Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Presbyterian Devotions: God the Builder - Hebrews 3:4

Hebrews 3:4    For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

We’ve come to the end of two exciting building phases at Erin church here in Knoxville and we all feel very blessed by God. At the same time over in Maybole, Scotland, the building of the new community center and church is taking place. In both cases, the church people feel a sense of pride and renewal, of new hopes and great blessings. It’s been a long time in coming for both communities; at last we are all beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Both churches have been established by God and each of them will grow if the congregations and communities are open to the presence, work, and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The future of each place depends upon the faithfulness of the people involved; without their commitment, contributions, and constancy, none of this could have been accomplished. In many ways, the work of both churches is only just beginning and this is what makes the whole experience exciting.

As we head into Holy Week, we are all given the special opportunity of allowing God to rebuild our lives. We can come to Christ on the Cross to receive His forgiveness; we can meet Him outside the tomb and be renewed forever. In Him, we have a hope that will never die; through Him, we have a bright and everlasting future. God builds everything through Jesus. We can depend upon Him.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessings of building and growing, renewal and restoration that You are establishing in many churches and communities throughout the world. Let this holy and sacred time touch our people in significant and special ways. Grant us opportunities to invite and welcome other people to our churches, so that they may also experience these blessings. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions of today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s images are construction photos of what’s happening in Maybole and Erin. On the left is the Carrick Center and on the right is the new entrance to Erin Church. God is great!

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