pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Christ


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But as For You…

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:6-16

1st Timothy 6:11 – “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

Photo credit: Caleb Jones

As we turn to 1st Timothy today and tomorrow, we see that idolatry is still a struggle for the people of God. The situation is no different today. In Paul’s day, false teachers were trying to get rich instead of trying to save souls. They bickered with one another because their motivation was selfish. In verse 7 Paul writes this eternal truth: “We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it.” In Paul’s day, just as it is today, many who were trying to get rich were falling into all kinds of temptations. This sad reality leads Paul to this observation: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” We could easily substitute power, status, popularity… for the word “money.”

Starting in verse 11, Paul presents a different way of living. In this verse he commands Timothy (and us) to this way of living: “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.” To live in the will and ways of God contrasts sharply with living in the ways of the world. Instead of seeking personal gain in many forms, a life of faith leads us to first love God and then to love neighbor. The focus on self is minimalized as we pursue righteousness, holy living… Paul goes on to encourage Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To live counter to our human tendency towards selfishness is indeed a fight. To give oneself in humble service to God and others – yes, it is a fight. But it is a fight that yields contentment in this life and joy in the life to come. May we daily choose to fight the good fight of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, so many voices, so many things tell us to gather, to hoard, to accumulate. Yet it is so clear that these behaviors do not bring peace or contentment or joy or anything else truly good to our lives. You alone are the giver of all that is truly good. Guide us, O Lord, to pursue you above all else, leading us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Amen.


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The Most Important Thing

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-7

1st Timothy 2:1 – “First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

Paul writes to Timothy to instruct him on how to build faithful congregations. These words are based on years and years of experience. This letter includes instructions on personal and communal living, on what and how to preach, and on how to guide a congregation to reveal Christ’s love to the world. In chapter 2 Paul hones in on the most important thing: prayer.

In verse 1 we read, “First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.” Before you do anything else, pray. For Jesus, for Paul, and for for us, prayer is the foundation and life-blood of our faith. This simple practice is essential. For Paul, these basic conversations with God should include all people. This includes family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ, the person you met at the market, leaders… To pray for others is to lift them and their needs to God. In this way, prayer is an act of humility.

For me, almost every day begins with a cup of coffee, sitting quietly on the couch, slowly praying through a long list of names. This is how I choose to begin my day because it focuses my heart and mind for the day ahead. This quiet work aligns me with God so that my words and actions might better reflect God’s love for all people.

Paul encouraged Timothy to model and teach prayer to his congregations. Paul knew from experience that praying congregations were faithful congregations. In and through prayer they found and we will find the power and the strength to live as God’s people in the world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to be faithful first in our prayers. Whether early in the morning or late at night or somewhere in between, through your Holy Spirit ground us in your will and way as we spend quiet moments with you. Open our hearts and minds to hear your voice and to feel your direction for our lives and for our ministries. Amen.


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Glory Revealed

Reading: Psalm 79:6-9

Psalm 79:8 – “Don’t remember the iniquities of past generations; let your compassion hurry to meet us because we’ve been brought so low.”

Photo credit: Tobias Rademacher

As we continue in Psalm 79 today the psalmist asks God to redirect the anger of God that burns like fire. The plea is made to “pour out” that fire on the pagan nations – those that have “devoured” God’s people and have ransacked the land. Then there is a shift. In verse 8 the psalmist prays, “Don’t remember the iniquities of past generations; let your compassion hurry to meet us because we’ve been brought so low.” The psalmist is part of a very, very small segment of the Israelites that remained true to God. It was other’s sins that brought God’s wrath on Israel, in the form of Babylonian conquest.

At this lowest point, living fully in the tragedy, the psalmist still chooses faithfulness and hope in God. To choose otherwise will fracture or possibly remove all faith. There are times when we are negatively affected by past or by systemic or by societal sin. The division in our nation is a good example. Choosing to dwell in and to fuel the fires of “us” versus “them” at every opportunity is living and acting in ways counter to the loving and unifying way of Christ. In this current climate we can choose prayer and God’s presence or we can allow the tide to sweep us along down that evil path.

In verse 9 the psalmist cries out for God’s salvation, deliverance, and forgiveness. These are all found in relationship with God. These are gifts of God that we can receive no matter what is happening in the world around us. While pain and suffering and hardship may come, in prayer we can experience God’s compassion, love, mercy, grace… These gifts of God empower us to remain faithful and to live righteous lives in the midst of this broken world. This is how the glory of God will be revealed. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when the brokenness of this world feels overwhelming, when the tide feels like it will surely pull us under, help us to feel your hand reaching out. Gently guide us to step into your presence, prayerfully deepening our relationship with you. In that place, pour out your hope and strength upon us, empowering us to be light and love in the darkness of our world. Amen.


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Safe, Welcoming, Loving?

Reading: Luke 15:1-10

Luke 15:10 – “Joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.”

As today’s passage begins, tax collectors and sinners are gathering around Jesus – “to listen to him.” Jesus often welcomed and loved on such as these, people who were not welcomed or loved by the other group that was present. The Pharisees and legal experts are not there to listen either. They are there to grumble, to complain, and to critique. This second group is unhappy with the “radical” welcome that Jesus offers to all people, especially to these folks that are clearly not part of God’s family.

Many years ago the church that I was a part of had an opportunity to minister to the poor and homeless. The building across the parking lot was purchased with the intent of renovating it to open a day center for this population. Some in the church thought it’d be better to tear it down to have more parking. These voices did not win out. Those typically excluded or kept on the outside found a safe and welcoming and loving place to be during the day, when the local rescue mission was closed.

In response to the religious folk’s hard hearts, Jesus tells two parables. In both, the list thing (a sheep and then a coin) is sought and then found. The finder’s community then celebrates together. In the same way, Jesus says, “Joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.” The same sentiment was often said and/or felt at the day center when another person was brought out of poverty or homelessness or addiction or… The same could be said about our churches and about our very lives. Are we and are our churches willing to be safe and welcoming and loving places? Places that cause the angels in heaven to rejoice?

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts and hands to the needs around us. Lead us to be people who create safe places, who provide genuine welcome, and who love all people deeply. Guide our churches to live this same Christlike faith. Amen.


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New Again

Reading: Psalm 51:7-10

Psalm 51:8 – “Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more.”

Continuing today in Psalm 51, David recognizes his separated state. Yes, God has seen his sin and sent the prophet Nathan to break through to David, leading him to see his sin. David knows that God alone can make him “clean.” In verse 7 David asks for this cleansing – for God to purify and wash him so that he is “whiter than snow.” On his own David would remain in his sin and would struggle with the guilt and shame that often accompanies our sin. The same is true for us. We need God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness to once again be back in right relationship with God.

In verse 8 David is not yet there – not yet redeemed and restored. He longs for these things. We can hear this longing as we read, “Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more.” When we are in this place we too can feel this way. For David, the sacrificial system and the giving of an animal’s life would provide the “means” or payment for forgiveness. For us today, however, Jesus interceded on our behalf. He paid the price, offering himself as that needed sacrifice. In communion we remember this gift formally. But we don’t need to take the bread and cup to be redeemed and restored. Forgiveness comes through a simple prayer of confession and repentance. Jesus then creates a “clean heart” in us, once again walking with a “faithful spirit” within us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we experience times when we are separated from you because of our sin and its impacts. Sometimes we tarry, wrestling with the guilt or shame. In these times, O Lord, call out to us, pull us into your grace and mercy. Drawn close to you, make us new again, O God. Amen.


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All of the Glory

Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17

1st Timothy 1:13 – “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.”

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

Paul, as Saul, was one of those anti-Christian people. As he recollects in the first part of verse 13, he used to speak against Jesus and used to attack Jesus’ “people.” Saul was proud of his religion – Judaism. Connecting to yesterday’s idea of “practical atheists,” this is how the early Christians would have seen Saul. He did not understand or even accept Jesus. Saul’s actions and words strongly opposed Christ and his disciples.

Then Saul had his “come to Jesus” moment. In his words, “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith.” Christ changed his heart. Looking back on his past life as a Pharisee, Paul now sees himself then as “the biggest sinner of all.” This view is from Paul’s new understanding of what faithful living is. He recognized how Jesus came, lived, and died both to set and example of how to live a faithful and righteous life and to save people from their sins. Christ’s “endless patience” was demonstrated in Paul’s life and conversion. Now he lives to be an example of Christ so that others will come to believe in Jesus.

Paul is very grateful that Jesus saved him. This is what leads Paul to offer these words of praise: “honor and glory to him forever.” The gift of relationship that Paul now knows, the gift that that leads to eternal life, is offered to all people. To the Saul’s of the world and to the practical atheists – even those inside of us at times – Jesus Christ still offers new life. As disciples of Jesus Christ, may we bear witness as Paul did, bringing the Lord our God all of the glory.

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk in relationship with you, work in our hearts so that we live in ways that bring you glory and honor. Use us as conduits of grace and mercy, opening others to the possibility of new and eternal life. Amen.


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Our Intercessor

Reading: Exodus 32:7-14

Exodus 32:10 – “Now leave me alone! Let my fury burn and devour them.”

Exodus 32 begins with Moses and Joshua already up on the mountain, speaking with God. They are up there a long time – apparently too long. An impatient people decide that they need something new to follow and worship. A gold bull calf is fashioned. An altar is made. The image is worshipped. Before moving to today’s reading, let us ponder how often we either get impatient with God and take matters into our own hands or… how often we worship things other than the Lord our God.

In verse 7 God instructs Moses to “Hurry up,” to return to “Your people” because they are “ruining everything.” God recounts to Moses the making of and worship of an idol. God is very upset with this “stubborn people.” God then says to Moses, “Now leave me alone! Let my fury burn and devour them.” God is ready to simply wipe the Israelites off the face of the earth. God will just start over with Moses. Referring back to our earlier pondering, I wonder, how often does God get to this same place with us? Collectively we must regularly tempt God to just burn it down in order to start over.

What happens next is amazing. Moses intercedes on behalf of God’s “own people.” Moses tells God to calm down, to change God’s mind, to remember the covenant promises. And God does. Moses had walked long enough with these people to understand their struggles with being faithful 100% of the time. The good news for you and for me? Jesus – God in the flesh – walked long enough with humanity to truly understand our struggles. Just as Moses did, the risen Christ intercedes for you and for me, standing between us and God, pleading our case. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ, our intercessor and friend.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for you day to day patience and for your unconditional love. We are so imperfect. We must push your buttons regularly, like a difficult two-year-old with a very tired parent. We rejoice in Jesus, our intercessor before you. We thank you too for the Holy Spirit, our indwelling friend who helps us in our walk with you. And, God, thank you for your saving grace and unending mercy. You are a most awesome God. 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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Are We Willing?

Reading: Luke 14:25-33

Luke 14:22 – “Whoever doesn’t carry their own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

Today in Luke’s gospel we read some words that can feel challenging. Jesus is speaking to a large crowd that is traveling with him. These are words that all who consider Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior need to hear often. For those present and for us today who read these words, the question is being asked: Are you willing to do what is required to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?

Jesus begins with this: Are you willing to put Jesus first in your life? Only if Jesus is ahead of family and “even one’s own life,” only then can one follow Jesus. When there is no one between Jesus and you, yes, can you pick up your cross to follow him. Jesus must be the only one on the throne of our hearts, otherwise we’ll lay down that cross when things get hard…

The initial question is followed up with a consideration of the cost of following Jesus. Like everything else in our life that we commit to, there is a cost to discipleship. Using the example of building a tower, Jesus invites his followers to consider if they’re willing to make a lifelong commitment. We need to understand that a walk of faith is 24/7 – long, steady, constant, and all-encompassing.

Jesus then uses a war example, reminding us that a walk of faith is a constant battle. The forces fighting against our daily faithful walk are powerful and unrelenting. Satan and the lures of this world must be fought against regularly. We must be willing to battle almost constantly if we are to walk with Jesus. Our biggest battle is with “things.” Are we willing to put where we live, what we wear, our gifts and talents, even our status and power, to use in the building of God’s kingdom? Are we willing to give up whatever is required to prioritize humble service to Christ above all else?

Prayer: Lord God, these words are challenging and difficult. But they are also encouraging. Jesus lays out the requirements, yes, but is also reminding us that faith is a choice that we do not make alone. We have within us all that we need to walk faithfully each day: the Holy Spirit. Lead and guide us today. Empower and equip us, O Lord, to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Amen.


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Live Out These Words

Reading: Matthew 6:9-11

Matthew 6:11 – “Give us the bread we need for today.”

Today’s reading brings us a portion of “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is just three short verses but, as it was with much of what Jesus said, there is a lot to these words. There are three requests of God in these verses. And there are actions and responses required of us.

Verse 9 reads, in part, “uphold the holiness of your name.” Jesus is asking God to keep God’s holiness ever on our hearts and minds. To uphold this requires much of us. First and foremost we recall the charge to be holy as God is holy. Moment by moment we are charged with being like Christ was in the world: holy, yes, but also compassionate, forgiving, generous, empathetic, present.

Verse 10 asks God to “bring in your kingdom.” This asks God to make earth like heaven, to have God’s will done here on earth. This, of course, requires our cooperation and help. It calls us to love and care for “the least of these” and to stand against injustice, oppression, violence… These evils have no place in God’s kingdom – in heaven or here on earth.

Lastly, “Give us the bread we need for today.” This asks God to provide our daily bread – our physical sustenance – and to provide for our other needs too. This is a charge to trust in God. It is not a prayer for God to help us get what we think we need or to empower us so that we can be self-sufficient. No, it is a prayer of surrender, leaning into God’s care and trusting that this will be more than sufficient.

In all ways may we strive to live out these words.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us today to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, hearing your voice, feeling your nudges. Lead us to be in the world as Christ was in the world – loving others more than self, serving humbly and gently. Deepen our trust and faith in you as we experience your power working in us and through us, transforming us and your world. Amen.