September 4 devotion - Mighty Acts

Psalm 145:4    One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.

            While reading this verse today, I started wondering what mighty acts of God have happened during my lifetime, which could be told to the upcoming generation.  I was born in 1957, so perhaps what I’ve experienced as mighty acts may not be so great to the next generation. I can list several things: the success of the Civil Rights movement under Dr. King; the Peace Accords in Northern Ireland; the tearing down of the Berlin Wall; the rebuilding of New York after 9-11; the restoration of the Gulf Coast after Katrina; the invention of cell phones; the major medical breakthroughs in the fields of cancer and disease research; the progress of space exploration. There are many more that I have surely forgotten; there are other major events that I have not recalled.

            In the Faith community, the mighty acts of God are harder to pinpoint because they have a major effect on individuals and small groups, rather than being noticed on a worldwide scale. I have known people to be cured of cancer through the power of prayer. I have seen people so moved by the words of Christ that their lives have changed. I have watched the people of God embrace those who are deeply hurt by loss and tragedy. I have seen the spiritual nurturing of young children who have grown in the Christian faith. I have been with people as they pass over from this world to the next, quietly surrendering themselves to the Almighty will of God.

            God’s mighty acts can be seen and found wherever there are people on Earth. He has never abandoned us to the evil that mankind often does, nor has He ever forsaken us in the midst of our troubles. His mightiest act was to send His Son Jesus Christ into our world to save us from our sins, to heal us of our hurt, and to restore us to God’s favor. Above all else, this mighty act of salvation through Jesus is the one amazing event that I want to tell constantly to the next generation. In my humble opinion, there is no other greater story, there is no other mightier act of God.

Questions for personal reflection

When and where have I seen God’s mighty acts in the world during my lifetime? When and where have I personally experienced His mighty acts in my own life?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for being present in the world and in our own lives. We seek Your guidance and look for Your presence each day. Help us to see God’s mighty acts in the world, as well as the ones we can experience in our everyday 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 or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

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