pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God Really Loves Us

Reading: Psalm 116:1-4

Psalm 116:2 – “I’ll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me.”

Today and tomorrow we turn to Psalm 116. In the opening verse, the psalmist declares love for God. This love is founded on God listening to prayer requests. The psalmist then declares, “I’ll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me.” Walking in faith, we too can feel this way. As the days go by and we study our Bibles and spend time in prayer, we feel like God is close and that God is listening to our prayers. Our relationship with God feels solid. Our human relationships develop this way too. Time and effort invested in these relationships builds depth, trust, and, yes, love.

Turning to verse 3, we see that the psalmist came to a difficult time in life. Death felt close at hand. Trouble and grief rose up. We have had these moments. Either we were ill or someone we loved was ill. In these times, prayer is our natural go-to. As we cry out to God, we pray as the psalmist did: “Lord, please save me!” (Or my Mom or…) In our walks of faith, we trust God to answer. At times, God answers as we hoped. And faith grows, our relationship deepens, our love of God increases.

But some of the time, our prayers are not answered as we had prayed. The illness or whatever persists. Death wins. The unwanted change happens. We question and we doubt. We maybe even reconsider our relationship with God. Over time, though, we come to see or understand God’s answer. Our relationship grows as love and trust deepen. We realize, yes, God is faithful and good. We come to know, yes, God really loves us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are always present, always faithful. You are steadfast and true. Even when we are not all these things, still you are. Still you are. Thank you, Lord. Strengthen and encourage us for the daily walk of faith. We love you, Lord. Amen.


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Forgiveness

Reading: Acts 2:14 and 36-41

Acts 2:38 – “In the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.”

Returning to Acts 2 today, we read the whole story. Peter first asserts Jesus’ place as God’s creation. He then reminds the crowd that “they” crucified Jesus. The crowd becomes “deeply troubled.” When we see one another this way, I believe our misdeeds have the same effect on us. When I truly see all people as created in the image of God – my wife, my kids, my parents, my co-workers, the stranger on the street, the grumpy neighbor… – it greatly impacts how I treat and am tempted to mistreat them. Seeing all as truly created in the image of God holds me accountable when I “crucify” or speak harshly or… Seeing others as Jesus saw them makes me “deeply troubled” when I sin against someone and, therefore, against God.

The crowd asked Peter what to do. We did once too. We sensed we did something wrong or we damaged a relationship. In time we learned the next steps: confess, repent, live better. We learned to apologize and to commit to better and then to live it out in all of our relationships. Doing so we change hearts and lives – primarily our own. Living as Jesus lived, loving as he loved, we come to receive forgiveness in his name and to extend forgiveness in his name. This restores and reconciles our relationships. As we receive and extend the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, we build the kingdom of God here on earth. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your endless grace that brings forgiveness again and again – a thousand thousands over and over. And thank you teaching us grace too. Help us to practice the grace we receive. Guide us to practice it as you give it – unconditionally and endlessly bringing healing and wholeness to our lives and to our world. Amen.


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To Live As Love

Reading: Acts 2:38-39

Acts 2:38 – “Change your hearts and lives… be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ… receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

This week our readings focus on God’s promises to us and our response to these promises. The promises are centered on God’s love for us. Our responses are centered on our love for God. This love is expressed in the sacraments of baptism and communion and in the ways that God’s love is faithful, especially in our times of trial and suffering. Our response is our faithful living as we daily seek to love God and others, building the community through love.

In Acts 2, our focus today and tomorrow, Luke covers the basics of entering the Christian faith. It begins with the prophetic call heard anew in the words of John the Baptist: “Change your heart and lives.” This involves our choice not to live for self but for Jesus Christ. In love, it is placing God and others ahead of and above self. This step of surrender and humility opens our hearts to truly loving God and neighbor.

This step often leads to a profession of faith. For many in the church, this first happens in baptism, an outward sign of an inner faith. Infant baptism has become the “norm” in many faith communities. In these cases, the parent(s) commit to raising the child within the community of faith. Later, whether through a formal process like confirmation or through membership vows in a local church or through a gradual warming of the heart, we confirm or profess our faith in Jesus Christ as “adults.”

The Holy Spirit, God’s indwelling presence, is a piece of this equation. Becoming a part of our lives, whether through the waters of baptism or through the profession of faith, the Holy Spirit works within us, changing hearts and lives, drawing us deeper and deeper into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This ongoing process continues, hopefully each day of our lives, empowering us to live as love in the world. May this be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for calling us into your family. Thank you for your patience and for your grace. Fueled by your love, these allow us to remain in right relationship with you. From this place, filled with your love, send us out into the world to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Amen.


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Moments to Share

Reading: John 20:19-29

John 20:27 – “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side.”

Photo credit: Priscilla du Preez

We return today to the story of Jesus’ first two visits to the disciples. The incredible story of Jesus’ first visit is met with great skepticism about what “supposedly” happened. Didymus wants proof. He wants to see and touch to believe that it really is Jesus. We will meet people like this. Yes, cute Bible stories and even some good moral lessons, but…

If you think back over your journey of faith, what were the moments that made your faith real? The stories in the Bible are powerful and provide us with a foundation. In this way they are part of what John Wesley called “prevenient grace” – that grace of God that draws you towards God before you believe. Moments from worship, conversations in Sunday school or youth group, a nugget from a sermon – more of that prevenient grace.

All of these things pull us towards God, deeper into the story, closer to a saving relationship. But those moments in the balcony or at the graveside or in the ER or… the tangible touches of God, the moments when we’ve figuratively been close enough to touch the nail scars, these are our moments. These touches become our stories. These personal stories of when God draws near are the stories that can make Jesus more real for others. They still must have their own moments, but our stories can be part of God’s prevenient grace at work in other’s lives. What are your stories? How will you share them with others?

Prayer: Lord God, remind us of the times when you drew near, when we could feel and almost touch you. Deepen our memories of these encounters so that they become part of the stories that we tell. And as we tell them, work in others to draw them closer to you and to a relationship that will change their lives. Amen.


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Genuine

Reading: 1st Peter 1:6-7

1st Peter 1:7c – “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Photo credit: Kim West

Earlier in the week, when we read from 1st Peter 1, we focused on our inheritance. As you’ve maybe observed or even experienced, inheritances don’t always come easily. Yes, there are the “silver spoon” examples that come to mind. And, yes, many come to us naturally or organically, without much fuss. To a degree faith can fall into this category. I grew up going to church, so faith was “assumed.” But singing the songs and learning the Bible stories of Noah, Daniel and the lions, Jesus and the children… are much different things than actually having a faith of one’s own.

As a junior in high school I was at a youth group event, a rock-a-thon. My fun and enjoyable time in a rocking chair was disrupted by news (via a knock on the church door in that pre-cell phone world) that a good friend was in a horrible accident. Praying for him in the sanctuary balcony with two friends, I felt that tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. Held in those “arms,” I rejoiced in hope, even in the midst of a time of distress.

Through this experience and other moments of trial, my faith was “tested by fire.” In time I came to have a sure faith that is my own. One day I, like all believers, hope to experience what Peter points to at the end of verse 7: “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the moment, no, I wouldn’t have chosen any of the experiences that refined and tested my faith. However, you are far, far wiser than I am. Each moment, each tear, each time of despair – small stepping stepping stones to this place in my journey of faith. Thank you for each of them and, more so, for your abiding presence in each of them. Please continue to walk with me day by day. Amen.


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Moved Forward

Reading: Acts 2:32

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.”

Today we return to Acts 2 and focus on the last verse of this week’s passage. Peter is addressing a crowd of people who have been drawn to the disciples by the sound of the Holy Spirit descending at Pentecost. There is a Thomas-esque feel to this scene. The people cannot wrap their heads around what has happened. At first many want to just dismiss the whole thing. Maybe you’ve been there too.

Many years ago I was a one-hour-a-week Christian. I attended church regularly, at first at a small Lutheran country church and then at a larger United Methodist church when we moved to a larger town. It was there that God started trying to push me past my one-hour limit. At first, I wanted to dismiss that push. But voices added to the feeling and the Spirit persisted. First it was couple’s group and then men’s group. It was teaching Sunday School to volunteering at youth group. Then it was the call past volunteering to leading youth group. All along the call of the Holy Spirit grew and grew. Voices of encouragement grew. Would I trust this feeling and the words of those close to me to take a leap of faith, away from a 23-year teaching career and into the ministry?

As other voices spoke into my life, the question was this: Did I trust these voices? Would I trust the voice of the Spirit? Long ago, Peter spoke these words to some people asking these questions: “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.” Words alone do not make believers, even words whispered from God. The power of Peter’s testimony was the same as what led me to take a leap of faith: I could feel the words. I could feel the Holy Spirit moving me, pulling me forward in faith. As trusted voices speak and as the Spirit moves in your life, may you too step forward in faith, witnessing to the power of God.

Prayer: Lord God, more than words on a page or spoken by a friend, the Holy Spirit moves, whispers, nudges. It is a force, a fire, a tangible feeling. Stir this in each of us, making the words come alive, making our faith come alive. Amen.


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Pure and Enduring

Reading: 1st Peter 1:3-9

1st Peter 1:4 – “You have a pure and enduring inheritance that cannot perish – an inheritance that is presently kept safe in heaven for you.”

In our passage today, Peter writes of the inheritance kept safe for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Before turning to that, though, a question: What have you inherited on this earth? For example, from my parents I inherited these things: the desire to teach, the drive to work hard and do my best, a love of family, a heart to serve others. In my parents, I saw these things lived out and made the intentional choice to take these as my own. I’ve also inherited things from friends: construction skills, interests… What have you inherited as you’ve lived this life? And perhaps more importantly, what will others – friends, family, strangers – inherit from you?

In verse 3 Peter reminds us, “You have been born anew into a living hope.” Through faith in Jesus Christ we are made into new creations. While the “old self” dies, we are not 100% new. We maintain those parts of ourselves already aligned with Christ. Yes, the sinful parts of us die away as we walk deeper into our saving relationship with Jesus. (Some of these things may have been inherited too.) The “living hope” that we walk in day to day does yield the “pure and enduring inheritance” that Peter speaks of. As we walk in faith, the Spirit keeps this inheritance safe, leading and guiding us to walk daily within the will and way of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Lord God, first, thank you for all who have poured into me to make me who I am in you: family, friends, pastors, teachers, bosses. And thank you for the ways you’ve used me to pour into others. And most of all, thank you for the example of Jesus and for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit – they which secure our place in your eternal home. Amen.


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Happy Are We

Reading: John 20:24-31

John 20:29b – “Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

As the risen Jesus comes and visits the disciples who are hiding from the religious leaders, one is missing. When the missing one rejoins the group, they are buzzing about the Lord’s visit. They’d heard news of Mary’s encounter that first morning in the garden, but… And now Jesus had come to them too! Offering peace and showing them the physical scars, Jesus then breathed on them the Holy Spirit, sending them out to be his continued presence in the world. This all seemed too much for the missing disciple to believe.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar place? You’ve heard the story of something amazing or outlandish or “unbelievable” and you tell your friend(s) something like, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” In your mind you cannot really believe that someone has been resurrected from the dead, nevermind someone you know personally.

Just over a week later, the disciples are still in that same room, still secluding themselves from the world. Talk about disbelief! Jesus appears to them again. He addresses Thomas, the one who was missing eight days ago. Seeing with his own eyes, Thomas declares, “My Lord and my God!” To this profession Jesus says, “Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Indeed, happy are we.

It is very unlikely that in our day someone will see the physically resurrected Jesus, being invited to touch the scars. But it can still be very possible for someone to be touched by Jesus. As you and I seek to love and care for others, as we comfort and encourage others, may people see and experience the risen Christ, living in each of us.

Prayer: Lord God, just as each of us were once like Thomas, not quite willing to believe based on the stories we’d read or on the testimonies we’d heard, lead and guide us as we seek to help others to know our Jesus. Through the ways that we love one another and the world, may others come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, Savior to all. Amen.


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When Challenges Rise

Reading: Psalm 16

Psalm 16:3 – “Now as for the ‘holy ones’ in the land… let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god.”

There are certainly times in our lives when we will pray as the psalmist prays: “Protect me, O God, because I take refuge in you.” This prayer may be uttered as a natural disaster unfolds. It may be lifted up during a “storm” in our lives – an unwanted diagnosis, an unexpected change, a battle with depression or addiction… And sometimes we lift just such a prayer as we see or experience man-made chaos, violence, injustice, oppression, war…

As I read verse 3 – “Now as for the ‘holy ones’ in the land… let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god.” – I couldn’t but help think of those who declare war the work of God and those who would rather rage and point a finger than offer a hand of cooperation or a word of compromise, claiming some religious high ground. God is not a God of war nor one who operates on the high ground. God is a God of peace and wholeness, of community and lifting the downtrodden and lowly. Too often the “religious” are far away from the Jesus we know from the scriptures.

When the challenges rise, when the world chases after “different gods,” may we first turn to the words of the psalmist: “You, Lord, are my portion, my cup; you control my destiny.” God is in control. Our inheritance is secure. Confident in these truths, may we then open our hearts so that God can “teach me the way of life.” Empower and equipped by the will and way of God, may we then be about the work of bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. Through us, may peace and love and justice flow down like a mighty river.

Prayer: Lord God, much is broken in our world. Many people are hurting and suffering and feel alone. Draw us deeply into your love, O God, filling us up so that we can overflow that love out into the world. Through the power of your love, build the kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Power with Us

Reading: Acts 2:14 and 22-32

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.”

As we begin the Easter season, we join Peter and the other disciples as they start to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. In the timeline of Acts, the first Pentecost has just occurred. The Holy Spirit has fallen and taken up a place in the hearts of all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Spirit fills Peter as he powerfully and convincingly speaks to the crowd. You and me – we have this save power in us.

Peter begins by reminding the crowd drawn by the Pentecost moment that God proved Jesus’ “credentials” through the miracles, wonders, and signs that Jesus offered. Even though credentialed, Peter next reminds the crowd how Jesus was killed. Quoting from Psalm 16, which we’ll read tomorrow, Peter speaks of the foretelling of the resurrection of Jesus. Using David’s words, Peter reminds his audience that the grave has never held power over Jesus. From this understanding, Peter declares,“This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.” At the end of Peter’s speech, about 3,000 people come to a saving faith in Jesus.

The power and presence of the Holy Spirit in Peter gave him the confidence, the courage, and the words to speak. The same Spirit was at work in the hearts of those hearing Peter’s words. When we tell our stories of faith, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will empower, equip, and guide our words. And we can trust that the Spirit will work in the hearts of those receiving our words of faith. God’s power is in us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, help us to trust as Peter did. When opportunities arise to witness to our faith, to tell our Jesus stories, fill us with your Holy Spirit’s power too. And, Lord, use our words to draw others to you, building the kingdom here on earth. Amen.