pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Changing Dynamics

Reading: Philemon 1-21

Philemon 6 – “I pray that your partnership in the faith might become effective by an understanding of all that is good among us in Christ.”

Photo credit: Sophie Walker

Today’s reading – a short letter containing 21 verses – appeals to a slave owner on behalf of the slave. Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow Christian who is known for his love and faithfulness. Paul addresses his letter not only to Philemon but also to the church that meets in his house. This home church was likely started by Paul and is likely led now by Philemon. Paul writes to both because he is counting on grace to shape both Philemon’s decision and the community that will be affected by his decision.

Paul is sending Onesimus, the runaway slave, back to Philemon, probably with this letter in hand. Paul has been in prison and Onesimus has been like a son to him. He sends Onesimus back not as a slave but as if he was sending “his own heart,” as one who has become “a dearly loved brother to me.” Paul writes this prayer to Philemon: “I pray that your partnership in the faith might become effective by an understanding of all that is good among us in Christ.” Paul hopes that Philemon, a fellow leader in the church and a brother in Christ, will accept Onesimus back not as a slave but as “a brother to you, personally and spiritually in the Lord.” Paul is asking Philemon to change the dynamics of the relationship in a radical way.

How might the Spirit ask you or I to do a similar thing? While the slavery of this distant past doesn’t exist, today many people are enslaved in other ways. Who do we hold imprisoned in stereotypes or in broken relationships? Who do we know that is held captive by addiction or debt or grief or because of continuing unwise or unhealthy choices? What radical steps or changes of heart could we undertake in ourselves to love and free these folks, seeing them as sisters and brothers in Christ?

Prayer: Lord God, just as Paul experienced the life-changing love and grace of Christ, so too have we experienced his love and grace. Move in our hearts today, Lord Jesus, to open us up to changing the broken dynamics, to seeing all as a future brother or sister in Christ. In practicing radical love and grace we will be transformed as we seek to transform our world into the kingdom of God, here on earth. Amen.


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A Choice

Reading: Psalm 138:13-18

Psalm 139:16 – “On your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me.”

Returning to Psalm 139 today we read verses 13-18, a most personal and intimate look at our relationship with God – should we choose it. Whether or not one is currently walking with God, these words are true. Each and every one of us, no matter our ethnicity or vocation or gender or place in life or place of birth or anything else, each was “knit together” by God in the womb. Each of us was “marvelously set apart” – each formed and shaped by God in our own unique ways.

As God wove and weaves each human being together, there was or is a plan and a purpose in God’s mind. To this one that gift was given and to that one this talent is given, each to play a role in the building of God’s kingdom. Each of us was and is seen and known by God. Because of this love and knowledge, “on your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me.” Here is where we have a choice. Here is where free will can thwart God’s plan. This is possible because God loves us. We were created this way by God.

The divine within some leads them to be good and kind and merciful and loving in places where Christianity isn’t even known. The human within some leads them to be evil and cruel and oppressive and hateful in places where most folks claim to be “Christian.” The Spirit of God – whether know by this name or as our conscious or as another force – this Spirit speaks into all people’s heart. Again, here we have a choice: to listen and obey or to ignore and deny. No matter one’s choice, though, God remains loving and present. Oh what great love God has for each and every one of us!

Prayer: Lord God, you create us just as you want us to be. You have plans and a purpose for us, just as you want it to be. Open our hearts to hear and follow where you lead and guide, just as you want it to be. Walk with us daily, living out your incomprehensible plans for us, just as you want it to be. Amen.


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Loving, Obeying, Clinging

Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – “Now choose life… by loving the Lord your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

In today’s reading Moses speaks about the clear choice between life and death. On the surface Moses presents this choice as black and white. Throughout the Bible the choice between sinful and faithful living is almost always presented in this way. The reality, though, is that we often live in the gray. But this all-or-none approach applies to most of life. Running a race – you don’t hope to come in third. Applying for jobs – you don’t hope to settle for the job fifth on your list. Looking for a lifelong spouse – you don’t hope for one that’ll probably work out.

As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land the giver of the Law holds up the ideal: obey the commands, love God, walk in God’s ways. Moses tells them, if you do so, “then you will live and thrive.” This is what we aim for in life – first place, dream job, perfect spouse. It is what we are called to aim for in faith – except we’d define “success” a little differently. In our reading, Moses gives us a great definition: “Now choose life… by loving the Lord your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.”

Moses, typically the Law guy, gives a description that is more “faith” than “religion,” more about a way of being in the world rather that about how to behave in the world. If we choose this relational walk of faith, rather than checking off a list of rules, then we are less likely to turn away from God or to worship other gods. Walking and living in a relationship with God, we will live and thrive. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, today we hear the clear choice: choose you or choose self and the world that comes with it. While we do live in between, Lord, help us to choose your will and way more and more each day as we strive to grow closer and closer to you. Empower, encourage, and strengthen us moment by moment as we desire to love you more fully and to walk in your ways more completely, clinging to you always. You are our only hope. Amen.


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Steadfast, Persistent, Faithful God

Reading: Psalm 139:1-6

Psalm 139:3 – “You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.”

Psalm 139 is a celebration of God’s presence in our lives and in our world. In today’s reading and in Friday’s reading we focus in on God’s intimately personal connection to and knowledge of us. It is both awesome and terrifying that our ever-present, all-knowing God knows us even better than we know ourselves.

In verse 1 the psalmist states, “Lord, you have examined me. You know me.” David adds, “You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways” in verse 5. It is awesome and wonderful that the God of all creation knows every one of us in this detail. It’s like that best friend that can finish your sentences – except God can do that before we even speak the first word. Because God knows us this well, this deeply, then God has an insight or two about us, about our faith, about our lives, about our plans and schemes.

On my best days, I welcome all of this. As the Holy Spirit speaks into my life, offering both encouragement and direction and critique and correction, the whispers draw me closer to walking as Jesus calls me to walk. But on those other days, I do not have ears to hear or a heart to receive. I bristle at or deny or ignore or reject the words and nudges of the Spirit. But here’s the best thing about God: on those harder days, God doesn’t give up. Because God knows me thoroughly and loves me unconditionally, God is steadfast and persistent. God knows me and has a great plan for me. The same is true for you!

In verse 6 the psalmist writes, “This kind of knowledge is too much for me. It’s so high above me that I can’t reach it.” Yes, all true. Much of God is mystery, far beyond us. But also true: God in Spirit comes to us, seeks us, walks with us, shows us the way. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, open our ears and hearts to your voice, to your guidance and direction. Remind us of how much you love us. From there, may we receive all that you offer. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.


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Are We Willing?

Reading: Luke 14:25-33

Luke 14:22 – “Whoever doesn’t carry their own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

Today in Luke’s gospel we read some words that can feel challenging. Jesus is speaking to a large crowd that is traveling with him. These are words that all who consider Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior need to hear often. For those present and for us today who read these words, the question is being asked: Are you willing to do what is required to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?

Jesus begins with this: Are you willing to put Jesus first in your life? Only if Jesus is ahead of family and “even one’s own life,” only then can one follow Jesus. When there is no one between Jesus and you, yes, can you pick up your cross to follow him. Jesus must be the only one on the throne of our hearts, otherwise we’ll lay down that cross when things get hard…

The initial question is followed up with a consideration of the cost of following Jesus. Like everything else in our life that we commit to, there is a cost to discipleship. Using the example of building a tower, Jesus invites his followers to consider if they’re willing to make a lifelong commitment. We need to understand that a walk of faith is 24/7 – long, steady, constant, and all-encompassing.

Jesus then uses a war example, reminding us that a walk of faith is a constant battle. The forces fighting against our daily faithful walk are powerful and unrelenting. Satan and the lures of this world must be fought against regularly. We must be willing to battle almost constantly if we are to walk with Jesus. Our biggest battle is with “things.” Are we willing to put where we live, what we wear, our gifts and talents, even our status and power, to use in the building of God’s kingdom? Are we willing to give up whatever is required to prioritize humble service to Christ above all else?

Prayer: Lord God, these words are challenging and difficult. But they are also encouraging. Jesus lays out the requirements, yes, but is also reminding us that faith is a choice that we do not make alone. We have within us all that we need to walk faithfully each day: the Holy Spirit. Lead and guide us today. Empower and equip us, O Lord, to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Amen.


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Can You Feel It?

Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-11

Jeremiah 18:11 – “I am a potter preparing disaster for you… So each one of you, turn from your evil ways; reform your ways and actions.”

In Jeremiah 18 God sends the prophet to the potter’s house. Using this mental image, this visual, it brings God’s word to life. In ancient times, pottery was used for many things: food and water storage, cooking and baking, cleansing. Jeremiah’s audience would be very familiar with a potter and the work they did. Like Jesus’ many examples drawn from his agricultural society, the potter imagery instantly connects the people to God’s message.

At the potter’s house Jeremiah observes the piece being made. It becomes flawed as it is being formed, so the potter starts over. That’s the thing about clay – until fired in the kiln, if kept properly, it can be reshaped again and again. Extending this idea, God says to God’s people, “Can’t I deal with you like this potter?” While these words can sound a bit threatening, these are really words of grace and mercy. Through Jeremiah and many other prophets, God has warned Judah (and Israel before them) again and again. Yet they continued to displease and disobey God. So God declares, “I am a potter preparing disaster for you… So each one of you, turn from your evil ways; reform your ways and actions.” God so desires for Judah to walk in right relationship with God. Can you feel it?

This potter metaphor applies to our lives as well. When God first created you, created me, God did so with an end product in mind. From the beginning, God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. But along the way we become flawed. We sin, we get distracted, we wander. And there is God, the potter, bringing us back to the wheel, reshaping us again and again. God so desires to walk in a close, personal relationship with us. Can you feel it?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your deep and unconditional love for us. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness that always returns to the wheel of our life, steadily shaping us into who you created us to be. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we feel and sense your guidance and direction, taking an active role in our relationship with you. Amen.


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Live Out These Words

Reading: Matthew 6:9-11

Matthew 6:11 – “Give us the bread we need for today.”

Today’s reading brings us a portion of “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is just three short verses but, as it was with much of what Jesus said, there is a lot to these words. There are three requests of God in these verses. And there are actions and responses required of us.

Verse 9 reads, in part, “uphold the holiness of your name.” Jesus is asking God to keep God’s holiness ever on our hearts and minds. To uphold this requires much of us. First and foremost we recall the charge to be holy as God is holy. Moment by moment we are charged with being like Christ was in the world: holy, yes, but also compassionate, forgiving, generous, empathetic, present.

Verse 10 asks God to “bring in your kingdom.” This asks God to make earth like heaven, to have God’s will done here on earth. This, of course, requires our cooperation and help. It calls us to love and care for “the least of these” and to stand against injustice, oppression, violence… These evils have no place in God’s kingdom – in heaven or here on earth.

Lastly, “Give us the bread we need for today.” This asks God to provide our daily bread – our physical sustenance – and to provide for our other needs too. This is a charge to trust in God. It is not a prayer for God to help us get what we think we need or to empower us so that we can be self-sufficient. No, it is a prayer of surrender, leaning into God’s care and trusting that this will be more than sufficient.

In all ways may we strive to live out these words.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us today to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, hearing your voice, feeling your nudges. Lead us to be in the world as Christ was in the world – loving others more than self, serving humbly and gently. Deepen our trust and faith in you as we experience your power working in us and through us, transforming us and your world. Amen.


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Where Your Treasure Is…

Reading: Matthew 6:19-29

Matthew 6:22 – “The eye is the lamp of the body. Therefore, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”

Turning to our passage for today we must be aware of the context. Jesus has just spoken against showy religion, showy prayer, and showy fasting. In the middle of this critique of the behaviors of the religious leaders, Jesus teaches about “proper prayer.” This section contains what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is a humble prayer of surrender and trust. Praying (and living) these words counters the tendency to be showy with our faith. Instead of seeking to be noticed by others, Jesus tells us to give, pray, and fast in secret. It is then that God will notice and “will reward you “

In verse 19 Jesus tells us to “stop collecting treasures for your benefit on earth.” These treasures are partly the recognition from others that can drive us to practice “showy religion.” There treasures are also the stuff, titles, and power that we can also seek. Jesus warns that moths, rust, and thieves will ultimately take away our fine clothing, our fancy cars…, and our wealth. These treasures are only temporal.

Jesus next points toward the condition or focus of our heart. In verse 22 Jesus says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. Therefore, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” In Jesus’ day it was thought that the eye revealed the condition of the heart. The eyes revealed the light or the darkness that was in one’s heart. If our eyes see and pursue the things of this world, then these are truly the desires of our heart. If our eyes see other’s stuff and we worry about our status, our food and drink, our clothes… then we are seeking the ways of the world and not God’s ways.

Pointing to creation, Jesus notes how God cares for and provides for the birds and the lilies. This is a call for us to trust in God’s love for us, to seek this love above all else, to make this our treasure. When we do, we live into Jesus’ words: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How true. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, our flesh desires to be noticed, recognized, looked up to. This is why we chase after the things of this world – treasures that feel like they satisfy but don’t last. Guide us by your Spirit, raise up the divine within us, lead our hearts to pursue your heart’s desires above all else. Amen.


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No Wind Chasing!

Reading: Ecclesiastes 6:1-9

Ecclesiastes 6:9 – “It’s better to enjoy what’s at hand than to have an insatiable appetite. This too is pointless, just chasing wind.”

The book of Ecclesiastes is addressed to prosperous people who think that material possessions will bring lasting satisfaction. The writer frequently reminds readers that “nothing under the sun” is permanent. Wisdom, wealth, power? Ha! Just a puff of wind.

Turning to chapter 6 today, the author addresses our “appetites” for the things of this world. Verse 1 begins with “I saw a tragedy…” Still working from the blessings-curses framework evident in Job yesterday, the author notes that God does indeed give some people “wealth, riches, and glory.” Such as these – “they lack nothing.” Yet, these folks do not enjoy the blessings. Instead, they pass away and others – “a stranger” – enjoys these worldly blessings.

Next, the Teacher writes of those with children, also considered a great blessing in this culture. Yes, someone can have 100 children and long life. But if they are not content with “life’s good things” – family and good health in this case – then “a stillborn child… is better off than they are.” The author argues that this child has more peace than one who lives 2,000 years but does not enjoy life’s good things.

In this life, whether rich or poor, the writer observes that “the appetite is never full.” All people are drawn to the things of this world. In verse 9 we read, “It’s better to enjoy what’s at hand than to have an insatiable appetite. This too is pointless, just chasing wind.” Be content. Enjoy life as it is. Don’t strive for more and more. As my friend Peggy once said, bloom where you are planted. And… don’t chase after the wind!

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to chase after you with all that we are. Lead us to trust in you for our provision, for our “daily bread.” Relying upon you alone, fill us with contentment and peace, with joy and happiness. Amen.


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Instead…

Reading: Job 20:19-29

Job 20:22 – “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.”

Today’s reading comes from the book of Job. Much of the content, including today’s, is set in the belief of the day: “God blessed the righteous and punishes the wicked.” In the understanding of the day, there were no exceptions. Zophar, today’s speaker, and Job’s wife and other friends – they cannot begin to fathom the possibility that Job is righteous. Job lost almost everything, therefore Job is a sinner.

In verse 19 Zophar is speaking of “they.” These are the wicked in the land. These are the sinners in the context of the day. These crush and abandon the poor, stealing their houses. These do not know contentment. The constant desire for more leaves their “belly” ever hungry. And what they’ve accumulated, Zophar says, “their riches will not endure.” He adds, “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.” Yes, there is no true peace or joy, no true contentment for the wicked of this world.

One day, though, Zophar tells us, God will fill the wicked’s bellies with “burning anger.” One day the wicked will enter the “complete darkness” that awaits them. Yes, one day heaven will “expose their guilt” because this is the fate of the wicked. All of this remains true for those who live for self, who trod over others and do not care, who take advantage of the powerless and the marginalized. There is a choice to be made. There is a better way: the way of Christ. Instead of accumulating, we can practice generosity. Instead of running over, we can stand with. Instead of seeking advantage, we can strive to level the playing field for the lowly and the downtrodden. Brothers and sisters in Christ, may it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, turn our hearts away from selfish thoughts, desires, and actions. Turn our hearts towards compassion, generosity, and justice. Use us to stem the tide of evil that plagues our land. Use us as light and love that shines into the darkness and hate. Amen.