pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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The Glory Forever and Always

Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:16-18

2nd Timothy 4:18: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom.”

Our reading today begins with Paul sharing a challenging time in his life. In verse 16 he shares that when he had to stand trial before the Roman judge (likely Caesar,) he had to stand alone. No one stood by his side. He felt abandoned, much as Jesus must’ve felt as the disciples fled into the night as he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. There have been, maybe are, and will be times when we feel abandoned by our friends and perhaps even by our families. We can relate to what Paul felt as he stood trial.

But Paul wasn’t alone. He shares, “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” God entered into his aloneness and encouraged Paul. This was so Paul’s witness to the gospel could be fully shared. In his final hours, God walked with Jesus too, empowering him to walk faithfully through a very difficult time. The Lord will do the same for us. When we seek to draw near to God in our times of need, God will draw near to us.

Turning to the long game of a steady walk with God, Paul writes, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom.” Paul knows that another court date lies ahead. It might be his last trial in this life. Maybe more will come. Whatever the case, Paul knows that at the end, heaven awaits. As we face trials in this life, may we too choose to trust in God’s present and eternal promises, assured that the Lord our God will save us. Living with this trust, our lives will declare as Paul’s did, “To him be the glory forever and always!”

Prayer: Lord God, when we are abandoned by everyone who should stand by our side, remind us that you are still right there. Guide us to turn to you, the one who will never abandon or forsake us. In your presence and strength, use our witness to bring you all the glory. Amen.


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“Preach” Always

Reading: 2nd Timothy 3:14-4:5

2nd Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.”

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy begins with an invitation to stay focused on the word of God. Timothy began learning the word as a young child and has grown in his understanding of the scriptures. Paul reminds him that all scripture is useful – sometimes for teaching, other times for correcting, sometimes for training, other times for showing mistakes. As our guide to faith, scripture will equip the faithful “to do everything that is good.”

Shifting to chapter 4, Paul commissions Timothy “in the presence of God and if Jesus Christ.” The heart of his commission falls mostly in verse 3, where we read, “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.” While the formal preaching most often happens on Sunday morning, the most impactful sharing of the good news occurs outside of that 15-20 minutes. The bold and powerful witness, the sure and steady faith – this is how we “preach” our faith. Putting heart, voice, hands, and feet to service in the kingdom of God is the best possible way to preach the good news.

Paul warns Timothy that there will be challenges and suffering. He speaks of a time when people will “collect teachers who say what they want to hear.” Truth will be sacrificed for personal comfort and personal gain. In the midst of this, Paul emphasizes the importance of Timothy’s choices, advising him to “keep control of yourself in all circumstances.” Don’t engage in the ugly, don’t get caught up in the division. Prudent advice for our day too!

The apostle’s closing advice to Timothy is complete: endure suffering, do the work of sharing the good news, serve fully. Give God all that you are and all that you have. May this be our daily goal.

Prayer: Lord God, you ask for all of us – our energy, our resources, our time, our gifts and talents, our prayers, our love – given in witness to the good news of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Guide us, Lord, to preach always. Strengthen us when we’re weak. Encourage us when we’re challenged. Comfort us when we’re suffering. In all ways and at all times, use us to build the kingdom of God. Amen.


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A Good Shepherd

Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12 and 20-31

Ezekiel 34:27 – “They will be safe on their fertile land, and they will know that I am the Lord when I break the bars of their yoke.”

Photo credit: Ronnie Khan

Chapter 34 begins with the denouncement of Israel’s current leaders. What was the case before exile has continued in exile. God through Ezekiel pronounces doom on these poor leaders for living in luxury while ignoring the weak, the sick, the injured, the strays, the lost. There are many injustices so the flock scattered and then became prey. God promises to hold these bad shepherds accountable.

Beginning in verse 11, God offers the remedy. Here God proclaims: “I myself will search for my flock and seek them out… I will rescue them…” God will gather the scattered and care for the weak, the sick, the injured… As we continue in our reading we see that God will judge between the “fat and lean” sheep – between those living in luxury and those who struggle to survive.

God promises restoration, a new era. A David-like ruler will be appointed and a new covenant of peace will be established. Rains of blessing will pour down. Oppression and injustice will be no more. In verse 27 we read, “They will be safe on their fertile land, and they will know that I am the Lord when I break the bars of their yoke.” Without the yoke of oppression and injustice, there will be peace. There will be no famine; there will be no disgrace.

While the bad shepherds ignored these words of judgment, these words would offer great hope to the weak, the sick, the injured… to those living on the margins and edges. These words feel very relevant today. As injustices scatter people, as oppression sits heavy on others, as callous acts increase hunger, the people of God long for a good shepherd – not just for ourselves but also for the least of these among us. God’s children long for the rains of blessing and for a time of peace and grace. O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve always, always, always had a heart for the weak, the sick, the injured… You’ve always, always, always called for the faithful to join you in your care for the least of these. Lord, bridge the huge gulf between our reality and your preferred future. Use us to be a part of that bridge, each in our own ways caring for the weak, the sick, the injured… for the scattered and the oppressed. Amen.


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Faith Always

Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Deuteronomy 6:6 – “These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Today’s verses begin with a call to attention: Listen! This is followed by the ‘great commandment’ to love God with all of one’s “heart… being… strength.” The words of reminder that we read today are set within the giving of the Law. The Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law were given to govern all aspects of the personal and social lives of the Israelites. Many years later, as he worked out the core tenets and practices of Methodism, John Wesley would call these two ‘sides’ of our faith personal and social holiness.

In verse 6 we feel the completeness of the call to love God: “These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds.” As implied in the great commandment, faith is to guide all areas of our lives. Faith is not just part of our life, lifting up a prayer now and then, loving God or neighbor when it is convenient… Faith is to be lived out 24/7, to be “always” on our minds and in our hearts.

‘How’ we do this is unpacked in verses 7-9. We are to teach the way of faith to our children. We are to talk about our faith when we get up, when we lie down, and in between. We are to write key verses here and there. Today we do so with sticky notes, bookmarks, posters, wall art, mugs… All are ways to remind ourselves to live out our faith always.

Why is all of this necessary? To be honest, we by nature are selfish and inwardly focused. Left on our own or even practicing a sometimes faith, things like greed, power, jealousy, control, lust… begin to guide our lives. In this constant battle we need reminders of who and what we are called to be: people who live God with all that we are.

Prayer: Lord God, when we become tempted, whisper your love into our heart. When the temptation leads to sin, pour your grace, mercy, and forgiveness over us. In our daily lives, Lord, remind us again and again of your truths and if your call to walk in your ways. Amen.


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With Us Always

Reading: Psalm 91:9-16

Psalm 91:10 – “No evil will happen to you; no disease will come near to your tent.”

Psalm 91 is a liturgy of divine protection. The psalmist is expressing his or her belief in God as protector. They express an absolute trust in God. In verse 9 God is declared to be a place of refuge, the place of residence. The Psalm closes with God’s promise to fill them with “old age” and to “show you my salvation.” Throughout the Psalm we see the Jewish belief that living a godly life will result in being blessed by God. There will be rescue, protection, answered prayer, saving.

In verse 10 we read, “No evil will happen to you; no disease will come near to your tent.” This is backed up in verse 11, where we read that God will order the angels to protect us “wherever you go.” In verse 12 we read that we won’t even “bruise a foot” because the angels will carry us. With God’s protection we’ll be able to “march on top of lions and vipers.” These words express trust and faith in God. These words were written in a time when all things were seen as under God’s control.

As the biblical narrative unfolds, we see a shift in understanding. God created and designed the world and set it into motion. God does not, however, micromanage the world. Evil, free will, selfishness, greed… – these are part of the human condition. Nobody teaches a young child, for example, to want that toy just for themselves. They must be taught to share. Illness and death are also part of the human condition. Our bodies are amazing, complex creations of God. We are not, however, bulletproof, fireproof, illness-proof… These realities of life bring oppression, injustice, pain, grief, suffering. God desires to be with us in these hard moments. Calling upon God in faith and trust, our God of relationship will walk with us always.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always being with us when we call out. Lead and guide us to have a deep trust in your love and care for us. Impart upon us also an understanding of the realities of the human condition. In moments of goodness and joy, in moments when evil or illness or when poor decisions impact our lives, draw us to you, be present in our trials, walk with us in all of life. Amen.


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Trust Always and Forever

Reading: John 14:1-3

John 14:3 – “I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.”

Jesus calls the disciples away from being troubled and into trusting. The disciples are troubled by what they’ve just heard. The one of them with the most verve, the most confidence, the most daring faith – he will deny knowing Jesus. If this one will fail Jesus, they wonder, what chance do the rest of us stand? These thoughts would trouble us too. Similar thoughts trouble us. A co-worker is unexpectedly let go. We question our job security. A friend loses a spouse. We question our health and our mortality. When the news that we receive rocks our world, it is easy to become troubled.

Jesus calls the disciples to trust in him and in God. To trust in Jesus is to trust into the three years together. He is inviting them to lean into the relationship, into the connection that has developed and deepened by living daily with Jesus. He is also reminding them of the relationship that they have with God. This is founded upon the scriptural promises that they are currently living out with the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through the prophets, God spoke of this time. We can trust in Jesus and God for these same reasons. Our walk of faith has built a relationship that we can trust. Our time in the word has revealed a God we can trust always and forever.

Jesus then connects these ideas of trust to the eternal in verses 2 and 3. He tells the disciples, “I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.” One day this will be true for all who believe. It may be as Jesus personally meets us to take us to our eternal home. It may be at his second coming, when he returns in his final glory. Either way, we will be with Jesus. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, day by day as we walk with you, our trust grows, our relationship deepens. But then that hard news hits. We can feel like we’re back to the days before we knew you personally. We can feel so all alone. In those moments, Lord, remind us of your constant presence, of your eternal promises, of your unending love and care. Hold us tightly in your arms. Amen.


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Trust Always

Reading: Acts 21-23

Acts 21:13 – “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Paul’s journey to Jerusalem (and eventually to Rome) begins in our reading for today. Working his way towards Jerusalem, Paul encounters a prophet, Agabus, in Caesarea. He prophesies that Paul will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles (the Romans.) In response, Paul declares, “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.” His resolve is set. In this, Paul reminds me of Jesus as he “set his face like flint” as he made the final trip to Jerusalem. His trust is in God. Paul is absolutely focused on his one mission: to witness to all about Jesus his Lord.

Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul gives a detailed report of God’s activity amongst the Gentiles. James and the elders warn him of the rumors about Paul rejecting Moses and the Law. While undergoing a purification ritual to demonstrate his devotion to Judaism, Paul is seized, accused, and drug out of the temple. The commotion draws the attention of a nearby Roman commander, who rescues Paul. Unable to ascertain the cause of the unrest, Paul is taken to military headquarters, where he asks to address the people.

Permission granted, Paul gives his history – born a Jew, taught as a Pharisee, harasser of the followers of Jesus. He tells of his Damascus Road experience and his conversion. As he tells of the Jews rejection and being sent to the Gentiles, the crowd erupts in anger. To learn the truth, the commander orders Paul “questioned under the whip.” It is then that Paul reveals he is a Roman citizen by birth. The commander orders an assembly of the Jewish leaders.

Paul wisely divides the Pharisees and Sadducees along theological lines. After being removed from this dangerous situation, Jesus tells Paul that he will ultimately testify in Rome. A treasonous plot is foiled and Paul is brought to Governor Felix. Learning that Paul is from Cilicia, he will hear Paul’s case. This trial will unfold tomorrow as the Jewish leaders arrive in Caesarea.

Prayer: Lord God, no matter the crowd, no matter the threat, no matter the audience, Paul trusts always in you. Filled with your presence and power, Paul always trusts into your plans and into your purposes for his life. Lord, fill us with that same power and presence, making us ever ready to trust in you with all that we are and with all that we have. May it be so – all for the glory of your kingdom! Amen.


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God Alone Can Rescue

Reading: Daniel 4-7

Daniel 6:26 – “All people must fear and revere Daniel’s God because: He is the living God. God stands firm forever.”

Photo credit: Stormseeker

The “story” portion of Daniel continues today. Tomorrow’s reading turns to Daniel’s dreams and visions. Chapter 4 begins with Nebuchadnezzar telling of God’s grace, mercy, and restoration. He has a dream where a very tall tree ruled over all, caring well for everyone. That was Nebuchadnezzar. Yeah! But then the tree was cut down and destroyed, leaving only a stump bound with iron and bronze. He lost his mind for seven years, living amongst the wild animals. Finally, he humbles himself, as Daniel has asked him to do, and God restores him fully. The king worships God, declaring that God’s works are true, that God’s paths are just, and that God’s power will humble the prideful.

Chapter 5 shifts to the next king, Belshazzar. At a big party he calls for and drinks from the goblets taken from the temple. A hand appears and writes on the wall. Fear seizes all. Despite a big reward, no one can read or interpret the words. The queen enters and remembers Daniel. He is summoned and first reminds the king how God humbled Nebuchadnezzar. It is a warning that’s ignored. Daniel then interprets the writing: “Mene, mene, tekel, parsin.” Your days are numbered, you haven’t measured up, your kingdom will be divided. That night Belshazzar is killed. Darius the Mede becomes king.

Darius establishes a new governmental system. 120 regional officials will report to three main officers. Daniel is one of these three at first. Soon Darius is considering making him #1. This spawns jealousy which spawns a plot. The 122 leaders trick Darius into signing a decree that people can only pray to him. Daniel prays to God, “just like he always did.” On the way into the pit, Darius says, “Your God… will rescue you.” After a sleepless night, Darius discovers that God has done just that. He then issues a decree stating, “All people must fear and revere Daniel’s God because: He is the living God. God stands firm forever.” The proof, he says, is that God rescued Daniel. When we must decide between God and career or status or some other thing, may we trust in our God who rescues and saves.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone can rescue. You alone can save. There are many things, God, that can rise up in our selfish hearts, drawing us away from you. When they begin to have voice, when they start to pull at us, remind us of your better plan for our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit guide us to stand for and in your promise to rescue and save. Amen.


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Always There with Us

Readings: Psalms 33-36

‭Psalm 36:6 – “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.”

Photo credit: Lidia Nikole

Our readings today begin and end with two Psalms of praise. Psalm 34 begins with praises for God’s goodness and faithfulness, for God speaking creation into being. The psalmist celebrates God’s rule over all the earth. Kings and warriors aren’t saved by their strength and power (and neither are we!) No, the psalmist says, put your hope and trust in the Lord alone. Psalm 36 does begin by recognizing the evil and wicked choices of the sinful. But the psalmist quickly shifts to praising God for God’s faithful love and for “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.” God is worthy of our praise! Yes, we take refuge under God’s wings. Yes, God’s light is our light!

Psalms 34 and 35 speak of the good and evil that is present in our world and in our lives. Psalm 34 begins with blessing and praising God for answered prayers and for deliverance. Then the psalmist offers a warning and also some words of encouragement: keep your tongue from evil, do good, seek peace. The author declares that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.” Note the present tense of these verbs! These warnings, the hope, the encouragement – they apply to our lives too!

Psalm 35 begins with pleas for God to act: “Stand up and help me!” Rescue is needed from those who want to humiliate, shame, and harm. We too have lifted these calls. The psalmist laments that even though he or she fasted and grieved when “they” were sick, now they rejoice in his or her stumbles. The psalmist cries out, “How long…?”

The Psalm closes with renewed requests for justice, for the enemies to be the ones who are disgraced. Then, then the psalmist will praise the Lord. Then… When we are hard-pressed, when we feel the full assault of evil, then, yes, it can be hard to praise the Lord. Yet, as the song goes, “May we praise you in the storm.” May it be so because God is always there with us.

Prayer: Lord God, we so want justice to be served, to see wrongs made right. When we are tempted to execute our justice, pause us and remind us first of your grace that covers us. And then, then remind us that you alone are the judge, that you alone know true justice. Help us to trust, O God, in your strong righteousness and in your deep justice. Help us to stand on that mountain, to wade into that deep sea, for you alone are God. Amen.


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Present

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:16-24

Verses 16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”

Light and dark

The nine verses that come to us today at the end of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians are jam-packed. Originally, of course, there were not verses in the letter. They were simply sentences that followed one after another. And these eight sentences have a lot in them! It was as if Paul had lots left to say but only had a little room left on the back side of his last piece of parchment.

In the first sentence, or in verses 16-18, Paul offers these words: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” Yes, this is God’s will for our lives. Each phrase could easily be a couple of paragraphs. And Paul, above all people, should know that life can be really hard. There are many times when joy is hard to find, when prayer feels like a non-option, when gratitude is just not happening. But Paul is not asking us to be joyful or whatever for the hardship… He is reminding us that we can be joyful, prayerful, and even grateful in the hardship… because God is with us in the hardship… We do not go through life on our own. God is always present.

Being present is the thought that carries on through the letter’s closing. To keep the Spirit’s fire, to hold to the scriptures, to hold everything up to God’s light, to do good and not evil – these are the ways that we remain present to and with the God who is ever present to us. Paul closes with the outcomes of a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God: we will be sanctified (made holy) and we will live righteous lives. Yes, God is faithful. May we be too!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder today that you are always with us. In the good, in the bad – in all of it – you are with us. Immanuel, help us to stay connected, dependent, and committed to our relationship with you. There is no other way. Amen.