Maybole and Erin. On the left is the Carrick Center and on the right is the new entrance to Erin Church. God is great!