pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: believe


by Leave a comment

New Creations

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4-7

2nd Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!”

In today’s reading Paul first reviews their conduct and the “results.” He and his fellow apostles received their commission just as they received God’s mercy – from Christ. They have publicly proclaimed the gospel, preaching Jesus as Lord, living as “slaves” for Jesus’ sake. Paul then acknowledges that this “treasure” is in “clay pots” – fragile themselves so that God’s power can be revealed. Hard pressed in many ways, they are being handed over to life.

Along these lines, Paul recognizes that as this “tent” is torn down, the soul has a place to go, “eternal and in heaven.” Yes, he says, we groan now under the weight of this earthly life. Yet, living by faith and not by sight, Paul and companions continue to live for the “one who died for them.” Paul then declares, “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” Just as God reconciled the world to himself through Christ, Paul invites the Corinthians (and us) to be reconciled to God. He begs them and us to receive God’s grace.

In chapter 6 Paul revisits the hardships of his ministry. Through it all they have served with the Holy Spirit through God’s power, offering love and truth. He invites the Corinthians to open their hearts once again to their ministry. Paul invites them to cleanse themselves from all that contaminates. Paul also expresses the encouragement he received from Titus’ visit to Corinth. He knows that his last letter hurt them, but rejoices that it produced changed hearts and lives.

We too can experience moments of conviction that can lead to change. Whether through the Holy Spirit or another believer, truth and love can lead us to changed hearts and lives. May we receive, allowing the Spirit to make us new creations in Christ, transformed a bit more into his image.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us, these fragile clay pots, into ministry for you today. Guide us and use us to reveal your power as we proclaim your love and healing to the broken and lost. May our lives be spent for the building of your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Unhindered

Reading: Acts 27 and 28

Acts 28:31 – “Unhindered and with complete confidence, he [Paul] continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Today we conclude the book of Acts. Paul sails to Rome and then settles into two years of evangelism there. The journey to Rome begins well. Paul is treated kindly by Julius, the centurion in charge. Soon the going becomes difficult and slow. The voyage becomes potentially dangerous because it is now fall. Against Paul’s advice, they sail on. A violent storm begins. The ship is wrapped in cables as they drift along. Cargo then the ship’s gear gets tossed overboard. All hope faded.

An angel comes to Paul and assures him that he will get to Rome and that all on board have been “graciously given to you.” Nearing land, the sailors try to abandon ship. Following Paul’s advice, Julius stops them. Paul encourages all to eat and all 263 eat. The next day they see and make for a beach. The ship hits a sandbar and begins to break apart. Because of Paul, Julius intervenes and saves the prisoners. All reach shore safely.

On Malta now, they are received kindly. Paul is unaffected by a bite from a poisonous snake. He heals Publius’ father, then all who were sick on the island. After three months they set sail. Arriving in Rome, Paul is welcomed and encouraged by the brothers and sisters there. He then gathers the Jewish leaders. After explaining why he is in Rome, Paul teaches and preaches Jesus from the Law and Prophets. Some believe and others refuse to believe. Paul declares that salvation will come to the Gentiles because they will listen.

Paul lives in Rome, under house arrest, for two years. He welcomes all who visit. Acts closes with this: “Unhindered and with complete confidence, he [Paul] continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.” May it be so for you and for me too!

Prayer: Lord God, maybe be unhindered, undignified, and unafraid as we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. May we teach and preach in word and deed so that some may be saved. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Growing and Widening

Reading: Acts 10-12

Acts 11:17 – “If God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, then who am I? Could I stand in God’s way?”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

The circle opens wider as God’s angel tells Cornelius to send for Peter. He does so. Meanwhile, Peter has a vision while praying on a rooftop. A sheet holding animals, reptiles, and birds descends from heaven. Peter is told to kill and eat. “Absolutely not!” is the response. Three times this happens and the sheet returns to heaven. Cornelius’ messengers arrive and tell their story. Peter invites them in. They leave in the morning. As Peter is preaching to a receptive audience the Spirit came upon them just as it had at Pentecost. These Gentiles are baptized in the name of Jesus. The circle widens.

When Peter returns to Jerusalem, some of the Jewish believers question Peter’s actions. He entered the home of an uncircumcised Gentile! Peter explained the whole story. Recalling the Lord’s promise of baptizing with the Holy Spirit, he then says, “If God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, then who am I? Could I stand in God’s way?” The church decided God is at work; it is good. The church continues to grow and spread. In Antioch they first intentionally preach directly to Gentiles. Many come to believe. Barnabas is sent to investigate. He is overjoyed to see God at work. He gets Saul and they preach in Antioch for a year. The disciples are first called “Christians” in Antioch.

Turning to chapter 12, persecution comes from civil authorities. Herod has James killed and then he arrests Peter. Awaiting arraignment, Peter is rescued by an angel as the church prays earnestly. So unbelievable is the escape, it takes a while for the door to Mary’s home to be opened. After telling his story, Peter leaves. Meanwhile, an arrogant Herod dies in Caesarea, punished by God. Barnabas and Saul, along with John Mark, return to Antioch as the church continues to grow.

Prayer: Lord God, you work in amazing and sometimes unbelievable ways. You open the church to “outsiders” and you open prison doors to free the imprisoned. You always provide a way and you continue to call us to trust in where you are leading, growing both our faith and the family of faith. Thank you for your love and faithfulness, O God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Believe

Reading: John 20 and 21

John 20:31 – “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.”

Early on the day after the Sabbath Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus’ tomb and finds it empty. Telling Peter and John, they go and find it empty – except for the linen cloths. They did not yet understand what had happened. Mary remained, though, crying alone outside the tomb. Looking in she sees two angels who ask why she is crying. Jesus’ body is missing. A man who she thinks is the gardener asks why she is crying and asks who she’s looking for, answering his first question. Same response. Calling her by name, Jesus says, “Mary.” Recognizing Jesus, she is then commissioned to go and tell the disciples, “I’ve seen the Lord.”

Later that day Jesus appears to the disciples. He breathes the Holy Spirit on them in preparation for sending them out into the world. An absent Thomas struggles to believe. He wants tangible proof of a risen Jesus. We’ve all been there, hearing a story so unbelievable that we need to see it with our own eyes. Eight days later Jesus offers Thomas that proof and says to him, “No more unbelief. Believe!” Jesus appears again, this time lakeside. A miraculous catch is followed by a simple meal together.

After the meal, Jesus restores Peter. Jesus asks him three times, “Do you love me?” After the third ask, Peter is sad. Each time Peter declares his love for Jesus and each time he is tasked with caring for and feeding Jesus’ sheep – the emerging church.

Both chapters end with similar declarations. In chapter 20 we read, “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.” Chapter 21 ends with John’s words that his testimony – his Gospel – is true. May we each choose to believe in Jesus, finding life in his name.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you overcame the grace and death, so too did you help the disciples to overcome their fear and disbelief. As we read and study your word, O God, deepen our belief and faith in your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May we be counted among those “who don’t see and yet believe.” Amen.


by Leave a comment

Believe

Reading: John 11 and 12

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Lazarus is the focus of most of chapter 11. He falls ill and Mary and Martha send for Jesus. He stays where he is at. Only when Lazarus has died does Jesus head for Bethany. Many Jews come to mourn. As Jesus nears, Martha hears and goes out to meet him. She says as Mary will later say, “Lord, if you had been here…” They believe that Jesus could have healed their brother. While true, there is a greater plan at work. Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” To believe in Jesus leads to eternal life. We will all die in the physical sense as our body passes into death. After weeping with Mary and Martha, Jesus calls for the stone to be removed. This is a test of their faith. Do they believe that Jesus’ power can reach beyond the stone of death?

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Many come to believe. But typical of the division in John, others go to the Pharisees with the news. They fear that a miracle like this will lead to a loss of control, which will lead the Romans to take action. The religious leaders know that Jesus would not play their game. So they decide that Jesus must die. Jesus withdraws to a secluded place for a time.

As the Passover nears, Jesus goes to Bethany. At a dinner at Lazarus’ house, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. A greedy Judas protests. The next day Jesus enters Jerusalem. A great crowd celebrates his humble entry. The Pharisees lament, “Look! The whole world is following him!” This kingship is different. Jesus speaks of a single seed falling and dying. Only then can it “bear much fruit.” Jesus reminds the people that he came to be light in darkness and that he came not to judge but to save.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to believe when we have not seen. The signs – we can read about them and trust that they happened. Your words is true. Lord, touch us and our lives with your presence and with your Spirit. May we feel the light and life within us, leading us to believe. May we walk daily with your Holy Spirit. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Life to the Full

Reading: John 10 and 11

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

In today’s reading we really see the division created by Jesus’ words and ministry. It is first revealed in the healing of the blind man. The “light of the world” ends the man’s darkness, restoring his sight. There is division amongst those who now see him. Some say it is the blind man and others say it just looks like him. This question is answered as the man is brought to the Jewish leaders. Calling in his parents, they testify that he is their son who was born blind. They say they don’t know how he sees. Even though he has already told them, the leaders ask again. He asks them, “Do you want to be his disciples too?” They insult him. In response he reminds them that God doesn’t listen to sinners but to those who are devout and do God’s will. The man is expelled from the synagogue.

The story transitions next to spiritual blindness. Jesus centers this teaching on the shepherding metaphor. The shepherd enters through the gate, the sheep know his voice, he leads them out. Jesus declares, “I am the gate.” Others come to “steal, destroy, and kill.” The good shepherd, Jesus, “came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” Life to the fullest. What an image! What a reality for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The metaphor continues with Jesus telling the Pharisees that he will “lay down his life for the sheep.” Unlike the hired hands now listening to the story, Jesus cares about the sheep – and about the sheep not if this pen too! More division reveals itself as they argue about Jesus having a demon. Others ask, how then could he heal this man?

As chapter 11 closes, Jesus tells the “Jewish opposition” that the signs he does should testify to his being one with the Father. He invites them to see this, to believe in him. But they are ready to stone him. As Jesus’ time has not yet come, he escapes, going out to Bethany to minister there.

Prayer: Lord God, reading these stories we so clearly see that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Yet when we step away, going out into that world, we can become blind to needs, to our own sin, to injustice. Lord, help us to live with eyes wide open, living and enjoying the fullness of life that you give to all who believe. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Day by Day

Reading: John 7:10-8:59

John 8:19 – “You don’t know me and you don’t know my Father. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”

Much of today’s reading centers around this key verse. In many ways Jesus asserts that he is “I AM” – knowing Jesus is knowing God and vice versa. Some people recognize this truth. Others struggle to see it or to believe in Jesus. Such is the case to this very day.

Almost all of today’s reading is set in the temple. Jesus’ teaching astonishes the Jewish leaders, the people, and even the temple guards sent to arrest him. But the impact of Jesus’ teaching does not travel to everyone’s heart. Some want to arrest him and others believe Jesus is the Christ, God’s son.

Jesus’ authority is questioned again and again by the leaders and the people. Jesus points to the Law and to Abraham’s example, asserting that they don’t keep true to Moses’ words and that they don’t follow Abraham’s actions. Jesus tells them that the devil is their father because they listen to Satan’s lies. As proof, Jesus says, “You don’t know me and you don’t know my Father. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” They won’t accept God’s words that Jesus speaks, the words that are the light of life and that will set them free from their sin.

At the start of chapter 8 we find the story of the woman caught in adultery. This story generates many questions for me. Where is the man? What did Jesus write on the ground? Did the woman go and sin no more? This story also offers specific truths. We’re all sinners. None of us has right standing to judge or condemn others. Jesus offers us all grace and mercy. We are all called by Jesus to go and sin no more. Day by day may we grow in our capacity to live out these truths and this call.

Prayer: Lord God, like many in today’s text we struggle and we walk in belief some days, in doubt other days. We allow other voices, sometimes our own, to distract us from our walk with you. Lord, ground us in the truth of your word and in the guidance of your Spirit. Lead us to live daily as a repentant sinner saved by grace and as an unconditionally loved child of the one true God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Spirit Gives Life

Reading: John 6:22-7:10

John 6:51 – “Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of this world is my flesh.”

After feeding the 5,000, the crowd realizes that Jesus is “missing.” They follow the disciples by boat to Capernaum and find Jesus already there. They ask how he got there. Ignoring their question he implies they are looking for more bread. Jesus encourages them to work for “food that endures for eternal life” – the food that he will give. The crowd wants to know what to do to receive this bread. Just believe in the one sent by God. The crowd, though, wants a sign, something like the manna. Their hearts and minds are stuck in the concrete and tangible. Jesus tries to get them to understand the spiritual.

Jesus first reminds them that it was not Moses who gave the manna. He says that in the same way God has once again sent bread from heaven. The crowd desires this bread. To them Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” Eat and never be hungry. Believe and have eternal life. Their ancestors are manna and died. Eat from Jesus and never die. He declares, “Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of this world is my flesh.”

The crowd is lost. How can one literally eat his flesh and drink his blood? Jesus says this is necessary to remain in him and for him to remain in them. They are stuck in the literal. They grumble. This is a hard teaching. Jesus reminds them that the Spirit gives true life. He’s inviting them to think spiritually. The flesh cannot do this. God must enable people to believe in and to receive Jesus. Many cannot hear what Jesus is saying. Many turn away and no longer follow him.

Jesus asks the 12 if they want to leave too. Peter asks, “Where would we go?” Peter declares that Jesus holds the words of eternal life and is the one sent by God. The 12 believe. Jesus’ brothers struggle. They want him to go to Judea, to “show yourself to the world.” Jesus tells this his time has not come yet. Or has it come?…

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too get stuck, get hung up on something, fail to understand. Here we too can struggle with belief. In these moments, Lord, may the Holy Spirit lead and guide us, opening our hearts and minds to your will, your way, your plan, your purposes. You are truly the word of life. Thank you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

To Do as You Did

Reading: John 5:1-6:21

John 5:19 – “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Our reading begins with a healing on the Sabbath. At the pool called Bathsaida, a sick man has been trying to get into the waters for 38 years. Jesus asks him, “Do you want to get well?” The man explains his dilemma: others get in first because he has no one to help him. Jesus says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” The man does. The Jewish leaders get on the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath. It is work. Later, when it is revealed that Jesus healed the man, these leaders harass Jesus. He replies, “My Father is still working, and I am working too.” The leaders want to kill Jesus even more.

This tension leads to a long response from Jesus. He begins by declaring, “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself… Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.” The Father gives life so the Son gives life. If people hear Jesus’ words and believe, they will have eternal life. This choice will lead to doing good things, which will lead to the “resurrection of life.” To refuse to believe? That choice leads to doing wicked things and to the “resurrection of judgment.” Jesus reminds them of John the Baptist’s testimony – which they almost believed – and of Moses’ testimony about the Messiah. Jesus’ response ends with a question: If you don’t believe Moses’ words, how will you believe my words?

Leaving there, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd follows. Jesus tests Philip by asking about feeding them. Andrew finds a boy with five loaves and two fish. Jesus seats the people and then blesses and multiplies the food. All “had plenty to eat.” Twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered. This “manna” in the wilderness leads the people to think about making Jesus their king. He slips away up the mountain.

As the disciples struggle to cross back over, three or four miles into the journey, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. Into their fear he says, “I am. Don’t be afraid.” They reach solid ground. Jesus is with them. All is again well. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, taking on flesh you were healing, loving, feeding, doing good. Be Christ in us, leading us to do as you did. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Ripe for Harvest

Reading: John 4

John 4:35 – “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

As Jesus travels from Judea to Galilee, he passes through Samaria. Stopping at a well to rest, he encounters a Samaritan woman. Jesus shocks her by asking for a drink. Eventually he offers her “living water” – a water that satisfies and that “bubbles up to eternal life.” She desires this water. Jesus reveals that he is a prophet and then as the Messiah. The woman goes back to town and says to all, “Come and see… Could this man be the Christ?” Many do come and see and others encounter Jesus as he stays and teaches for two days. Many believe that Jesus “is truly the Savior of the world.”

In the moments when the woman is in town, Jesus tells the disciples that he is “fed by doing the will of the one who sent me.” Turning to their call to be sent, he invites them to “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.” Jesus encourages them to “gather fruit for eternal life.” The disciples will see and experience this at the well and in the town of Sychar.

Chapter 4 closes with Jesus traveling to Cana. Along the way he meets a man who asks Jesus to heal his dying son. In faith this man has sought out Jesus. Jesus says, “Go home. Your son lives.” On the way back home the man meets his servants, who tell him the son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke the words. The man and his entire household come to believe in Jesus.

In each encounter people experience Jesus’ power to change hearts and lives. Many come to believe. Jesus still has the power to change hearts and lives. May this power be revealed in and through you and me. With eyes wide open, may we faithfully enter the harvest field.

Prayer: Lord God, with a word you change hearts and lives. Through the Spirit, plant your words in our hearts. Place your words of life upon our tongues. Use us each day to draw others to you, changer of hearts and lives. Amen.