pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: change


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The Two “Greats”

Reading: Matthew 28:18-20

Verse 19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Today’s text contains what is known as the “Great Commission.” It is Jesus’ charge to the disciples to continue the work that he started. As we read or hear these words, the same charge applies to us today. Jesus says to all who believe in him as Lord and Savior: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

These powerful words call us to action, to movement, to going out into the world to witness to and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. At times, as Christians, as we have sought to live out these words, we have forgotten the intent and we have set aside the model that Jesus gave us for living out these words. At times we have sidestepped the Great Commandment – to live God with all that we are and to love neighbor as self – as we have sought to “make disciples.” In many cases we have sought to transform them into our expected image or standard instead of into Jesus’.

When Jesus says, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” he is calling the disciples and us to live first and foremost. Love does not coerce or manipulate; it does not force or overpower. Love changes hearts and lives through relationship and connection. It changes people into disciples by teaching them kindness, grace, forgiveness, mercy, compassion… As we seek to live out both the great commandment and the great commission, may we hold tightly to both.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to cling to both “greats” each day and with each person I meet. Use me to reflect Christ’s love into the world and into people’s lives. Use me to make disciples even if I do not speak a word. Amen.


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In the Power

Reading: Acts 2:14 – “Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd.”

Today’s verse is the start of a long sermon by Peter that culminates with tomorrow’s passage. Pentecost had just happened, drawing a large crowd of Jews from all over the world. This miracle has prepared hearts and minds to hear what Peter has to say. The Holy Spirit fills Peter with power as he shares about Jesus and how he was revealed through the Hebrew scriptures and through the “miracles, wonders and signs” done during Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Peter is bold and fearless as he stands up, raises his voice, and begins to address the crowd. What a contrast to the Peter who ran from the courtyard in tears, filled with shame and regret. He couldn’t even claim his faith in Jesus to a few people standing around a warming fire and now he dives in full of confidence standing before thousands. What has changed in Peter and in the other disciples?

The primary change has come through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Soon after his resurrection, Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them. The living, powerful presence of Jesus Christ now dwells in their hearts and minds. The Holy Spirit empowers them to act and speak on behalf of God, just as Jesus himself did. Standing together as one, Peter tells the good news of Jesus Christ. It could’ve been James or John. It could’ve been Matthias. If born in a different time, it could’ve been you or me. You see, all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are filled with the same Holy Spirit that empowered Peter this day. May we too live and act and speak with boldness and confidence, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, today, when I have the opportunity that Peter had, fill me with your Spirit power and use me to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Whether in word, action, or example, may my faith and trust in you be evident to all. Amen.


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Divine Moments

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:16-21

Verse 18: “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.”

Today we connect the dots that reveal what the transfiguration meant to Peter. Years after the actual event, Peter writes about it in the passage that we read today. It is clearly a powerful memory for Peter. Recalling that day Peter begins by stating, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” He remembers the “honor and glory” that God placed upon Jesus that day. Peter testifies, “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.” In this context today he is retelling the story for the benefit of his audience, which includes us today. Yet we also know that recalling the story builds Peter’s faith too. Recalling this event and other encounters with Jesus, Peter finds courage when he needs that, assurance when he needs that… This moment on the mountain, it changed Peter forever.

We too have moments that change us forever. We may not always hear the audible voice of God speaking from “the Majestic Glory,” but we do have moments when we feel a tangible presence, when we feel a little nudge, when the Spirit whispers a thought into our heart. These are moments when the divine becomes just as present to us as it was to Peter on the mountain.

Our stories of these moments are powerful. As Peter did, we recall them, we relive them in times of need. These memories bring us a faith boost, a calm in the storm, a strength in the trial… Our stories can be powerful when told to others too. Our moments with the divine provide a great witness to the power of God at work in our lives and in the world. Like Peter, may we share our stories of faith – sometimes in our own hearts and minds, sometimes with one who needs to hear a story of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for each of the moments that have become a part of my story of faith. In love, you touched my life in these ways. May I love others by sharing my personal witness of your power and love. Amen.


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Seeking Presence, Seeking to Hear

Reading: Matthew 17:4-9

Verse 5: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

Returning once again to the mountaintop we are present with the disciples as they experience the transfiguration of Jesus. The physical change in Jesus and witnessing his conversation with Moses and Elijah – life-changing. Peter, James, and John would never be the same. This was an experience that they could draw upon again and again. We too can have these experiences. We are not the same afterwards. My first experience with the presence of the divine happened in a church balcony my junior year of high school during an overnight event at the church. Two others were praying with me for a friend who has been in an awful car accident. As we cried and prayed I felt tangible arms around us. A holy presence surrounded us in that time of need. Suddenly I knew that God was real.

In Peter, James, and John’s experience, they saw and felt something that they had never seen or felt before. Peter wants to build dwellings, perhaps to hold onto the moment. But it could not last forever. From an even brighter cloud God says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” These words, from this voice, they validate Jesus, they define the holy relationship, they give Jesus all authority. These words prolong the disciples’ experience. In moments of fear or doubt or trial how these words must’ve echoed in their minds, giving them courage or assurance or strength.

The Holy Spirit offers the same to you and to me. If we turn to God, whether in prayer or meditation, coming to God with our need or worry or concern, then we open ourselves up to God’s presence. As we surrender our will, our way, our desires to God, we invite the holy presence to open our ears and minds and hearts to hear what God speaks. In that balcony long ago, I did not tangibly hear God speak but there was an overwhelming feeling that Keith would be okay. There was no doubt.

When we seek God’s presence, when we humble ourselves to hear, then the Lord our God will lead, guide, direct, comfort, strengthen, assure… Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord, I am grateful for each of my encounters with you – those on the mountaintop, those in the valley, those that came upon me unexpectedly. Each has grown our relationship. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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The Change Within

Reading: Matthew 17:1-9

Verse 4: “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here.'”

Upon the mountaintop Jesus changes. He is transfigured – he is given a new and exalted appearance. Right before their eyes, the holiness and divinity of Jesus is revealed. In that moment, “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here.'” He recognizes the blessing of standing in the very presence of God.

What if we were to encounter this Jesus more often? When we enter into a time of prayer, when we sit down to read and study our Bibles, when we enter the sanctuary for worship – do we enter with a sense of expectation, with a sense that the divine might show up, with a longing to encounter the presence of God? My friends, the divine shows up 100% of the time. It might not be in dazzling light that is beyond words, but God is ever present to us. What needs to change in us that would allow us to encounter the holy more regularly?

Peter, James, and John were changed by their encounter with the divine. Entering into that space with Moses and Elijah, clearly for a purpose, Jesus was changed. We too will be changed when we allow ourselves into the divine that is always there, ready and willing. Change can be hard but it is definitely part of our faith journey. If we are not changing, if we are not growing, then we are not on a journey. Growth is often incremental, yet it is still growth. And these inner changes, they should affect our outward appearance too. Time spent in the presence of the divine will be reflected in our lives.

The change in Jesus on the mountaintop was amazing and powerful. It was a reflection of the power of God. It was a glimpse into the kingdom of heaven. The change that God desires to work in each of us is amazing and powerful. It is a reflection of the power of God in the world. May you and I be a glimpse of God’s kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, please continue to work in me, day by day, moment by moment. In small ways, in big ways, in all ways, change me into who you designed and created me to be. Lead me to boldly follow and courageously step where you call me to go. Amen.


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Choose Obedience

Reading: Exodus 24:12-18

Verse 12: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and stay here.'”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

As we begin the week that culminates on Transfiguration Sunday, when Jesus glory is fully revealed, we start by going up the mountain with Moses. He chooses to be present to God on the mountain. Our passage today begins with an invitation. In verses 12 we read, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and stay here.'” It is not a “swing by for a moment” invitation. It is a “come and rest a while” invitation. It is an invitation that calls Moses to come and receive important information from God.

Moses is obedient. He goes up the mountain. In order to go, though, he had to entrust leadership to Aaron and Hur. That done, Moses goes up, entering the cloud of God’s presence that covered the top of the mountain. What happens next is so important. Moses spends 6 days there, just being in God’s presence. Too often we rush in and want God to speak right away so that we can quickly get back to our lives. A good friend who goes on weeklong spiritual retreats shared that it always takes 2-3 days to center, to focus, to really be present, to hear God’s voice. God is never in a rush. As we seek God’s presence, may we add a heap of patience to our obedience to the call to draw near to God.

Moses spends 40 days and nights with God. It is a long conversation filled with much information. When we choose obedience, yielding to God’s call to come away from the world for a while, we too will get to know God (and ourselves) a whole lot better. In those moments in God’s presence, we are changed. We return to the world filled with a presence and a Spirit that empowers us to live a life of service to the Lord our God. When the invitation is extended, when God calls, may we trust and obey. Doing so, God will fill us with all that we need to walk as a faithful disciple in the world.

Prayer: Lord God, moments alone in your holy presence are powerful, wonderful, amazing, scary. Give me the courage to walk into your invitation, to pause life so that I can rest in and be filled by you. O God, fill me up, send me out. Amen.


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The Power of God

Reading: 1st Corinthians 2:1-10

Verse 2: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

As chapter 2 begins, Paul hones in on how he shared the faith with those in Corinth. He is calling them back to the beginning, back so that they can remember how he spoke among them when they first came to believe in Jesus Christ. Paul made an intentional choice to not use human wisdom. Well-educated and a Pharisee by training, Paul knew the scriptures inside out. This choice was very wise. In a city that loved to hear the latest and greatest ideas, that loved to debate these – well, to try and do that with the gospel would lead a 1,000 different directions. Paul reminds them, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Paul stuck to the basics. He told of Christ’s life and sacrifice, of Christ’s teachings and of the love that led to a humble sacrifice on the cross.

When I have been able to share my faith it has never been through arguing someone into believing the creation story or the story of Noah or any other Bible story. When a message hits home with someone on a Sunday morning it is not because I defined this fancy word or because I explained the intricacies of a conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. Wisdom may interest the brain but it does not move the heart. Paul knew this. The power in his message was the story of how Jesus changed his life. This painted a picture of how Jesus could change another’s life. This is the power in our testimony too.

Sharing our faith begins in our hearts. Love and faith reside here. It is also the home to the Holy Spirit. In our text, Paul identifies the Spirit as the revealer. The Holy Spirit will reveal to us the words to speak and the actions to take. The Holy Spirit will also reveal the power of God to those we share our faith with. This day and every day may we trust in the power of God and the Holy Spirit to change and transform lives, beginning with our own.

Prayer: Lord, work in and through me today. By the power of your Holy Spirit use me today for your glory and revelation to the world. Amen.


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Applying the Way of God

Reading: Matthew 5:17-20

Verse 19: “Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

After beginning the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes and an encouragement to be salt and light, Jesus connects back to the Hebrew scriptures. After painting a picture of what the community of faith should look and be like, Jesus goes back to the roots of the faith. In verses 17 he says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets.” In and of themselves, these are good things. No, Jesus says, “I have come to fulfill them.” He has come to show what it means to really live out the way of God. Next week we will delve into some of what this means as Jesus says again and again, “But I tell you…“

In the second half of today’s reading Jesus addresses the overall application of the Law and prophets. Focusing first on the goal, Jesus says, “Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” These words connect to the call to be salt and light, to the calls to comfort and make peace, to the calls to hunger and thirst for God and for righteousness. Jesus applied the way of God to all of his life, to all of his relationships, to all that he said and did. Jesus lived a wholeness of faith and he calls his followers to do the same.

The contrast comes in verses 20, where Jesus informs us that our faith must surpass the surface level faith of the religious leaders of his day. They know the Law and prophets and they work hard at checking the boxes they’ve constructed. They just don’t allow the Law and prophets to affect how they live their lives. This is a call to let our light and love show in real and tangible ways, to let our faith impact and change lives, beginning with our own. May this be the faith that we live and breathe.

Prayer: Lord God, lead me today to live a faith that shows, that reveals you, that draws others into your presence. Amen.


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Evidence of the Power

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:18-25

Verse 23: “We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”

Photo credit: Thanti Nguyen

In the first half of this week’s Epistle reading Paul both encourages the Corinthian church and he reminds them of the challenges they face. For example, in verse 18, he encourages them with the tangible power of the cross to save and he reminds them that much of the world still sees this as foolishness. To the worldly, the story of the cross was one of weakness and defeat.

Paul writes about Jews demanding “miraculous signs” and Greeks demanding “wisdom”. The Jews wanted the power of Christ demonstrated in amazing ways – a new version of the parting of the sea, if you will. The Greeks wanted to be argued into believing. Both groups were really saying, ‘Prove to me that Jesus is real, that he still has power.’ This remains the sticky point for many today. People still want proof. Today many think, ‘Yes, nice stories and some good examples to follow, but what will it do for my life today?’ So to many people today the cross remains a “stumbling block” and to others it appears as “foolishness.”

But, as Paul points out, the cross is also “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” To those who believe, the cross brings new life. In the cross we see God wisely recognizing what needed done for our transformation to be possible. In God’s wisdom it was identified and through God’s power the sacrifice was offered. It is because the price was paid that we can be made new again. Freed from the chains of this world we are able to live as new creations in Christ. Filled with joy and hope and peace and love and grace and mercy and forgiveness we live as examples of the power and wisdom of the cross. And this, my friends, is the proof that the world needs. Day by day, may the transformation wrought in us be the evidence that leads others to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, through your power I am made again and again, each time a little more into who you created me to be. May this power at work in me be the story that others see, drawing them towards the Savior. Amen.


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The Power to Transform

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:10-18

Verse 17: “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel.”

Yesterday we considered Paul’s call to unity in the church. We recognized the costs of bickering and infighting. These behaviors diminish the witness of the church and its members. Paul resisted the temptation to enter the fray, to claim his place. He certainly could have. He had that Damascus road encounter with the risen Christ. He had a deep knowledge of the Jewish faith – he was a Pharisee. Paul had built the church in Corinth from the ground up. His name was known and his letters were read throughout the Christian world. Paul could’ve claimed a place of power and authority for himself.

Many in Paul’s day and many in our day enjoy the limelight. In Paul’s day both rabbis and philosophers sought to gain large groups of followers. Today we ask one another how many friends we have on Facebook or how many followers we have on Twitter… In Paul’s day the powerful attached their names to building projects and social actions. Today we plaster names on everything from buildings to bowl games. These are but two examples of ways people seek recognition and to build popularity and status.

Stepping outside of the popularity contest, Paul states, “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel.” Yes, baptism was important. It was an outward sign of an inward change. But the inward change came through knowing the good news of Jesus Christ. It was Christ’s life and example, magnified on the cross, that has the power to change and transform lives. Paul knew this with all of his heart. He had experienced it himself and poured all of himself into helping others to experience the power of Jesus Christ. May we do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, Christ, through the cross, changed everything. In one radical act of obedience Jesus reset the power imbalance. No longer would darkness reign. Light and love came into the world and gave all for our sake. Use me this day and every day to help people know the one who changed my life. Amen.