pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: care


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Wait… Trust…

Reading: Habakkuk 2:2-3

Habakkuk 2:3c – “If it delays, wait for it; for it is surely coming; it will not be late.”

Photo credit: Ben White

Today we hear the beginning of Habakkuk’s answer from God. In this case he has asked God how long will evil (Babylon) triumph over good (God’s people.) Habakkuk takes up his place on the fortress wall, waiting for God to respond. He commits to keeping watch, to waiting. At times our prayer life must take this posture. We must pray faithfully, asking our honest questions, offering our humble petitions. And then we too must wait and watch for God’s response.

In our reading for today, God begins by instructing the prophet to write these words down on a tablet, preserving these words. God then tells him that God’s word is for an “appointed time.” He’s told that God’s word will not deceive. And then, at the end of verses 3, God says, “If it delays, wait for it; for it is surely coming; it will not be late.” In these words God reminds Habakkuk and us of important truths and realities.

First, we are to remain steadfast in our faith. If God doesn’t answer our prayer that day or at least soon in our time frame, be patient and trust God. Pray through the doubt, questions, worry… Second, God will answer. There is no question, God’s answer is “surely coming.” And… it comes in God’s time. “It will not be late” reminds us that God’s answer will come at the absolute right and best time.

We can struggle with waiting patiently, especially when we’re asking the “how long?” questions or when the suffering is deep. We are called to trust in God and to remain faithful to believing that God’s plans are best. This is essential because when we get too bound up in “when” God will answer our prayers, then we sometimes miss the “how.” If God’s answer isn’t just what we thought it should be, in our preoccupation we miss God’s answer. Patience, trust, faith. May these practices be the guides in our prayer life

Prayer: Lord God, in our me-first world, help us to keep a God-first faith. In our quick, get it now world, guide us to a steadfast trust in you and your eternal ways. In our selfish, ego driven world, remind us that you hold it all – including us – in your hands. In our my way or the highway world, open our eyes to see the breadth of your love and care, not just for us but for all of your creation. Amen.


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Conform to Christ

Reading: Romans 8:26-29

Romans 8:28 – “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

As our passage today begins, Paul speaks again of God’s presence in our lives. The Spirit – God’s constant, indwelling presence – helps us in our moments of weakness. In those times when our trial or hardship or suffering is so great that we cannot even form the words to pray, it is then that the Holy Spirit takes up our case. The Spirit “please” for us before God, lifting us up before God. We too can pray in this way. When we hear of the time of great suffering of a friend, we can lift their case before God.

Because God is three-in-one, the Spirit prays for us “consistent with God’s will.” In this way we and our need(s) are brought before God in the best possible way. There is no selfishness, no fear or worry or doubt, no greed or envy in the Holy Spirit’s prayers. This idea connects to verse 28, where we read, “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” God is good and loving and kind and caring and compassionate and merciful and… God desires that our lives be filled with these things too. Yes, the world and this life will bring death and illness and sin and tragedy into our lives, but God works even these difficult and hard things towards good and into alignment with God’s plans for our lives.

The Spirit and God do all of this in order to “conform” us more and more into the image of Jesus. God conforms – and forms and reforms – us into the image of Christ so that we can be goodness, love, kindness, care, compassion, mercy… to one another. In this way we bring Christ to the world. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the example that Jesus set for us. He revealed what it means to be fully present to one another, to love without condition, to give selflessly to the other. That is not always easy for us. So thank you also for the Spirit, that constant presence that points us towards and forms us into Jesus’ witnesses. Lead us to be people of presence, people who pray, people who show up, people who give of ourselves. Amen.


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Presence, Purpose, Plan

Reading: Psalm 139:13-16

Psalm 139:14 – “I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart.”

Overall, Psalm 139 is a celebration of God’s presence in our lives. The psalmist celebrates this presence, this touch, that is there with us even before birth in verses 13-16. There is a recognition that God is with us before we make any conscious choice to walk with God. So great is God’s love and care for us!

In verse 13 the psalmist acknowledges that it was God who formed his “innermost parts,” who “knit him together” in the womb. There is a deep connection, an intimacy to these thoughts. In the Hebrew world, innermost parts would include the soul (or spirit.) God’s touch is not just upon the physical aspects of who we are.

We lean into this idea in the next verse. Here the psalmist writes, “I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart.” Because he was uniquely and wonderfully made, there is a recognition that God has a purpose for him and, therefore, for each and every one of us. Made in the image of God, our purpose certainly includes caring for one another, for living one another just as God loves and cares for us. This plan and purpose is evident in verse 16 as well: “every day was written that was being formed for me.”

Whether our days are 10 or 10,000, whether our years are a handful or many score, God is ever present in meaningful and purposeful ways. Each and every day, good, bad, and in between, God walks with us, offering love and care. In this we rejoice, joining our thanksgiving with the psalmist’s!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for creating us with your purpose and your plans in mind. We celebrate your presence in our lives. It is a presence that is constant, loving, and caring. Lord, help us to be this for others, being conduits of your presence, love, and care. Use us to bring you into the world and into the lives of those we meet. Amen.


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Care Well

Reading: Genesis 1:26-28

Genesis 1:26 – “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of... all the earth.”

Today we turn to the day of creation when Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created humankind. In connection with one another, God says, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of... all the earth.” Humanity is to be like the divine in the ways that we are in the world. Keeping this in mind, how we understand “take charge” bends toward steward, care for, protect, guard, and love.

This week we have been considering prayer. Some of our thoughts have focused on unanswered prayer. What would it look like to blend the best intents of ‘take charge’ with some of the unanswered prayers that people pray? What would our world be like if we ourselves sought to be the answer to people’s needs?

If we saw the resources that we have been blessed with as ways to care for the hungry, the sick, the naked, the imprisoned, then how would our world change? If we saw our role as the protector and defender of the vulnerable, the weak, the marginalized, the oppressed, then how would their lives change? If we were willing to risk and sacrifice on behalf of those without voice, without power, how would a new reign of justice and mercy become the reality in our world?

Because we are created in the divine image, we have within us the ability, the power, and the heart to care well for our world and for all of the earth. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, bend our hearts towards your heart. Remove the selfish, inward focus that creeps into our hearts, our thinking, our way of acting and being in the world. Empower us to be the answer to these questions pondered today. Amen.


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A Safe and Sacred Space

Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

Philippians 4:6 – “Bring up all your requests to God in prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.”

Photo credit: Alex Woods

Our passage today begins with Paul encouraging the Philippians to be glad in the Lord and to let this internal feeling overflow into how they treat others. For Paul, his joy or gladness comes from the trust and faith that he has in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. For Paul, being joyful leads to gentleness. In turn, this heart condition will show through in how one treats others. Likewise, when one is grumpy or unhappy, one tends to be short or harsh with others. Because God is near to Paul, he finds joy and gentleness in ample supply. The same can be true for us.

Paul’s trust and faith leads him to write to the Philippians, “Don’t be anxious about anything.” He is inviting them into the space that he finds when he makes the effort and the choice to trust God. Offering a way to counter the anxious feelings (and the doubt, fear, worry…) Paul tells them, “Bring up all your requests to God in prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.” In moments of need, pray! Pray to God, Paul advises. In prayer we draw near to God. Drawing near to God, laying our prayers before God, we receive a peace from God. As Paul shares, it is a peace “that exceeds all understanding.”

Offering up our prayers and petitions – along with our thanksgiving – places our trust, our concerns, our very selves in God’s presence and care. In this place, we are kept safe, heart and mind, surrounded by God’s love. May we ever draw close, entering into a safe and sacred space through prayer.

Prayer: Lord God, call us again and again to the safe space of prayer. Entering into your divine presence, fill us with joy, gladness, faith, and trust. Help us to release our worries and doubts, our fears and anxieties. Bring us to a place of assurance, knowing that your love and care are greater than anything that the world can bring our way. Thank you Lord. Amen.


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God is with Us

Reading: Psalm 23:4-6

Psalm 23:6a – “Goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today we turn to one of the most well-known scriptures in the Bible as we wrestle with the idea of heaven this week. The 23rd Psalm is a staple during those sacred moments when we gather to celebrate a faithful life well-lived and to comfort and encourage the grieving. These words of David resonate with God’s presence in our lives and with God’s love and care for us.

Verse 4 reminds us that God is present in the “darkest valley.” As we walk through dark moments – pain, grief, loss, illness, unwanted change… – God walks with us. David speaks of having no fear. This comes partly from God’s presence but also from God’s role as protector. The “rod” keeps the physical enemies at bay while the “staff” keeps spiritual enemies at bay.

The idea of a great wedding banquet comes to mind again as we read verse 5. The oil of God’s blessing anoints the head and the cup spills over. Abundance is the norm at God’s table. This brings to mind one of our common understandings of heaven. It is the great feast spoken of by the Prophets and by Jesus.

The idea of heaven on earth flows through verse 6. God, here represented by “goodness and faithful love,” pursues us “all the days of my life.” God is always seeking us out. The Psalm closes with rejoicing. David rejoices over his daily dwelling with God. For us today, this dwelling has become an indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God is with us here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are so grateful for your daily walk with us. We are thankful that you not only pursue us but also protect us, guide us, and draw us back to you when we wander. You bless us in so many ways. Thank you for your unending love and care. Amen.


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God Breathes Life!

Readings: Genesis 2:7-8 and John 20:19-22

John 20:22 – “Then he [Jesus] breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'”

We begin in Genesis 2, when God created man. Gathering up soil, shaping it into a form that resembled God, breathing breath into man’s nostrils, life was created and given. In the creating, man is connected to the earth and to God. Next God creates the garden and sends the man there, to care for and to nurture what comes from the earth.

In our John 20 passage, Jesus has come from the ground – out of the grave after three days to stand amongst the disciples. The human-divine one first offers peace to these men. Jesus then shows them his scars, connecting to their human nature. Joy fills the disciples. Again offering peace, Jesus next tells the disciples that he is sending them into the world. While not the garden in Eden, their task is essentially the same: go and care for and nurture this growing community of faith. Jesus then breathes life into them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The disciples receive the divine breath of the Spirit. This gives life and power to their spiritual life, connecting them to God and Jesus.

We too experience both of these births. Created in the image of God like Adam, God breathes physical life into our bodies as we draw our first breath. As we commit our lives to Jesus – to bring sent into the world to love God and neighbor – we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence gives life to our faith, empowering us to witness to the world. This day and every day may we draw upon this breath of life.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gifts of life. You plant the spark of the divine in us when you form us in the womb. You bring this to life as you draw us into relationship, into faith in Christ. Embolden us each day to be your light and love in the world. Amen.


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Mercy and Grace Persist

Reading: Genesis 3

Genesis 3:9 – “The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Continuing on from chapter 2, where we saw God’s desire to care for, to provide for to be in relationship with humanity, today we read of temptation and sin and of the broken relationships these evils produce. The snake, long identified with Satan, “tricks” the woman and man into eating from one of the forbidden trees. The woman initially resists, but the snake persists. Using a half-truth the snake tempts the man and woman enough. They both eat and they see their nakedness. Their initial shame leads them to cover this condition.

Later the man and woman hear God walking in the garden. In verse 8 we read, “The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God.” Their continuing shame leads them to try to hide from God. Yet God calls out. Death could have come the moment they ate the forbidden fruit. But here our God of mercy and grace calls out. Yes, there are consequences to their sin, as there often are in our lives. Yet God is right there, fully present to the man and woman. Death will come, eventually, as they are sent out of the garden, seemingly forever away from the tree of life – the tree that would allow them to live forever.

This rebellion in the garden is just the first of many. Countless sins have led to countless breaches in our relationship with God. And equally countless offerings of mercy and grace have reconciled these breaches. This struggle with sin is and will be our reality. The struggle, as John Wesley wrote, “will continue while there is a godly man on this side of heaven, and a wicked man on this side of hell.” Grace and mercy will likewise persist and will eventually triumph on the final day. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be easy to read this chapter and to look down on, to judge, to compare. And there sin is again, knocking on the door of our heart. Help us to see ourselves fully present in this story, in the struggle. There we recognize and appreciate and ready ourselves to receive the grace and mercy we so often need. Thank you, Lord, for always having more mercy and grace. Amen.


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At the Center

Reading: Genesis 2:4b-25

Genesis 2:7 – “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils.”

Today we read the second creation story. In this narrative, humanity is the centerpiece of the story. After forming the earth and sky, God “formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils.” There is an intimacy to this act. It is not God speaking humanity into being, but God, much like a potter, shaping and forming the human body. God’s very “hands” were at work. Once the physical form is complete, God breathes life into the form. The very “breath” of God gives life to humanity.

God’s next act is to plant a garden, to create a place for this man to live. God provided trees with fruit and a river to irrigate this garden that man was to farm and care for. So that man was not alone, God next forms animals and birds. The man (not the creator) names these creatures. But there is not a “perfect helper” found for the man. So God provides this too. From the rib of the man God fashions a woman. These two beings form a team, a couple.

In this creation story all is done for humanity’s benefit, for their good, to meet their needs. Here we see God’s love for us, for all created in God’s image. God’s expectations of humanity? To love God in return and to care for this creation. As the story continues tomorrow, we see what a challenge this can be.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for today’s insight into the “why” of creation. You did all this to provide an ideal place for us to live. I feel a deep gratitude for your love and care for humanity that is at the center of your creation process. I am humbled to be your greatest love, along with my brothers and sisters in faith. Lord, help us to love you and your creation in the same way. Amen.


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Supremely Good

Reading: Genesis 1:24-2:4a

Genesis 1:26 – “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take care of the fish…”

Today we conclude the first creation story, reading about days six and seven. These time frames separate acts of creation. They may or may not be 24 hour periods. The sixth “day” begins with God speaking into existence the “livestock, crawling things, and wildlife.” God again saw that this was good.

Next God says, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take care of the fish…” Note that the language is different. The words “us, make, our, image” imply a collaborative effort. Most theologians read this team effort as involving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is also an implication that humanity does not merely come from the other parts of creation like the earth growing plant life. One cannot read these words and not understand that humanity is to care for this earth as God does and would. We are to do so because we are not merely made from the elements of this earth. We also carry some of the divine within ourselves.

At the end of this period God looks at the creation and declares that it is “supremely good.” From the chaos and disorder at the beginning to the completed, ordered, purposeful world, it is now supremely good. The world was as it was intended to be. And then God rested. God set aside a day, making it holy. It was a day without work. Later this will become known as the Sabbath – a day to rest, renew, and recharge physically, a day to reconnect with God. This too is part of God’s goodness, order, and purpose. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, in the story, the process is finished. Day 8 begins our tenure as caretakers or stewards of this world and all that is in it. Lord, help humanity to reclaim our role, especially in the ways that we care for one another. May we see and treat all of humanity as brothers and sisters also created in your divine image. Amen.