Sabbath Psalms - Sacred Sanctuaries

Psalm 26:8 Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. (NIV)

            We all get attached to the sacred buildings where we worship. Within the bricks and walls, stones and stained-glass windows, we create a womb-like sanctuary where we feel the presence of God when we pray silently, or as we praise God with others around us. In the midst of a world which is always in a hurry and sometimes hostile, it’s therapeutic and refreshing to find a place of peace and acceptance, faith and love.

            Over many years, I’ve worshiped and served in different churches with varied ministries and missions, programs and projects that displayed their congregational focus and how the people practiced their faith. No matter how different the churches were denominationally or spiritually, I always felt being in a place of peace where God’s presence was experienced, whether it was in a small country church or a grand Gothic cathedral. They were, and still are, special places to me, where Heaven and Earth seem to meet, where the Eternal One abides with mortal ones.

            I think that the psalmist of old understood this, too, which is why he preferred God’s company and sacred house, rather than sitting around with dishonest and deceitful people. In the midst of a culture that was destroying itself with greed and corruption, the writer of Psalm 26 took solace in being with God, away from the maddening crowd. I think this is something important that we still need today – a place of quiet in a noisy world, a sanctuary of hope in chaotic times.

            Perhaps you are undergoing a lot of pressure in your life right now. Maybe you are in a situation that burdens you, or in the midst of circumstances that threaten to overwhelm you. Perhaps you have been too strong or self-sufficient too long, and now feel stretched, exhausted, and vulnerable. Maybe you don’t know what to do or where to go. Can I suggest that you find a nearby church sanctuary where you can bring your heartfelt pleas and personal prayers to God? Like me, you probably need somewhere to lay down your burdens and just be embraced by the Living and Loving God. A local church building or even a large cathedral may be just what you’re looking for. Try it and see.

Point to ponder: Where can I go to find God’s peaceful presence in my life?

Prayer: Lord God, Whose presence abides on our planet and Whose blessing can be found in many holy places on Earth, we seek Your peace and love to help us endure and overcome our problems and troubles. Guide us to a sacred place where we can quietly pray; lead us to special sanctuary where we can experience Your loving presence and praise Your Holy Name. Amen.

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

Sunday Shorts - Sacred Vessels

John 6:54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 

I remember the first time I actually saw a church communion set. It took place in an old Gothic-style church, just outside of Glasgow, Scotland. My High School class was on a long-sponsored walk one Saturday and the church was a resting place for all of the participants. As we entered the Fellowship Hall, the first thing that drew my attention were the pewter plates and ornate stacking trays with little glasses in them on a long table. I had never seen anything like them before, so my teacher explained that these were the Communion vessels which the church would be using during worship the next day. 

I was intrigued and also impressed. The minister and a few elders were carefully cleaning the vessels which made me realize they were handling special things. It was only years later when I first formally took Communion as a church member that I understood similar vessels in my own congregation were regarded as sacred objects and treated with the utmost care. 

When Jesus talked to His people about being the living bread and how His body and blood would nurture them, they didn’t fully understand what He meant. Some of them even regarded Jesus as being crazy and left His company of disciples. But for those who stayed with Him and experienced the Last Supper, they soon realized after His resurrection that Christ was referring to His sacred sacrifice on the Cross and that generations of Christians would experience that same holiness when they celebrated Communion in their own churches. It would become a sacred time of spiritually connecting people to Jesus and with one another. 

No matter where or when I take Communion, it is still a sacred moment in my life. The minister and elders from that old church taught me something special that day long ago and I will always be grateful for how they showed the deepest respect for Christ as they carefully cleaned those beautiful vessels.

Point to ponder: How do I experience the sacredness of Communion in my church?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for sacrificing Yourself for all our sins, as well as for reconnecting humanity to You through Communion. Help us to respect such a beautiful celebration as special and sacred in our lives. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Worship devotion - Being Human - Isaiah 29:13a

Isaiah 29:13a              The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

            Worship is a very humbling experience because it requires us to set aside time to come into the presence of God. As we enter His holiness, we recognize that we are unworthy and unprepared to encounter His sacred Spirit. We also understand that we have come to serve God by acknowledging that He is our Creator, as well as the Controller of our lives. In other words, worship requires us to let go of who we are, in order to let God be who He is. Worship is not about us; it’s all about God.

            Being human, we get distracted during worship. Instead of focusing on the Lord, we think about other things – our homes, our families, our work, or our schools. We know that we should meditate and ponder on what the Lord has done, but instead we mull over our problems and allow our minds to wander. Sometimes we miss out on the best parts of worship because our thoughts are elsewhere. We don’t do this deliberately; it’s just that we are human beings who get easily sidetracked.

            It’s not a new problem either. Long before there were any cell phones, tablets, or devices, people still got distracted. Even 2,700 years ago, when Isaiah was prophetically given today’s Bible verses, God’s people still found it difficult to focus during worship all of the time. Just like us, they also had their worries, issues, and distractions which is why Isaiah calls them out. The people might have shown up and gathered together to worship God, but their hearts and minds were on other things. They couldn’t sustain their focus on God; they couldn’t free themselves from other diversions.

            So does that mean that worship is ineffective? Certainly not. When we gather together in worship, we are with a body of people who greet and befriend us, encourage and support us through both the good and bad times in our lives. We also share wonderful moments when the Spirit touches our hearts and souls together, so that we can build upon our relationships with God and one another. We come together to worship God in church; we leave together to serve God in the world.

Questions for personal reflection

What distracts me during a worship service? How do I get re-focused on God?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to worship God in church. Thank You for the songs we sing, the prayers we pray, the stories we hear, and the scriptures that are preached. Thank You also for the people who worship alongside us – our families, our friends, our Christian sisters and brothers. Bless the worship we attend and help us to focus on God. 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 on today’s message or ask questions, please send your email to Traqair@aol.com.

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

Worship devotions: What is Worship? - Psalm 95:6-7

Psalm 95:6-7                        Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.

            Humility is never easy for me. Just like most stubborn Scots, I want to be fiercely independent and completely free, individually shaped and personally motivated by my own choices. I like to think that what I say or do is important, insightful, and meaningful. I want my life to have a purpose, so long as I can mold it into whatever I want it to be. I desire to be a self-made person, which frequently leads to pride and vanity, causing me to get too big for my boots or become swollen-headed. The high horse I am riding or the pedestal I have made for myself begins to falter, and I am left sprawling on the proverbial floor, dispatched from the lofty heights I have proudly climbed. However, I also get the feeling that those around me know of that experience, too.

            Did you know that worship is meant to be an act of humility? Many folks misguidedly believe that worship services are meant to fill them, bolster them, support them, and uplift them. They feel that their time is precious, so worship should have a positive purpose that cheerfully changes them and really inspires them. Nothing could be further from the biblical truth. Worship, true and honest worship, is meant to humble us in the awesome presence of God. Even the old Hebrew words for worship, as in today’s psalm, literally mean to lie down prostrated, face first to the ground, as an humble act of faith before our Holy, Almighty, and Majestic God!

            Some congregations go halfway on this by kneeling during their worship services, but most Christian folks sit in their church pews and sadly sometimes get distracted by their mobile phones or devices which command more of their attention. People say they are ‘bored’ of worship, but what is really happening is that they are spiritually disconnected to God and don’t really understand that we bring worship to God. He is the audience, we are merely meant to be His humble servants.

            So, here’s a challenge for all of us: next Sunday morning, let’s all prepare ourselves to humbly worship God at church. Let’s also remember that the service is not about us in any shape or fashion – it’s all about serving God (why do you think it’s called a worship service, and not a worship experience?). Perhaps if we re-learn to be humble in worship, we will feel closer to God by the time the Benediction is given. J

Questions for personal reflection

What do I bring to God in worship? How does worship help me to serve Him humbly and faithfully?

Prayer:          Lord God, we want to worship You truly, but sometimes we let our pride or personalities get in the way. Help us to become aware of the humble nature of real worship, where You are at the center of its purpose, and that we are merely Your servants. 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 questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s attached image is one of John’s latest Celtic Christian drawings. It’s called “Celtic Spirit.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Spirit.

Church Meeting devotion: Topsy Turvy Teacher - Luke 9:48

Luke 9:48      Then Jesus said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest." (NIV)

            One of the earliest images of Jesus that most of us have, is usually of Him playing with and surrounded by children. Most church nurseries have pictures hanging on their walls with similar drawings. The best picture that I have ever seen was in an old Scottish Church where Jesus was encircled by children who came from all over the world, all wearing their national and ethnic costumes.

            We may not know it, but Christ upgraded the importance of children through His teachings. In His day, children were usually considered to be of little importance and their fathers had the authoritative right to fully direct their future. Indeed, in some Roman families, the father had the power of life and death over their children for their entire lives.

            When Jesus brought the little child into the midst of the disciples, He was teaching them a lesson about humility as opposed to pride, as well as weakness over strength. As usual, Jesus was turning everything upside down: in God’s eyes a little child was greater than an adult man. Christ was giving power to the powerless and a voice to the voiceless. He was exalting the least, as opposed to glorifying the best.

Question:       Who are the least in our present society? How should Christ’s Church highlight their value in the world?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, You constantly challenge us through Your teaching and example. The things and people that we think should be honored and exalted tend to be the very opposite of what You would consider. Help us to see the world through Your eyes, so that we may apply Your perception in all that we would do for You. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently 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 John’s latest Palm Sunday drawing called “Palm Cross.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Cross.

Worship Devotion: Worship Blessings - Matthew 4:10

Matthew 4:10  Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.' " 

            I love worshipping God. It’s good to come among a group of like-minded people and sing together our praises of God. Being with Church family week after week gives me the strength, encouragement, and challenges to face whatever takes place during the next seven days. Without church, I don't know how I could live. Without worship, I don't think I would have any faith, hope, or love.

            Worship to outsiders looks like a dull religious thing. They don't understand the positive power and unique experience that being in God’s House each week creates. They think that worshippers are full of weak, unintelligent, and misguided people. They don’t know about the spiritual pull that God gives to His people to come together to be with Him. It’s a mysterious event where folks are drawn together by the bidding of the Holy Spirit and brought into the favorable, sacred presence of God. There’s nothing like it on Earth; there’s not even anything like it in Heaven because people are already gathered there.

            Going to worship on a regular basis does not make us superior Christians, but it does build up our faith in Christ and love of God. Worship helps us to humbly come before God to praise His Name, seek His forgiveness, and look for His guidance. It’s a filling station for empty spirits; it’s a sacred haven for troubled souls.

            When Christ confronted the devil about worship, He plainly and effectively stated that worship was meant to be directed toward God only. There is no other object of our worship; there is no other being that we are meant to focus upon. When we worship God, we are fulfilling our destiny, our purpose, as well as the meaning of our lives. We are created to worship God, so we are at our most complete when we come to church as believers and worshippers, as well as pilgrims and disciples seeking and receiving His love.

Questions for personal reflection

What does worship mean to me? How do I humbly serve God through regular worship?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we are called to worship Your Father, our Creator, to serve His purposes, and to find meaning in His Kingdom. Thank You for boldly confronting the devil by declaring what true worship is. Help us to humbly and authentically worship God each day of our lives, as well as with Your gathered people. 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 on today’s message, or ask questions, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest miniature paintings called “Christ Icon.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Christ Icon.

Church devotion: What is Church - Revelation 21:22

Revelation 21:22         I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

            Today’s verse reminds me that the beautiful church building where I minister is not the actual church, nor is it the real center and focus of worship. The people who gather for worship, study, prayer, and mission are the church, and the focus of our praise is Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God. The building serves as a meeting place, a learning center, and a sacred sanctuary. It is holy ground where God's people can gather, but it is not the centerpiece of our worship of God. That esteemed place belongs solely to Jesus, which is why we are called Christians and not Churchians.

            Please don't get me wrong; I love the church building and I am delighted about all of the renovation and expansion that has been accomplished over the last couple of years. It is a safe place for souls and a haven for many people. It serves as a focal point, a gathering place, and a house of meditation for lots of people, including me. Whether I am working quietly in my office, or participating in a room full of elders, or sitting quietly in the sanctuary, this church building is very meaningful to me. But again, it is not the object of my beliefs, worship, or relationship with God. Only Jesus has that place in my life; only He is at the center of my being.

            When we all get to Heaven, perhaps initially we’re going to miss seeing churches, hearing church bells, or meeting in church sanctuaries. However, I believe it will quickly dawn on us that Christ is our meeting place, our encountering point, and our real destination. We won’t need temples to contain Him, or churches to welcome Him. His abiding presence will be all that we will ever need and we will serve Him eternally, which why we go to church in the first place - to worship Christ and enjoy Him forever.

Question for personal reflection

Why do I go to church? How do I become church?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are our everything. You are at the center of our faith and in the fullness of our hearts. We worship You alone and seek to serve You faithfully. You are the reason why we believe in God, and You are the One to whom we owe our lives. Thank You for being our Savior and for allowing us to serve, worship, and follow You in many different ways. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome :)

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings of Christ. It’s called ‘Jesus Weeps’ and reflects the sad state of our world today. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Jesus Weeps.

Short devotions: A Healthy Fear - Acts 19:17

Acts 19:17       When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 

Sometimes when I read the New Testament, I wonder why the word ‘fear’ is ever associated with Jesus. Like most people, I tend to see Jesus as loving and non-judgmental, a person who could find the good in anyone; a prophet who attracted people to God; and a teacher who showed the world how to live. I understand how honoring and worshipping Jesus for those positive qualities has endeared me to Christ, but what about this fear that the New Testament writers express? What has fear got to do with Jesus?

‘Fear’ in this context goes beyond being afraid. It really means to completely respect Christ for who He actually is: the Holy Son of God. ‘Fear’ then describes the awe and reverence that we should feel when we think about, worship, and honor Jesus. It also means that we actively submit to His power and teaching, His authority and realm. We are not equal to Christ, although He does restore us as sons and daughters of God. He is the Chosen One, the Eternal Crown Prince, the True Heir to God’s Kingdom. Throughout our days on Earth and in Eternity, He will always be our Master, Lord, Ruler, and King. We will always be His servants in the Everlasting Realm, if we choose to repent and follow Him on Earth.

So when we read about ‘fear’ being associated with Christ in the New Testament, it’s a healthy fear – a total respect for who Jesus is and a complete submission to His power.

Questions for personal reflection

How do I express and display my loyalty to Christ? Do I understand that I am called to serve Him and not the other way around?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, grant us a healthy fear of Who You are so that our lives may be challenged and changed by Your words and ways. Give us opportunities to positively serve You so that others may be attracted to Your majesty and power, as well as Your love and grace. 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 a question about today’s passage, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Mackintosh style drawings. It’s called “Butterfly on Thistle.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/8848721259_3dd10c0f01_b.jpg

Short devotion: Sunday Blessings - Exodus 20:8

Exodus 20:8  “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

            Setting aside a Sunday for worshiping is becoming harder for post-modern people. We try to cram in as much as we can each weekend, especially when our families are young. We want to have wonderful times together, sports to experience, and places to go. Every year, we get busier and lose the positive impact that keeping a Sabbath can bring. We are not meant to be hurrying here, there, and everywhere; we are created to enjoy God’s wonderful works and to praise Him for Life itself.

            Some people think that Sundays were set up by the Roman emperor Constantine as a means of controlling the masses of folks all over his domain, but Christians had actually been meeting for worship on Sundays for two centuries before Constantine was born. Early on Sunday mornings, followers of Jesus met together to re-experience the very First Easter. Christ’s Resurrection was celebrated and the people basked in the blessings that God bestowed upon them through Jesus. Their worship centered upon their faith in the Easter Story – that Jesus had died for their sins and that God had raised Him from the dead.

            I wish that people would make Sunday morning worship a priority in their lives, not because I want them to be strictly religious but because of the wonderful blessings that can be experienced when we give of ourselves to God by devoting that sacred time to Him. Each Sunday in church brings to each of us an opportunity for increasing our faith, expanding our knowledge, and deepening our relationship. And, at the end of our lives, when everything is said, done, and experienced, it is only our relationship with God through Christ that will survive.

Questions for personal reflection

What does Sunday mean to me? How do I put God at the center of that sacred day?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Living Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again to be eternally with Your Father in Heaven. We have been blessed by Your obedience and saved by Your sacrifice. Help us and encourage us to honor You on Sundays by worshipping You alongside of Your people, just like the First Christians. 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 a question of this message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest psalm drawings. It’s a Messianic interpretation of a verse from Psalm 132. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8402950009_b3fba5c1e9_b.jpg

Halftime devotions: Creating idols - Isaiah 44:

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 44:12-17 and Matthew 22:15-22

Isaiah 44:17    From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, "Save me; you are my god."

The absurdity of idolatry is clearly expressed in Isaiah 44. The image is of people working hard in their daily lives and using up all of their skills and energy to produce a metal idol or wooden god. They bow down and worship something that they have created with their own hands. They don’t seem to realize that it is still just a piece of metal or block of wood. The only power that the hand-made idol has is that which is superstitiously conferred upon it by the maker.

Today, we make idols of our gadgets and apps, cell phones and computers. We find it difficult to go through each morning, afternoon, or evening without checking our email, updating our statuses, or texting our friends. We use up more of our energy and time with our digital idols without giving a serious thought as to what this is doing to us emotionally, psychologically, or spiritually. Our hearts and minds are becoming jammed full of trivial messages and our long term memory skills are being hampered. We are all suffering from digital dementia, a forgetting of what’s really important and a diminishing of who we are actually meant to be in God’s eyes.

We laugh at the absurdity of the ancient peoples, who bowed down and worshipped metal and wooden idols, but is the laugh actually upon ourselves? Have we let our progressive gadgets become personal gods and the latest instruments turn into our own lavish idols?

I guess that the challenging questions that we need to ask ourselves are these: how many days in the week can I go without reading or studying God’s Word? How many hours in the day can I go without reading emails or checking my texts?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, some days we live our lives apart from You and end up taking Your grace for granted. We get so obsessed with our communications that we forget about what You are constantly trying to say to us. Forgive us for being distracted; pardon us for making idols out of our cell phones, computers, and stuff. Help us to get back on the path of discipleship that You have planned for each of our 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 on today’s message, please send him an email (but only after you have fully read, pondered, and studied today’s scriptures) to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest winter drawing. It’s called “Snow Barn” and features an iconic red barn covered in a blanket of snow. If you want to view a larger version, then please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6758069389_d5908acd89_b.jpg

4 minute devotion: What is Worship? - Acts 24:11

Acts 24:11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 

When I think about the Apostle Paul, it tends to be that I see him more as a preacher and teacher rather than a worshipper. Here, however, in this passage, we read of Paul’s intent to worship at Jerusalem, as opposed to stirring up the people with his powerful messages and dynamic messages. He takes and makes time from his busy schedule to honor God with what used to be called ‘divine worship.’

These days, we talk about contemporary worship, traditional worship, or even blended worship, but all worship is meant to be focused on God and rendered to Him. To make it divine, the Reformers removed all kinds of ornaments, statues and stained glass windows from their sanctuaries and left the churches almost entirely bare. Even the Communion Table was set to the side or put at the back of the church. Only when the Lord’s Supper was actually being celebrated, did the table come out into its central position.

I think we should restore the concept of ‘divine worship,’ because it would make us all realize how important it is to be in God’s House on Sundays and offer Him our best songs, praise, and devotion. For far too long, we’ve been taken God for granted and rate worship as an extra-curricular faith activity or spiritual pursuit on the same level that we treat a football game or one of our favorite television shows.

If we reinstated the aspect of ‘divine worship’ to our thinking, we would soon realize that this is not only something different, holy, and sacred; it is also something that is infinitely important to connecting ourselves eternally to God. At worship, both the human and the Divine are meant to encounter each other. If we take worship for granted, it will neither be meaningful or spiritually substantial to us; however if we treat it as divine, it will become precious and purposeful in our lives.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, each Sunday You invite and call us to divinely worship our Creator, so that our lives may be guided by Your Holy words, our spirits enthused by Your Presence, and our lives changed by Your ways. Help us to keep worship as a focus of our lives and a sacred means of being connected to you forever. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the past or Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to offer feedback on this message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest patriotic drawings. It’s called “As American As…” and features apple pie and baseball…J. If you would like to see a bigger version of this print, please go to the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4975521640_1331ec5a8d_b.jpg

Daily Devotion: Constructive Worship - Psalm 57

Psalm 57:7      My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 

Yesterday, a loud bang occurred that shook the entire church building. It wasn’t an earthquake or an explosion. It was the demolishing of the concrete entranceway to our sanctuary. We’re building a new carport that will allow our people to drive their cars to the front door. Our church rests upon a steep incline which makes it difficult for some of our seniors and families to walk from their cars to the sanctuary, especially when it is wet. Over the years, several people have fallen in slippery conditions, so we’re hoping to put an end to that by building the new entranceway with a car port.

The downside is that this demolition and construction is going to affect us for about four months. Our people will have to come into the sanctuary from a different set of doors. It will be inconvenient for a while, but the hope is that our people will still faithfully attend church each Sunday because they want to worship together in the sanctuary. Our hearts will be steadfast and we will sing and make music to the glory of the Lord.

This will also give us an opportunity to see what kind of priority our people give to worship. Churches exist purely to glorify Christ and praise the Name of God. Everything else that we do as a church is merely temporal and peripheral. Worship takes place in Heaven and on Earth. Worship goes beyond this world and on into the next. Worship is infinite; all else that we do is finite and limited to this one life. If we choose to be active in our faith community, but do not make worship a priority, then we are only serving ourselves and dishonoring God by robbing Him of the glory and praise due to Him for His work amongst us.

For the next four months, it will be interesting to see what happens to our worship numbers. I hope that the Holy Spirit will bless each of our people with perseverance and patience, enthusiasm and endurance so that by the end of summer, our worshipping community will actually be stronger, more faithful, and closer to God.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessing of worship in our lives, churches, and communities. We praise You for such a divine privilege and we pray that we will never take it for granted. Throughout times of change and challenge, keep us consistently seeking to praise, glorify, and worship You. Both now and forever, we 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.

Today’s image is of John’s latest drawing called Sunsphere Celebration which depicts the Knoxville Sunsphere on Independence Day. If you would like to view a larger version online, please click the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4698147293_f49d8d39a6_b.jpg

Daily Devotions: Skillful Players

Psalm 33:3      Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

I haven’t played my guitar in months, nor have I written a new song in years. At one time, I used to play every day and write about four new songs a year. These days, I hardly ever pick up the guitar or sing. I’m more into art than music right now, but perhaps that will change.

We used to have a great guitarist in our congregation. Steve could pick and play like no one I had ever heard before. He would just have to listen to a song once and then he could play it back. That was an amazing gift and one that we missed in church when he and his family left to live in another state. The nearest to that kind of expertise that we have in our church worship band is a young mandolin player called Josh. He has the same incredible gift of practically hearing and playing music instantly. It makes me wish that I had spent more time practicing when I was younger instead of just being content to ‘strum along.’

Some people do this with their faith, too. Instead of learning more about God and intentionally educating themselves about Christ and Christianity, they are just happy to come along to church and be spectators. They never really add depth to their beliefs and so they miss out on having a spiritually intense relationship with God. I sometimes wonder how happier they would be if they spent more time to be with God instead of being distracted by the world and its ways. Maybe if there were more Marys than Marthas in the church, Christianity would have a greater impact in the world. If we were more focused on Christ’s business rather than our own busy-ness, we would probably live more faithful lives.

I guess I need to go and dust down that old guitar of mine…

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we get so busy in our lives that we never take enough time to be with You. We become so self-centered and self-absorbed that we often take You for granted. Grant us the grit and determination to focus on our faith, and to build up our understanding, intimacy, and relationship with God through You. 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 on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Jazz 4 July.” You can view a larger version here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/1002682559/sizes/l/

Free Daily Devotions: A Lovely Place - Psalm 84 v 1

Psalm 84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!

We’re in the midst of a major renovation at Erin Church, so the whole place is anything but lovely! The parking lot is caked in wet red clay; the church parlor has been sealed off due to dust; chairs and equipment are stored all over the place, and some of our classes, programs, and projects are on the back-burner until the construction is completed. Everything is in a state of chaotic un-loveliness, so this whole year will be a washout as far as I am concerned.

We’re looking forward to Easter, though, because by that time the downstairs Fellowship Hall should be completed. If it is, then we’ll hold our annual Easter breakfast in it and celebrate the rebirth of the church. That promises to be one of the most meaningful resurrection Sundays our congregation have ever experienced.

In the ancient past, holy temples and sacred buildings were thought to be the dwelling places of God’s Spirit, but because we’re New Testament people, Christ has taught us that God is within us. We are meant to be the lovely dwelling places of God, exhibiting love and peace, grace and compassion to the world.

I hope that when the building renovations are completed at Erin, we will begin to focus on the spiritual renewal and Christian renovation of the hearts and minds of our people. It’s all very well having updated facilities that look great, but God is meant to dwell within us, not the bricks and mortar. So I guess the challenge for us all is this: what must I do to make God’s dwelling within me a lovely place, so that others may be attracted to Christ and His love?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, sometimes people cannot see You because we get in the way. Forgive us for causing others to miss who You are because of the mistakes that we make. Help us to open our hearts and minds, bodies and souls to Your Holy Spirit, so that we may become the lovely places and loving people that God requires. 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.

Today’s drawing is from John’s psalms art project. It is of Psalm 84 v 3 – ‘Even the sparrow has found a home.’ You can view a larger version of the drawing here: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3674099670_617ddcdeda.jpg

4 Minute Daily Devotions: Real Rejoicing!

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Throughout the summer months, when our church choir does not meet, our Creative Expressions team encourages our church kids to present the anthem during worship on Sunday mornings. The leader of our ministry team, Cynthia, and Joe our choir director, take time out from their own busy schedules to rehearse the songs that our church kids will sing.

Sometimes the kids sing solo; on other occasions they present duets, trios, and ensembles to the Lord. They even do dance routines, taught by one of our moms, for their songs. The kids are as young as first graders and as ‘old’ as Middle Schoolers. It’s wonderful to watch them confidently and enthusiastically sing for the Lord. Their joy in church becomes a great boost to the whole congregation and we rejoice along with them. We feel truly blessed to have such dedicated leaders and creative kids.

Rejoicing is an important part of any church’s worship life. When we joyfully praise God, we do two things: firstly, we express our love to God, and secondly, we attract other people to worship Christ. It’s a wonderful way of living out our faith and sharing our beliefs.

As our church kids grow up, we hope that they will remember their joyful experiences in church, so that when they become adults they will have a solid foundation for their faith. We may never see the full extent of God’s work in their lives, but we will continue to rejoice with them, so long as we are all here.

Today, let’s look for moments of rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s seek out those precious times when we can joyfully and effectively share our faith in Christ. And as we rejoice in Jesus, let’s also pray that others will be attracted to our Savior and His church.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we rejoice in You, for You are the One Great Love and Hope in our lives. Help us to make this day a time of faithful rejoicing in our work, at our homes, and amongst our friends. In Your Most Holy Name, we cheerfully 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.

4 Minute Daily Devotions: Room for Hypocrites

Psalm 26:4 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites;

Over the years, I’ve heard some people say, “I don’t go to church. It’s full of hypocrites.” My usual answer to that is: “Don’t worry. There’s always room for one more.”

There’s also no such thing as a perfect church on Earth because congregations are made up of imperfect people. We go to church because we know that. We seek the Perfect One in our lives. We know that only Christ is sinless and unhypocritical. We understand that we fail each day to live up to the demands our faith. We don’t go to church because we are spiritually holy; we go to church because we find the Holy Spirit there.

I’m amazed sometimes at people who publicly talk about God in their lives, but who never seem to get around to going to church on Sunday. I don’t get it, nor do I understand it. If God is so important to them, then why isn’t church on their timetable? Do they honestly believe that church is an option to their faith?

If they take time to read their Bibles, they would discover that church-going and being a Christian go hand in hand. From the earliest times of our faith, Christians would gather together on the first day of the week (Sunday) to worship, sing hymns, hear the Gospel, and share communion. They did it in defiance of the authorities, and in the knowledge that they could be arrested, persecuted, and even executed for such a simple gathering of faithful people. In the 17^th century, the Scottish Covenanters experienced the same thing, and in today’s China, Sunday Church groups meet together knowing that the police could break up their services at any time.

The church is full of hypocrites, but at least it’s full of people who prioritize their collective worship of God, especially on a Sunday morning. As for those other hypocrites who always talk about God but never get around to actually worshiping Christ on Sundays, we’ll leave the door open. After all, there’s room at worship for them, too.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, each week on the Sabbath Day, You were to be found in a local synagogue. Even though You are the closest being to God, You never treated worship lightly. Even Your first followers, who began worshiping on Sundays to recognize Your Resurrection, never stopped going to church, even though they were hunted down and persecuted, tortured and executed for defying the authorities. Help us hypocrites to find room at church on Sunday mornings. 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.

Daily Devotions: Folk Music Faith

Romans 15: 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus

Yesterday, we held an Appalachian/folk music service at the church. Because the songs were so well known to the congregation, the singing was absolutely amazing. Our praise band became a bluegrass band for the day, complete with a mandolin and banjo. The whole worship experience was so uplifting that many people want us to do it again. Perhaps we may follow up on that request once per quarter.

I think the whole Scots-Irish and mountain music connections unified the entire congregation in a novel and encouraging way. It also allowed me to begin casting a vision for the whole church to be thinking about how we express our faith and extend our influence in the surrounding community. If we can connect with one another joyfully through worship, then we can present a united witness to our neighborhood. I hope that yesterday was rebirth of who we are and a recommitment to the Christ we serve.

When Paul is signing off his letter to the Romans, he wants to leave them with an uplifting prayer. He knows that the Christian Church in Rome is most vulnerable to persecution by the Emperor. So Paul bids farewell to them with a blessing of endurance and encouragement. He wants them to know how important they are to him; he wants them also to feel blessed and supported by God.

With a spirit of unity, any Christian church can endure and find encouragement in their faith. Those who follow Jesus are given the task of presenting His message to the community. Whether it’s through music or ministry, worship or witness, or service and support, the effectiveness of the Gospel being positively received in a community is in direct proportion to the unity of any Christian church in that area. Without a unified vision, the people scatter and perish. With a unified commitment to Christ, a church becomes more than just another social club in the community; it becomes a relevant part of God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray for the gift of unity to be given to our congregations. We ask that You allow Your Spirit to strengthen us in commitment, to encourage us in worship, and to unite us in serving Your Kingdom in our communities. Grant us the blessings of endurance and encouragement so that we may attract others to follow You. 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 on today’s message, please send him an mail to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Transforming Worship Ideas

4 Minute Daily Devotions: Stomp!

Psalm 67: 3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

I went to see “Stomp!” last night at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville. It was absolutely incredible. The performers and dancers were fantastic and their rhythmic use of paper bags, brooms, and metal chairs was totally amazing. I came away from the theater completely astounded and ever since then, I’ve been tapping and slapping rhythms all over my house, my car, and my office.

I often wish that church could be like that on Sunday mornings. I’ve tried over the years to encourage more participation in worship by our church people. I feel that the more they put into praising God, the more that they will get out of it. I think way back in the days of the psalmist, worship must have been more celebratory and theatrical than it is now. I sometimes wonder what the original psalmists would have thought about our neat and tidy hymn and prayer sandwich services. They were more into an all day event with trumpets and harps, tambourines and horns. They certainly wouldn’t have been anxious to get out after an hour in order to get to the restaurants before the bigger churches finished their worship!

The old Hebrew word for praise is ‘yadah,’ which actually means to hold out your hands and lift them up to God. What I saw at “Stomp!” last night was yadah in action. I definitely think that if more modern worshippers were to allow themselves to praise God by lifting up their hands and exalting the Lord’s Name, they would feel freer and closer to God. Who knows, maybe this Sunday “Stomp!” will come into our sanctuary and the Spirit will lead our people in pure and powerful praise.

Prayer: Lord God, over the centuries You must have seen some amazing, diverse, and incredible worship services from different cultures, nations, and denominations. Your Spirit astounds us from time to time with energy, vitality, and presence. Help us to be more open to praising You in freer and more faithful ways. In Christ’s Name, we 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.