pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Monthly Archives: June 2023


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Don’t Be Afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:24-33

Verse 27: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”

Photo credit: Saad Chaudhry

This week’s gospel text is part of Jesus’ words of instruction as he sends the 12 out to preach, heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Today’s portion is some honesty and some encouragement. Tomorrow’s portion is more warning and clarification of the cost of discipleship.

In the opening verses Jesus says, “It is enough for students to be like their teachers.” Reflecting back on scene after scene where Jesus taught amazing lessons and offered powerful miracles, the disciples must’ve been equal parts excited and overwhelmed. Jesus is saying that they will be like him.

Knowing the disciples have also witnessed the clashes and conflicts with the religious leaders, Jesus next addresses the fear this must’ve brought to the disciples as they are to head out on their own. Jesus tells them to not be afraid. He encourages them to be bold in the face of this fear: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” Jesus also reminds them to keep focused on the eternal reality. He tells them not to fear man, but to fear Satan, the one who has the power to “destroy both body and soul in hell.”

Today’s portion closes with a great reminder. Jesus wants the disciples to know that God loves and cares for them. In God’s all-powerful way, Jesus says that not even a sparrow dies without God noticing. This same God knows you so well that the number of hairs on your head is known. And if God knows that minute detail, disciple of Christ, then God really loves and cares for you. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Prayer: Lord God, discipleship is not always easy. Sometimes we feel a little inadequate. In these times, remind us of the power and gifts imparted to us by the Teacher. Sometimes fear or doubt rises up. When it does, fill us with a holy confidence, fueled by your great love and care for us. Knowing you love and care for us completely and unconditionally, may we boldly proclaim the good news of your kingdom. Amen.


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God Hears and Comes

Reading: Genesis 21:8-18

Verse 17: “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today’s Old Testament passage contains one of the uglier episodes in the story of Abraham and Sarah, the father and mother of Judaism. The roots of today’s story are found in the couple taking God’s promises into their own hands, using a slave girl to produce a child. Even then, way back in chapter 16, we can see the pattern of marginalization and abuse already being established. Today’s ugly story is not an isolated event.

In today’s passage we see Sarah tells Abraham to send away or cast off Hagar and Ishmael. A conflicted Abraham does so after God assures him concerning both Isaac’s and Ishmael’s futures. Forced into the wilderness, Hagar and Ishmael are soon out of food and water. Surrendering to the harshness of being cast off and ostracized, Hagar prepares for death. But God intervenes, sending an angel who says, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid.” God sees her and responds. God encourages her and again reiterates the promise made in Genesis 16:10.

Most of us have never been used to produce a baby. And most of us have not been cast off by “family.” Most of us have not come face to face with dehydration and starvation as our demise. Yet in a very, very small way we can relate. We’ve all lost relationships. We’ve all felt alone. We’ve all feared death. And, like Hagar and Ishmael, God has met us in these wilderness places. God has said to us: “What is the matter ___? Do not be afraid.” God hears our cries and comes near. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are our ever-present help in our times of need. Thank you for never marginalizing us or ignoring us or abandoning us. You are always nearby. You always hear and respond. Thank you, O Lord. Amen.


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Learning to Trust

Reading: Psalm 86:1-7 and 16-17

Verse 7: “When I am in distress, I call to you because you answer me.”

In the Psalm this week David prays to God. It is a prayer for help in times of trouble. These are prayers that we pray often. Life can be challenging and difficult at times. Unwanted change, loss, illness, broken relationships, death, failure – these and many more drive us to God in prayer. The psalmist is no stranger to these challenges and difficulties. David certainly has his share of these times of trouble.

As revealed in the Psalm, David also knew who to turn to in these times. David chose someone who was trustworthy, merciful, forgiving, good, loving, and responsive. All of this is summed up in verse 7: “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” Hear the confidence and faith in these words. As each challenge arose, as each difficulty came, David turned to God and God answered. Was it always the answer he wanted? No. But David knew that God’s ways were higher and better than his ways. This too was learned over time. This trust and faith was built through a steady and disciplined walk with God.

God invites us into this kind of a relationship. God invites us to be open and honest, vulnerable and trusting. When we are in need, God wants us to call out. When we feel overwhelmed, God yearns for our prayers. When we are worn out or dried up, God longs for us to kneel in prayer. God desires a relationship with us. In these personal and intimate moments of prayer we learn to trust into God, deepening our faith and our relationship. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you are faithful and true. May you be where I turn to first. You are compassionate and forgiving. In humility and trust may I bring all that I am and all I am not to you. Day by day deepen our relationship, O God. Amen.


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Shared with Joy and Laughter

Reading: Genesis 21:1-7

Verse 6: “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’”

Returning to Genesis we see the outcome of the promise made in chapter 18. God is “gracious to Sarah.” Very late in life she “became pregnant and bore a son.” Sarah and Abraham’s son is named Isaac, which means “he laughs.” With this name they are inviting others to laugh and to share in their joy. In verse 6 Sarah says, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” This wonderful thing that God has done is now part of her story of faith.

While none of us will become first-time parents at 90 or 100, in our lives we all do have wonderful things that God has done. If we are intentional about seeing God’s hand at work, we can see fingerprints all over our lives. Through a name Sarah and Abraham were inviting others into one of their God moments. This was a moment impossible without God. It was a moment so incredibly wonderful that they could not but smile from ear to ear.

So we must ask: When have we ourselves experienced God in such a way that we were left with joy and laughter? What “well, I’ll be” moments has God given you? What surprising turn of events has God blessed you with? This is part of our faith story to share with others. The joy-filled, you-wouldn’t-believe-it stories also tell of God’s power and might, of God’s love and grace. May our faith be shared with Joy and Laughter, helping others to know this side of God too.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the times you’ve filled my heart with joy, when you’ve plastered a smile on my face. Thank you for the unexpected times that came out far better than I ever could’ve imagined. This too is part of how you touch our lives. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Holy Spirit Power

Reading: Matthew 10:16-23

Verses 19-20: “When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it… for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

As we continue today with the story of Jesus sending out the disciples, Jesus addresses the difficulty of the journey and the help we receive along the way. In today’s text we see one of the qualities of Jesus that I find most refreshing: honesty. Our section today begins with these words: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” Oh boy coach, sign me up, right?!

The 12 disciples knew and lived this difficulty out. As a whole, the Jewish religious leaders were never supporters of Jesus and as his 3 years of ministry went on they became more and more adversarial in their relationship with Jesus. Jesus wanted the disciples to know that this would continue as they went out now and as they continued the mission after his death, resurrection, and ascension. The idea that people and powers will oppose the faith is still very much a reality today.

Into this honest assessment of discipleship Jesus offers this hope and promise: “When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it… for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Not “if” but “when” they oppose, persecute, arrest, abuse… God in Spirit will be there, giving you words to speak. This is a powerful promise. As we seek to be followers of Christ in a post-Christian landscape, may we be faithful to our call and may we ever trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide our every step and our every word.

Prayer: Lord God, give me the courage to seek out the lonely, to stand up for the oppressed and marginalized, to speak against injustice and evil. Fill me with your Holy Spirit power. May it guide all of my words and deeds. Amen.


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In Word and Deed

Reading: Matthew 9:35-38 and 10:1-15

Verse 38: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Our passage for today and tomorrow begins with Jesus doing what Jesus did: teaching, preaching, and healing. His love of and compassion for the “sheep without a shepherd” is what drives his ministry. The 12 disciples spent day after day with Jesus, soaking up this model for ministry. In verse 37 Jesus shares this observation with the disciples: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” One could easily argue that this is as true today as it was the day it first rolled off Jesus’ lips. We all know lots of souls that are without a shepherd and are therefore in need of meeting the Lord of the harvest.

And so we turn to verse 38: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” This is Jesus’ instruction to the disciples. Jesus is inviting the disciples to ask God to send out folks to have love for and compassion upon the lost sheep. If there is any question as to who these workers are, let’s turn next to verse 1. Jesus calls the disciples to this task. He gives them authority to minister just as they have witnessed him ministering. Jesus instructs them to preach that “the kingdom of heaven is near” and then to demonstrate this by healing the sick and freeing the captives. In word and deed the disciples are to bring the kingdom near.

News flash: you are a disciple who carries the authority of Jesus Christ in your heart. You are a disciple charged with following and living out Jesus’ example of love and compassion. You are a disciple who is equipped by the Holy Spirit to bring the kingdom of God near through word and deed. May we enter into the harvest field, seeking the lost.

Prayer: O Lord of the harvest, send me out. With an open heart guide me to those who need to hear and experience the good news of Jesus Christ. Put the words in my mouth or the actions in my hands and feet – whatever is needed to bring the kingdom near. Use me as thou will. Amen.


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Expressing Gratitude

Reading: Psalm 116:1-2 and 12-19

Verse 12: “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?”

Psalm 116 begins with an expression of love for the God who heard the psalmist’s cry. There is a recommitment of faith because God has turned an ear to the prayers of the psalmist. In our lives there are often times when we connect with God, when we feel that God has heard our prayers. Experiences such as these bolster our faith too.

In verse 12 the psalmist asks, “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?” To me this is a natural response. When someone does something nice for us, for example, we seek an opportunity to do something nice for them. We want to return the favor. When we feel that God has answered a prayer, blessed us, or has somehow touched our lives, our natural response is to repay God or to return the favor in some way.

For the psalmist this response first took the form of service. It was praising God and fulfilling his or her vows. This can be and maybe is your response: to serve God. That may involve being a part of a ministry or volunteering at church or with another organization. It may involve doing something for a friend or neighbor.

The psalmist also gives a “thank offering.” For the psalmist this likely would’ve been an animal sacrifice in the temple. For us that might translate to giving a financial gift or into going above and beyond in meeting someone’s needs. There are many ways that we can offer our thanksgiving to our God who blessed us richly. This day and every day, may thanksgiving be a habit.

Prayer: Lord God, guide me daily to first see the many blessings in my life. Then, Lord, move me to respond with thanksgiving. Guide me to bring you the glory in whatever way I find to express my gratitude to you. Amen.


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What Great Love

Reading: Romans 5:6-8

Verse 8: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

As we turn to Romans 5 again today we begin with the fact that Jesus “died for the ungodly.” It was “when we were still powerless.” We like to think that we’d die for our spouse or child, that we’d sacrifice ourselves for someone innocent or in the line of duty. While this is likely true for most of us, it is also highly unlikely that we’d die for an abuser or for a career criminal or for a person who has failed or wronged us again and again. Christ did both. He died for us, for his brothers and sisters in the faith. And he died for that other us – the one who abused his love and grace, the one who sins over and over, the one who fails to keep his commands again and again and again. “While we were still sinners…”

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that God initiated this action. We were powerless to save ourselves. We still are. Usually one waits for the offensive or harmful behavior to change. Usually one waits for the other to come grovelling back. Have you ever offered forgiveness before the other changed their ways, before they could get “I’m sorry” out of their lips? God did this, modeling for us the power of unconditional love and undeserved reconciliation. And if that were not enough, consider this. God knew that Jesus’ death would not put an end to sinning. God sent Jesus to the cross anyway. God did so because in the death and resurrection we find the way to living in right relationship with God. What great love God has for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when one considers the depth of your love for sinners like me, it is hard to fathom. Your love is so great and your sacrifice so selfless, it is difficult to grasp. I am left to offer a simple and humble thank you. Thank you. Amen.


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Peace and Joy

Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Verse 2: “We have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

This week’s passage from Romans 5 is all about peace and joy, two of the wonderful gifts that we receive from God. These words that we read today and tomorrow must have been of great encouragement to the church in Rome. These words can be of great encouragement to us today.

Paul begins by celebrating the justification that we experience through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the process of being made right in God’s sight. It begins with a recognition of our sin and moves into confession and repentance. This opens the door for forgiveness, which is freely given by God without price to us. Being made right with God is an oft-repeated process that brings us peace again and again.

In verse 2 we read, “We have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” It is faith that empowers us to come to God with our flaws and failures, assured that in love God’s grace will flow into our lives. Because through Christ we are justified over and over, we have hope. It is a hope both for this life and for the life to come. We can rejoice in this life because we know that nothing can separate us from God’s love found in and through Jesus Christ. We have hope for the life to come because the forgiveness and reconciliation offered by God allows us to be in right relationship with God. This guides our way to heavenly glory.

The peace and joy found in relationship with Jesus allows and enables us to walk through the hard things of life standing on our faith. This eventually leads us to a place of hope. Our section today closes with these words: “God has poured out God’s love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” Because of this indwelling presence of love in our very hearts, hope and joy never disappoint. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the peace and hope and love that you have set in our hearts through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you for the grace and mercy that renews our relationship again and again. May we be people who reflect and share your love, peace, hope, joy, grace, and mercy into the lives of all that we meet. Amen.


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Where and How?

Reading: Genesis 18:1-15

Verse 12: “Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my Lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’”

We continue this week with the story of Abram and Sarai, who have now become Abraham and Sarah. 25 years have passed since God asked them to go from Haran. 25 years have passed since God promised to make them into a great nation. They’ve recently taken matters into their own hands, creating an heir with Sarah’s slave girl Haggar. And now the Lord comes calling, telling them that Sarah will have a son within the year. Listening from behind the entrance to their tent, Sarah hears this news. In verse 12 we see her reaction: “Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my Lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’”

Have you ever laughed at God? Not in the making fun sense but in the “I’ll be” sense. That was Sarah’s laugh – well I’ll be. It is a “who’d ever have thought it?” laugh. It is the laugh that we sometimes share with God when God does something totally unexpected and often unimagined. Once in a while – if we’re really, really paying attention – we might see a glimpse of what God is up to. But more often it is something that we never saw coming. We’re left to laugh and smile, to marvel at God and at what God has done.

As call and discipleship have been our focus lately, this story leads me to 2 questions. First, where do you sense that God is up to something in your life? And second, how and where could you be a part of someone else experiencing an unexpected and surprising encounter with God?

Prayer: Lord God, where are you at work? What are you up to in my life or in our church? Where might you be calling me to be a part of someone else’s encounter with you? Holy Spirit speak! Open my eyes and my heart to see and know how you call me, to discern how I can be used by you. Amen.