pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: believe


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Good for Our Hearts

Reading: Jeremiah 31:10-14

Jeremiah 31:12 – “They will come shouting for joy on the hills of Zion, jubilant over God’s gifts: grain, wine, oil, flocks, and herds.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

As we come to the end of the year, many will pause to look back over 2025, both for good and for bad. This review or assessment process prepares us for 2026. Some people will make resolutions, some will set goals, others will just ponder and reflect. This process often causes emotions to well up in our hearts. While some things are sorrowful, many others cause gratitude to rise up in our hearts for that special time with family, for that promotion, for that trip, for… It is good for our hearts to look back and to give thanks to God.

In today’s passage Jeremiah is giving thanks for something that God will do. The return from exile has not happened yet. In fact, Jeremiah will die in exile. Yet he praises God for what he trusts God will do. The prophet is sure that God will bring Israel home. He believes that God will deliver them. Jeremiah knows in his heart that “They will come shouting for joy on the hills of Zion, jubilant over God’s gifts: grain, wine, oil, flocks, and herds.” Because Jeremiah knows that God is trustworthy and good and loving, he praises God for what he believes God will do.

Because God is good and trustworthy and loving, we too can pray for what we know God will do. A community of faith can pray for that just-right next leader. A church can pray for a family to become a part of their group so that there are young voices in church again. Another congregation can pray for affordable senior housing to become a part of their ministry. We can pray these things and others like them, trusting in our good and loving God, believing in where God is calling and/or leading us. And we give thanks for what God will do in and through our prayers. It is good for our hearts to look forward and to give thanks to God. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your goodness and in your steadfast love for us. Your word tells us that you have good plans for those who love you. It is with this promise in our hearts that we rejoice in all that you will do in us, in our faith communities, and in our world. Thank you God for your faithful love. Amen.


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Share the Gift of Life

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry… will never be thirsty.”

Leading into today’s reading, Jesus has just fed the 5,000 (a corporate miracle) and, after some time in personal prayer, has walked on the water to catch up to the disciples (a personal miracle.) The crowd follows Jesus to Capernaum, his home base for much of his public ministry. Jesus acknowledges that they are looking for him because they want more food. The crowd missed the miracle.

Jesus attempts to redirect the crowd’s focus. He points out that they are now chasing “food that doesn’t last.” Like most of the world most of the time, we can at time spend inordinate amounts of time and energy chasing after all kinds of “food” that doesn’t last: possessions, status, power, popularity. All of these things that feed our human ego and desire sadly leave our spiritual soul hungry and empty. Jesus encourages the crowd (and us) to seek “food that endures for eternal life.” In order to find this “food,” they (and we) must choose to “believe in him who God sent.” Belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior yields sustenance for our journey to eternal life.

Today is a day when many are thankful for the blessings in their lives – home, health, family, friends… Gathered around the table with family and friends, we who claim faith in Jesus also offer thanks to the Lord. We have found and believe in the one who proclaims, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry… will never be thirsty.” Just as we share food and drink around the table today, may we each day share the one who brings eternal life.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for the abundant blessings in our lives, some temporal but many eternal. May we live each day as a celebration of the gift of life that you offer and give – here and now with you and one day in the age to come with you. Through our daily living may others come to know your Son, the gift of life. Amen.


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Rooted in Belief

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:29 – “Jesus replied, ‘This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.'”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In today’s gospel reading Jesus redirects the peoples’ focus. The day before, this crowd had been part of the miracle known as “the feeding of the 5,000.” They have followed the disciples to Capernaum, hoping to find Jesus there, hoping for more bread. He quickly points out that they missed the work of the divine within the feeding miracle. All they “saw” was the food. Jesus tells them to quit working for that temporal “food” and instead to seek “the food that endures for eternal life.”

We too need to hear these words of Jesus because we often strive after temporal things. Even in our lives of faith, our striving can become like checking boxes. Yup, went to church on Sunday. Read my Bible this week. Check. Prayed for my neighbor in need. Check that one too! Hearing the call to the eternal, the crowd asks Jesus what we can ask: “What must we do?” Jesus’ response is a redirect. It’s not about doing at all. Jesus says to the crowd and to us: “This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.” Faith starts with belief in Jesus and it grows from this foundational place.

Even though Jesus’ direction seems clear to us, the crowd again asks, “What sign will you do…” A million miracles in themselves will not lead to faith. The choice for faith, again, begins with belief in Jesus as the one who is “the bread of life,” the one who satisfies our eternal hungers and thirsts. In time, yes, faith through belief will lead to experiencing God’s power and presence in ways that feel miraculous and will lead to service in the kingdom of God. But faith must always be rooted in our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do easily get caught up in striving after things, in checking boxes to assure ourselves of our progress. Help us to understand that it is not in the doing that “things” happen. Instead, lead us to trust that you alone are the one “doing” the work, even when we are serving you and others. Grounded in our belief in you alone, may our faith in you witness to your powerful presence in our lives and in the world. Amen.


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A God That Is Known

Reading: Psalm 91:14-16

Psalm 91:14 – “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

As we close out Psalm 91 we read some pretty awesome promises from God. These words are words of rescue, protection, presence, and salvation. In verse 14 God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name.” For the people walking with God, for those who are devoted to following God’s instructions, for those who strive to daily live out God’s will and way – God will rescue and protect them. If we live daily within these descriptions, we will be rescued and protected. This absolute feeling guarantee is set partly in Israel’s understanding of themselves as God’s “chosen” people and partly in the reality that for one to be aware of God’s rescuing and protecting, one must know and believe in God’s power and presence.

Our God is a loving and compassionate God. Our God knit every person together in the womb. We are therefore all God’s beloved children. God will rescue and protect those who do not know God at times. These moments are chalked up as karma or good luck or to personal efforts. These folks would not cry out to God as the psalmist speaks of in verse 15. The “cry out to me” in this verse is a knowing cry. It is a cry or a plea to a close friend for help, rescue… To make this kind of a cry – one that is heard and responded to – one must know God.

The crying out to and being answered by the God that is known results in bringing glory to God. The rescue, protection… is credited to God through praise, thanksgiving, witness, and worship. These experiences lead to a long walk with God, to walking with God into “old age,” as the psalmist puts it. And, ultimately, a long and faithful walk with God leads us to experience our salvation – the eternal saving and redemption of our souls. For our God who is known, who is present, who walks daily with us, we say thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you move and act, guide and direct, rescue and protect, redeem and restore all the time – even when we and others are unaware of it. But as your sons and daughters, make us ever aware of your acts of love and compassion in our lives. Lead us to praise your holy name as our response. It is so good to walk daily with you. For your constant love and care, we say “Thank you!” Amen.


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Saul’s and Cyrus’s

Reading: Isaiah 45:1-7

Isaiah 45:4 – “For the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen, I called you by name.”

As I read today’s passage, I wondered: How many other Saul’s were there? We know about Saul because of his conversion experience and subsequent missionary work that spread faith in Christ far and wide. But how many other overly zealous Pharisees did God use to drive the church outward from Jerusalem?

In today’s text God speaks to Cyrus, the pagan king of Persia. God speaks to Cyrus near the end of God’s people’s time in exile. Israel had first been defeated and dispersed throughout the Babylonian empire. Judah fell to and we’re dispersed into the Persian empire. Cyrus is the third Persian king during Judah’s exile. In verse 1 God addresses Cyrus as “his anointed.” This word translates to “Messiah” in Hebrew and to “Christ” in Greek. God then tells Cyrus that God will “go before you” and will “level mountains” (kingdoms) and will give him “hidden treasures of great riches.” God will greatly bless Cyrus in many ways. But, why? Why not raise up another Moses-type figure?

God’s first purpose is “so you will know that I am the Lord.” Cyrus won’t necessarily come to believe in God but through this experience will certainly know God’s power and presence. The second purpose is revealed in verse 4: “For the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen, I called you by name.” In about 539 BCE Cyrus will defeat Babylon and issue the edict that allows the Jews to return home and to rebuild Jerusalem, the temple… Cyrus and the world will know “that there is nothing apart from me.” All is under God’s control. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone truly rule over all the earth. No one and nothing is outside of your power and presence. Today I thank you for the Saul’s and Cyrus’s – known and unknown to me – that you have used to shape and form me and my faith. Amen.


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The Gospel of Reconciliation

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 5:14-20

2nd Corinthians 5:18 – “God… reconciled us to himself through Christ and… gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Our passage today sums up the heart of Paul’s gospel of reconciliation. Through his life on earth, experiencing our sinfulness and his own death, Jesus can identify with us and with our struggles. And through his death and resurrection, Jesus transformed our reality. Through Jesus Christ we are made part of the “new creation.” In this new reality we live no longer for self but for Christ.

Paul recalls a time when Jesus was known by “human standards.” He was a good teacher, maybe even a prophet of God. He could do some amazing things – but so could Moses, Elijah, Elisha… But because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, believers know Jesus as God in the flesh. Through this understanding and through belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that person is part of the “new creation.” Being made new, the old self dies, along with its sins. In this way we are made new and are reconciled to God.

For Paul though, and really for all true followers, there is a recognition that one is not “done” once one professes faith in Christ. Instead, our salvation leads to this understanding: “God… reconciled us to himself through Christ and… gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” We, like Paul, become “ambassadors” who represent Christ, sharing our faith so that others can also experience salvation and new life. God continues building the kingdom here on earth, “negotiating” through us for the salvation of lost souls. May we ever be ministers of the gospel of reconciliation and salvation!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for the gift given by the one who bled and died for our sins, opening the way for mercy and grace and love to reconcile us back to you. May our gratitude for this gift be expressed in how we share it with others. Amen.


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God Who Is Near

Reading: Acts 17:22-28

Acts 17:27-28 – “In fact, God isn’t far away from any of us. In God we live, move, and exist.”

In Acts 17 Paul acclimates himself to Athens, walking around, observing, listening. Eventually he engages in conversation. Unfortunately his speaking leads to being taken into custody. Paul is brought before the council. Fortunately these men are part of the crowd who “spend their time doing nothing but talking about or listening to the newest thing.” Taking his opportunity, Paul addresses the council and those gathered on Mars Hill.

Paul begin by acknowledging their very religious nature, commending them for this. He then notes that while walking around, looking at all of their objects of worship (idols,) he found one that read, “To an unknown god.” Because he is connecting to who and what the Athenians are and believe in, he can then speak words that might resonate. Establishing this positive connection, Paul introduces his “new thing.”

This “unknown god” Paul says, let me tell you about him. Paul says this to the council just as we could say it to anyone seeking God, whether they know it or not. Paul declares his God to be the maker of all creation. Countering their idolatry indirectly, he states that his God doesn’t live in temples and isn’t made by human hands. His God is far above humans in this sense but this God also created people to reach out, to seek and find him. Paul’s God is a God of relationship. Continuing this line of thinking, Paul adds, “In fact, God isn’t far away from any of us. In God we live, move, and exist.” Paul’s God – and our God – wants to know us and to be known by us. This God who dwells in our hearts, this God of relationship, this God loves us and all of creation. May this be the God that we know and follow, that we reflect to the world.

Prayer: Lord God, give us eyes to observe, minds to consider, ears to listen, and lips to speak. Use us as you used Paul, to meet folks where they are at, to connect to them personally, just as you seek to do with us. Use us to connect seekers to you, the one true God. Amen.


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Finding Contentment and Peace

Reading: Philippians 4:10-14

Philippians 4:12b – “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

Today’s words from Paul speak of a topic that many find elusive today. This is especially true when we are younger or are not yet mature in our faith. At these stages we are still very much concerned with or even infatuated with the things of this world. When in love with the things of this world, almost all of us live on the “treadmill” – better jobs, more money, newer and bigger houses, boats… – seeking the next “success” over and over again.

As our passage for today begins, Paul expresses his thanks for the collection that the church in Philippi took up for him. It is a way that they can show their concern for Paul. While he appreciates the gift and the thought, it wasn’t necessarily needed. Since coming to faith in Jesus, Paul’s life has been transformed. In his “old life” Paul had doggedly pursued success and recognition in his chosen field: Pharisee. In his “new life in Christ” these things do not matter. Through times of need and abundance, through times of blessing and poverty, Paul has not tried to rely on his own gifts and talents. He has learned to trust in God to provide.

Because of this humble trust in God, Paul can write, “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.” No matter what this world gives or takes, no matter what this world throws at him or against him, Paul has come to believe that all will be well through “the power of the one who gives me strength.” In Christ, Paul has found the source of peace and contentment. That’s the secret! May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider how to find contentment and peace, we recognize first that we all battle envy or jealousy or pride now and then. So we all ask for your power and presence in our lives. Second, Lord, we all ask that you would mature our faith, building up our trust, our humility, and our belief in your love, care, and provision. Relying not on our own strength but on yours, we can be children of your kingdom, O God. Amen.


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Lights to the World

Reading: Acts 13:48-52

Acts 13:50 – “However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.”

Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch as our passage begins. They’ve been sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with Jews in the local synagogue. Some have come to faith in Jesus but most have not. In verse 44 the circle expands. Here we see that “almost everyone in the city” gathers to hear Paul speak. The Jews are jealous so they try to slander Paul. Filled with Holy Spirit courage, Paul quotes Isaiah 49:6 to them. The prophet speaks of being “a light to the nations” and about salvation going out “to the ends of the earth.” Talk about expanding the circle of God’s love!

In verse 48 we hear the Gentile’s reaction: “they rejoiced and honored God’s word.” Many heard Paul speak and came to believe in Jesus. The word was soon spoken throughout that region. Instead of rejoicing alongside Paul and Barnabas, “the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.” They stirred up trouble. Their envy burned hot within them. Paul and Barnabas were forced to move on. But because of the powerful presence and work of the Holy Spirit, they left filled with happiness.

Envy and jealousy remain driving forces in our world and in our churches. They lead us to at least want to tear others down who find success when we do not. They urge us to cut corners and to skirt the rules to get what we want. They can instill hatred and contempt in our hearts when we cannot level up. And sometimes these sins will be directed at us, as they were at Paul and Barnabas. Like them, may we shake it off, rejoice in what God is doing, and continue in the work that God has placed before us.

Prayer: Lord God, all who follow Jesus are called to be lights to the world, to proclaim salvation for all people. Sometimes others find more success. Sometimes we are harassed for our efforts. In all cases, Lord, keep us focused on the charge to make disciples of all peoples. May it all be for your glory and praise! Amen.


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Trustworthy and Good

Reading: Daniel 6:1-10

Daniel 6:5 – “We won’t find any fault in Daniel, unless we can find something to use against him from his religious practices.”

As our reading begins King Darius appoints three gifted men to rule over his kingdom. Daniel is one of the three who are in charge of 120 chief administrators spread throughout the kingdom. Daniel excels, soon riding above the other two. The king is ready to reorganize, making Daniel the one in charge. Jealousy and envy kick in the other two main officers. They want to maintain their power and status. But instead of working harder… they choose to try to take Daniel down. We see this kind of behavior practiced all the time in our world.

As these men begin to plot and scheme, they soon discover a problem. They can’t find any dirt on Daniel. All he does is trustworthy and good. So they turn to the thing that makes him different. They say to one another, “We won’t find any fault in Daniel, unless we can find something to use against him from his religious practices.” It’s not that Daniel’s religion is wrong or illicit or anything else bad. It’s just different. So these two men, along with the 120 administrators, go to the king and trick him into writing a law that makes Daniel’s faith practices illegal. We also see this done today. Someone or a group of someones is different than “us.” Maybe “they” work harder than we want to or maybe “they” don’t believe or live or act like “we” do. So “we” label “them” and try to find ways to be rid of or to oppress or to extradite “them” from our presence.

The law is signed by the king and Daniel knows it. Despite it now being illegal, Daniel goes to his upper room and prays, as he always did. What leads Daniel to choose to honor God over the king’s law? Daniel is trustworthy and good. His priorities match his commitment. God and his faith are the most important things in Daniel’s life. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do relate to this story – maybe too often from the wrong side. We can be quick to judge and label others, leading to mistreatment, marginalization, or worse. When we are tempted to do these evils, remind us what absolute faith and trust in you looks like. Guide us to keep you on the throne of our hearts, no matter what. Lead us to live lives that are trustworthy and good. Amen.