pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Hold Onto God

Reading: Genesis 33:22-31

Verse 26: “But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’”

Photo credit: Ryan McGuire

We begin our week with Jacob. He has almost returned to his home and to his family. Although he has come a long way in his relationship with God there is still some of the old Jacob in him. In the first part of chapter 32 he questions responding to God’s directive to go back home. When he hears that Esau is coming out with 400 men, Jacob feels “great fear and distress.” Instead of fully trusting God, he begins to scheme – maybe he can at least escape with half of his “stuff.” Sound familiar? He sends flock after flock across the stream, sent as gifts to try and curry his brother’s favor and friendship. Then he sends across his wives, servants, sons, and all of his possessions. He himself stays on this side of the water.

It is during the night that a “man” comes and wrestles with Jacob. Jacob is tenacious. Finally the man wrenches Jacob’s hip in an attempt to free himself. Jacob wrestles on. At daybreak the man asks to be let go. In response Jacob says, “‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.” It is then that Jacob is blessed.

When have you wrestled with God? Maybe, like Jacob, it was when a lot was on the line and it felt like everything rested upon the decision(s) you had to make. Maybe it was in a valley or in some other place of struggle, in a place where you clung to God because it felt like you had nothing else to hold onto. Maybe it was some other scenario when you held on. Maybe it is happening right now. From Jacob’s story and from our own story, we learn that when we refuse to let go of God, when we hold on tight in spite of the pain, we too will be blessed by God. In trust, may we wrestle with and may we hold onto God until we get to the place of blessing.

Prayer: Lord God, I know that the light and the joy come with the morning. Though the night may last days or even weeks, I know that you are there and that you will see me through. Help me to hold onto you, especially in the wrestling. Thank you Lord for holding onto me. Amen.


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Sacred Places and Spaces

Reading: Genesis 28:18-19

Verse 19: “He called that place Bethel,” [which means ‘house of God’].

Jacob has had a powerful encounter with God. In a dream he has witnessed “the gate of heaven.” He sees the holy angels coming and going. He sees and hears God speaking words of blessing over him. Jacob awakens early the next morning and he builds a pillar or altar, anointing it with oil. He names the place “Bethel,” which translates to ‘house of God.’ Out in the middle of the wilderness, in a place so desolate that he has to use a rock for a pillow, Jacob names the place the ‘house of God.’

Some might think that just the temple in Jerusalem, for example,or the sanctuary in which we worship can be called the house of God. While these holy places certainly can be and often are filled with God’s presence, God is not limited to these buildings or places. For some a holy space might be that campfire ring at that camp – that’s where I gave my life to Jesus Christ. For some it might be that hospital room, the time when they gathered with ___’s family – there they saw the Spirit’s presence. For others it might be in that prayer room at a Promise Keeper’s event in Denver – that’s where a vision about my life was shared with me. For others…

While sacred places and spaces can sometimes be marked by a pillar or returned to periodically, others can only be marked in our memories. We revisit these places – physically or mentally – to remember when God touched our lives. Before reading the prayer, take a quick mental tour of the places and spaces that God touched your life and faith. Then thank God for these blessings.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many places that you have become ‘real’ to me, spaces where you have touched my life and my faith. Each is a touchstone moment – a particular experience when the holy drew close. Thank you for each of these experiences. Continue to be present in my life. Continue to bless me with these God moments, strengthening and encouraging my faith. Amen.


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Ongoing Creativity

Reading: Psalm 104:24-34

Verse 30: “When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.”

Psalm 104 is a celebration of God’s creation. Our passage today begins with “How many are your works, O Lord!... the earth is full of your creations.” Everything that is and everything that has ever been is the outpouring of God’s creativity. Just looking out the window one can see many things created by God. And that collection is just a teeny, tiny fraction of all that God has made.

In our verses today the psalmist focuses on the creatures of the sea. They are indeed “teeming beyond number” – there are some in the depths of the ocean that we have not even discovered yet. That is amazing. Today we are reminded that God gives life and that God takes away breath. All is within God’s control, even our lives. We too are part of God’s creation. Our breath comes from God and is just one way that we connect to the Creator. Like our breath, every time we appreciate God’s handiwork and each time that we are graced by God’s touch – these are reminders that God is ever with us.

In verse 30 the psalmist celebrates God’s ongoing creativity. Here we read, “When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.” Second by second, moment by moment, day by day, God sends new life through the Spirit. We are daily a part of this process. Thanks be to God our Creator.

Prayer: Lord God, each breath we take is a reminder of your gift of life. Each moment you bless us with is an opportunity to be alive and engaged with you and with all of creation. Thank you for this sacred gift. All praise and glory to you, our Creator. Amen.


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Be Ready

Reading: 1st Peter 3:13-22

Verse 15: “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Peter continues in this week’s reading with the theme of being blessed when we suffer for doing good. He offers a word of encouragement from Isaiah 8: “Do not fear what they fear.” This can be taken as a blanket statement. In this context Peter is encouraging them not to fear suffering. But it is broader than this. As followers of Christ we need not fear death because Jesus Christ has won that victory too. As Peter later writes, we are saved “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The world has other fears too – loss of wealth, loss of status, loss of power… These worldly things were also on the line for these elect exiles. The same goes for you and me.

In verse 15 Peter offers this guidance: “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” The first part encourages followers to hold Jesus in the #1 position – ahead of self, ahead of family, ahead of work, ahead of the lures and cares of this world. Doing so will lead us to live lives that stand out from this world’s ways of living. As it did for Peter’s readers, it will bring attention and focus upon us. So we are advised to always be ready to offer testimony to the hope we exhibit during suffering – or the joy in mourning or the contentment in times of need or… In short, we are to ever be ready to tell the good news: the story of what Jesus Christ has done and is doing in our lives.

As we share our faith with others we shine the light and love of Jesus Christ into the darkness and pain of their lives. This is not always easy. Sometimes we suffer for doing good. Yet this is our call: to bring Christ to the world. May it ever be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead me to bravely and boldly live out my faith. Keep me always prepared to talk of how you have been and are at work in my life. In and through me may others see and be drawn to your love. Amen.


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There Is Some Distance

Reading: Psalm 23:5-6 – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Photo credit: Brett Jordan

Moving into these last two verses of Psalm 23 today, we will personalize these, in the spirit of Lent. In the first half of verse 5 the Lord prepares a table for us “in the presence” of our “enemies.” At first I picture them standing a little ways away, watching. But then I realize that Jesus ate with those generally considered “enemies” – tax collectors, prostitutes… So my enemies, they would be sitting at this table prepared by Christ. Some at the table will be seeing this from the other side: What is John doing at my table?!

Then there’s the setting – we are anointed, blessed. The cup overflows as does everything else on the table. There always was and is an abundance to everything Jesus does. There is always more than enough. At this table there is also an abundance of love and grace, empathy and mercy, compassion and forgiveness.

This scene is most often portrayed as a wedding banquet. I envision lots of tables like the one I described above plus a huge table at the front where Jesus sits with a host of people. Could this smaller table that Jesus prepared for us be the entry point to the real celebration going on up front? That is described in verses 6. The house of the Lord, our eternal dwelling place, is where “goodness and love” will overflow every day, all day. And perhaps these must begin to flow at our outer tables so that reconciliation and the restoration of all of our relationships can occur. Only then, when we are made right with all of our brothers and sisters in Christ, only then will we sit with Christ at his table.

I believe the same truth exists right now. If we look at others and consider them an “enemy” then there is distance between us and Christ. “Enemy” is just as broad a term as “neighbor.” If there is anyone that we would love less than the one we truly love the most, then we have work to do here and now.

Prayer: Lord God, I know, I believe that you call me to love unconditionally. That’s how you love me. Help me to bridge the gap, Lord, between how I know I’m supposed to live and how I actually love. Day by day bring me closer to your table of grace. Amen.


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The Best Choice

Reading: Matthew 11:2-12

Verse 6: “Blessed is the man [or woman] who does not fall away on account of me.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Returning to Matthew 11 today we delve a little deeper. In verses 7-11 Jesus reminds those there that day about who and what John the Baptist was. He first describes John by describing what he was not. John was not a swaying reed. John knew 100% what his calling was and he spoke the truth to all as he filled his divine role. John was not dressed in fine clothes and he did not live in a palace. John was radically different from the religious leaders of his day. And, Jesus says, he was more: “Yes, I tell you, more than a prophet.” Jesus gives John the Baptist high praise.

Yet Jesus is also aware that John is asking Jesus himself if he is really the one. John, like the rest of us, has doubts. These rise up as he sits imprisoned. I think that is why Jesus gives John’s disciples a two-part answer. In verses 4-5 Jesus gives the religious head answer. All that Jesus has done and will do aligns with John’s understanding of scripture. The second part is the heart answer. In verses 7-10 Jesus is reassuring John, indirectly telling him that he made not just the right choice but the best choice. Jesus recognizes John for sticking to the choice to serve God no matter what life brings.

Verse 6 is aimed at this choice. Here Jesus states, “Blessed is the man [or woman] who does not fall away on account of me.” Before launching into the “why” of verses 7-10, Jesus reminds John that he is blessed even though imprisoned. Yes, Jesus says, “there has not risen anyone greater.” But don’t forget the bigger, longer picture. The blessing of eternity with God is the end result of faithful living. There is no greater reward or blessing. Jesus reminds John and us of this truth. So may we too walk faithfully, ever making the best choice – the one to follow Jesus Christ no matter what.

Prayer: Lord God, give me the courage and inner strength to faithfully walk each day. When the hard or difficult or costly choices and decisions come, lead me to choose the path that Christ would have walked. May it ever be so, O Lord. Amen.


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Help and Hope (and SO much more!)

Reading: Psalm 146:5-10

Verse 5: “Blessed is he [and she] whose help is the God of Jacob; whose hope is in the Lord our God.”

Psalm 146 is a celebration of who God is and of what God does for those who trust in the Lord. It is a song that reminds us of the deep love of God and of the many ways that this love is applied to our lives. It is primarily about God in our lives here and now. At the end we are also reminded that “God reigns forever.”

In verse 5 we read that we are blessed when God is our helper. It is so true. Life is so much better when we rely on God as our help (instead of trying to rely on self.) When we press into and lean on the hope we find in God, then God is faithful and walks with us, pouring hope into our lives. In the next four verses the psalmist offers a myriad of ways that God is both our help and our hope. In many of these cases it is God who helps us when we cannot help ourselves and it is God who brings us hope when we had none.

In these verses we are reminded that God stands for us and with us when we are oppressed. God feeds us when we are hungry. God frees us when we are imprisoned – whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. God opens our blind eyes when we need guidance or redirection. God lifts us up when we are down. God loves on us. God cares for us and comforts us when we are alone or grieving or hurting. God guards us against the evils of the world. Yes, we have much to celebrate. And, this list is only partial!

The Psalm closes with these words: “The Lord reigns forever… for all generations. Praise the Lord.” Life is seldom perfect. Yet we have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for. Yes, let us praise the Lord!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your great love. It amazes me when I think of all the ways that you touch my life. In each way listed in the Psalm and in many other times, you have blessed me. I humbly ask, O God, that you would use me as a conduit of your love. Through my words and actions may others come to know your great love for them. Amen.


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Stand as Hope

Reading: Isaiah 11:6-10

Verse 20: “The root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.”

We began this week with the first half of our Isaiah 11 reading. In that portion we read of how the root of Jesse – Jesus Christ – will be filled with wisdom, power, understanding, and a fear of God. We read that he will rule with justice, righteousness, and faithfulness. Today we conclude with a vision of what his reign of peace will be like.

Once in a while we catch glimpses of this kind of peace. We can see it when teenage siblings who always seem to be fighting in a moment become best friends, laughing and loving deeply. We can catch a glimpse at the end of a soccer match when one man suddenly realized the danger of going home, leading him to tears and anguish. In a moment an opponent embraces a competitor and offers words of encouragement and hope. We catch a glimpse when a small child extends a toy or offers a hug to another child who is having an emotionally hard time.

We see a vision of the time of glorious peace in our reading today. It will be a time when the wolf will lie with the lamb, when none will harm or destroy another. The glimpses we are blessed with will become the constant reality. “The root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.” It will indeed be a glorious day! The glimpses, the vision – these fill us with hope, allowing us to live with hope every day, even and especially in this broken world. May we too stand as a signal, shining hope out into the world.

Prayer: Lord God, what a beautiful vision Isaiah shares. It is a time and place that I long for. Even so, Lord, use me here and now. Fill me with the peace and hope found in Christ alone. Then use me to bring that peace and hope to others. Amen.


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Rejoice and Give Thanks

Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Verse 11: “Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.”

Today’s passage from Deuteronomy is the story of where the Israelites came from and of their response. Through the giving of the first fruits God is reminding them that all they have is a gift from God. Being freed from slavery, being led through the wilderness, being given this bountiful and productive land – all gifts from God. Physically saying and hearing the words of this ritual is a tangible reminder of the gifts and if the relationship. It is a reminder that they would not be where they are without God. We too could say the same thing.

If we were not born into the family we were born into or if that person or these people hadn’t invited us to know Jesus, we would not be who we are today. Will Willimon wrote, “No one is born Christian.” This is absolutely true. For most of us our journey of faith parallels that of the Israelites. We’ve lived a life captive to sin. We’ve been in the wilderness, wandering and lost. We’ve been blessed, whether materially or educationally or physically or all these and more. All of this too is a gift from God. Yet, without God this is all just stuff – stuff that will change or fade or be left to this earth one day.

The ritual and giving prescribed in Deuteronomy is not because God needs the physical gifts. It is designed to draw the Israelites into deeper connection and into a stronger relationship with God. It reminds them that it was God who chose them, who pursued them, who reached out to them, who guided them, who provided for them. As we near the season of Lent we too are called to rejoice in the blessings and to express our thanksgiving. As a place to begin, may we take time now to thank God for the blessings in our lives and for those who have walked in faith with us, connecting us to the Lord our God.

Prayer: God, the blessings are many and are great. Over and over you have poured into me – whether in Spirit or by those who have raised and guided me. May my grateful response be to share the blessings and to walk with others on their journeys of faith. Amen.


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Choose Wisely

Reading: Psalm 1

Verse 6: “The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

In the first year of a 20 year teaching career I was new to the school and to the community. I became friends with a few teachers that I worked with. They decided to buy a season pass to a golf course and to golf a couple days a week during the summer. I bought a pass. We’d drive up together and each day on the way home we’d stop at a casino. They’d gamble and we would all have a beer or two. The comraderie was great and there was nothing terribly wrong with the stop on the way home, but by the end of the summer I knew that I needed to make better choices for myself and for my young family. The next summer I started a small construction company with another teacher friend. This filled my summers for the next 20+ years.

In today’s Psalm we are reminded that who we surround ourselves with matters a lot. The psalmist first states that blessed is the man who does not hang out with sinners, mockers, and other evil people. The writer then identifies those who delight in the law of the Lord as blessed. The wicked are described as “chaff” – easily swayed and influenced. These, the psalmist says, will not be able to stand on the day of judgment. The Psalm concludes with these words: “The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” An eternal life in glory awaits the faithful. Hallelujah!

The Psalm invites us to choose our friends wisely. If we choose to surround ourselves with good and spiritually mature people, then we will become more and more of who God created us to be. In light of this counsel and wisdom from Psalm 1, reflect upon who you surround yourself with. Do those who you choose to affect and influence your choices and decisions positively impact your life and your faith? Who do you need to spend more time with? Who should you be around less?

Prayer: Lord God, guide me to those who bring out the best in me and who foster the best from me. Thank you for the brothers and sisters in Christ that you have placed in my life. Help me to be a good brother to others. Amen.