pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Lean In, Trust

Reading: Psalm 79:1-5

Psalm 79:5 – “How long will you rage, Lord? Forever? How long will your anger burn like fire?”

Today the psalmist asks a question we all ask: How long? In almost every difficult situation that we face and endure, we come to this question. Whether referring to the waves of grief that don’t relent or to the job search that won’t resolve itself or to the bullying that your child faces day after day or to the violence and destruction that the psalmist faces, in times of trial or pain or suffering or grief, we ask God: How long?

While we do not ever receive a specific time and date from God that tells us when relief or resolution will occur, we can have a hand in how we walk in and through these dark valleys. We can choose to shout “How long?” with a clenched fist raised against God. Or we can choose to whisper “How long?” with hands open to receive from God. The psalmist models the second option. For us, we must begin where the psalmist began, naming the situation. In this case, the writer names what it looks and feels like in the aftermath of the Babylonians destroying Jerusalem and the temple. The physical scene is horrific. To look at it and to name it begins to move one past the “Is this real?” stage. While painful, acceptance is an important step in our healing process.

The psalmist is also open and vulnerable with his emotions. From his perspective, all has been done to God’s city, to God’s temple, to God’s people. This goes against previous religious understandings and creates disorientation, forcing a new understanding of God and the world. Adding to the trauma is the ridicule coming from pagan neighbors. At times of grief or suffering or pain perhaps you or someone you know has heard, “If you just did (or didn’t)…” These words sting – as if you would have chosen this terrible outcome.

Laying it all on the table before the Lord and others we love and trust is an act of surrender, a practice in humility. Even as the psalmist asks “How long?” there is a leaning into God’s presence, a trust in God to act and move even in this place of death, loss, suffering… In our times of deep need, may we too be open and vulnerable and honest with God and with those close to us. May our hands be open to receive.

Prayer: Lord God, these initial steps can be so hard. We’d rather close our eyes and withdraw. When this is our first step, Lord, help us to feel your hand reaching out, to sense your Spirit surrounding us. Walk with us in love and grace. Amen.


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Intimately Acquainted

Reading: Psalm 1

Psalm 1:6 – “The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 1 continues the ideas of Jeremiah 18, Luke 14, Psalm 139, Deuteronomy 30, and Philemon: there are two ways to live in this world. One can choose to deny self, to pick up one’s cross, to follow God’s commands, living a holy and righteous life. Or one can choose to live for self, to walk in the way of the world, living an inwardly focused, sinful life. Psalm 1 mostly paints the same black and white choice that we find in most of these other Old Testament passages.

For the psalmist, those who choose to love God’s instruction are “like a tree replanted by steams of water.” There is a hint of the potter recasting the clay here. To be replanted implies new or second life, redemption and restoration. A life of faith, a life dedicated to the Lord, it “bears fruit at just the right time.” David wrote of God’s plans for us in Psalm 139. To follow and live into God’s ways will be fruitful and will connect us to the one in whom we were fearfully and wonderfully made. To be holy is to walk closely with God. In verse 6 the psalmist describes the outcome of this choice this way: “The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous.” For the writer and for us, true happiness and joy are found in a close, personal relationship with God.

This close, personal, intimate relationship is fostered and developed and grows when we “recite God’s instruction day and night.” For the psalmist, this was living with God’s will and way ever before him or her. This remains true today. In our lives, temptation is always there, always seeking to draw us away from God. So may we, like the psalmist, daily and regularly study and meditate on God’s word, becoming intimately acquainted with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask that you would walk with us closely, guiding us and leading us as we seek to walk the path of life. Replant us when necessary, shaping and reshaping us as we wander and return. Each time, draw us deeper into relationship with you, our hope and our salvation. Amen.


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Changing Dynamics

Reading: Philemon 1-21

Philemon 6 – “I pray that your partnership in the faith might become effective by an understanding of all that is good among us in Christ.”

Photo credit: Sophie Walker

Today’s reading – a short letter containing 21 verses – appeals to a slave owner on behalf of the slave. Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow Christian who is known for his love and faithfulness. Paul addresses his letter not only to Philemon but also to the church that meets in his house. This home church was likely started by Paul and is likely led now by Philemon. Paul writes to both because he is counting on grace to shape both Philemon’s decision and the community that will be affected by his decision.

Paul is sending Onesimus, the runaway slave, back to Philemon, probably with this letter in hand. Paul has been in prison and Onesimus has been like a son to him. He sends Onesimus back not as a slave but as if he was sending “his own heart,” as one who has become “a dearly loved brother to me.” Paul writes this prayer to Philemon: “I pray that your partnership in the faith might become effective by an understanding of all that is good among us in Christ.” Paul hopes that Philemon, a fellow leader in the church and a brother in Christ, will accept Onesimus back not as a slave but as “a brother to you, personally and spiritually in the Lord.” Paul is asking Philemon to change the dynamics of the relationship in a radical way.

How might the Spirit ask you or I to do a similar thing? While the slavery of this distant past doesn’t exist, today many people are enslaved in other ways. Who do we hold imprisoned in stereotypes or in broken relationships? Who do we know that is held captive by addiction or debt or grief or because of continuing unwise or unhealthy choices? What radical steps or changes of heart could we undertake in ourselves to love and free these folks, seeing them as sisters and brothers in Christ?

Prayer: Lord God, just as Paul experienced the life-changing love and grace of Christ, so too have we experienced his love and grace. Move in our hearts today, Lord Jesus, to open us up to changing the broken dynamics, to seeing all as a future brother or sister in Christ. In practicing radical love and grace we will be transformed as we seek to transform our world into the kingdom of God, here on earth. Amen.


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A Choice

Reading: Psalm 138:13-18

Psalm 139:16 – “On your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me.”

Returning to Psalm 139 today we read verses 13-18, a most personal and intimate look at our relationship with God – should we choose it. Whether or not one is currently walking with God, these words are true. Each and every one of us, no matter our ethnicity or vocation or gender or place in life or place of birth or anything else, each was “knit together” by God in the womb. Each of us was “marvelously set apart” – each formed and shaped by God in our own unique ways.

As God wove and weaves each human being together, there was or is a plan and a purpose in God’s mind. To this one that gift was given and to that one this talent is given, each to play a role in the building of God’s kingdom. Each of us was and is seen and known by God. Because of this love and knowledge, “on your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me.” Here is where we have a choice. Here is where free will can thwart God’s plan. This is possible because God loves us. We were created this way by God.

The divine within some leads them to be good and kind and merciful and loving in places where Christianity isn’t even known. The human within some leads them to be evil and cruel and oppressive and hateful in places where most folks claim to be “Christian.” The Spirit of God – whether know by this name or as our conscious or as another force – this Spirit speaks into all people’s heart. Again, here we have a choice: to listen and obey or to ignore and deny. No matter one’s choice, though, God remains loving and present. Oh what great love God has for each and every one of us!

Prayer: Lord God, you create us just as you want us to be. You have plans and a purpose for us, just as you want it to be. Open our hearts to hear and follow where you lead and guide, just as you want it to be. Walk with us daily, living out your incomprehensible plans for us, just as you want it to be. Amen.


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Loving, Obeying, Clinging

Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – “Now choose life… by loving the Lord your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

In today’s reading Moses speaks about the clear choice between life and death. On the surface Moses presents this choice as black and white. Throughout the Bible the choice between sinful and faithful living is almost always presented in this way. The reality, though, is that we often live in the gray. But this all-or-none approach applies to most of life. Running a race – you don’t hope to come in third. Applying for jobs – you don’t hope to settle for the job fifth on your list. Looking for a lifelong spouse – you don’t hope for one that’ll probably work out.

As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land the giver of the Law holds up the ideal: obey the commands, love God, walk in God’s ways. Moses tells them, if you do so, “then you will live and thrive.” This is what we aim for in life – first place, dream job, perfect spouse. It is what we are called to aim for in faith – except we’d define “success” a little differently. In our reading, Moses gives us a great definition: “Now choose life… by loving the Lord your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.”

Moses, typically the Law guy, gives a description that is more “faith” than “religion,” more about a way of being in the world rather that about how to behave in the world. If we choose this relational walk of faith, rather than checking off a list of rules, then we are less likely to turn away from God or to worship other gods. Walking and living in a relationship with God, we will live and thrive. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, today we hear the clear choice: choose you or choose self and the world that comes with it. While we do live in between, Lord, help us to choose your will and way more and more each day as we strive to grow closer and closer to you. Empower, encourage, and strengthen us moment by moment as we desire to love you more fully and to walk in your ways more completely, clinging to you always. You are our only hope. Amen.


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The Lord Provides

Reading: Genesis 22:1-8

Genesis 22:8 – “The lamb for the entirely burned offering? God will see to it, my son. The two of them walked on together.”

As a young man Abram heard God’s call to leave his home and family, going to the place that God “will show you.” Once there, God again spoke, promising him very, very numerous descendants in the land God brought him to. After taking the making of an heir into their own hands, God again spoke, renaming and telling Abraham and Sarah that they would indeed have a son – at 99 and 90, respectively.

Isaac is soon born to this very aged couple. With great heartache the heir Abram and Sarai schemed is sent away into the wilderness. And then, about a dozen or so years later, God says to Abraham, “Take your son, your only son whom you love, Isaac… Offer him up as an entirely burned offering.” Say what?!

As we read in verse 3, Abraham is faithful to God. With wood, fire, knife, and Isaac in tow, Abraham sets out for the mountain that God “will show you.” Leaving the servants at the base of that mountain, Abraham says to them, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.” As God has done again and again in his life, Abraham expects God to provide again.

As Abraham and Isaac ascend the mountain, the boys asks, “But where is the lamb for the entirely burned offering?” The wood, the fire, the knife – they’re all here. Where is the lamb? Oh yes, Isaac, the lamb. Abraham says to his son, “God will see to it, my son. The two of them walked on together.” With great faith, Abraham trusts in his God, believing that the Lord will provide. Set up as a test, Abraham’s faith is stronger than this test. May it be so for you and for me when we have the choice to doubt or to trust in the Lord. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the God that provides. You were there for Abraham. You will be there for Isaac. You were there for Isaiah when you said, “The LORD will guide you continually and provide for you, even in parched places. He will rescue your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water that won’t run dry” (Isaiah 58:11.) You offer us the same promises when we walk forward in faith. Lead and guide us on our walk today, O God. Amen.


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A Choice to Make

Reading: Ephesians 1:3-10

Ephesians 1:7 – “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.”

Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with a beautiful and clear declaration of salvation by grace through faith. These are wonderful words to turn to as we are living in unsettling and uneasy times, giving us an actor to God’s unchanging and unmoving character and promises.

Today’s reading begins with a double blessing. Paul offers a blessing to God for the blessing that believers have received from Christ. Jesus set the example for holy and blameless living. Because God loves us all, we are all chosen to be adopted as God’s children, opening the door to living holy and blameless lives. This is God’s plan for all people. Whether or not people step into this destiny – that is a choice we each must make for ourselves.

From God’s perspective, there are no barriers. Grace is freely and generously given through Jesus Christ to one and all. In verse 7 we read of this: “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.” Christ died for us all, “while we were still yet sinners.” His grace is poured out upon us while we are imperfect so that we can be made perfect. We experience this state of perfection momentarily in our lives. We are holy and blameless and then we stumble and fail again. But no matter how many times we repeat this cycle, God is always there offering love and grace.

In verse 10 Paul reveals the end game. At the climax of all time, God will bring all things together in Christ. Heaven and earth will be made new again. Holy and blameless in his presence, we will forever worship the Lord, our Savior. What a glorious day that will be!

Prayer: Lord God, your plan of salvation is intended for us all. You created each of us to live in relationship with you. You would choose us all if it were up to you. But because we are free to choose, some don’t choose to surrender to your plan, to your love and grace. Use us, O God, as living examples of your love and grace, of your mercy and forgiveness, drawing others towards a saving relationship with you. Amen.


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A Simple Choice

Reading: Matthew 7:24-27

Matthew 7:25 (or 27) – “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.”

We all live in a broken world where evil, illness and disease, violence, death, and all the -isms cause hardship, trial, and suffering. Add to this our proclivity to sin, which only increases the challenge of living faithfully in this broken world. These things are true for all people: Christ followers, Muslims, atheists, agnostics…

For Jesus, in today’s passage, there are two choices with two distinct outcomes. One can choose to hear and put into practice his words and example, or one can hear and choose not to allow his words to shape and guide one’s life. It is a simple choice: obey or disobey.

And there is an outcome of effect of one’s choice. In our broken world, “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house.” Sin, evil, sickness, prejudice, injustice, pride… will rain down on our lives. The guilt, the stress, the shame, the suffering, the doubt – they will flood into our heart, mind, soul, and body. They will beat against our faith or against our psyche, depending on the choice we made to trust self or to trust God.

Those who choose to hear and obey are the “wise” who chose life and faith. These lives are “firmly set on bedrock.” Jesus is our bedrock, our firm foundation. Those who choose the ways of the world are the “fools.” They are building on sand. It is a simple choice: God or self? Our choices determines if we can withstand the storms of life. May we choose to build our lives upon Jesus Christ, our rock.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of the world is wise and easy and it leads to destruction. Your way is narrow and hard but it leads to abundant life. Surrounded by the voices and other influences of the world, it is hard to stay on your path. The storms of life only increase this challenge. Lord, be near us in all things, at all times. Amen.


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Our Daily Choice

Reading: Daniel 6:4-16

Daniel 6:10c – “Daniel knelt down, prayed, and praised his God three times a day, just like he always did.”

Photo credit: Noah Silliman

Today’s small peak into Daniel’s story reminds us of how hard it can be at times to choose to stay in love with God. Daniel has consistently chosen to do good in his role as an administrator. His work is without fault. Even though he is living in exile, along with most of Israel, Daniel has made an intentional choice to “stay in love with God.”

As our reading begins we see that the other administrators and officials – all 122 of them – are trying to find a way to do harm to Daniel. They are jealous and want to take him down. Finding no fault with his work, they sink to trying to use his faith against him. Tricking the king into writing a law about praying only to the king, these men find a way to possibly be rid of Daniel.

In verse 10 we read that Daniel is fully aware of this new law. As we press on we read, “Daniel knelt down, prayed, and praised his God three times a day, just like he always did.” Daniel chose to continue doing what he always did. The crowd bursts in and catches Daniel praying to God. Despite the king’s best efforts, Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den. (The story does not end here!)

In that moment, when choosing God really mattered, Daniel chose to do what he did every day to nourish his faith, to deepen his relationship with God. In our moment, when practicing our faith might place us in harm’s way, will we make Daniel’s choice? If our daily choice is the same – taking time every day to invest in our faith and in our relationship with God – then we are likely to find the courage and faith to trust God and to step forward in faith. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how beautiful is Daniel’s slow and sure walk of faith. Again and again you proved worthy of his trust and devotion. First, Lord, guide us to such a place of deep faith as we daily invest in our own relationship with you. And then, in the moment, give us the courage to continue to walk the walk. Amen.


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In the Name of…

Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In chapter 3 of Colossians Paul is encouraging the church to clothe themselves with the attitudes and practices of Jesus Christ. Verse 12 reminds the church that they are “God’s choice, holy and loved.” This is quite the status to have! The apostle goes on, inviting the church to “put on” Christ’s attitudes: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These attitudes (and others Christ exemplified such as welcome, mercy, grace…) should be lived out in all of life, 24/7.

Paul then invites the church to be tolerant and forgiving. These are ‘response attitudes.’ When someone is different from you or sees things from another perspective or when someone hurts or harms you or someone you love, respond with tolerance and forgiveness. How countercultural this invitation is, especially in our world today! Our human instinct, our gut-level reaction is to ignore or ridicule or exclude those who are different, to get even with those who hurt us. These are selfish responses. Christ was not selfish.

As our human nature is to be selfish, Paul encourages the church to put love over all of these attitudes – see everything, speak every word, through the filter of love. From the framework of love, God’s peace will fill our hearts. Christ’s word and Spirit will dwell richly in us. And one last piece of encouragement: “Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is Paul’s early version of the modern slogan, WWJD? It is choosing to filter all that we say and do and even think through the example of Jesus, he who was love lived out. It is the place that we must begin if we are to do good and not harm in our world.

Prayer: Lord God, clothe us this day and every day in Christ. Clothes thusly, empower us to live our compassion, kindness… When life challenges us in our efforts to follow Jesus, when others seek to harm or negatively influence us, raise up the voice of the Holy Spirit. Call us back to the way of Jesus. Whisper tolerance, forgiveness, grace, acceptance, and understanding into our hearts. In all things, use us to reveal the love of Christ to the world. Amen.