Teacher devotions: Lent Begins at 40 - Isaiah 51:11

Isaiah 51:11    The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Millions of Christians around the world will attend worship services to have the sign of the Cross placed upon their forehead using the ashes of last year’s Palm branches. They do this as an act of penance, beginning a forty day journey of humility and contrition, in order to prepare their hearts and souls, bodies and minds for Holy Week and Easter.

It’s also a time when self-importance gives way to a focus upon God. Self-centered sin is cast side, to be replaced with a deeply spiritual awareness of who Jesus was, is, and ever shall be.

Lent begins at 40. The ashes represent sorrow and shame. The forty days are symbolic of Christ’s fasting in the wilderness just before He began His incredible three year journey of preaching, teaching, and healing. The whole season of Lent is meant to bring us closer to God by aligning our thoughts and acts, our words and ways with those of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. If we are successful in maintaining this focus, then Holy Week and Easter will become incredible too.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, as we begin this forty day journey of Lent, be with us step by step and day by day. Allow us the blessing of Your presence and guidance over everything that we think, do, or say. 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 a bulletin cover designed by John for Lent and/or Holy Week. It is called “Purple Reign.” If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6913397537_14e0996d59_b.jpg

Teaching Devotions: God's Smiley Face - Isaiah 49:13

Isaiah 49:13    Shout for joy, O Heavens; rejoice O Earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. 

Like most people, sometimes all that I need are a few kind words and a smile to get me through the day. A little kindness, mixed in with some encouragement, goes a long way. In the busy-ness of our own activities and careers, it’s nice to be applauded and appreciated once in a while.

Sometimes when I’m writing emails, I put one of those smiley faces at the end of what I’ve written. Emails are great, but they often don’t communicate gratitude and grace very well. A little yellow smiley face or even the typed equivalent J helps the recipient to understand that you are pleased with what they are doing and encouraged by what they have written.

I like today’s verse from Isaiah because seeks to bless His people with comfort and compassion. They have endured a lot of suffering through the years of exile in Babylon. Their faith has been stretched to its limit and their beliefs have been battered and bruised. God wants them to know that in the midst of their struggles, He is still with them.

Perhaps today you need a kind word and a smile from God. Through the grace that Jesus Christ brought into the world, we are given God’s comfort and compassion. Come to Him today with your worries and woes, your problems and pressures. His promises will help you; His love will sustain you…. J

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the instrument of God’s blessing to the world and the channel of His cherished love. Grant us comfort in the midst of all that unsettles us, and compassion in all that worries us. 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 my latest chess drawing called “Indian King,” featuring Indian designed chess pieces. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6854840939_1a83f370e8_b.jpg

Teacher devotions: I AM - Isaiah 45:5-6

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 45:1-7 and Matthew 23:1-12

Isaiah 45:5-6  I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. 

How clear does God have to be? What more does He have to say that will convince the world that He is God alone? How long will we go on thinking to ourselves that this does not matter?

The scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, are consistently clear about God’s exclusiveness. If we believe otherwise, then from where did we garner that belief? Certainly not the scriptures.

Maybe we have to seriously think about our world view and personal philosophies again. Maybe we’ve got it wrong and God, as always, has it right.

Prayer:                        Lord God, You are almighty, unique, and exceptional. There are no other gods. Give us the courage to surrender our hearts and minds in faith to You alone, instead of giving in to the ways of the world. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently 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 John’s latest winter drawing of the beautiful Northern Lights. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6773836733_67954361dc_b.jpg