pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: behavior


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Red Flags

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-5

2nd Thessalonians 2:3 – “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.”

As we continue in 2nd Thessalonians this week, Paul addresses these churches first concern in today’s passage. There are false teachers in their community. They are teaching something that does not seem to align with who and what they know Jesus to be or with what Paul has taught them. This confusion has raised some red flags within these communities of faith.

Paul taught the churches that one day Jesus would return in glory to gather the faithful together to be with him in eternity. This was known as “the day of the Lord.” Some false teachers are telling the Thessalonian Christians that the day has already come. Paul first calls them away from these falsehoods, saying, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.” Next he invites them to remember. He reminds them, there will be signs and behaviors that will indicate evil and not good, that will point to Satan and not to God. Our passage today closes with Paul essentially asking, ‘Don’t you remember all that I taught you?’

We do not have to look very far today to see people who claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ that act and speak in ways that run against who and what Jesus said and did. Red flags should fly up when people who claim to be Christian speak and act in ways that are in direct conflict with the “red letters” of Jesus in our Bibles. When words and actions harm the most vulnerable among us, they are clearly not words and actions aligned with Jesus Christ. Care for “the least of these” and loving the outcasts and the marginalized were the focus of much of what Jesus taught and modeled. Christians follow and are obedient to Jesus’ teachings and example. My friends, don’t let anyone deceive you.

Prayer: Lord God, running throughout the scriptures we see your heart for the vulnerable in your commands to house the alien and foreigner, to clothe the naked, to feed the hungry, to protect and defend the immigrant. Jesus engaged the outsiders, drew in the excluded, spent time with the ignored, lifted up the downtrodden and lowly. Open our eyes, alert our hearts, Jesus, when people claim you as Lord yet ignore or even act counter to these commands and examples. Then move us, God, and use us to speak truth. Amen.


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Our Faithful God

Reading: Lamentations 1:1-6

Lamentations 1:5b – “Certainly the Lord caused her grief because of her many wrongs.”

Lamentations is a vivid and emotional account of the destruction of Jerusalem and her temple at the hands of the Babylonians. Jeremiah is likely the primary author. The prophet worked long and hard trying to call the leaders and the people back into right relationship with God. But they chose to ignore his words of warning, instead choosing to trust in idols and foreign nations. Lamentations primarily deals with the consequences of these sinful choices but also offers hope in God’s love and faithfulness.

Lamentations personifies Jerusalem as a woman, present in the great destruction, sitting in the ruins. In the first verse we read, “She sits alone, the city that was once full of people.” When I first read this line, my brain read “promise” instead of “people.” Then I thought, yes, once Judah relied on and trusted in God’s promises. Their choice to trust in their own power and efforts has led them to become “slaves” sent away into exile. Maybe my brain read it this way because sadly at times this is our choice too. We choose self over God and/or neighbor, becoming a “slave” to our sin, exiling ourselves from God’s presence.

The author believes that Judah’s tears and mourning and grief are the direct result of her sinful behaviors. In verse 5 we read, “Certainly the Lord caused her grief because of her many wrongs.” While we do not subscribe to the ancient Jew’s understanding of faith as “do good, be blessed… do evil, be cursed,” we do experience tears, mourning, and grief at times as the practical outcomes of our sinful and selfish choices. While we do exile ourselves at times, God always remains present. Our faithful God listens to our painful laments while allowing us to be refined and to grow in faith because of our hard lessons. In this we find hope – as the author of Lamentations does as we turn to chapter 3 tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, while we are far from perfect, your perfect love never wavers, never fails. While we wander and separate ourselves from you, your steadfast presence is always right there, ready to redirect, to teach, to forgive, to welcome us back into right relationship. Thank you God!! Amen.


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Sincere Love

Reading: 1st Peter 3-5

1st Peter 4:7-8 – “Be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray. Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins.”

1st Peter 3-5 is mostly about the ways to conduct ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ. In chapter 3 Peter writes about having an inner beauty that can win over non-believers and also about honoring those who are weaker. He encourages all believers to be of one mind (Christ’s), to be compassionate, and to be modest. When someone asks about our hope, be ready to speak with “respectful humility.”

Peter also addresses suffering. He begins with a reminder that Jesus Christ “suffered on account of sins, once for all.” This was so a believer can enter into the presence of God. Peter encourages us to “arm yourself with his way of thinking.” He invites us to rejoice when we share in Christ’s suffering because then one day we will rejoice when his glory is revealed. If we suffer in Christ’s name, Peter declares we are blessed because “the Spirit of God rests on you.”

Christian behavior receives much attention in these chapters. Don’t pay back evil or insults with evil or insults – give blessings. Don’t waste time doing what unbelievers do. Instead, “Be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray. Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins.” Open your homes and serve one another using the gifts God has given. Humble yourselves. Throw your anxiety on God. (He cares about you.) Keep alert – the devil is on the prowl. Resist and stand firm in the faith, knowing that others are also enduring suffering. And in the end, “the God of all grace will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.” Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, build up in each of us obedience, compassion, and a humble servant’s heart. Walk with us, bringing strength and encouragement during the trials and suffering. In those moments, remind us of the way of Christ, he who suffered for each and every one of us. Daily help us to model a genuine faith, standing firm in your love and grace. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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The Good Fight

Reading: 1st Timothy 4-6

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.”

In chapters 4-6 Paul addresses spiritual leadership, caring for the family of God, and holy living. These three are very much interconnected and one supports the other. For example, holy living is essential for good leadership and it drives how we care for one another. Likewise, good leadership empowers holy living and caring well for each other.

Chapter 4 begins with the recognition that some will turn away from the faith. They will be deceived. Paul encourages young Timothy to be a “good servant of Jesus Christ.” He implores him to “train in holy living.” Paul invites Timothy to “set an example” for the believers through his own speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and sexual purity. He also asks Timothy to keep working on his own faith growth and development. All of this gives Timothy solid ground to stand upon as he leads the family of God.

Paul turns to caring for the family next. He encourages Timothy to show respect to the older men and women and to treat the younger ones as brothers and sisters. Paul directs Timothy to care for the older widows who are truly in need, who have been faithful, and who are alone. If a widow has family, they are to care for her. Timothy is instructed to publicly deal with sinners, without bias or favoritism. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who are creating jealousy and conflict as they try to profit from the believers. Paul declares that this love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. Instead, Paul encourages these men to “do good… to be generous… to share with others.” This will store up a foundation for the future, allowing them to “take hold of what truly is life.”

Paul then returns to holy living. He encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love… Paul implores young Timothy, “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.” Paul tells him to do this “without fault or failure” until the Lord appears. May it be so for you and me too!

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly hear and put into practice these guidelines for holy living. Lead us daily to pursue faith, righteousness, holiness, and a servant’s heart. In turn, guide us to use these to lead well when given opportunity and to care well for our brothers and sisters in Christ always. Empower us to fight the good fight of faith today and every day. Amen.


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One in Spirit

Reading: 1st Corinthians 4-6

1st Corinthians 6:19 – “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Paul begins by defining his role as a “servant of Christ” and as a “manager of God’s secrets.” Being faithful is the given expectation. The time to evaluate this will come when Jesus returns. Then people’s motivations will be revealed. In the present, though, the apostles are physically hard-pressed and they are dishonored, insulted, harassed, and attacked. In return, they work hard, bless, and encourage. Paul invites the believers to follow his example and to listen to Timothy’s teaching. He warns the arrogant: “God’s kingdom isn’t about words but about power.” Today we might say, “Talk is cheap.”

In chapters 5 and 6 Paul addresses many immoral behaviors within the church. A man is sleeping with his mother-in-law. Paul instructs the church to “hand him over to Satan” so that this weakness is destroyed. Paul warns about allowing evil to exist in the church. It is like yeast that spreads through the whole body. Paul adds greed, idolatry, abuse, drunkenness, and theft to the list of immoral behaviors. He reminds the church that their bodies are “part of Christ” and are “temples of the Holy Spirit.” Paul declares that they have been “bought and paid for.” Therefore they should “honor God with your body.”

Paul also touches on the lawsuits amongst the believers. The fact that this is happening means “you’ve already lost your case.” He isn’t talking about their court cases here. Doing wrong to and cheating a fellow believer has no place in the family of God. Instead, may we be “joined to the Lord,” becoming “one in Spirit” with Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, guide and lead us to be people of moral and upright lives. Empower us to be temples of your Spirit. Enable and encourage us to hold one another accountable to you. Instead of big sticks, grant us a spirit of gentleness and love when we deal with one another. And when we stray or wander, may we receive correction with humility and grace. Amen.


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The Banquet

Reading: Matthew 22-23

Matthew 22:21 – “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Chapter 22 begins with a parable about God’s kingdom. The scene is a wedding party for the king’s son. Proper guests are first invited. But they refuse to come. Then all people are invited – the good and the bad. The banquet hall is filled. But one enters who isn’t prepared to be there. He is removed and thrown into the deepest darkness. Those who were invited first represent the religious leaders and all Jews who refused to accept God’s son as Lord and Savior. The man represents those who say they follow Jesus but really live for self.

Jesus is asked about paying taxes. After examining the coin he declares, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” We are to be good and responsible citizens and faithful followers of God. Jesus clarifies the order when asked about the greatest commandment. First, we are to love God with all that we are. The second is to love neighbor as self. We are to first be faithful followers of God and then to be good and responsible neighbors.

In chapter 23 Jesus condemns the hypocritical ways of the legal experts and the Pharisees. They pile Law upon Law, rule upon rule, on the people but don’t lift a finger to help them in their walk of faith. By contrast, we recall Jesus’ yoke is easy and the burden light. The legal experts and Pharisees love to be seen and noticed. But the “greatest among you” will become the servant. They give a tenth of their spices but ignore justice, peace, and faith. They look great and righteous on the outside but are “full of pretense and rebellion” in their hearts. They refuse to come to the wedding banquet.

There is lament to close out today’s reading. Just as their ancestors abused and killed the prophets, so too will they abuse and kill Jesus, the disciples, the apostles… Jesus longs to gather Jerusalem as a “hen gathers her chicks.” They refuse. They too will not enter the wedding banquet.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read these words today we reflect now on the condition of our hearts. Do we love you with all our being? Is this reflected in how we love neighbor, in how we practice justice, peace, and mercy? Have we truly become part of your kingdom? Or do we just have one foot inside the banquet hall? Lord, help us all. Amen.


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Set Apart

Readings: Numbers 5, Numbers 6, Numbers 7

Numbers 6:24-25 – “The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his face to you and grant you peace.”

Chapter 5 begins with how to keep the camp from becoming unclean and with how to restore relationships in the camp. These simple provisions hold them accountable to one another. The jealous husband case found in verses 11-31 is hard to relate to our world today. John Wesley saw the purpose of this law as twofold. First, it was a deterrent to a woman tempted by adultery. Second, it offered wives protection from the jealousy of hard-hearted husbands. No provision is made anywhere in the Law for a woman who suspected her husband of adultery.

Chapter 6 gives instructions for nazarites. These were non-Levites who wanted to commit a portion of their lives to serving the Lord. Because they were not Levites they could not perform tabernacle duties. They were set apart by following a strict behavioral code. Samson and Samuel are two examples of nazarites who served for life. Most nazarites would serve for a designated period of time. At the end of their service they would offer the standard cycle of offerings to the Lord.

Chapter 7 is a flashback. It recounts the gifts brought to the dedication of the tabernacle written about in Exodus 40. Oxen and wagons are given to enable the Levites to transport the structure of the tabernacle. Then one representative from each tribe brings the same set of gifts to dedicate the altar. The gifts are brought in the order established in Numbers 2.

Our reading closes with Moses entering the tent of meeting to talk with God. This scene connects back to God’s promise made in Exodus 25. Tucked in at the end of chapter 6 is a priestly blessing. We close with a portion today: “The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his face to you and grant you peace.”

Prayer: Lord God, we, like the nazarites, are called to be set apart from the world. Instead of physical practices we are called to spiritual practices that reflect your love, grace, mercy… thereby setting ourselves apart from the world. Empower us to live in your ways. Grant us peace as we seek to live as your disciples. Amen.


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Invitation to Love

Reading: Luke 19:1-6

Verse 5: “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

Today and tomorrow we look at the story of Zacchaeus. This is a very familiar story. It even has its own song! In the story, Jesus is passing through Jericho, Zacchaeus’ home town. But it is not like home. Zacchaeus is a tax collector. He is in partnership with the Romans. The heavy taxes that they demand are collected by people like Zacchaeus. And a perk of the job was the power to collect a little extra for oneself. This double strike against him is what led Zacchaeus to climb the tree. Besides being short, being in a crowd might not have been good for him. Tax collectors were that hated.

As Jesus comes along, he paused at the tree. He looks up and calls Zacchaeus by name. To one who was probably disliked by even his own family, Jesus says, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” The one who was hated and despised by many is loved by Jesus. Isn’t that just like Jesus? It was the same with all from the margins – the woman at the well, the lepers, the one caught in adultery, the demon-possessed. If this is Jesus’ way of being in the world, shouldn’t we too model this kind of behavior?

To that point, who do you know that is out on a limb, that is down in the gutter, that is struggling with poverty, or that is otherwise existing on the fringes of society? And more importantly, how will you invite them into your love and into Jesus’ love?

Prayer: Lord, who is it that you want me to see today as I pass by? Open my eyes and my heart today to really see, to really love. Use me today to show someone that they too are loved. Amen.


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Being a Disciple

Reading: Luke 14:25-27

Verse 26: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate… his [or her] own life cannot be my disciple.”

When was the last time you tried to wheel and deal to get your way or to get something you wanted? When have you tried to negotiate for more time on a project or payment? When have you use a “little white lie” to sway someone or to avoid hardship or trial? When have you fully committed to something only to let it slide, and in short order to boot?! In this life we’ve all been guilty of at least some of these things. This tendency is part of what leads Jesus to speak the words in today’s passage.

In verses 26 Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father… mother… wife… children…” These are hard words to read. How can one be a Christian and hate those closest to him or her? That sounds so contradictory to almost all else that Jesus says. The list does not end here though. Jesus calls us to hate “his [or her] own life.” To me this call brings the first part of verse 26 into a clearer perspective.

To hate our own life is to hate the fleshy and sinful parts of ourselves. To hate the pride and ego, to hate the jealousy and envy, to hate lust and other evil desires – this is something I can understand. It is not easy, but I can get behind this call from Jesus. When I allow these and other sinful behaviors to rule in my life, then I am less than God created me to be. In a similar way, we can hate these parts of father, mother… Speaking the word of truth we can help one another to recognize and deal with these parts of us that lessen the image of God in all of us.

In verse 27 Jesus says, “And anyone who does not carry [her or] his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” To carry the cross of faith is not always easy. To follow in the footsteps and example of Jesus isn’t easy either. We must hate that parts of ourselves (and of those we love) if we are to carry and follow. This is the way that leads to true life. May we willingly and faithfully choose to carry our cross, following in the way, being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to keep you as #1 in my life – over self, over family, over all else. Lead and guide me to walk in your ways. Amen.


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A Beautiful Vision

Reading: Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2

Verses 1 and 2: “Be imitators of God… and live a life of love”.

Photo credit: Freestocks

Looking at this passage yesterday we saw how Satan is at work, ever seeking to plant seeds of evil in our hearts. These seeds can bear fruit if allowed to take root. When these lies and temptations manifest themselves we exhibit “bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander” – just to name a few. These behaviors damage our relationships with God and with one another. They foster disunity and discord and division.

Paul offers a better way in verse 32: “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other as Christ in God forgave you”. Even while calling us to more, Paul also acknowledges the struggle. Being human we will and do fail, we do harm one another. Paul reminds us that forgiveness is also an essential part of our relationship with each other just as it is in our relationship with God.

Paul summarizes his encouragement in chapter five, verses one and two: “Be imitators of God… and live a life of love”. This is such a high calling, such a beautiful vision of what a Christ-follower should be. Like God we should care for one another, serve one another, provide for one another, protect one another, teach one another, comfort one another… And like Christ we should live a life of love – investing in others, having mercy and grace for others, entering into authentic relationship with one another, being a “fragrant offering” for one another. What a beautiful vision. May we seek to share our faith and these practices today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, to imitate you and to love like Christ – wow. Although this seems overwhelming I know that it is what you desire from me. Day by day shape me more and more into this vision. Amen.