Category: church devotions

Midweek Message – Finding the Light

church devotions, Psalm devotions

Midweek Message – Finding the Light

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)

Psalm 27 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It’s written by someone who is facing difficult circumstances, but instead of being overwhelmed by his current crisis, he confidently turns to God as the source of his well-being and strength. He calls God his light and salvation which means that although the psalmist is undergoing some dark moment in his life, God will be the One who safely leads him through it. Instead of being fearful, the writer remains faithful; rather than being afraid, he is confident about his future.

Even though the psalm was written about three thousand years ago, it still offers us hope today. As we go through this uncertain time, we can look to God for guidance and confidence. Those ancient words are just as true now as they were way back then, so when we read or pray them, they become living promises for each of us, to strengthen and sustain us through this critical moment in history. This is what makes the Bible relevant in our daily lives and is why reading and reflecting on the scriptures remains meaningful. God’s Word helps us to rely on His support and be encouraged in our time of need.

So, today, dear friends, please embrace and share this thought: The Lord is our light and our salvation—whom shall we fear? The Lord is the stronghold of our lives—of whom shall we be afraid?

Point to ponder: What is really worrying me at this moment in time? Am I willing to trust God with my concerns?

Let us pray: Thank You, Lord, for preserving the ancient Hebrew psalms over the centuries. Though they were faithfully written long ago, they still speak to our present situation, offering us encouragement and hope. In Christ’s Name, we confidently pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – The Prologue

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Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

I studied the Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew for four years at Glasgow University in Scotland, focusing mainly on the psalms. Eventually, after much studying, I came to believe that the very first psalm is a prologue to the entire book of psalms, much like one of those Shakespearean discourses at the beginning of his plays.

To me, this psalm represents the ancient belief that if you are a good person, then you will prosper, and the source of that prosperity comes from God, who is very pleased with you. In other words, Psalm 1 is the theological and theoretical framework for what some would call ‘the prosperity Gospel.’ However, as we read the rest of the psalms, we begin to recognize that there are many flaws with this connection of faith to fortune as expressed in the first psalm.

Even Jesus refuted this kind of prosperity thinking because it led people to believe that if they were wealthy, powerful, and successful, then their faith and lives must be perfect, too. However, in reality wealth, power, and success were merely coincidental because in Christ’s day the most powerful, successful, and wealthy people were also the biggest and cruelest pagans in the world – the Romans.

So, how does this psalm influence our beliefs today? If we read and compare it to Psalm 73, it will show us the difference between theoretical concepts and practical reality. Faith does not prevent difficulties or ensure success; however, it can help us cope in times of trouble and simultaneously strengthen our relationship with God. In other words, it’s our faith that prospers, not our finances.

Point to ponder: How does my faith in Christ affect my life and work?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the old saying, ‘we are not called to be successful, but faithful.” Enable us to truly understand this message. If our faith was meant to reward us, then the symbol of Christianity would be a golden scepter instead of a wooden cross. Help us to be content with everything by remembering that Your Spirit is with us no matter who we are, where we are, and what we experience. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – Hidden Faults

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Psalm 19:12        Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.

I was once invited to teach two English Literature classes in my youngest daughter’s High school class. It all came about when Lauren’s teacher referred to Britain as ‘England.’ Lauren took offense at this, and reminded her teacher that Britain is made up of several nations, which includes Scotland. Thankfully, her teacher accepted what Lauren had to say and, in the ensuing conversation, I somehow got volunteered to teach two classes about Scotland’s contribution to English literature, especially the works of Robert Burns, one of the world’s greatest poets.

Today’s verse from the psalmist reminded me of something that Burns once wrote. The psalmist writes about hidden faults, and how each of us are blind to the constant mistakes that we make. In the past, ministers would call these ‘sins of omission,’ – in other words, the things that we neglect to say or do, as well as the errors that we unconsciously commit. In one of his poems, Burns put it this way:

‘O the pow’r that God wad gie us, to see ourselves as ithers see us.’

(O the power that God would give us, to see ourselves as others see us)

Sometimes, we are blind to the sins we commit and the mistakes that we habitually make. If only we had the power to see ourselves making those mistakes, which others around us often notice.

Perhaps today, we could all make a conscious effort to watch what we do or say; to be careful about the witness to Christ we project, and to be aware that we are not perfect all of the time. Maybe then, at the end of the day, as we make our confessions and give thanks to God in prayer, we will also remember to ask forgiveness for our hidden faults.

Point to ponder: How do others see and experience the faith we project?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes we unknowingly hurt other people and offend You. Sometimes the things we say and do, or the things we neglect to say or do, cause us to disappoint others and sin against You. Help us to recognize our personal mistakes and give us the ways, as well as the means, to humbly compensate for our sins of omission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – The Lost Ring

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Sabbath Psalms – The Lost Ring

Psalm 36: 7     O Lord, your unfailing love is priceless! All of humanity finds refuge in the shadow of your wings.

My wife Evelyn once lost her engagement ring. She had put some hand cream on her fingers and the ring must have slipped off. She left a message on my cell phone to let me know. It saddened both of us to think that something so significant could be lost.

We bought the engagement ring with my last tax rebate before I went to college to study to become a minister in the Church of Scotland. I can remember shopping for it in Glasgow’s Argyle Arcade where most couples in the city bought their rings. It was an exciting time for us and eventually we found the one clustered diamond ring that Evelyn liked, after wandering from store to store. It cost us every penny that we owned at the time, and through the years it had become priceless to us. Thankfully, a couple of days later, Evelyn found the ring on the carpet next to her exercise bike. That was a moment of relief and jubilation for both of us.

When the author of Psalm 36 writes about God’s unfailing love, he calls it ‘priceless.’ He cannot buy God’s love, nor can he compare it to anything else in the whole universe. It is the most valuable gift the psalmist has ever been given, so he just wants to sing out loud his praises to God.

As Christians, we also consider this to be true, for how can we ever put a price on what Jesus has done to offer us complete and everlasting salvation? Don’t we similarly value Christ’s atonement for our sins as priceless?

Point to ponder: What is the greatest gift God has ever given to me through Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are priceless to each and every one of Your followers. We can never repay the debt that we owe You for pardoning our sins, redeeming our souls, and restoring us to God. Thank You for such wonderful, amazing, and priceless love. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – Lead Kindly Light

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Psalm 043s

Psalm 43:3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. (NIV)

During the mid-1980’s a lot of people got interested in the reports of near-death experiences that seriously injured and gravely ill patients were having all over the world. Some critical event happened in each of their lives that made them feel they were finally dying. They felt as though they were floating above the surgeons, doctors, and nurses who were frantically trying to save their lives in an emergency room. As their spirits floated away, they were drawn to a pure white light, which attracted their souls away from their bodies into another realm.

Some of these NDEs, as they came to be known, said they met Jesus in the midst of the beautiful light, and He told them that their time to be with Him had not yet come. All of a sudden, their free spirits rushed back into their bodies, just as a defibrillator, or an adrenaline shot was being used by the health care professionals to resuscitate them.

Documentaries were made about the people who survived death, and they seemed to be changed. They no longer had a morbid fear or fascination with death. To them, it was only a short journey to a better and brighter place. I came across one such person in Scotland, and after she expressed what she had similarly experienced, it also explained to me her change of character and rediscovered devotion to the Lord.

As we go through life, we face many challenges and sometimes we are fearful of what death will bring. This is where faith endures at its best. This is the time when our relationship to God and union with Christ will at last be sealed forever. We will go on enjoying and experiencing this life as much as we can on Earth, but ultimately every journey, no matter how long, successful, or powerful it has become, will end in death. The difference for the Christian will be that directly after death, we will find that sacred abode of light and at last see Jesus face-to-face.

Ponder: How does my faith in Jesus prepare for and lead me into the future?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World, but You are also our Light to the Next World. Guide us each and every day, so that when our human journey ends, may we experience our eternal one begin at the twinkling of an eye, through the power of Your compassion, mercy, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – Gentle Shepherd

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Psalm 080sPsalm 80:11 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth. 

One of the gentlest people that I have ever known was a country shepherd. His family had been shepherds for generations, so it was natural for him to follow in their footsteps. He was a clever man who probably could have been a great teacher at college or university. When he spoke in church or community meetings, everyone listened. Whatever the issue or situation, it was obvious that he had given it a great deal of thought. He presented his ideas and opinions in a quiet, unassuming way. More often as not, whatever decisions were made, they usually included much of what the shepherd had expressed.

I guess working with sheep on the hillsides of Scotland, you get a lot of time to think clearly. And because things are generally quiet, you don’t have to raise your voice or get upset when making a point in public meetings. This shepherd knew the value of simple words with a quiet message which is why he was very effective when he shared his viewpoints.

I think this is why one of our most favorite images of Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We’ve seen countless images and stained-glass windows that depict Christ in this manner. The serenity of those pictures makes us feel secure and embraced. The Good Shepherd quietly loves us and gently calls us to Him.

Currently, some of us may be going through hard times or maybe we are stressed out and weary. We may feel frightened or confused about the issues we are facing. We may be angry or distressed at being hurt or disappointed. During these times, amid the clamor of the world, the gentle voice of peace and assurance comes to us from Jesus. He knows the issues; He understands our worries. He’s had time to think about them; and now He has gentle thoughts to express to our hearts and minds. If we also quietly take time out of our busy schedules, we will hear His voice. If we turn to Him now for help, He will gently speak to and shepherd us.

Point to ponder: What is stressing or worrying me now? Am I willing to quietly bring it to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Shepherd of our lives and souls. Sometimes we deeply worry over our problems and think that there is no end to them. We often forget that our lives are in Your Hands because we are part of Your flock. Talk to us today about our troubles and gently show us the path towards peace, resolution, hope, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – Godly Wonders

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Psalm 066sPsalm 66: 5 Come and look at what God has accomplished; how awesome are His works in our behalf!

John Calvin called them ‘the attestations of God’s witness to the world.’ Today, we would call them natural wonders, divine intervention, or even great escapes.

One of the challenges that Christians have in this world is how to show other people where God is present and working in our lives. Skeptics tend to think that we spiritually sugar coat the truth and wear Rose of Sharon colored glasses. Our reality is seemingly skewed by our stubborn hold on a two-thousand-year-old faith, which has entered into the realm of religious myth and fabricated fable for most post-modern day folks. The world of AI, Instagram, Youtube, and podcasts has no need for charming parables or a godly Gospel where blood and tears, as well as broken limbs and bread, redeem the world. If God has any awesomeness left to impress upon the present generation, then He’d better do it through cyberspace, iPods, anime, and cellphones. A sacred text is no longer needed, but a divine ability to safely text while driving would be a major plus.

And yet, despite all of our devices, sunrises and sunsets still attract us. Glorious mountains and the greenest of valleys captivate our souls. Christmas still touches something good, even within the least religious among us, and Easter annually fills us with new life, new beginnings, and new wonders.

We may become distracted by the latest gadgets and are constantly obsessed with the newest of trends, but God still walks and works among us, testifying to Himself in the most commonplace of natural events – the hearing of birdsong in the quiet of the morning, the rippling rhythm of a mountain stream, or the rushing of waves crashing on craggy rocks – they all witness to the power and glory, creativity and activity of a God who still cares for His creation and seeks to heal a broken world.

Point to ponder: Where do I experience God’s presence in my life?

Prayer: Almighty Creator, Your awesome works, words, and ways still reveal to us Your glory, power, and love. We seek Your divine blessings in each of our lives, for we pursue happiness and pleasure, satisfaction and harmony for our souls. Instead of being agitated and restless, help us to become anchored and restful. Instead of being distracted by complicated machinery, help us to become attracted to simple serenity. Instead of always doing, enable us to just be beings. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – Map Reader

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Psalm 025sPsalm 25:4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. (NIV)

It was in the Boy Scouts that I learned how to read and use a map. I can remember hiking in the Campsie hills above Glasgow, Scotland, with my Scout troop. As we climbed the hills, a deep fog descended around us. Before long, it seemed to me that we were hopelessly lost. As the mist slowly cleared, we began to see the landscape of the Campsies around us. During this time, our patient Scoutmaster unfolded a map and pointed out the various small streams and elevation markers that were drawn on it.

At first, all I saw were lines on a piece of paper which meant nothing to me, but as my Scoutmaster pointed to all of the trails, brooks, and peaks around us while carefully identifying them on the map, I began to make the connection. He knew exactly where we were and he was teaching all of us how to discover our location and re-find our path. It was a wonderful lesson that I have never forgotten and to this very day, some fifty years later, I still enjoy looking at and reading maps wherever I go.

In today’s highlighted Bible verse, the ancient psalmist is asking God to show him the right path to take. The psalm writer, possibly King David, has reached a point in his life where he doesn’t know what to do or where to go. He needs God to indicate his location and show him the way ahead, so he prayerfully and sincerely asks for God’s direction. It’s a simple act of faith and trust which we can all experience many times in our lives. Thankfully, God hears our prayers for direction and is always willing to show us the path ahead. So, no matter who we are or what we are feeling, encountering, or experiencing today, it’s good to know that God is always aware of the life trail that we are on, and will always be our map reader and patient guide, even if we are lost or can’t see the way ahead.

Point to ponder

Where am I? What path does God want me to follow?

Prayer: Lord God, You have always been leading us through each day of our lives. Every moment is a sacred experience; every step is an act of faith. Be with us by guiding us on this great journey we call life and, when all of this is over, lead us upward and onward to Your Eternal Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Sabbath Psalms – Christ the King

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Psalm 093sSabbath 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

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Psalm 016sPsalm 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.