Times of Refreshing - Acts 3:19-20a

Acts 3:19-20a  Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (NRSV)

            We have all been emotionally impacted by the tragic events that have occurred over the past few weeks. Hurricanes and floods, mass murder and terrorism, and even the deaths of music icons like Tom Petty, have severely dented the well-being and joy of our spirits. As we wake up each day, we all wonder what sort of world we will encounter and what new crisis may be just around the corner. It seems that life has lost some of its sparkle and that we are all living in some sort of global Shakespearean tragedy from which there is no escape or happy ending.

            God doesn’t want us to feel pain or unhappiness, to be depressed by events beyond our control or fearful of what could happen. He wants us to turn away from the darkness and despair in the world in order to be welcomed into His light and love, so that our weary souls may be refreshed and our sorrowful spirits may be uplifted. Because God cares for who we are and what we experience, His presence is with us every day, no matter what occurs, where we are, or what we do. In times like these, it’s very easy to withdraw from the world and isolate ourselves, but God does not want us to emotionally hibernate from all the people, places, and things around us. We were created by Him to enjoy what He has made and to be reassured that we are not on our own.

            Perhaps you are feeling down and discouraged. Maybe you are anxious about the future and don’t understand why bad things happen. Perhaps you are really tired and in a rut simply because you are carrying burdens or responsibilities that are heavy to bear. I’ve been there, too, and know how easy it is to slide back into despondency. But I’ve also known the refreshing experience of turning to God like a child to be comforted and consoled by His love, compassion, and care. I hope and pray that you will seek these blessings, too.

Point to ponder

What scares and saddens me about the world? Am I willing to turn to God for guidance, hope, and strength?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You personally suffered a great tragedy and terrifying pain. You perfectly understand how we feel when we are faced with sorrowful circumstances and emotional despair. Allow Your Spirit to come to us when we turn back to You. Refresh our weary spirits and renew our personal faith. 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 www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to send John a message about today’s devotional, please email him at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Mackintosh style drawings called ‘The Love of Roses.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Roses.

God's Garden - Isaiah 61:11

Isaiah 61:11     For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

            Early one morning, I was visiting with one of our church members, who was showing me her amazing vegetable garden. Her husband had built an amazing irrigation system which collected all of the rainwater from their house gutters into barrels and then dispersed it throughout the whole yard using a computerized timing mechanism. He invented the whole system and I was amazed at so much ingenuity and productivity which could be used all over the world to grow food. The garden was absolutely filled with vegetables and fruit, all blessed by God through the ingenious distribution of rainwater.

            The day before my visit, a tragic event in Nice, France had occurred, where over 80 children and adults were deliberately mowed down by a terrorist driving a large truck. It was unbelievable and still is incomprehensible to me how anyone, in the name of their god, could inflict such inhumane and wicked carnage upon innocent people. In the past couple of years, we’ve seen these attacks around the world increase. Most people are horrified by these abhorrent events; most of us of different faiths and none at all, just want to live in peace, respect, and love.

            My prayer that day was the same one that Isaiah expressed in his ancient prophecy. I prayed that the Sovereign Lord would make righteousness and praise spring up before all the nations. Indeed, God has given us the seeds of hope, faith, and love that we need to grow such goodness around the world, but it’s up to us to keep growing those precious plants in our hearts, homes, churches and communities across the entire planet. If we become bitter, then our humanity will become harsh. If we preach revenge, then we will relinquish hope. The only way to defeat fear is to focus on love. The only real antidote to terror is to embrace one another and share God's peace.

Questions for personal reflection

With whom can I share Christ’s love today? What can I do to advance His peace?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we are often deeply saddened and affected by man’s cruel and vicious inhumanity to man. Sometimes we just feel downhearted and lost, depressed and confused. Help us to find Your way of peace, hope, and love in our lives first, so that we may then share those gifts with other people. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you have any questions or comments about today’s devotional, please feel free to send him a message by email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings of a Poppy Field in France. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Poppy.

Daily Devotional - Love and Compassion: Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12          Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

            The outpouring of love and compassion that I’ve seen on the internet after the Orlando Massacre has both humbled and deeply touched me. I know that there are still some ignorant folks venting their spleens and spreading hate, but their voices are diminishing and their influence is negligible. What I’ve seen are many photographs of people from all over the world attending candle lit vigils and showing their compassionate unity with the victims and families of the dreadful shooting. It will never take away the loss and pain that the affected friends and families will always feel, but it will offer a level of comfort and support in the midst of their agonizing grief.

            Religious congregations and secular companies, people of faith and those of none, have joined together in sadness and grief, shock and loss. It’s sad that such a level of basic goodness and unified humanity has been engendered by a terrible tragedy; however, if we remain united we can change and make better decisions. Sensible gun laws and acceptable choices can be accomplished, but only if we work together toward a brighter future for our children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. It won’t be easy, but it can be achieved. It starts at a personal level and continues to expand in our community, country, and world.

            As Paul wrote long ago, God’s people are meant to embrace and express compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. If I want to experience these in my life, it all starts with me; if you are seeking the same, it begins with you, too.

Questions for personal reflection

How has the Orlando Massacre affected and changed me? How can I show God’s love and compassion to others at this time?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us to become God’s people and Your servants through personal acts of love, kindness, and compassion to others, this day and every day onward. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to contact him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s drawing of a Celtic Cross in rainbow colors. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.

Family Devotions - An Old Photograph - Romans 12:12

Romans 12:12      Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (NIV)

            I’m looking at an old photograph on my church desk. It’s a picture of my Mom in her early twenties. She has black raven colored hair, large beautiful eyes, and a lovely smile. She’s wearing pearl earrings, as well as a decorative Isle of Man brooch on her jacket collar. I think the photograph may have been taken on her honeymoon with my Dad because they went to the Isle of Man after their wedding.

            My Mom looks young and beautiful, happy and joyful. She’s just married the man she loves and both of them are on the threshold of a lifetime together. She has no idea of the hardships yet to come, but her face looks bright and hopeful. The years ahead will be bleak at times and our whole family will be scarred emotionally and mentally, but we will survive and become supportive of one another, even though we’re scattered and separated by thousands of miles.

            The photograph reminds me that my Mom was once young and strong, filled with hope and happy to be in love. That memory consoles me and takes away most of the pain and bitterness that I have carried for far too long. I know that my brothers and sisters, whom I dearly love, feel the same way.

            Despite her illnesses and deep depression, my Mom never lost her faith. She still prayed to God in her lucid moments and clung to her beliefs. This also comforts me because as I get nearer to the completion of my own life, I know that I shall see her again, just looking like she is in the photograph. This is what Christ has given us – a hope that perseveres and love that never ends.

Questions for reflection

Is there someone in my life that I look forward to seeing in God’s Kingdom? How does that hope affect my faith and relationships today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the faith that You have given us and the hopes that we share. We look forward to the day when we shall be with You in God’s Kingdom and reunited with all of our faithful loved ones. 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 make a 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 Lenten Cross drawings called ‘Lent Changes Everything.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Lenten Cross.

Church devotion: Suicide is not Painless - 1 Kings 19:4

1 Kings 19:4             Elijah came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."

            The recent tragic death of the actor Robin Williams created a lot of sadness for many people. His ability to make us laugh was exceptional and he was a very gifted and much loved comedian. But there was a dark side to his life, a shadow of despair that crept over his soul, causing him to become an addict, and sadly ended with his suicide. Behind his Peter Pan smile and outrageous behavior that made us laugh hysterically, was a person who was suffering internally. We may not know what his last thoughts were or what ultimately drove him to take his own life; all that we do know is the fact that his untimely death has impacted millions of people.

            Suicide, no matter what the old song from MASH declared, is never painless. Someone always gets hurt; someone always gets left with guilt. When I overdosed with tranquilizers as a teenager, I did it because I wanted to be in control of my life at a time when things, events, and people around me were out of control. My mother’s insanity deeply affected me and I’m certain that it also wounded the rest of my siblings. I just wanted to show everyone how hurt I was and let them deal with the consequences. I wanted to die because I was weary with life.

            It was very selfish of me and an easy way out. I even thought that if God wasn’t going to change the circumstances of my life, then I didn’t want Him to interfere with my death. I was in control and nobody could take that away from me. Once I was dead, I was dead to the world; anyone who was hurt would just have to deal with it.

            Thankfully, three friends found me passed out in my bedroom. They took me to the ER where the team of medics flushed everything out of my system. I was kept in for three days at the hospital for two reasons: a much-needed psychological assessment and to make certain that my organs did not pack in. God, it seems, had other plans even though I wilfully and selfishly tried to oust Him and everyone else from my life.

            In today’s Bible passage (1 Kings 19:1-9), Elijah is weary of life. He erroneously thought that his victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel would have reaped rewards, esteem, and glory. Instead, it was met with an immediate death threat from Queen Jezebel which soon deflated Elijah’s ego. In his sorrowful and lamentable state, he ran away and just wanted to die to end all of his misery and despair. However, God had other plans which involved Elijah’s well-being and extended his ministry among God’s people.

            When we accept suicide as a personal means for people to let go of their responsibilities, frustrations, dignity, and pain, then we’re saying that God cannot help and that the love of loved ones and friends is ineffective. From my personal experience, the darkness of a successful suicide would have robbed me of the faith, hope, light, and love that was yet to come. This is why I believe that suicide or even euthanasia does not always have to be the answer to our suffering. There is always hope; there is always light; there is always love.

Questions for personal reflection

What do I think about the act of suicide? How can faith in God help prevent it?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, in the midst of darkness and despair, remain our light and hope. Grant us the faith to rely upon Your love, as well as the strength to overcome our weariness and woes. Keep us mindful of how precious the gift of life is, and help us to encourage and support our loved ones who are burdened by their worries, illnesses, and fears. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

If you, or a loved one, or a friend are having suicidal thoughts, please talk to your doctor or find a good counsellor or psychologist who will help you to cope with your problems.

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.

Short Devotion: Keeping It Together - Colossians 1:17

Colossians 1:17          He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

As a boy, I used to love making model aircraft. Most of my allowance was spent on buying small kits of plastic jets or World War 2 aircraft. Sometimes I even purchased model vintage cars, but those were usually very difficult to put together.

Gluing was always a problem, too, because I got glue all over my fingers and sometimes messed up the plastic parts by using too much adhesive. Too little glue meant that the kit would not stick together and gaps were seen all over the model. If I used too much glue, then the aircraft or car became sticky and my fingerprints were all over it. However, most of the time I persevered and felt proud of what I had accomplished when the model was finished.

Years later, I became fascinated with World War 1 biplanes and made many models of vintage aircraft as an adult. I still have them in box somewhere in the attic. If I’m ever blessed with grandchildren one day, I’ll probably bring them down to show and play with them.

I like what Paul has to say about Christ in this first chapter of Colossians. Jesus is the One in whom all things in creation hold together. I like the idea that Christ brings order to chaos and that through Him all of creation is sustained. It makes me feel that although life can be unsettling and confusing at times, Jesus is still here maintaining God’s goodness in the world and throughout the entire universe. That’s the Jesus that I love; that’s the Christ that I cheerfully serve: the Lord of all Creation Who keeps it together.

Questions for personal reflection

Are there current events in my life where I feel I have no control? Am I willing to allow Jesus to keep things together for me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, every day is a wonderful gift, and every moment of our lives are spent under Your watchful care. Remind us that no matter what happens or what we experience today, You are still in control of our ultimate destiny, and that through You all things hold together. 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 or ask a questions about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest winter drawings called “Snow Mates.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3762/11891190784_39ee9cf9cf_b.jpg

Daily Devotions: Light of Liberty

Matthew 5: 14 "You are the world’s light. You cannot hide a city on a hill.

The days following the 9/11 tragedy were amongst the weirdest that many of us ever experienced. To begin with, there were no planes in the sky anywhere, so it seemed empty and quiet. Mostly everyone hunkered down in their own homes, glued to the continuous coverage on television. Restaurants and malls were practically empty and it appeared as though large and small communities throughout the United States would never be the same again.

And then flags started to appear everywhere. People had them attached to their cars, in the front of their homes, and at their businesses. The local newspaper contained a magnetic flag to be placed on automobiles or fridges in every home. We were brutally broken and totally shocked by the turmoil, but we crawled out of our caves and restarted to live our lives as the means to honor the innocent dead and to defy the terrorists their complete victory.

Out of the ruined rubble of our society, we rose up and overcame the darkness of despair. Freedom and liberty were now even more precious to us because they had been snatched away from us for a couple of days. Lady Liberty still stood as a sentinel before the smoking Manhattan skyline and we became just as resolute. Our duty was to show the world not just our resilience and defiance, but our faith in freedom and our light of liberty.

Within a week, our skies were filled with vapor trailing planes carrying our people from state to state and city to city. Within our hearts, we all silently vowed that we would prevail and that this would never happen again on our watch, in our cities, and across our land. We have remained true to that promise, and maintained that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are still the noblest and highest of rights to which any nation, kingdom, or people on Earth can ever aspire towards.

Even after eight years, we are still that light of liberty which the world seeks. We are still that shining nation of strength and hope that the Earth still needs.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we remember the dark days of 9/11 and continue to live our lives in honor of those who died. We pray for the bereft families, who were most affected by the losses at the World Trade Center Towers, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania. Keep us mindful of those days and ever watchful of the days to come. 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Finding God in Disasters

Sometimes the Old Testament gives us the impression that we worship a churlish, vindictive God who seeks to smite and destroy His people at the first sign of rebellion. It’s hard for us to comprehend living under such a divine tyrant, especially as we relate to God through the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus. I am so glad to be able to freely worship and adore God through Christ’s eyes; through Moses’ eyes, God must have seemed fierce and terrible.

Podcast version here

Bible Verse
Numbers 14:34 ‘For forty years--one year for each of the forty days you explored the land--you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.'

Our forty days of Lent began on a sad note. We learned that many people lost their homes and more than fifty lost their lives in the thunderous tornadoes that whipped through the South. Looking at the devastation on the news, I can only wonder what the people are feeling. Some are thankful to God for having their lives saved; others are distraught and angry with Him about losing loved ones, their homes, and livelihood. As usual, that same old question, which got the Israelites into so much trouble, will be voiced: Where is God during moments of disaster? Why doesn’t He protect people from such calamities?

Yesterday, I was listening to a report that partially answered those questions. Within hours of the devastations across the South, fire crews, police, and paramedics were quickly working with victims. The Red Cross had already mobilized its first responder teams. And then, tagged at the end of the report, came this news: people in church vans had turned up with food and hot drinks, blankets and supplies. God, through the grace of Jesus Christ, was already at work amongst the people. His love was being given to those who needed to be embraced.

We may never understand why natural disasters hurt, injure, and kill so many people, but at least we still live in a world where Christians compassionately respond to those most in need. And that’s where we both see and experience the caring Kingdom of God in our broken world.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray for those whose lives have been devastated by the recent spate of terrifying tornadoes. We pray for all of the families who are affected, and we ask that You surround them with caring, compassionate people. Help us to do what we can by offering support, supplies, and money to bring aid and comfort to the victims. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Omaha Shooting

The shooting of innocent bystanders at the Omaha shopping mall has once again shocked our nation. It makes us all ask the question: where was God in the midst of this and how can we trust in His Sovereignty?


Podcast version here

Hosea 6:1 "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.

The shootings and slayings in the Omaha shopping mall have once again shocked our nation. Another deluded young man has selfishly and cowardly taken the lives of innocent people, in order to make someone pay for his dissatisfaction with life. Instead of dealing with his problems, he chose to end his life. Instead of facing up to his deficiencies, he chose to kill people unconnected to his burdens. It was insane and satanic, evil and unholy. Whatever infamy he thought he would achieve, the memory of his callous execution of bystanders will obscure any notoriety he hoped to accomplish.

In the midst of all this pain and anger, how do we come to the Lord for help and healing? At this time of year, when peace and goodwill are supposed to be experienced amongst us, how can we remain confident in God’s Sovereignty? The Nebraskan families of those who were slain will be absolutely shattered and their lives will never be the same. Man’s inhumanity to man has reared its ugly head again – where is the faith, hope, and love of God in such a terrible situation?

No doubt the TV newshounds, cable show hosts and bloggers will offer their many opinions as to what caused this carnage. They will discuss the trigger points along the way of the young man’s life and ask the futile question of how this could all have been avoided. They will all play parlor games of second guessing what went wrong, and the victims’ families will be paraded before the cameras for high ratings and public exhibition. We will be inundated with images of Columbine, Virginia Tech, and Omaha for days on end. And then, when the media frenzy is over, the families will still be heartbroken, lives will be ruined, and communities around the nation will be fearful.

Despite the pain, we will still turn to the LORD, expecting Him to heal us, bind us, comfort us, and strengthen us. We may never find the answer to our agonizing question of “Why?” Our Creator, however, has endowed the human spirit with a mysterious capacity of carrying on, despite the crosses that we bear. In the end of the hallmark of hope which is imprinted on our souls will prevail. Killers kill people, but their bullets cannot confine us to be defined by their deluded concept of humanity. In God, we trust; in Christ, we have hope; and with the Spirit, we persevere.

Prayer: Lord God, our hearts bleed for the people of Omaha and for all the victims of this cruel and savage tragedy. We cannot comprehend the pain and heart break of those who have been impacted by this evil. We pray that You will surround them with professional caregivers and therapists, counselors and clergy who will support, love, and guide them through this agonizing journey. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Erin Church devotional - New Prospect

Audio version here

Psalm 122:1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Yesterday afternoon, I attended a re-dedication of an old church in South Knoxville. The church, New Prospect, had been destroyed by a fire a couple of years ago. On Sunday afternoon, it was re-opened and rededicated to the work of the Lord. I was asked to preach at the service, along with two other pastors. It was a wonderful occasion and a great blessing for the community.

New Prospect Presbyterian Church was originally built in 1834. It was established in the midst of a tragedy. At one time Presbyterians in South Knoxville had to cross the river by boat to worship in their local church. One Sunday, a boat tragically capsized and several members with their children drowned. New Prospect was built so that Presbyterians would no longer have to cross the river and risk their lives to go to worship. It was given its name to herald a new beginning for the Presbyterian community that had been struck hard by the tragedy.

The new church is beautiful and I am envious of what the congregation has accomplished. I think I’ll have our elders and Impact team visit the church to see what a small congregation has managed to do in the midst of unfortunate circumstances. The Lord has wrought a miracle in that part of South Knoxville and I hope that it will become a stronghold of faith for the entire Presbytery.

Going to the House of the Lord should be a time for rejoicing for all of us. And when we focus upon what He wants, that’s when miracles can be experienced, churches can be enhanced, and our mission in the community can make a great impact for Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your goodness to our churches and for the many miraculous ways that You are making a difference in our lives and communities. In the midst of difficult times, guide us by Your Light and enable us to have complete confidence in Your words and ways. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.