Devotions - Heaven's Highway

Memorial Day poem: Memorial by John Stuart

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:25:00 +0000

Memorial

Silently,

I will remember the host
Of men and women
Who paid the cost
For the Freedom I enjoy.

Respectfully,

I will remind
The next generations
Of the sacrifice
That previous generations
Gave to preserve our Liberty.

Tearfully,

I will recall those still living,
Whose hopes and dreams,
Lives and loves
Were completely altered
By unavoidable war
And selective service.

Proudly,

I will stand with them
And embrace the Stars and Stripes
In my heart and soul,
Feeling strongly connected
To its past, present, and future.

Thankfully,

I will honor those
Who selflessly gave of their youth,
And those who are still giving of their lives,
So that I and all others
May have a Freedom worth living,
A Hope worth advancing,
And a Life secured by Liberty.

(c) John Stuart 2013

Stushie art: Appalachian Drawings video

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:39:00 +0000

Here's a link to my latest youtube art video which has many of my Appalachian drawings, from the earliest primitive ones as I was learning my style, to the latest collectible art pieces.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHACfpxQFKo

Christian devotions: Essentials - Daniel 3:17-18

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:27:00 +0000

Daniel 3:17-18 “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Some people might have said they were being disrespectful and disloyal to the king. Others could have condemned them for being ornery and unfaithful. Whatever was said against them at the time, the audacious faith that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had in God was undiminished and unswerving. And even when they faced a fiery execution, they still did not turn away from the God of their people, not even if God failed to deliver them.

That’s what made their faith so audacious. No matter what happened to them, whether for better or for ill, they still held on to their essential belief that there was only One God. No matter how many threats were made against them or how hot the fiery furnace was raised, they did not swerve from their devotion to the LORD. It must have been both perplexing and infuriating to King Nebuchadnezzar. He wanted to save them – all they had to do was bow down to a golden image – but they would not adhere to the king’s commands. There was a Higher Power active in their lives and a greater authority than that of the earthly king. The three men would not surrender their faith in order to save their lives.

In these contentious times for the Church, it can be very easy to let go of some essential beliefs in order to accommodate everyone’s ideas and notions about God. However well intended, if we stray too far from the truth, then we are in danger of losing our faith for the sake of keeping up with the world. We could even end up with a belief system that is not worth dying for, nor even living by.

Within each of ourselves, we have to work out what is important to Christ and His Church. Perhaps we can do no better than to practice a favorite saying of the 17^th century English Puritan Richard Baxter: “In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity.” Now that would be a faith worth living by and dying for.

Questions for personal reflection

What beliefs are essential to my Christian faith? Do I live according to those essentials?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant us the gift of spiritual discernment in order to truthfully know what is important to You, Your Kingdom, and Your Church. Grant us an audacious faith that will not compromise the essentials, but will also maintain a spirit of charity to those with whom we disagree. 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 one of John’s Pentecost drawings called “The Coming One.” It’s a stained glass design for children. You can view a larger version at the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/8734328860_763c4691c0_h.jpg

Pentecost devotion: Traditional or Transitional? - Acts 15:8-9

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:33:00 +0000

Acts 15:8-9 God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith.

Acceptance is currently a big issue in the lives of many churches around the world. It involves a serious review of what is acceptable to the 21^st century Christian community. It’s an important component of who we are and how we effectively witness to the wider world around us. Every generation has to wrestle and struggle with this; every congregation has to work through these tough issues.

Sometimes we get so busy defining the rules and regulations that we neglect to see where the Holy Spirit is actually working in our communities. We get so caught up in the theological civil war that is going on, that we forget about the healing work that the Holy Spirit is ministering to a much greater broken world.

This is not new or unique to our current generation. It happened in the First Century in Jerusalem where the Christian Church was initially started. The fifteenth chapter of Acts reveals to us the dilemma between Traditionalists and Transitionalists. Some Jewish Christians insisted that all male Gentile converts needed to be circumcised. Others, like Paul and Barnabas, fiercely argued that Christianity had progressively moved on from adhering to Jewish traditions.

Eventually, it was Peter who settled the dispute which threatened to divide and destroy the Young Church. Instead of looking back to the past or seeking a new paradigm, the Big Fisherman reminded everybody to look for the Holy Spirit and to seek to come alongside wherever the Holy Spirit was working among the people. Grace and salvation, acceptance and mission were meant to be discovered, encouraged, and supported wherever, whenever, and however the Holy Spirit chose. It was not a matter of keeping up with tradition; it was essential to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

As we celebrate Pentecost this coming Sunday in our churches, congregations, and Christian communities, we should ask ourselves these important questions: where is the Holy Spirit working in my community? How can I serve alongside the Holy Spirit in my community?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to seek Your Presence in our communities. Enable us to truly know Your works and to support them fully. Grant us a new spirit of discernment and give us the courage to face the challenges and apply the changes that we need to embrace and employ. In the Sacred Name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called ‘Caingis.’ Caingis is the Gaelic word for Pentecost, so the image features the Holy Spirit descending to Earth at dawn beside a Celtic Cross. If you would like to view a larger version, then please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/8724021938_12912b6f54_b.jpg

Pentecost Clip Art by Stushie

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:04:00 +0000

Some of the best clip art for Pentecost can be found on my flickr page. It's unique and specially created by me. If you would like to use it for church bulletins, websites, worship screens or newsletters, please let me know and I'll be delighted to let you have my permission.

You can find most of my Pentecost drawings at the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Pentecost&w=93141201%40N00&z=t&s=rec

Short devotion - Really Good News - Acts 13:38

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Acts 13:38 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

We all do things that we later regret. We all make mistakes that can’t be rectified. Each of us lives with guilt on our consciences and shame in our hearts. We are human and fallible, prone to failure and imperfection. It’s a sad and sinful part of who we are; none of us are perfect and not one of us is free from sin.

Left to ourselves, we would have no opportunity of being reconciled to a holy, sacred, sinless, and perfect God. The great fact of history is this: we are not left to ourselves. Through Jesus, we can be forgiven; by Christ, we can be reconciled to God.

Some people talk about the Church as being outdated, old-fashioned, and irrelevant, but so long as people are selfish, sinful, and foolish, the Church will never become irrelevant. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people across the world discover Jesus as their Savior. Every night, billions of people ask for forgiveness and seek His favor. In the eternal scheme of things, the world is already outdated and will become old-fashioned and irrelevant beyond the gates of Heaven.

With Jesus as our gracious Savior, today is the continuing first day in the rest of our eternal lives. That’s what I call really good news – now let’s go out and share it with other people…J

Questions for personal reflection

What has been the gravest mistake of my life? How has Jesus forgiven me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of the world and the Holy One to whom we belong. Our past mistakes are completely forgiven. Our future hopes rest in Your Kingdom. Help us to share the goodness of Your love and forgiveness to others around us. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is from a new series of church banners that John is currently designing. This drawing is called “Banner 01.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8706417998_4c1a0953e9_b.jpg

Church Growth Devotion - Witnesses to Our People - Acts 13:31

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:38:00 +0000

Acts 13:31 And for many days Jesus was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.

As Christians, we are meant to be Christ’s witnesses to other people. We are called by God to mainly serve Jesus in our local communities, so that others may be attracted to Christ. In churches, congregations, and house groups around the world, Christians are constantly developing programs to go out into the world around them, bringing their neighbors the good news of salvation, and compassionately supporting them in times of trouble, distress, and suffering.

The purpose of any church is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples. This involves learning about God in worship and Bible study. We build up our knowledge of God’s words and ways, so that we will be confident about what Christ is saying and doing in the local community. We then find practical ways of applying what we learn, so that we can be effective witnesses who care about the critical needs of others. Every community has its different groups of people in need, which is why there are so many different churches in the world. Churches don’t exist to peddle a competitive Christianity. They are alive in order to augment, embrace, and support the constant work of the Holy Spirit, both at home and abroad. We are all called together to be Christ’s witnesses to our people.

Questions for personal reflection

What ministries and missions, both at home and abroad, do I feel called to support? How am I witnessing for Christ in my life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have called us into the service of Your Kingdom through the positive words and ways of other people. We are a part of Your Church because someone led us to You through their commitment, service, and devotion. Enable and encourage us to find similar ways to attract other people to You through our witnessing and support. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. If you would like to ask a question or make a comment about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings. It’s called “Pentecost Mandala” and is a stained glass design of the Holy Spirit as a dove. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8696570270_10fdb48c7d_b.jpg

Church Devotions: Teaching the Faith - Acts 13:12

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:02:00 +0000

Acts 13:12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

I like to teach the Faith. It’s an important part of my calling. I enjoy discussions about Christ and Christianity and the sharing of questions, ideas, and thoughts at my regular Sunday School class. It keeps me on my toes and refreshes my faith each time I enter and exit the classroom. Preaching is meant for the big moment of the week in worship; teaching is an entirely different method of sharing the faith.

The class that I teach is an inter-generational one. People bring their cultural backgrounds, life experiences, and personal questions into the melting pot which, in turn, adds to the whole collective discussion about a Bible passage, faith point, or church issue. Each Sunday that we meet, we add to the theological tapestry that we’re weaving. Faith, hope, and love are shared; encouragement, friendship, and inspiration are experienced.

Teaching about the Lord in philosophical or practical ways always has the potential of strengthening our beliefs and Christian convictions. In today’s passage (Acts 13:6-12), the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus is deeply impressed not just by what Barnabas and Saul say, but what they actually do. Their faith is amazing and fearless in the face of evil and deception. The proconsul becomes a believer because he sees for himself the authenticity and authority of the Christian faith.

Today, we will all be given opportunities to share our faith and be authentic witnesses for Christ. Let’s hope that we are both ready and real about being Christians.

Questions for personal reflection

Where do I go to be constantly taught about the Christian faith? What lessons of faith do I express to others with my words and deeds?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to positively express our faith in You to others this day. Let our witness of Your power and presence in our lives be authentic and sincere. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. If you would like to comment on today’s passage or ask a question about it, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings. It’s called “Heaven Sent” and features the Holy Spirit as a dove descending to Earth. If you would like to view a larger version of the image, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8683999979_5ab8742e51_b.jpg

Church devotions: Food for Thought - Acts 10:15

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:08:00 +0000

Acts 10:15 The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

It had nothing to do with food; it all had to do with prejudice.

Peter’s story in Acts chapter 10 is not about how hungry he was, or what kosher food he chose to eat. It was all about God letting Peter know that the Gentiles were just as acceptable to God as were his own people, the Jews. Peter followed Christ, but also maintained his Jewish standards and traditions. He seemed to believe at this time that the Gospel was meant for the Jews first.

God, however, had other plans, so Peter would have to change his ideas about who was acceptable to God. Peter was a living witness to the teachings, life, and resurrection of Christ. His personal testimony was crucially important, so God was not going to keep it limited to Jewish hearers only. Peter was about to undergo a whole new ministry experience and broaden his theological horizons. The old ways were comforting, but they needed to be challenged. His traditional ways were cozy, but they needed to be changed.

Two thousand years later, change is still not easy for the Church, and challenges to our traditional beliefs, standards, and teachings cannot be avoided. We may not like to think about the church changing and perhaps want to remain in our own theological comfort zone, but we really need to ask ourselves these important questions: Are we against change just because it is inconvenient and uncomfortable? Are we propping up our traditions for God, or merely pandering to our prejudices?

Perhaps we need to revisit our opinions and ask God to show us what or who is acceptable to Him.

Questions for personal reflection

What are the crucial beliefs about my form of Christianity? Is this my Christianity or Christ’s vision for His Church?

Prayers: Lord Jesus, we need to be constantly challenged in order to keep a living faith. We need a revitalized vision of what it means to You for us to actually be Christians. Keep us from cozy spirits and a familiar faith. Protect us from our prejudices and liberate us through Your sacred love. 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 one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings. It’s called “Free Spirit.” If you would like to view a larger version of the image, please click here: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8664735974_02c3db424b_h.jpg

Kindle devotions: Five Minutes with God by John Stuart

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:48:00 +0000

My latest devotional e-book is published today. It's called "Five Minutes with God" and contains 52 short devotions. The devotions can be used as personal daily meditations or opening devotions at church meetings. They can also be used as discussion starters for small study groups.

Each devotion is inspired by a Bible verse and includes a personal reflection, story, or description of the context of the verse. Questions for reflection/discussion are also part of the devotion, which finished with a community prayer.

Throughout the book, examples of my artwork can be found, all of which relate to the chosen devotion. I enjoyed writing this book and believe its my best work to date. Click on the boxed link below to check it out on amazon.com. At only $1.99, it's a great spiritual investment, especially for busy Christians!

The book is published for Kindle and Kindle fire, but I-Pad, PC users, and tablets owners can download the free Kindle app to read it on their own mobile devices too!

Bible Devotion: What is an Ephod? - Exodus 39:2-3

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:23:00 +0000

Exodus 39:2-3 They made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut strands to be worked into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen--the work of a skilled craftsman.

What’s an Ephod?

There are some words in the Bible that only belong to the ancient cultures represented in its pages. ‘Ephod’ is one of them. The ephod was the metallic breastplate or vest that Aaron the High Priest wore when he entered the holy tabernacle to intercede on behalf of the Hebrew people. It was part of his uniform and a badge of his authority. The ephod was squarely shaped and contained twelve jewels on its surface which represented the twelve tribes of Israel. It must have been both a beautiful and an amazing piece of jeweled clothing for the high priest to wear.

By the way, some people believe that the arrangement of colors, threads, and squares was an ancient inspiration to the making of the first plaid/tartan cloths.

The ephod’s significance had many meanings. By wearing it, the high priest was recognized by God as being the one who could make confessions and prayers for all the people. Its precious stones represented the well-being of the whole community and signified God’s authority through Aaron to the people. It was also an expensive vestment, festooned with gold and rich jewels, with which the wearer honored God’s kingly, royal, and majestic presence. The people could confidently have their prayers of confession presented to God because the ephod wearer was welcomed into God’s sacred presence.

As Christians, we have a high priest, but instead of an ephod, He bears the marks of crucifixion on his head, chest, hands and feet. When we make our confessions in Christ’s Name, He stands before God as our both our Holy Savior and God’s Sacred Son. He is given the authority to forgive our mistakes, to pardon our messed up lives, and to allow us the precious opportunity of beginning again. We are a fortunate people because we are forgiven; we are exceptional creatures because Christ saves us.

Questions for personal reflection

How many times in the day to I ask Christ to intercede on my behalf? What does He do that makes Him my Savior?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being our High Priest. We are grateful that You are willing to intercede on our behalf each day, to forgive our many sins, and to restore us to God’s favor and kingdom. Without You, we would be lost to God forever. With You, we are blessed eternally. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully 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 message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is of the High Priest in Aaron’s time wearing the ephod and other vestments.

Church Devotion: Trying to be a Christian

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:39:00 +0000

Acts 10:2 Cornelius and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

I read somewhere this morning about a woman who was being questioned about her beliefs by a police officer. Each time she was asked “Of what religion are you?” she answered, “Trying to be a Christian.”

This frustrated the officer. “You must belong to a church, a denomination, a sect or a cult, so tell me, what is your religion?” Again the woman simply answered, “Trying to be a Christian.”

From what I have read about the centurion Cornelius in the Book of Acts, he was trying to be a Christian without even knowing of Christ. He was a devout person who believed in God, shared his beliefs with his loved ones, prayed to God on a regular basis, and gave regularly to those who had genuine needs. Isn’t that what we expect of Christians? Cornelius was trying to be as faithful to God as he possibly could, and this is why God gives him a special vision and draws him into the Christian faith.

Today, we will all have opportunities to witness to the effectiveness of Christ’s presence in our lives. We may be asked to pray for others in need; we may even be required to help them financially. The hope is that we will all try to be Christians in whatever situation, event, or issue that we face. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be the right thing to do.

Questions for personal reflection

How do I display my faith in Christ to other people? Dare I try to be a Christian in all things today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we say that we follow You with our lips, but we frequently fail You with our deeds. Help us this day to practice and display our devotion to You by trying to be real, genuine, and sincere Christians in our world. 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 collage of four of my 2013 Pentecost drawings. If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8656938896_929e837c59_c.jpg

Boston One Fund Run - Knoxville, Tennessee

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Tonight at the Fleet Feet in Turkey Creek over 500 people arrived outside the store to walk and support the Boston One Fund. It was a beautiful evening and a wonderful event. I was asked to give the prayer of invocation and lead the memorial silence. Here's the prayer that I wrote and led:

God of all the Earth, we come this evening to honor and support the good people of the City of Boston in the midst of their grief and pain, their loss and tragedy. As people of hope, peace, and love, we come from many places with different backgrounds to show our solidarity with those across our country and around the world whose loved ones have been injured, wounded, and killed in the recent bombing.

We give our support because we care about these people.
We walk and run together because we are united with them in their loss.
We come here freely to show that we are a people who love one another.

We honor also those first responders and law enforcement officers who bravely helped the wounded and placed their own lives on the line as they sought the perpetrators.

We pray for the families of loved ones who have been tragically lost, severely wounded, and deeply injured by this atrocity. In particular, we locally remember the families of Michael and Nicole Gross and Erica Brannock whose family belongs to Tellicoe Village. Be with Michael, Nicole, and Erica as they recover from this ordeal. Bless them with healing and strength; be near to their families in love.

We hold a moment’s sacred silence for everyone affected by this tragedy, for the people of Boston, and for those who will continue to hold on to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness throughout this great nation of ours and across the world.

Silence

TODAY, WE ARE ALL BOSTONIANS! AMEN.

Short devotion: Boston Bombings - Acts 8:35

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Acts 8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

On the day after a terrorist tragedy, it’s very difficult to talk or write about the good news. All of us were shocked by what we heard and saw on the news bulletins from Boston. It’s unbelievable to think that someone would deliberately target men, women, and children in a desperate and wicked attempt to make their message known. It was a despicable act of cowardice and there is only one eternal destination for the perpetrators of such a satanic act: hell.

The good news is that the people of Boston reacted magnificently in the midst of this painful tragedy. The first responders ran towards the injured without any fear of being caught up in a second explosion. Marathon runners who were dazed and shocked were carefully looked after by medics and passers-by. The wounded and fallen were instantly treated by skilled professionals who have worked all night long with those who are in a critical condition. And the residents of Boston – homeowners, apartment dwellers, and store keepers opened up their places to help anyone who had nowhere to stay or who had to walk for miles in order to get home.

Today, churches are open all over the city for people to congregate and pray. Even the Museum of Art has freely opened its doors so that people may come in to find a quiet place for contemplation, renewal, and peace. As human beings, we have an amazing capacity of overcoming this kind of evil through the support, kindness, and compassion that we bestow upon those who are shocked, saddened, and sorrowful in the worst of events and times.

Boston will recover its poise and its passion for life. The people of that great city have a great sense of what freedom and liberty are all about. They will not surrender to the terrorists, nor will they give up on their hopes, dreams, and ambitions. They are good people just like us; the good news is that they will survive by embracing, healing, and encouraging one another.

Questions for personal reflection

What did I initially think and feel when I heard the news about these bombings? How can I support the people of Boston today?

Prayer: O Lord, embrace the good people of Boston with your love and strength. Be with the first responders who treated those with serious injuries and those who have been terrified by these explosions. Be with the families who are anxious about their loved ones and comfort them in the midst of their fears. Bless the police and investigators, granting them the ability to know the causes of these explosions quickly and to act appropriately. O Lord, be with all the Bostonian people. 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 of a drawing that John created called “Boston Bound.” It features the Boston Skyline as seen from the bay. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6143/5948796658_990048bfef_b.jpg

Art Devotions: Bible Artist - Exodus 35:30-33

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Exodus 35:30-33 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship.

I rediscovered art about six years ago. It happened late at night because, as usual, I couldn’t sleep. I came across a box of wax crayons, took some white paper from my printer, and started to draw. At first I was only doodling, but after a while shapes and forms, shades and objects began to emerge on the paper. I drew cartoons and abstracts, posters and religious designs. And then I made an amazing discovery: using my computer scanner and reversing the colors, I made wax crayon drawings look like stained glass windows and chalk art. I called the process ‘digital glass’ and have used it ever since.

Last week I was commissioned to design a 2015 conference logo for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. Last month, scores of churches throughout the world used my Easter drawings for their worship bulletins and screens. To date, I have sold over 650 prints and over 400 ACEO cards. I design Bible art cards for our church kids and teach them how to draw in a weekly art class. To think that it all began with a sleepless night, a box of crayons, and some ordinary white paper!

I feel blessed and hope that my religious artwork pleases God. When I read about Bezalel in the Book of Exodus being given creative art skills by the Spirit of God, I am both humbled and delighted. He was empowered to design the sacred artwork in the sanctuary of the Holy Tabernacle. What a commission! It seems that art is given a special place in the Bible. It appears that God also likes His people to create things artistically for Him.

Questions for personal reflection

What kind of art inspires me? How does religious art bring us closer to God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the blessings of artistic creativity that You have given to the world through the Holy Spirit. May we be drawn closer to You through the religious works of art that You have inspired throughout the centuries and across the nations. In Your 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 traqair@aol.com. You can also view his latest and past art online at his website www.stushieart.com.

Today’s image is the poster design for the PAM 2015 conference. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8635937266_cafcf4360b_b.jpg

Short devotion: Crazy Preachers - Acts 7:51

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:24:00 +0000

Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

Stephen was a mighty preacher and spoke the truth bluntly, but in the end it cost him his life. He was convinced in his heart that his own people needed to be challenged and convicted by the Holy Spirit before they could be changed. He wasn’t doing it out of malice or malcontent; he was doing it because he wanted the people to humbly come to Christ and be saved. The pity about his passionate preaching was this: the people refused to listen to what God called upon him to say.

Prophetic preaching is very rarely heard these days. People like us go to church to be lifted up, not sorted out. We are looking for words of encouragement and spiritual means of support to get us through each week. We need to know that God loves us and approves of who we are, what we are doing, and what we hope to achieve. We seek meritorious blessings from God and practical ways to fulfill our dreams. We come for something from God and feel empty when we get nothing from the service, the preacher, or the worship.

Stephen didn’t last long as a preacher. Acts chapter 7 contains most of what he passionately preached on that ill-fated day. The people were infuriated and turned into an ugly mob. They reacted that way because Stephen was meddling with their cherished beliefs, their own understanding, and spiritual feelings for God. To be told that they were doing it all wrong was just unthinkable, unacceptable, and blasphemous. So they did the very thing that he was preaching about: they killed another prophet. In their fury, they did not realize or refused to recognize that they were guilty of the very things that Stephen was pointing out. The preacher preached the truth in order to change their lives; all his hearers did was to deny his words, his message, and then take his life.

Stephen wouldn’t last long in our society either. He would upset our comfort zones and tread on our toes. He would meddle through his preaching and push us away from God. We wouldn’t stone him; we would just completely ignore him. That’s why prophetic preachers are so rarely found these days – they just don’t want to rock the boat or upset the church. Preachers and church people are alike because they suffer from the same condition: they just can’t handle the Truth.

Questions for personal reflection

Have I ever been ‘stung’ by a sermon? What did I honestly think about the preacher?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your Gospel is not easy to preach, teach, or even accept. We want to live our own lives peacefully and happily, freely and prosperously. We forget that our faith costs lives, even in today’s world. Speak to our spirits today and express to us what we need to change in our lives in order to truly follow You. 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 traqair@aol.com. John welcomes your comments and questions.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Psalm drawings. It’s based on a verse from Psalm 134. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8574831320_492585350d_b.jpg

Short devotion: Death Working Backwards - Acts 2:24

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:44:00 +0000

Acts 2:24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

In the beautiful days when my two daughters were children, I used to read to them at night time from different books. Their favorites were the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. From an early age, they learned of the wonderful tales about the Pevensey children and the giant lion Aslan. They fell in love with the faun Mr. Tumnus and marveled at the courage of Mr. & Mrs. Beaver. The stories captivated their hearts and spurred on their imagination. Even today, as Masters Graduates and professional adults, they still love those stories and talk about them from time to time. I hope that one day they get the opportunity to share those stories with their own children.

In the book, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,’ the great heroic lion Aslan is slain by the forces of evil. The children in the book are distraught when this occurs, and all of their hopes are dashed to pieces. It appears as though the White Queen is going to overcome the whole land of Narnia and keep it in winter forever, when a new dawn breaks and Aslan is brought back to life. CS Lewis later explains this as ‘death working backwards,’ when the lion’s heroic and courageous sacrifice overcomes death itself. It’s a remarkable moment in the book. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the absolute wonder and delight on the faces of my own daughters when I read this part of the story to them for the very first time.

When Peter preaches to the gathered crowd on the streets of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, he tells them that Christ, who was crucified by the very same people, had risen from the agony of death by God, and that death itself could not hold on to Christ. Death was working backwards and Jesus was made alive again through the infinite power of God. It was an amazing moment in the history of all Creation and one which has captivated the hearts, minds, and souls of billions of people on Earth for almost two thousand years.

We all face a time of death in each of our lives. We cannot stop the clock from moving forward, nor can we hold back the years. However, with our faith in Jesus, we can experience the split-second after we die the wonderful blessing of death working backwards and being raised into the glorious, never-ending Kingdom of our Creator God. It is a delightful mystery to ponder and, at the same time, a magnificent gift to gratefully await.

Questions for personal reflection

What will death mean to me? Am I ready to place all of my faith in Christ’s ability to resurrect me into God’s Kingdom?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Holy One of God who has been raised from death. You have conquered sin, evil, and death by Your perfect sacrifice. We are honored by Your work and blessed eternally through Your Grace. Thank You, Lord, for bringing this wonderful heavenly gift to our earthly lives. 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 or ask a question, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com

Today’s image is one of John’s Narnian drawings. It’s called “Enter Lucy,” and shows the lamp-post where young Lucy and Mr. Tumnus meet for the first time in Narnia. If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8204650448_f00fceaffa_b.jpg

Christian Devotions: Everyone Will Be Saved - Acts 2:21

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:03:00 +0000

Acts 2:21 ‘And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

I want everyone to be saved. That’s why I preach the Gospel on Sundays and write these messages which are read all over the world. I want people to know the joy of Jesus that I have experienced in my life. I want them to embrace His ways and live by His words. I want them to overcome their fears through their faith in Him. I want them to know that we’re not alone on this planet, but that God has created all of us for a divine purpose on Earth and an eternal life in Heaven. I want everyone to be saved – no matter who they are, where they have come from, or what they have done.

Jesus means everything to me. He saved my life when I was self-destructive. He cured me of my alcoholism. He gave me a purpose when I was intent on wasting why life. He turned me around from my faithless ways and saved me from myself. I owe Him everything and it’s a wonderful feeling to be completely indebted to the Lord. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without Jesus. He saved me and I want everyone to know of that salvation.

No one is past redemption. No one has done anything so bad that Christ cannot forgive them. No one who seeks Him is ever turned away. Everyone who calls on His Name will be saved. If I was dying today and had one last wish, it would be this: that everyone that I have ever met, known, or loved would be completely saved by Jesus Christ. This is why I preach, just like Peter; this is why I write, just like Paul.

Questions for personal reflection

What does being saved by Christ feel like to me? How can I share this with the others in my life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Savior. Thank You for coming into this sinful broken world to save it from itself. Thank You for dying on the Cross, so that we may claim salvation through Your blood. Thank You for the Gospel which continually brings the Good News of salvation to all people throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to make a comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings for Holy Week. It’s called “Sin Bearer” and features a bloodied and bruised Christ carry His Cross to Calvary. If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8598112375_a26a7810f0_h.jpg

Daily Devotion: After Easter - Exodus 33:13

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:27:00 +0000

Exodus 33:13 “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

We had a beautiful Easter service yesterday at church. It always good to see many people with their families worshipping God. Because I’m an ‘Easter person,’ I get energized by the whole day.

The day after Easter is quietly different. The celebrations are over and life continues with its own routines. It’s not an anti-climax or depressing; it’s just different.

This is a good time to renew our connection to God. Hopefully, the energy and enthusiasm of the Easter worship experience have given many people a new start to their lives. Spring is bursting with life all around us, so why not make this delightful time a precious moment of spiritual growth when we reconnect to God?

Today’s passage from Exodus 33:7-14 reveals to us Moses’ need of being reconnected to God in the midst of the Wilderness Wanderings. He felt the burden of leadership upon his shoulders and even although he had a special prominence among the people of God, he still needed to know that God would be constantly with him, guiding his decisions, and supporting his choices. The great thing about Moses’ prayer is that God answered it perfectly: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Whatever your plans for the rest of this week, or indeed for the rest of the year, may you know the blessing of God’s Presence and the joy of His rest.

Questions for personal reflection

Is there something really important currently happening in my life? Have I asked God to be beside me throughout it?

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the wonder of Easter and the spiritually refreshing blessings that we have experienced. Be with us now and guide us; carry us through our present circumstances and help us to make good choices that benefit us, as well as glorifying You. In Jesus’ 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 message, please feel free to send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Easter drawings. It’s called “Rising Star” and depicts the wonderful moment of Christ’s Resurrection. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8605348590_5eb2124c1e_h.jpg

Next Generation Laptops: ThinkTop 1.0

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:34:00 +0000

Glasgow, Scotland – At a recent innovative technological conference, a group of Scottish students showcased a new laptop which uses the power of thought to make calculations, change programs, and write short essays.

The new ‘thinktop’ looks like a normal laptop, except that it has an earpiece which not only sends the user music and conversations, but can also transmit to the laptop a few limited commands.

Scientists have recently discovered that thoughts in our brains produce minute sounds which have now been recorded on the micro transmitter. The students from Glasgow County College have been working on the project for six months and are now ready to display their findings at their Finals.

At the current international conference in Glasgow, participants were amazed at the thinktop’s capabilities, but also warned of its consequences. “Can you imagine what would happen if people started using thinktops to post their thoughts and feelings on social sites such as Facebook? It would result in some ‘too honest’ comments and perhaps enrage a lot more users.”

The Glasgow students have stated that before the thinktop could be used publicly, there would have to be general guidelines agreed on social network sites. They also quickly pointed out the practical use of the thinktop in criminal investigations. If a detained suspect was wired to the thinktop, a confession could be obtained very quickly.

A short essay written by the students using the thinktop was also displayed and placed on the world wide web. Anyone interested in reading the delightful piece of prose can find it at the following link: Thinktop Essay

Holy Week devotions: Eight Sacred Days

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:56:00 +0000

My new devotional e-book for Holy Week called 'Eight Sacred Days, has been published on Amazon.com. It contains artwork, morning devotions, mid-day prayers, and evening poems of reflection for each day of Holy Week.

I wrote the book for the many Christians that I know whose lives are very busy. because they are under a lot of pressure, they might forget about the purpose of Holy Week and miss out on the spiritual strength that it brings.

The e-book is not just available for Kindle users, but for everyone who has downloaded the Kindle app (free) for their Macs, PCs, phones, and any other mobile devices. At 99c for the book, this is a great investment in a relatively easy yet still meaningful daily journey of faith.

Check out the details of the book at the following link:

Youth devotions: Vital Vision - Acts 2:17

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:32:00 +0000

Acts 2:17 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’

Currently, some of our young people are going through the process of Confirmation. Our Youth Leader is doing a wonderful job with them and I’m attending the classes, more as an observer and adviser. As always, when I enter into a church teaching situation, I end up learning more about what I believe. Our young students bring vitality to the faith that we share, and I receive new insights into what they believe and what’s important to them.

Last night, they composed a new statement of faith based upon what Presbyterians call the ‘Great Ends of the Church.’ Through their minds and with their ideas, I experienced a new understanding of what Church is all about and what it will become to future generations. Instead of being anxious and worried, I was both moved and impressed by what they wrote together. At their Confirmation service, which will take place on the Day of Pentecost, our congregation will use their Statement of Faith in our morning liturgy. Here is what they have brilliantly written:

At Erin Presbyterian Church, we will seek to be God’s people by:

· Declaring that Jesus Christ is the Savior for all people.

· Caring for and providing a strong community of faith for all of God’s children.

· Taking care of godly praise.

· Keeping the message of God alive.

· Encouraging the fair treatment of all people everywhere.

· Showing the world God’s grace.

I think that the future of the Church is in very good hands, don’t you?

Questions for personal reflection

As a teenager, what were my views and vision of the Church? How have I fulfilled that vision in my life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of our young people and for the vitality that they bring to our churches. May their thoughts and ideas be aligned to Your future vision of the life, ministry, and mission of the Church to come. 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 concerning today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Holy Week drawings. It’s called “Eye of God” depicting Christ crucified. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8489798601_5bcd371d9b_h.jpg

Holy Week Poems: The Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 01:56:00 +0000

The Gift

Silently sobbing,
She caressed His weary feet
By washing away the dust
With her tears,
While combing between each toe
With her long, luxuriant hair.

Remorse and regret
Engulfed her aching heart,
And her mind was overwhelmed
With thoughts of past failures
And faithless ways.

Breaking the sacred seal
On the symbol
Of her streetwise success,
She filled the room
With an amazing aroma
Of richness and rarity.

Using all her precious resources,
She shockingly,
Yet humbly,
Anointed His weary head,
Preparing Him
For the painful parting
That was to come.

John Stuart

Confirmation devotion: Confirming the Covenant - Exodus 24:7

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:10:00 +0000

Exodus 24:7 Then Moses took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey."

I love the aspect of Confirmation that takes place in Exodus 24. God has provided for the people through the blessings of deliverance, sustenance, and providence. They are beginning a new journey in the history of God’s people – a journey that will lead them eventually to the Promised Land. Moses has brought the Law to the people and given them beautiful rites in order to serve and worship God. It’s an historic time in the lives of the Jewish people. It’s a deeply significant and highly spiritual moment for the whole community.

In the Presbyterian Church, Confirmation is the sealing of a beautiful process which begins with baptism. Years before Confirmation, parents bring their beloved child before God to be baptized before the holy community and make promises to bring up that child in the Christian faith. More than a decade later, usually around their first Senior High year, that same child confirms the promises which were made by her or his parents. It’s a beautiful sealing of a sacred and solemn ceremony. It’s a time of God’s grace and goodness upon the child.

The start of Senior High is a major and daunting step in the life of any young person. There are many new challenges and changes to experience; there are some exciting times ahead and new responsibilities to encounter. In the midst of all of these social, cultural, peer, and educational changes, it’s wonderful to celebrate a deep spiritual rite which allows the child of God to become a confident, blessed, and beloved young person in the Church. Like the Hebrew people of old in Moses time, it becomes a sealing of a special covenant. It’s also the start of a new journey, not just of schooling, physicality, and emotions, but one grounded in Christian faith.

Questions for personal reflection

When did I experience a time of Confirmation? How did that special moment bring me closer to God?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are always with us from the day we are born to the time after we die. Your presence guides and encourages us at any stage in life or rite of passage. We thank You for the sacred blessings and holy covenants of faith that are graciously given and spiritually sealed in our lives. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully and thankfully 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 pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s Lent drawings for 2013. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8476883057_ab5a9f9d78_b.jpg

Christian devotions: To Be a Christian - John18:37

noreply@blogger.com (Stushie) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:05:00 +0000

John 18:37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

The other night I got embroiled in another theological tussle on Facebook. This time it was in the company of a group of Scottish pastors, some of whom I have known for decades. The argument was over whether or not we should continue to use the word ‘Christian’ in our faith and ministries.

Over recent years, the word ‘Christian’ has garnered some negative connotations in our society. The word represents, in the minds of some people, self-righteous bigotry and unyielding fundamentalism. In our supposedly post-Christian and post-modern world, there is a push to get rid of undesirable labels and, unfortunately, ‘Christian’ is one of them. Instead of being known for loving one another as in ancient Antioch, Christians are lampooned as being ignorant, uneducated, unsophisticated, prejudicial and judgmental. While there may be some elements across all Christian denominations that reflect these negative flaws, they do not really represent who we are in most regions of the world.

To me, the word ‘Christian’ means a person who is a follower of Christ, who tries to live by His tenets and is not afraid to speak the truth, even when it might be considered unpopular. It would be so easy to ditch the word and just call ourselves ‘spiritual seekers who like Jesus.’ We could then do what we wanted and not be burdened by the word ‘Christian’ at all.

But the truth of the matter is this: to be a Christian means to follow Christ closely, knowing that we will frequently fail. His teachings and truths will challenge us constantly, in the hope that we can change ourselves positively and become more like Him each day. As C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, ‘Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.’

Questions for personal reflection

What does the word ‘Christian’ mean to me? How do I personally convey that meaning to others?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we try to follow You each day and grow in our Christian faith. Some days are better than others, and sometimes we fail to live up to Your ways. Forgive us for our mistakes and free us from our failings. Help us to be reconnected to Your Truth, Hope, and Love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. If you would like to make a comment or ask a question of today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest winter drawings. It features the Babcock Mill in West Virginia during snowfall. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8467215304_7af5d74172_b.jpg

Signed, limited edition prints of this delightful drawing are available from John.