Devotion for Teachers: Called to Belong - Romans 1:6

Romans 1:6    And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, we had a couple join our church during the worship service. They have been coming to our congregation for over a year. They were brought to us by God through the Creative Expressions ministry that our church presents. Their teenage daughter is talented and she enjoys being involved in our theater groups. It is a joy to have them all become part of who we are; it is wonderful to give them a place where they each feel that they belong.

            Throughout the week, we all meet people who are just trying to get through life. They struggle with keeping their families together, holding down a job, or advancing their careers. At times, we all feel isolated and vulnerable, overwhelmed and alone. We wonder what life is all about and question whether it has any real meaning. During those ‘ontological’ moments, having a church family can fill the emptiness we experience. Being part of a faith community and finding a place where we belong, can bring about a great deal of well-being to our hearts and minds, as well as our bodies and souls.

            If you’re feeling lonely today, then please think about seeking a regular community of Christ’s people. Allow yourself to be called by Christ to a congregation where you can find meaning and purpose for your life. Permit the Holy Spirit to break down any self-imposed barriers or individual anxieties that you may have about fitting in. Let Jesus do for you what He does best: let Him reach out to you and lead you; let Him restore you and love you.

Questions for personal reflection

Am I currently feeling isolated and alone? Will I allow Jesus to help me find a sacred place where I can belong?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You know us completely and understand all that we are currently feeling. Take us by the hand and lead us each day. Open our hearts and minds to the blessings of Your Gospel. Allow us to seek and find a community of faith where we can truly belong. 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 traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest summer drawing, simply called “Sunflower.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/9286182601_90208dc399_b.jpg

Teachers Devotions: One of Us - Habakkuk 2 v 13

Habakkuk 2:13 Has not the LORD Almighty determined that the people's labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing?

Our Monday night study group at the church is looking at J B Phillips wonderful book, “Your God is Too Small.” It was written just more than half a century ago, but it is still relevant for Christians today. Phillips discusses the various conceptions that people have about God and how those conceptions are inadequate for modern people. Our group is enjoying the study because we all get to share our individual ideas about God and see how these relate to Phillips’ book.

At one point in the book, Phillips suggests that sometimes people conceive God as a Supreme Distant Being, with no opportunity of establishing a worshipful, prayerful, and personal relationship. Such deists end up feeling spiritually empty, and so they intensely devote themselves to do good deeds and make the world a better place. In the end, their purpose is futile and their mission does not last beyond their years on Earth. In other words, they exhaust themselves for nothing in trying to please the world and a Supreme Being, who is remotely not interested in anything they accomplish.

As Christians, we are thankful for the nearness of God and His intense interest in each of our lives. Jesus came down to be with us, to fully experience human life, to know of its pains and joys, and to recognize our weaknesses and strengths. We live for the Lord and the good that we do is not to bolster ourselves or better the world. We do it to glorify Christ and to continue His mission on Earth, even until the end of time.

Our God in Christ is not too small or remote at all. And our lives are His forever.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we thank You for becoming one of us and connecting our lives to God’s Kingdom. We praise for truly experiencing the human condition and for granting us the glorious opportunity of restoring us to God forever. Thank You for being one of us and for being with us. 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 comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org. He enjoys reading your comments.