Midweek Message - A Hiding Place

Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (NIV)

There is a lot of uncertainty in today’s world which is currently causing many people to retreat inside of themselves, by becoming emotionally distant from those things beyond their control. As Thomas Paine once remarked, “these are times that try men’s souls,” which means that current crucial issues are adding to our anxiety and stress. In order to endure this critical time, some folks are sheltering and hiding themselves from watching the news, reading political articles, or getting involved with others on social media. It’s a survival mechanism which helps them cope and focus purely on their daily lives.

The writer of the 32^nd psalm also experienced a similar time of turbulence and turmoil. The author wanted to retreat from the world, but instead of isolating himself, he chose to let God be his hiding place. He knew that he personally couldn’t change what was happening all around him, but he understood that God was still in control. So, the psalmist chose to hide himself in the presence of God to seek safety and sanctuary, solace and support.

Over the centuries, faith has always been more resilient than fear. We can read and take encouragement from what the psalmist wrote thousands of years ago because the word and promises of God have remained with us and sustained each subsequent generation as the years passed. Finding a refuge, a hiding place, a haven of strength and renewal is essential for all of us to endure and overcome our present troubles. We may be shaken by current events, but God remains solid and dependable, present and reliable, so let choose to keep persevering by sustaining our faith, hope, and love in God. Or as the apostle Paul would write centuries after the psalmist:

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Point to ponder: How can my faith in God overcome my fear of the world?

Prayer: Lord God, You are almighty and sovereign of all things. During these critical times, allow us to shelter in Your loving arms and be strengthened by Your constant presence. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Midweek Message - Sent by Christ

Mark 5:20 So the man went away and began to tell in the ten cities how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. (NIV)

I always feel sorry for the man who was healed by Jesus of his demon-possessed spirit. His mind and soul were liberated from the violence and darkness that had overcome him; he was now freely able to think for himself, for the first time in years, so all he wanted to do was to go with Jesus and gratefully follow Him.

But Christ had other plans. He wanted the healed man to go and tell his story to his own people. He was given a mission to spread the good news about Jesus among his family, neighbors, and wider community. They had known him as a fearful and violent man; they could now see him as someone completely restored by God’s mercy and renewed through Christ’s compassion.

The man’s mission would become important because he was preparing the region for a time when Christ’s followers would be persecuted and forced to flee from religious authorities that wanted to eliminate them. The ten cities where the cured man preached would become safe havens for the fleeing Christians. In other words, the mission that Jesus sent the man to fulfill would have major consequences in the future for the dispersed Christian church.

This makes me wonder, what it is that Christ expects of me and my faith today, in order to make it important for others in the future? If I am willing to share my testimony, my story about who Jesus is in my life, it may have a significant impact on loved ones and others who have yet to know and experience His presence in their lives.

Point to ponder: How, and with whom, can I positively share my faith in Christ today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we each have a personal mission that You want us to undertake and accomplish. Encourage us to listen for Your advice, wisdom, and counsel to help us go where You would send us and do what You have us fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Short devotion - How Long?

Short devotion – How Long?

Psalm 4:2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? (NIV)

            The great sadness that I carry in my heart these days is seeing people that I thought I once knew, who are being deceived and deluded by intolerance and arrogance. They have transferred their faith from God’s glory and placed it into the hands of unscrupulous, powerful people. They have genuflected before the altars of ignorance and prejudice, believing in human idols who are glorified and worshiped like demi-gods, whose wickedness and crimes are whitewashed and set aside, excused and even embraced. I used to feel sorry for those among my friends who have been led astray. I now sadly realize that their true selves have been revealed.

            The Bible continually warns us of being led astray by false gods. The story of Israel is a history of God’s people constantly forgetting their Creator and Deliverer by turning to corrupt leaders and wicked kings who promised to make them great again. The story of Christ is similar, especially when His people blasphemously cry out “We have no king but Caesar!” They do this in order to kill Jesus to get rid of His woke ministry and allow the political powers to crucify Him.

            The same is true for the New Testament Church which faced fierce opposition and persecution because it dared to place its allegiance not in an emperor, military banner, or symbol of power, but in a meek carpenter who died for the entire world of sinners, outcastes, and aliens. True humility was cherished more than tarnished honor; grace and mercy were embraced more than greed and malice.

            We also live in such times and, sadly, like in the past, those who follow false gods will not admit their idolatry or change their misguided ways. However, as always, the remnant of those who truly believe in Christ’s compassion and love will eventually triumph. The truth will not be defeated and the glory that is due to God alone will not be shamed.

Point to ponder: Am I guilty of following a false god?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, challenge our churlish behavior and childish ways. Preserve us from accepting bullies who only serve themselves. Keep us living lives of love and compassion in these days of deception and hate. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sabbath Psalms - Comfort and Peace

Psalm 29:11   May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! (ESV)

There seems to be a lot of trouble currently going on in the world, so it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed by its brokenness and be powerless to change anything. It’s like being in a tunnel of constant turmoil and, until we see light at the end of it, we’re probably all emotionally exhausted and spiritually drained.

During turbulent times like these, I look for comfort in verses from the Book of Psalms. It seems to me that those writers of ancient holy songs experienced a lot of instability and trouble in their lives, too. However, it made them rely on God instead of themselves; it made them seek strength and peace from the Only One who could provide it for them. The great news about what they experienced is this: we can still do the same.

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in this week, whatever’s happening to you or your family, whatever is going on in your lives, please know this: God has more than enough strength to carry you through this; and as today’s verse from Psalm 29 states: God will graciously help you find the peace that you need.

Q: What am I currently going through? How can God’s strength and peace help me endure and overcome it?

Prayer: Loving Lord, You know everything about us, so You perfectly understand what we need at this moment in our lives. If we are weak become our strength; if we are agitated, be our peace; if we are lost, be our Guide. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sabbath psalms - Christ the King

Sabbath Psalms - Christ the King

Psalm 93:1 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. (NIV)

This Sunday is the last day of the Christian year when most churches celebrate Christ the King. It’s an annual reminder of whom we serve and to whom we belong. As Christians, we are called to be servants of God’s Kingdom whose main purpose in life is to enjoy God’s Creation and praise Him forever. It’s a time to be humble and meek, reminding us that we are not the center of the universe, no matter how great, powerful, or smart we may consider ourselves to be.

This celebration comes at the end of the Christian year to climatically remind us that when time finally runs out, for ourselves and for this world, Christ will be seen as He is: the King of all Creation and the Lord of all our lives. So, this Sunday, we are invited to gather as servants to praise the One Who has saved us from our sinful selves, given us an everlasting hope, and in Whose Name and service we seek to spread God’s love, share peace with one another, and heal our wounded world.

May Christ the King be with and bless you from this moment and forevermore. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sabbath Psalms - My Portion, My Cup

Psalm 16:5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (NIV)

Like a lot of people, I have felt overwhelmed lately, mainly because of the situations and circumstances of things at home and around the world. Watching the news, hearing political pundits, reading about wars and conflict, as well as worrying about the climate, have flooded my heart, mind, and soul with so much negativity that I sometimes wonder if it’s worth getting out of bed and being in the world. I feel sad and disappointed that human beings display so much hatred and hostility to one another which makes me occasionally think we’re in a downward spiral as far as civilization is concerned. It’s very hard to shake off these feelings and there are also moments when I feel angry at God for letting so many things spin out of control. 

However, I won’t give in or give up. I still believe there is goodness in the world and that through God’s grace, I will rise above these troubles and setbacks. Political leaders may posture and parade their pomposity, as well as their delusions of grandeur; nations may commit genocide and violently wage war with one another, but there will be a time when those who are guilty of these atrocities and such arrogance will be held accountable by the world, by history, and even by God. Powerful men may think they are above the law and can do what they want, but there is always a higher law and a more powerful God watching them, too. 

I like today’s highlighted verse from Psalm 16 because it reminds me that even I have limits. There are people and events that are beyond my control, so the portion that God gives me in life and the cup He expects me to drink are finite. Instead of focusing on things that I cannot change, I need to look at the people and places around me that need my support and help, who in turn can encourage and strengthen me. Instead of using up my emotional and spiritual energy on things that are beyond me, I need to give my attention to the needs in front of me. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, I should concentrate on what’s happening now in the portion of life that God has given me. As Jesus once said, “Stop worrying about tomorrow, there are enough concerns to be dealing with today.” (Matthew 6:34). 

Perhaps you are feeling the same burdens of concern and feel broken by recent events. Maybe you’re worrying about what lies ahead and are losing sleep because your mind won’t let go of your anxieties or grief. Please remember that you are only human which means you’re finite, frail, and limited, too. Let go of what you cannot change and let God help you concentrate on what is your portion of concern and your cup of compassion to help heal your community. That’s all God expects of you, so why not expect the same for yourself?

Point to ponder: How burdened am I by the world? Am I willing to be relieved and carried by God?

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we are overwhelmed by things way beyond our control and outside our sphere of influence. Help us to discern the things that we can do to make a difference personally, instead of burdening our lives by wishing we could individually change the entire world. In Christ’s Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sunday Shorts - Choices

John 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

It was the lowest point in Christ's itinerant ministry. For three years, He had traveled up and down Galilee, gathering a great number of disciples and followers through His preaching, teaching, and healing. But now things were becoming gravely serious because He was meddling in people's lives. Jesus was also notorious to some of the authorities, and His preaching kept hitting raw nerves. On this particular occasion, Christ called His followers' faith into question, suggesting that some among them did not believe in His ministry and mission. And what was the outcome? The scripture states it very plainly: 'Many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.'

Christ continues to have a way of doing that same thing to Christians in our time, too. He still confronts us today, questioning our choices, demanding firm allegiance, and challenging our ways. We all want hope in our lives and a loving Savior, but we sometimes find it difficult to accept the belief baggage and lifestyle lessons that come along with our Christian faith. And for some folks, like those in today’s scripture (John 6:60-66), this is too hard to accept and apply, so they also sadly drift away from Jesus and His Church.

The good thing about this incident is that not all of the disciples abandoned Him. It was left to that good old boy, Peter, to encourage Jesus for a change. When His Savior asks the Twelve, "Will you also go away?", the Big Fisherman gives the sweetest answer to Christ's ears. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Our faith journey isn't easy and sometimes we will be discouraged or deceitful, sinful or faithless, but we shouldn't despair. Instead, we should look at how Christianity ends. We do have a wonderful Savior and the promise of everlasting life. We have the opportunity to serve Jesus and to joyfully enter into His loving presence forever. We may feel like going away at times, but His healing words will keep drawing us back to Him to receive forgiveness and acceptance, guidance and grace. And when all is said and done, isn't that why we placed our faith in Christ in the first place?

Point to ponder: How difficult is following Jesus for me? How can Christ help me overcome this?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we were once lost souls, whose lives had no real meaning or purpose. In Your mysterious way, You drew us towards You and helped us to give our hearts to You. Sometimes, being a Christian is very difficult and we don't always get it right. We thank You for Your patience, forgiveness, and grace. Without them, we would perish from the Earth and have no hope. With them, we will delight in Your love forever, for You have the words of eternal life. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sunday Shorts - For the World

John 6:51 “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

            The main Olympics have come to an end, but soon the Paralympics will begin. Both of these major worldwide events invite athletes from all over the globe to compete against their peers in their specialized sports. It’s a remarkable spectacle over several weeks and one that truly represents the agility, diversity, and ability of each participant. They give their all for their represented nation in the hope of winning a medal not just for themselves, but for the people they represent. The athletes are focused on their chosen events and take a great deal of pride in performing at their fastest, strongest, and best. When they succeed and climb on the podium to receive their well-deserved medals, they are elated and the crowd of watching spectators cheer and applaud them. They have given their lives to their sport, so they bask in their triumphs and celebrate their victories which have made them famous.

            Jesus also gave His life, not for fame or a nation, but for the entire world. The only podium that He was given was nailed beneath His crucified feet to prolong His painful death. The only medal He received was a crown of thorns that caused Him to bleed profusely. The crowd of spectators around and below the Cross, jeered and attacked Him. His enemies were elated as He was humiliated. His foes were thankful because His death was disgraceful. And yet, despite the spite and however great the hate, Jesus gave His all and died for them. He came down from heaven and offered them the bread of eternal life; His broken body on the Cross which He freely gave for the life of the world.

            After the Olympics are over, the athletes will return to their own nations to be lauded and applauded for a while. Eventually, their achievements will become a part of sporting history but within two or three generations, they will largely be forgotten. Christ, however, will still be praised for giving His life for the world until Time and History are no more. And then Jesus will be eternally praised and celebrated by those who choose to follow Him faithfully and serve Him daily with their lives. Remember, Christ gave all so that we might gain all. Hallelujah!

Point to ponder: How did Christ’s sacrifice succeed in earning me my salvation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your victory over sin and death has blessed us with forgiveness and faith. We live in hope because You won the battle for us. We are thankful for Your sacrifice and grateful for Your Love. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sabbath Psalms - Crying Out

Psalm 130:1-2 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (NIV)

            I once heard the pitiful cry of an elderly woman in the church sanctuary during a time of quiet prayer. She had recently lost her eldest son and found it very difficult to deal with her grief. We had just played and sung an old praise chorus which contained the words from Psalm 63 “Thy Loving Kindness is better than life.” Her heart was broken, so she couldn’t sing those words joyfully; instead, she lamented and painfully cried out, “Where was Your loving kindness when You took the life of my son?”

            I didn’t know what to say to comfort her at that time, so she got up and left the sanctuary tearfully, feeling abandoned by God and disconnected to the church. It was a sad moment and one that has remained in my heart and mind for decades. I thought that I had failed her, too.

            Months later, the elderly woman came back to church for the Good Friday service. I didn’t realize that she was there, but during the sermon I preached about God’s broken heart as He tearfully watched His precious Son dying on the Cross. That moment struck a chord with the elderly woman and after the worship service she told me that she at last knew God understood her loss and pain. She felt reconnected to God because they both shared the same kind of grief. It was a turning point in her life and helped her to re-dedicate herself to Christ and His church. God had heard her painful cry and she felt comforted by His empathetic love.

            Perhaps you are going through a hard or a sad time. Maybe you’ve been crying out to God for help or healing. Perhaps you feel like your prayers are never answered. Please know this: God hears you and understands your pain. He is mindful of your situation and will always love you. Rest in God’s arms and be released from the burden you carry. God cares for who you are and wants you to know you are not alone, especially when you cry out in prayer.

Point to ponder: What help and healing do I need from God?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You died for our sins, identifying Yourself with human suffering, isolation, and pain. Hear us when we cry out to You for help; be mindful of us when we need Your empathy and comfort, reassurance and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

 

Sunday Shorts - Busy Doing Nothing

Mark 6:31 Jesus said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (NRSV)

            Over many years of pastoral ministry, I saw some dedicated people who were always present for Sunday worship and church programs. They were totally immersed in the life, work, and ministries of the congregation and it seemed as though every time we opened the church doors, they were among the first to arrive. Their faith community was their family and they simply devoted themselves to serving God in their local church.

            Sometimes, however, these lovely servants were too busy and stretched themselves beyond what they could do effectively for God. They did too much, said “yes” too many times, and often wouldn’t let others help them. They thought that if they temporarily gave up their work for the Lord or handed it over to someone else, the ministry or mission would suffer. Frequently, the ministry was suffering because they didn’t like to share or delegate the responsibility to some other person. However, when Covid came and forced us all to stay away from church, those people reflected on their chosen roles, soon realizing that God was working through the whole church membership, and not just them. After Covid, they fully reassessed their own service and, for the first time in years, they allowed others to work with them.

            I like what Jesus suggests to His disciples in this Bible verse. They have all been very busy helping Him with His ministry. They are devoted to the Kingdom of God, but they are also sapped of their spiritual strength, so Jesus urges them all to take a break from the mission to go to a quiet place and replenish their spirits. This reveals to us how much Jesus cared for His closest followers and did not expect them to always be on duty wherever He went. By giving them time to be alone with Him, Jesus was encouraging them to do nothing for a while. The mission would always be there, and the Kingdom of God would continue, but they were only human with weaknesses and limitations. Like the writer of Psalm 23, Jesus was inviting them to find a quiet place in order to restore their souls.

            Perhaps you need permission to let go of some of the ministries and missions in your own congregation. Maybe you’ve overextended yourself and instead of feeling the joy of serving God, it is a heavy burden to you. Let Christ encourage you to find a quiet place, to release you from your responsibilities, to enable you to reflect on how best to serve God, to replenish your weary spirit, and to refresh your tired soul. Go ahead and be busy – doing nothing.

Point to ponder: How do I serve God in my local church? Am I too busy?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us more fully than we know ourselves. We love You completely and want to serve You faithfully, but sometimes we are tired and need to rest. Help us to find a peaceful quiet place where we can be refreshed by Your Spirit and restored to God’s Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Short devotion: Return Home

Luke 8:38-39 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)

The conclusion of the Gospel story where Jesus heals the demon-possessed man has always intrigued me. The cured man wants to follow Jesus probably because he is so thankful for having regained his senses. After years of being excluded from his own community, he knows he can trust Jesus, so he would like to become a disciple or a servant to help Christ with His ministry.

            In my own life, I felt that same thankfulness when Jesus rescued me from alcoholism. I was enslaved to my addiction and even though I knew that I was harming myself physically, as well as mentally, I could not liberate myself from the chains of compulsion. It took a life changing moment of trusting Jesus completely before I was released from my obsession. I couldn’t have escaped my drinking problem without Christ’s grace and peace. When I understood what Jesus did for me, I just wanted to serve Him like the demoniac.

            Although the healed man wanted to go and serve his Savior, Christ had other plans for him. Jesus told him to go back and share his amazing experience with his own community. The people there were fearful of Jesus because of His almighty power, so Christ gave the man a personal mission and an individual calling to return home to his people as a witness to God’s mercy and grace. Instead of being afraid of Jesus, the cured man could convince them of God’s compassion and love.

            This is a challenge for all of us – to be effective witnesses of Christ’s love to our own people, our own families, our own friends. Whatever goodness that God has wrought in each of us through Christ, we are meant to share it with others and not just keep it to ourselves. We live in a broken world whose madness is creating a lot of fear in our communities. Christ can heal this, too, but only if we are willing to share faith, hope, and love in compassionate ways to repair the damage around us.

Point to ponder: How do I share my faith with my own community?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You came into our lives to heal our broken lives and restore us to God’s love. Encourage us to become personal witnesses of the healing and hope that You bring to the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sunday Shorts: Save Us!

Mark 11:9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

When the crowd cried out “Hosanna!” on that first Palm Sunday, they were hoping that Jesus was the Messiah everyone had been waiting centuries for. The word ‘Hosanna’ means ‘save us,’ so the question arises: from what were they needing Jesus to save them?

            If we consider what was happening in Jerusalem, Judea, and Galilee at that time, then there is every indication that the Palm Sunday crowd were expecting Jesus to save His people from the Roman occupation. In other words, they were wanting Him to save their nation; they were looking to Jesus for a political solution to their problems.

            But Jesus wasn’t there to answer their political needs, nor their nationalistic prayers. He was sent by God to be the Savior of their souls. He wasn’t going to be coerced into being their political, populist champion. In fact, days later when the governor Pontius Pilate directly asks Jesus about Him being the King of the Jews and therefore a political figurehead who had come to overthrow the Romans, Jesus tells Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world; in other words, it’s a spiritual realm, not a political one.

            This is something that we as Christians have to understand and accept. Jesus is not a political puppet, nor a national Messiah. He came to die for the world, not just one nation but all nations, not just one people, but all people. He came among us to bring about a new world, to make it holy again, not just a single nation wishing it was great again. The people in Jerusalem may have been pleading with and praying for Jesus to restore their prestige, strength, and esteem, but Christ refused to lift up and accept any political power.

            When Jesus returns, He will establish a new Earth and a new Heaven, so there will be no nations, borders, or peoples: all will be one. Until then, He will continue to save all kinds of human beings from their personal sins, but not their political symbols.

Point to ponder: From what do we need Jesus to save us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are our Only Leader, King, and Savior. Forgive us for pandering to our political beliefs instead of pondering over our personal salvation. Keep us from trying to shape You into our idea of a Savior and help us to understand that kingdoms, nations, and leaders may rise and fall, but Your words and ways endure forever. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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: Don't Be Afraid - John 6:18-20

 

John 6:18-20 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” (NIV)

I don’t know anyone right now who isn’t worried about the future because of the war in Ukraine. We’re all hoping and praying that it doesn’t escalate because it’s the nearest we’ve been to a nuclear conflict since the 1960s. The threat of such destructive hostility is hampering our recovery from Covid. Just when we thought that we could get back to normal, we’re faced with another dangerous issue.

The fear that we’re carrying within us is both stressful and exhausting. We’re getting through each day as best as we can, but we just don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Most of us have probably given up watching the news and cocoon ourselves by binge watching favorite movies or some new series just to allow our minds to escape from what’s happening in the world. Everything seems to be up in the air and, as Bob Dylan once prophetically sang, the answer is blowing in the wind. When will we ever learn, indeed!

As I personally reflect on this, I think about God’s timing. Here we are at a time when our churches are at last being opened fully, in the midst of another European war, and an impending global storm. Our sanctuaries have always been safe places in times of unrest, so is God inviting us back to gather together in Christ’s presence, so that we can support one another and get through this bewildering time?

Just like the disciples of old, we’ve been rowing hard on our own to get through these rough waters and fearful waves, but we haven’t made any headway. We need Christ to come alongside us and get into this rocky and leaky boat we call church in order to find the strength, peace, and calm that we all need.

As we struggle with our present difficulties, it seems to me that Christ is calling all of us to clamber back onboard His ship and trust Him to set the course through these troubled times. His reassuring words are given to us to extinguish our fears: “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Don’t be alone any more, using up all of your strength and carrying all of your burdens on your own. Come back to church, wherever you are, and let Jesus comfort and strengthen you.

May Christ bless you and all your loved ones.

Pastor John

Short devotion: "Year's End" - 2 Peter 3v9

 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)

It’s almost the end of the year, so most of us are reflecting on what we’ve experienced since 2021 began. The last twelve months have not been easy for any of us – some folks have lost loved ones; others have seen their health decline; some have lost their jobs; and others have broken marriages or partnerships. The hopes and dreams that some of us had last January have remained unfulfilled or even faded away. It’s been a hard year, so most of us will be glad to see the back of it.

Perhaps our relationship with God has also suffered. We’ve been inconsistent at attending church or have spiritually felt lost and bewildered. Inertia has dampened our spirits and our souls are exhausted. We know that we’re supposed to believe that God is in control, but so many things have happened this year that we may even have questioned that truth. We could also be feeling guilty about not being the right kind of Christian or church member that everyone else expects us to be, so we feel cut off from God, our faith, and our congregation.

God understands all of this and thankfully His patience is not wearing thin. Even during painful and pandemic times when all we want to do is shout at God, He understands. How can this be true?

Well, we’ve just celebrated the birth of Christ who, as God, came into our world to experience humanity first-hand. He personally knows all about rejection and pain, disappointment and distress, fear and the feeling of being forsaken. Our worries, our problems, our pain and our protests are not unknown to God which is why He is patient with us and invites us to repent – to turn around from our painful places and isolating experiences – in order to turn to Him and receive comfort and love, hope and peace, rest and strength.

So, as we let go of this year and head into the next, let’s be assured of this: God is with us and will keep being with us, no matter what we face or endure over the next twelve months.

Prayer: Lord God, it’s been a hard and difficult year, one that we hope we will never have to repeat. If, during the last twelve months, we have forgotten or grown distant from You, then please, during the next twelve months, never forget or abandon us. In Christ’s Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 

Please feel free to forward and share this message with others.

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

Short Devotion: Pearl Harbor Day

 

Psalm 112:6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. (NIV)

            Today is Pearl Harbor Day. Like most folks, I cannot believe that it’s been eighty years since the terrible events of that day occurred. I’ve seen photographs, newsreels, and even some movies of the horrendous attack. I’ve read different articles, posts, and historical accounts of that day of infamy, but I’ve never actually felt the shock or terror which our people must have experienced, nor the trauma that the Hawaiian islanders must have known. How anyone recovered from such a terrifying event is mystifying; how our nation managed to overcome this unannounced outbreak of the war is astonishing.

            When I reflect on this day, I remember an amazing person called Eleanor, who was a young girl in Hawaii at that time, and who saw first-hand the tragic event. At first, no one knew what was happening, but eventually folks like Eleanor realized they were experiencing a deadly and vicious attack. How her large family survived in the following days deeply impacted her, giving her courage and determination which would be with her for the rest of her long life.

            Eleanor and her family survived the war, and she was determined to go to college on the US mainland. She gained entrance into a distinguished Presbyterian College – Tusculum – which is here in Greenville, East Tennessee. As well as graduating, she also met the love of her life, Hugh – a local young man who fell in love with Eleanor at first sight. They both had a long and remarkable marriage, bringing up their own family, and accomplishing great things with their lives which included travelling to many places around the world.

            Eleanor’s grit and determination enabled her to overcome a severe stroke and, with Hugh constantly at her side, she strove to do as much with her life as she possibly could. When Hugh passed away a couple of years ago, Eleanor’s family lovingly took care of her, but she still had a great interest in life, as well as a deep and abiding Christian faith. Earlier this year, Eleanor graduated once again, this time leaving the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God.

            So, today, I’ll commemorate Pearl Harbor, but I’ll also fondly remember a very clever and accomplished woman who never forgot what she witnessed during that tragic day, but who also overcame its aftermath.

May we all find such strength, determination, and faith in our own lives.

Prayer: Lord God, be with our people today, especially with the World War Two generation whose courage and determination enabled them to overcome one of the most fearful times in our history. May Your presence comfort them this day. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

 

Short devotion: Fear vs Freedom John 3:16

 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

 We live in scary times because of all the uncertainty that we’re experiencing. We try to live our lives as normally as we can, but currently there seems to be so many setbacks that none of us can find a ‘normal’ routine. As creatures of habit, who have mostly relied upon things being stable, we find this deeply troubling and worrisome. As our worries increase, so do our fears; and as they increase, our freedom diminishes. Fear is the opposite of freedom – why? Because fear imprisons us.

 Freedom, however, is not the right to do what we want and act recklessly – that’s actually foolishness. Freedom is the God-given ability that human beings have to do the right thing at the right time, and not to do what we want just because we desire it. Sadly, so many people mistake selfishness for freedom and confuse their rights with their faith. Christ used His faith and freedom to save the world which involved sacrifice, humility, and love, so shouldn’t we as Christians be willing to show and do the same?

 God didn’t have to send Jesus into the world to become the cure for our sins, but love compelled Him.

 Jesus didn’t have to give up His life to grant us forgiveness, but our freedom required it.

 We don’t have to care for one another, but faith expects it, so we, who call ourselves ‘Christian’, should be at the forefront of doing what we can for others, not just for ourselves. If we are more concerned about our individual rights than the common good, then we need to get back to the Cross and look up at Jesus and ask ourselves this: what rights did He give up to fix our wrongs?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, release us from fear by showing us the freedom that love provides. 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 see what’s happening at the church, please visit the website at www.erinpres.org.

 Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Son Set.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click here: Son Set.

Short Devotion: Peacemakers - Galatians 3:28

 

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

There has been a lot of controversial discussion about certain aspects of our common history in recent years. Sadly, it has created a great divide among us and caused both anxiety and hostility. One group fervently states that they have experienced centuries of injustice and inequality, so the other side should be made accept what they have done and repair any damage from the past, which may still unjustly affect the present generation. The other side does not accept these accusations, nor are they willing to apportion any blame to their ancestors and themselves, or even have the issue discussed in public forums or in school classrooms. Because there is no dialogue taking place, the wounds grow deeper and the division grows wider. Instead of being a compassionate community where freedom is known through liberty and justice for all, we have become fragmented and suspicious of one another, allowing fear to damage our freedom and ignorance to unsettle our society. 

In times like these, the role of the Church is to be Christ’s peacemaker, creating a safe place where such dialogue can happen, where opposite views can be expressed and heard, as well as being a sanctuary where unity and diversity can flourish. This is not a new concept – it is basic to the teachings of Jesus, as well as to be found in Paul’s ministerial letters. Just as it boldly states in our beautiful Declaration of Independence – we are all created equal by God –it is also expressed, according to Christian doctrine, that we remain equal in the eyes of God through Jesus – as the Apostle Paul wrote:

‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ This fundamentally means that more than any other group, we, as Christ’s followers, are meant to accept one another as equals and, therefore, to strive for that equality to be fulfilled in the Church, as well as to seek ways to accomplish that equality throughout our community, nation, and world.

This is not an easy task or a light burden, after all, Christ was crucified and Paul was martyred for daring to promote such a revolutionary peacemaking message in a time when power and oppression brutally suppressed any movement toward equality. But no matter how hard it is, to be faithful to Christ means applying His message, however controversial it may be, even in our present dilemma. As Christ’s followers, we follow His lead; as Christ’s disciples, we apply His truth. Like Jesus, we are peacemakers and pathfinders, seeking a solution to the sorrows among us, embracing dialogue and diversity, restoring justice and sharing compassion.

Q: How can I become a peacemaker in our divided community? How can the Church create a place and path that leads to unity and equality?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, in our present difficulties, help us to turn to Your words and ways to find lasting solutions to peace, justice, and equality for everyone. Remind us that we are all equal in God’s eyes and will remain that way for the rest of our existence, both on Earth and in Eternity. In Your Holy Name, we ask for guidance, acceptance, and assurance. 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, please visit our website by clicking this link: www.erinpres.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing called “Cross Purpose.” If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Cross Purpose.

Short Devotion: History

 Acts 20:35 (Paul said) “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NIV)

 

History is hard work which is why some people choose to ignore it. It reveals to us the truth about who we are, warts and all, in the hope that each succeeding generation will become a better version of its predecessors. The mistakes, calamities, and tragedies of the past may shame or even annoy us, but no matter what we feel about history, it’s hard work to accept the truth that it forever displays.

 

For instance, in Canada, the people are reeling from a recent discovery of a mass grave where over 200 bodies of indigenous children were found. They had been forcefully taken from their homes and tribes and placed in residential schools in order to ‘civilize’ them. For decades, survivors of the abuse that had been going on told their horrifying stories, but no one wanted to listen to their ‘outrageous’ tales because most of those schools were run by Christian denominations.

 

But history has a way of revealing the truth, so when these bodies were discovered, Canadians realized that the horrors and tragedies that those young children endured were true, so the whole nation, which tries to portray a people who are tolerant and accepting, was shocked. The ugliness of the past can no longer be hidden; the shame that has fallen on the church needs to be addressed. There can be no healing without a hearing; there can be no resolution without reparation; there can be no conclusion without contrition.

 

We also have a tragic and horrifying past to consider and confess with regard to indigenous people and those who were enslaved. History will keep burdening us with the truth if we ignore or vainly try to cancel it. Those who were once weak, powerless, and brutally silenced are now finding their strength and their voices. What they have to express is a hard truth about ourselves; what they have to reveal, we cannot continue to ignore.

 

As Christians, we are called to help the weak and the poor; we are meant to cheerfully give rather than selfishly take; we are supposed to be people of the Truth, no matter how inconvenient or unflattering that it may be; we are meant to seek and represent the Kingdom of God above all else; we are meant to apply grace to encourage goodness and adopt humility in order to heal. It is not an easy task, but it never has been – our symbol is a painful cross, not a pillowed cushion. If we want to build a better future, we need to repair the past.

 

Q: What parts of our history need to be revealed, received, and re-addressed?

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to honestly look at our history and see clearly what needs to be confessed and healed. Give us the courage to face our ugliness and grant us the humility to correct our faults. In Your Holy Name, we pray, and by Your Holy Words, we seek to live. Amen.

 

Pastor John

Short devotion: Time Tunnel - Psalm 29v11

 

Psalm 29:11   May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! (ESV)

I don’t know about you, but this last year has been the longest I’ve ever lived through. I’ve used up most of my energy trying to figure out ways to keep our church folks connected and to provide help wherever it’s needed. This time last year, we were all heading into a tunnel of turmoil which we never expected. As we begin to see light at the end of it, we’re probably all emotionally exhausted and spiritually drained.

This is when I find comfort in verses from the Book of Psalms. It seems to me that those writers of holy songs experienced a lot of turbulence and trouble in their lives, too. It made them rely on God instead of themselves; it made them seek strength and peace from the Only One who could provide it for them. The great news about what they experienced is this: we can do the same. 😊

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in this week, whatever’s happening to you or your family, whatever is going on in your lives, please know this: God has more than enough strength to carry you through this; God will graciously help you find the peace that you need.

Q: What am I currently going through? How can God’s strength and peace help me endure and overcome it?

Prayer: Loving Lord, You know everything about us, so You perfectly understand what we need at this moment in our lives. If we are weak become our strength; if we are agitated, be our peace. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

www.erinpres.org

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