pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!


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Practice, Practice, Practice

Reading: Philippians 4:8-9

Philippians 4:8 – “Focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.”

Concluding our Philippians 4 reading for this week, we end with Paul’s guidance on how to “stand firm in the Lord.” It begins with fixing our eyes and our heart on the things that are excellent and admirable, that are life-giving and soul-lifting. These things are the core characteristics of a lived life of faith. In verse 8 Paul calls us to this task: “Focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.” Paul invites us to think about these things always. Doing so, our thoughts will guide our words and our actions.

The core beliefs of our faith are what is true. Salvation, grace, love, mercy, humble service, generosity, one God – core beliefs. All that is holy is the will and way of God. Central and foundational are the great commands: love God and love neighbor. To be just is to live in right relationship with both God and neighbor and to redeem and restore these relationships when they are broken or damaged. To be selfless is to be pure. To not think of our wants but of other’s needs starts with a pure heart. The lovely in our life and in the world are those things touched by God. It is a sunrise and a kind word, a meal shared and a gentle embrace. These and other blessings are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.

To focus our thoughts on what is true, holy, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise and to live these out daily is a tall order. Paul’s guidance: practice. Daily remember what we’ve “learned, received, heard, and saw” from Paul and from Jesus. And then practice, practice, practice these things. And as we practice, practice, practice, the peace of God will be with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us today and every day. Open our ears and hearts to the whispers and nudges of your Holy Spirit. Echo the words and example of Jesus in our hearts and minds. Send us out, thusly equipped and prepared, to be always true, holy, just, pure, and lovely, bringing you all the praise and the glory and honor. Amen.


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Joy and Peace

Reading: Philippians 4:1-7

Philippians 4:6 – “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.”

Photo credit: Hannah Skelly

Turning to Paul’s letter to the Philippians today and tomorrow, we close out a week of hard passages with hopeful words about standing firm in the faith. Reminding us of how hard this can be, in verse 2 Paul calls for reconciliation between Euodia and Syntyche. Following Jesus’ conflict resolution guidance, Paul invites a mediator and other members of the church to get involved to heal this broken relationship.

In verses 4-7 Paul then encourages us to be glad or to rejoice in the Lord and he gives us guidance on how to always have joy in the Lord. In verse 6 Paul writes, “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.” There is much in this life and in our world that can make us anxious or afraid or angry or worried or… Paul invites us to hold onto joy even in the difficult times of life. Step 1 is prayer. Bring our petitions and our pleadings to God. Why? Because God is near and because God hears and responds. How do we know this? We turn to the next step.

We cannot miss step 2: “along with giving thanks.” Prayer cannot be just about asking God for this or that. Prayer must also include praising and giving thanks for God’s presence in our lives. This step is an act of gratitude that builds our humility and leads to a willingness to surrender our lives and all situations to the Lord. It is through these actions that we experience “the peace of God that exceeds all understanding.” It is a peace that allows us to rejoice in the Lord always. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, as we daily offer our thanksgiving and praise in our prayers, build up our memories of your presence. The times when you have been there, when you rescued or redeemed us, when you led or guided us through the valley – they build our trust and faith. From this firm foundation, walk daily with us in the good, in the bad, and in the in-between, filling us with your joy and your peace. Amen.


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They Forgot

Reading: Psalm 106:19-23

Psalm 106:21 – “They forgot the God who saved them, the one who had done great things…”

Returning to Psalm 106 today, we read of the incident that happened in Exodus 32. It is the sin of the writer’s “ancestors” that was referenced in verse 6. It is the remembering of how their great grandfathers or great, great grandmothers “acted wickedly.” It is a reminder of how capable the current Israelites are of going down this same path. And it is a warning about how quickly we can turn to idols and sinful behaviors.

As we walk daily with God, we might wonder how this could happen to Israel. God has done so much for them lately: the plagues, the Passover, the parting of the sea, the manna and quail, the water from a rock… If we are tending to our faith, one of our daily habits is thanking God for the blessings, guidance, direction, protection… in our lives. We too should be able to quickly come up with a list of what God has done for us. With this in mind, we do wonder how they ended up worshipping an idol, “a bull that eats grass.”

The answer comes in verse 21: “They forgot the God who saved them, the one who had done great things…” They forgot God. We do this too. We allow temptation to become sin. We turn to our own devices and means instead of to God. We grasp control and seek power instead of surrender. And I am pretty sure that God has gotten ready a time or two to smite us. Or maybe that number is closer to four billion.

In the second part of verse 23, the psalmist reminds Israel of how Moses interceded and of how God’s anger subsided as love and mercy won the moment. This same love and mercy pours out over us when we are less than we are created to be. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder that even when we chase after promotions and possessions and pleasures, you are nearby, waiting to reconnect with us, ready to pour out your great mercy and love. We are grateful for your Spirit that works and works within us and for your Son who intercedes for us. You are an awesome and amazing God. Amen.


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On the Edges

Reading: Matthew 22:1-14

Matthew 22:9 – “Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.”

Continuing his response to the religious leaders’ questions about his authority, Jesus tells a third parable. This one is more directly about Israel and the kingdom of God. The “king” sent servants to invite people to a wedding banquet for his son. But the people ignored Elijah, Jeremiah, and others. Some were beaten and some were killed. So God sent others – Daniel, Amos, Micah… The people of God continued to ignore and sometimes abuse God’s servants. The Assyrians and then the Babylonians destroyed cities, setting much on fire. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, both calling the people of God to the great wedding banquet. The chosen people mostly ignored and eventually killed these prophets too.

The focus of the king’s invitation shifted as the people of God proved unworthy of the call: “Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.” Stepping outside the circle of those who thought themselves already chosen, the apostles and disciples of Jesus went to the edges – to Samaritans and other Gentiles, inviting them to the party. Many came. They were mostly good and genuine but not all were. Yet today some show up every Sunday morning but one wouldn’t know it if one observed their Sunday afternoon through Saturday night. Those who refuse to truly clothe themselves in Christ will one day be tossed into the eternal darkness.

Many are invited but few are chosen. Following the way of Jesus is hard and requires sacrifice and humble service to God and neighbor. To practice grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and kindness is to live out our faith. To love, welcome, draw in, include, and invite is the call of our faith. May we daily clothe ourselves in Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, for many people the allure of “fields” and “businesses” is great. At times we too are drawn to the things of this world. In these moments we ignore your word and the Spirit. Come and meet us on the edges, invite us back to the table again and again. And as we experience your neverending invitation, may we become truly invitational – inviting, welcoming, and including all people. Amen.


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Faithful, Enduring Love

Reading: Psalm 106:1-6

Psalm 106:3 – “The people who uphold justice, who always do what is right, are truly happy!”

Photo credit: Freestocks

As we read the first half of this week’s Psalm today, the psalmist begins with praise followed by a request for God’s “saving help.” Verse 1 opens with praise and thanksgiving for God’s faithful, enduring love. The psalmist then recognizes God’s might that is beyond compare. This seems like a Psalm of praise so far. It begins to shift in verse 3. Here we read, “The people who uphold justice, who always do what is right, are truly happy!” Maybe that’s other people. This feeling continues in the next two verses. The author invites God to “remember me” and to “visit me.” God feels distant to the psalmist.

Scholars believe this Psalm was written during the exile in Babylon. Israel was at a low point in the faithful-sinful-repentant cycle that repeats itself again and again in the scriptures. The golden calf was not the only low point in the wilderness. Exile was not the only low point after entering the Promised Land. These words of praise and thanksgiving are words of longing and of a desire to know God’s presence once again. These words of the psalmist are words of repentance.

The Psalm gets real in verse 6: “We have sinned – right along with our ancestors. We’ve done what’s wrong. We’ve acted wickedly.” This admission is not limited to the folks in the Bible. This is our experience as well. We sin and fall short. God feels distant. We repent. We are made right by God. We live faithfully for a while. And we sin again. Sadly, this seems to be the human condition. Yet there is a deeper and stronger truth. As the psalmist gives thanks for God’s faithful, enduring love, so too do we. God’s love and the grace that flows from this love are greater than our sin. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your long, sure, steady walk with us. Thank you for a love that never gives up on us, for a grace that never runs out. In praise our hearts sing the old hymn, “Grace, grace, God’s grace! A grace that is greater than all our sin!” Amen.


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Power and Might, Love and Mercy

Reading: Exodus 32:11-14

Exodus 32:12 – “Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people.”

Yesterday we read about the creation of the golden calf. The Israelites were quick to return to what they learned during 400 years in slavery: the golden idols of their enslavers. To return to the familiar was easier than trusting in a God who called them “chosen.” God was furious. God was ready to destroy them all – except Moses.

Turning to today’s reading, Moses first pleads with God on behalf of the people of God. Moses reminds God of the relationship that far exceeds their time in slavery. He reminds God of the ways that God has just begun to rebuild and renew the relationship through the revelation of “great power and amazing force.” Then Moses’ pleading turns to direction as he says to God, “Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people.” Moses invites God away from the feelings of anger and rage. From a better place of heart and mind, Moses reminds God again of the long relationship and of the promises that God made to these people. God relents. God will not destroy the people of God.

This is the first of four times that Moses will intercede on behalf of God’s people. As Moses has walked closely with God, he has come to know not only God’s power and might, but also God’s love and mercy. This second part is what Moses appeals to in today’s text. At times, this is the role that we are called to play. Sometimes through prayer, sometimes through words and/or action, we intercede on behalf of others. Sometimes it is on behalf of those who do not yet know God and sometimes it is on behalf of the powerless or downtrodden. Sometimes it is on behalf of a brother or sister in Christ. Whatever the case, may we always be people who call upon God’s power and might and upon God’s love and mercy as we stand for and with others. Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the immediate moment of need, give us the courage to pray or to speak or to act. Guard our hearts against judging or wanting to fix the situation first. There will be time to learn and grow and maybe even to change later. But in the moment, use us to intercede for others, relying upon your power and might and upon your love and mercy. Amen.


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False Gods and Idols

Reading: Exodus 32:1-10

Exodus 32:7 – “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

In our Old Testament reading today and tomorrow, Moses is up on the mountain receiving instructions from God. Starting in chapter 25, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the tabernacle and for observing the Sabbath. Moses has been with God for forty days. So at the start of chapter 32 the people come to Aaron, unsure about ever seeing Moses again, and ask Aaron to make them a “god.” The one left in charge gives in to the crowd and forms a golden calf. Two of the popular deities in Egypt were represented by a bull. Aaron does try to turn their focus to God by holding a festival to the Lord. But in the end, the people worship the golden idol. With their only connection to the one true God gone forever, the people turn to a false idol – one they can see and touch and can shape or manipulate with their own hands.

God sees what is happening and says to Moses, “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!” God’s plan is harsh. We find a hint as God calls them “your people.” With these words, God is rhetorically rejecting Israel. God’s plan is to allow the fury to burn and to devour these stubborn and faithless people. Then God will start all over with Moses!

I wonder if God ever feels this way in our day. I wonder if God ever looks down at our way of living and feels anger rising up inside. Do the false gods and idols that we chase after when we’ve lost our connection to God make God feel like “devouring” us? In these moments I remember that, like Israel in the wilderness, we are still a work in progress. We are yet becoming who God created us to be. In tomorrow’s reading, Moses will intercede for the people. For you, for me, for our world today – we too have an intercessor. The risen Christ stands between us and God, interceding on our behalf. Jesus walked among us. He understands our struggles and temptations. Thank you, Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, when we drift and our connection with you feels lost, the things of this world seem brighter, shinier, more attractive. In these early moments, when we’re looking towards other “gods,” draw us back to you. Whisper in our hearts, reminding us of your love. May this be what captures our attention, our focus, our worship. Amen.


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Building the Kingdom

Reading: Matthew 21:33-45

Matthew 21:43 – “God’s kingdom will be taken away from you and will be given to a people who produce fruit.”

Photo credit: Summertrain

As a continued response to the religious leader’s questions about Jesus’ authority to tip over tables in the temple, Jesus offers a second parable in the gospel of Matthew. A vineyard is built and is rented to some tenant farmers. At harvest time a portion of the crop is due to the owner. He sends some servants to collect the fruit. They are mistreated – some are beaten and some are killed. After this happens again, the owner sends his own son. The tenants kill him too, thinking that they can then take the inheritance.

Jesus asks the religious leaders what the owner will do now. Their response: “He will totally destroy those wicked farmers.” The vineyard will be rented to others who will give their fruit to the owner. Jesus then quotes from Psalm 118: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Suddenly the religious leaders become the focus of the lesson. Jesus tells them bluntly: “God’s kingdom will be taken away from you and will be given to a people who produce fruit.” And this stone that is rejected? It will crush those that it falls upon.

The question for us, God’s people today, is this: Are we, are you, am I producing fruit for the kingdom of God? We have each been blessed by God with gifts and talents, with resources and time, and with an inheritance to share with others. Are we taking what we’ve been given and using it to lift others, to care for others, to encourage others, to stand and speak for others? Doing so, we are planting seeds so that others can one day come to know the Lord. This is the “fruit” we’re called to help produce. When faith sprouts and grows, God will multiply it to build the kingdom of God here on earth. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to the opportunities that you give us to serve and love others. Through the sharing of our faith, may others be blessed. And through these blessings, O God, may faith take root, drawing others towards Jesus so that they too can come to know the Son as the Lord of their lives. Amen.


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God’s Upward Call

Reading: Philippians 3:4-14

Philippians 4:14 – “The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Our Epistle reading begins with a list of accolades and accomplishments. These are the titles and things that would impress the religious people of Paul’s day. Modernizing the list, it might read: “I’m a Christian… an American… an elder at my church… I do no wrong…” Outside the church, one might say, “I’m a billionaire… I’m the CEO of ___… I’m an All-Star… I won a Grammy…” These status symbols matter in certain circles. But for Paul, when Jesus found him, he “wrote them off as a loss for the sake of Christ.” As Paul walked with Jesus, the things of this world became unimportant. Paul’s identity was in Christ.

Paul came to understand that because Christ was in him, his righteousness was “not my own.” It had been before. In his old life, Paul knew an outward righteousness based upon what he did. In and with Jesus, Paul came to know an inward righteousness – one based on faith alone. Because it is grounded in Christ’s faithfulness, this inward righteousness is not tied to the things of this world. With Christ in his heart, Paul strove to live in right relationships with God and with his fellow human beings. Through faith in Christ, we can strive to live this way too.

In the last few verses, Paul lifts his spirit and his thoughts heavenward. First recognizing that he has not yet “been perfected,” Paul declares that he is still pursuing eternal life. Forgetting his past, Paul looks forward and upward. In verse 14 we read, “The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.” Living faithfully day by day, loving God and neighbor, trusting in the power of Jesus Christ, Paul presses on for the prize: perfect fellowship with Jesus in glory. Day by day, may we press on for the prize.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your Holy Spirit in us, lead and guide us to live a good and just and righteous life. Fill us with your love so that love guides all of our thoughts, words, and actions. As we walk in faith each day, drawing ever closer to eternal glory, use our life and witness to bring more of heaven to earth. Amen.


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Great Reward

Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

Psalm 19:11 – “No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them [God’s law]; there is great reward in keeping them.“

Moving into the second half of this week’s Psalm we move into David’s love of God’s word. Through the instruction, guidance, and commands found in the Bible, God seeks to order human behavior in ways that are loving, just, compassionate, kind, merciful, and joyful. Earlier this week we spent time with the Ten Commandments. These ten laws are amongst the best known commands in the scriptures. These words of God and the rest of God’s words found throughout the scriptures seek to lead and guide us to live day by day in right relationship with God and with one another.

For David, God’s laws are “perfect… right… pure… correct… true… more desirable than gold.” It is so for David because of how following God’s laws affect him and his life. For David, God’s laws are “reviving… gladdening… giving light… sweeter than honey.” David offers this great summary statement in verse 11: “No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them [God’s law]; there is great reward in keeping them.” When we delve into God’s word, when we mine the scriptures for wisdom, strength, comfort, grace, guidance, direction… we too are “enlightened” and we also find “great reward.” The reward magnifies when we strive to live out these instructions in our daily lives. It is good and it is a blessing because God’s word leads us to live in right relationships with God and with one another.

Psalm 19 closes with a prayer that is offered regularly in worship, maybe in a slightly different translation or phrasing. But the spirit of these words remains. This can also be a prayer that we offer over each of our days. We close today with these words: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, while there are many laws and many different examples of faithfulness in the scriptures, all hinge on a simple idea: love. So lead us to make love our first thought. May it begin with a deep love for you and your ways. And then may it extend to one another. Amen.