pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: comfort


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Rejoice! Celebrate!

Readings: Psalms 90-95

‭Psalm 91:2 – “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today we begin Book 4! We begin with a Psalm attributed to Moses. The Psalm considers the fleeting nature of life. God sweeps humans away “like a dream.” We finish up our years “with a whimper.” So the author invites us to “number our days.” Doing so we learn to live with a “wise heart.” Doing so, life has meaning and purpose.

Psalm 91 petitions God for divine protection. It feels like a counter to Psalm 90. In verse 2 we read, “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'” The Psalm speaks of God’s protection and saving in times of sickness and trial. It proclaims that if even 1,000 fall dead, we will be ok. This is because God will “order his messengers to help you… to protect you.” While we can feel the psalmist’s trust, we must remember that this is a possibility and not necessarily a promise. The faithful are not immune from the happenings of life.

Psalms 92 and 93 compliment each other. Psalm 92 is a song of thanksgiving for victory. The wicked are like grass – they perish quickly. The righteous are like trees. They will bear fruit in old age. Psalm 93 recognizes God as the one who won’t be shaken, as the one mightier than the flood. Holiness “decorates” God’s house.

Psalm 94 is addressed to the “avenging God.” The arrogant brag and afflict widows, immigrants, and orphans. The God who hears and sees will repay the evil. This God helps the righteous, steadying slipping feet and comforting the anxious. This God is our fortress and our rock of refuge.

This leads us to Psalm 95, a call to worship God. It begins, “Let’s raise a joyful shout.” The “people of his pasture” are called to worship, to bow down, to kneel before the Lord.  A warning against hardening one’s heart closes the Psalm. It is good to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. It counters our prideful nature and our tendency to turn inward.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we pray as the psalmists pray: steady us, comfort us, forgive us, protect us. At other times we too rejoice in your goodness and love. We celebrate your faithfulness and your justice. Today may our lives sing of your glory, power, and might. Amen.


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The Glory of the Lord: Love

Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Verse 5: “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Isaiah 40 offers words of comfort to Israel. In the book of Isaiah, chapters 1-39 have detailed God’s case against the leaders and people of God. They have lived in sin. They have been disobedient. They have worshipped idols and foreign gods. The last king boastfully shows off the treasures of his kingdom to some envoys from Babylon. Chapter 39 ends with Isaiah foretelling of the long exile that is soon to come. After this dire prophecy, all hope would be lost.

Many scholars believe that the portion of Isaiah that covers chapters 40-66 was written much later and likely comes from an anonymous prophet writing under Isaiah’s name. Although in our Bibles it seems like the next day as we turn from chapter 39 to chapter 40, we’ve moved from the 8th century BC to the 6th century BC. The exile has happened. Jerusalem and the temple have long laid in ruins. For generations, exile is all they’ve known. Some scholars suggest that God has been silent for these 150 or so years. If all hope was lost at the end of chapter 39, now the people do not even know what hope is.

Now, with that background and context, hear again these words of comfort, these words that promise restoration of Israel. The way will be made by God. “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.” The Lord will “gather the flock” that has long been scattered in exile. The Lord will carry them “close to his heart.” As God speaks again to the people, God speaks words of love. Soon these words will take on flesh and dwell among us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you remind us today of your great love that still overcomes even the greatest sin and still restores even the deepest separation. You continue to dwell with us, offering hope to all who call on your name. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Bold Faith, Deep Trust

Reading: Matthew 25:19-30

Verse 21: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!'”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

Today we continue with Jesus’ parable about the gifts and abilities that we are entrusted with. Yesterday’s implication that we should use these gifts and talents to build the kingdom of God becomes a crystal clear expectation today. The master returns home and settles accounts with the three servants. He has entrusted them with something very valuable. Now he wants to see what they’ve done with it.

Two of the servants double what was entrusted to them. Both receive the same praise: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Whether it was doubled or quadrupled or whatever is not the point here. The point is that they acted, using what they were entrusted with. The third servant hid away what he was given. He receives a very harsh rebuke and consequence for not using the gifts and talents that he had been entrusted with. This third servant’s fear prevents him from taking even the most basic action. Other than fear, what keeps us from acting or from using the gifts and talents that God has entrusted to us?

The two servants who received praise (and more blessings) were willing to use what they were entrusted with. They took a risk. It might have gone south. Whatever they tried could’ve failed. The same is true for us. Whatever gift or talent it is – whether love or grace or salvation, whether a teaching or parenting gift – sometimes when we try and use that to build the kingdom of God, it will require us to risk, to step outside of our comfort zone. And sometimes we’ll even fail. We’ll be rejected or ridiculed or… Offering our gifts and talents in our broken and hurting world takes bold faith and deep trust in God. Keeping these things to ourselves will one day draw a harsh rebuke. May we live out our faith boldly, using the blessings and gifts from God to be a blessing and gift to others. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for preparing me and for equipping me to share my gifts and blessings with others. You call me to be alert and to be ready to use these for the building of your kingdom here on earth. Today you remind me to take the next hard step – to actually use these in the world. Encourage and empower me to act today. I trust these actions to your blessings. Amen.


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The Saints!

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

Verse 10: “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.”

Today is All-Saints’ Day. This church holiday focuses on both the saints who have gone onto heaven and upon the saints who are still serving Jesus Christ here and now. Those who we can call “saints” run a wide gamut – from people like Mother Teresa and MLK, Jr., to people like your 3rd grade Sunday School teacher. There are a great many more saints that fall into the second category.

In our passage today Paul is writing to the church. He is talking about his ministry among them, not as a way to brag but as a way to remind and encourage. This is why we celebrate today’s holiday too. Paul begins by reminding them and us of the toil and hardship inherent in ministry. Ministering to others certainly has moments that are difficult and challenging. Next Paul unpacks the traits or characteristics of a minister of the gospel. It begins with how one conducts oneself: holy, righteous, blameless. He then moves onto the actions needed: encouraging, comforting, and urging the believers to “live a life worthy of the gospel.” This is, of course, circling back around to holy, righteous, and blameless. For Paul and for all other saints past and present, this life of faith is built upon the word of God. A close, personal, intimate relationship with God is the starting point for all believers, saints included.

On this All-Saints’ Day remember the saints who shaped and formed and walked with you in faith. Remember those who are living saints, still guiding you on your journey of faith. Bring your praise and thanksgiving to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many saints that have blessed my life and encouraged my faith. Some led by example long before I was born. Others have poured into me in my youth and have passed on to glory. And others still lead and guide and walk with me in adulthood. We are a community, connected together with you and with one another, all for the building of the kingdom of God. Praise be to God! Amen.


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Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 16-22

Verse 2: “Sing to God, sing praise to the Lord; tell of all God’s wonderful acts.”

Today’s Psalm encourages us to praise God for all that God has done. The psalmist invites us to sing our thanksgiving to God as we recall the wonders, the miracles, and the judgments. While it is easiest to praise God for the wonders and miracles, it is also good to remember and offer praise for the judgments. In the lives of God’s people and in our lives these hard but necessary moments kept us aligned with or brought us back into living out God’s will and ways.

The Psalm recalls some of the important times when God acted on behalf of the people. These are certainly reasons to praise the Lord. Today, let us also recall our more recent but ancestral experiences that are worthy of praise. Begin with your family and your church(es). When was God faithful? When did God provide a way? How did God intervene on behalf of your church or family? Praise God!

And then take a step closer to home. Think about your own journey of faith to this point. What encounters with God come to mind? When did God draw near to lead or guide or provide? How has God redirected your path or choices? How has God’s presence brought you comfort or peace or grace or redemption? Praise God!

Pause and offer words of thanksgiving – in song or prayer – for all that the Lord has done. Yes, God is good!

Prayer: Lord God, pausing and reflecting I can see how you’ve led and guided in so many ways – both in the story of your people and in the lives of my family and churches. Thank you! And as I stop and look within my journey I can see your fingerprints there too. Again, thank you! Amen.


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Graces of God

Reading: 1st Peter 2:19-25

Verse 20: “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

This week’s passage from 1st Peter 2 is part of a section titled “Submission to Rulers and Masters.” Verses 13-18 provide some important context for our passage today. In these proceeding verses Peter encourages his readers to submit to “every authority” as they seek to live as “servants of God.” Doing so, Peter says, they will be living holy and righteous lives, shining a light into and onto the world. Continuing in verse 18 he encourages slaves to “submit to your masters with all respect.” This directive is to be followed whether the master is “good and considerate” or if they are “harsh.” (Side note: Although Peter was writing into the accepted context of his day, slavery in any and all forms is wrong.)

In our first verse for today, Peter describes the “bearing up” of “unjust suffering” as an action that is commendable when done “conscious of God.” There is unjust suffering in our world. There are people in parts of our world that suffer unjustly just as the audience of Peter suffered. And even in our “safer” parts of the world there is unjust suffering that occurs. It happens in our lives and in the lives of those we know and love. In verses 21-24 Peter reminds us that Christ suffered unjustly – for us. Here Jesus gave us an example to follow. In the suffering, Jesus did not retaliate. In the pain, he did not threaten. He chose to trust himself and his situation to the God who “judges justly.” Christ knew that one day all things would be made right. This is yet our promise too.

Peter points out that Jesus suffered for us so that we might “die to sins and live for righteousness.” Empowered by Christ’s example his readers then and us now can live with assurance, confidence, and hope. If you are suffering, draw upon these graces of God. If you know another who is suffering, come alongside them and offer these graces to them. Doing so we live by the example set by Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the midst of pain and suffering, be present to us. Be our comfort to endure and our strength to walk in faith and trust. Use us to bring the hope and love of Christ to others who suffer. In these times, fill us with your Holy Spirit power so that we can bring your graces to bear in other people’s lives. Amen.


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Our Shepherd

Reading: Psalm 23

Verse 6: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

“The Lord is my shepherd…” These are such familiar words. We know them and the words that follow mostly by heart. These verses bring comfort, peace, strength, assurance. These words are right up there with “Our father who art in heaven…” The image of a shepherd evokes thoughts of care and guidance, of direction and provision. All of this is found in the 23rd Psalm.

“I shall not be in want.” This is such a summary statement. It speaks of God’s all-inclusive, all-encompassing care for us. In a world that promises to satisfy our wants, we soon enough find out that all the world offers is shallow and temporary. God alone provides what we really need deep down – green pastures, still waters, the restoration of our soul, guidance in this life. These feel maybe a bit mundane or basic yet they are essential to our lives. In the good seasons of life, it can be easy to forget the source or to become ungrateful for all of these simple blessings that God provides.

“Even though I walk…” This verse reminds us of our deep need for God. In the valley – whether because of grief or loss or because our enemies seem all around us – God is with us, the rod drawing us close, the staff protecting us from all that assails us. This comfort and protection are both also all-inclusive and all-encompassing. So too are the blessings that follow in the Psalm. The table, the anointing, the cup – they all overflow. God is so good. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always shepherding your people. From the wilderness experience to the quiet whisper on the mountaintop and in many other ways, you lead and guide, you provide, you restore, you rescue. In the incarnation you gave voice to who and what you are in a new expression. You led and taught, you reconciled, you set for us an example to follow. And in the Spirit you continue the conversation, the provision, the guidance, the love and care. Thank you God for shepherding your people, for shepherding me. Amen.


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Jesus Is with Us

Reading: John 11:1-37

Verse 33: “When Jesus saw her weeping… he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.”

Photo credit: Ruthson Zimmerman

We end our week with the story known as the raising of Lazarus. That’s the miracle in the passage. It begins with Mary and Martha asking Jesus to come: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” We read into their request an urgency. We can relate because maybe too often our prayers are lifted only when the situation has become urgent. At that point we too are like Mary and Martha: we want a speedy response. If things don’t turn out how we’d like or want, we too can toss up a “Lord if you had…” It is always hard to wait, to have patience, when we bring something important to God, especially if we feel that a response is urgent.

Jesus does show up. It’s just not in Mary or Martha’s preferred time frame. And it’s not the response they wanted – or so they initially think. First Martha comes and he assured her that he is “the resurrection and the life.” Yes, Lord, you are the Messiah. Then Mary comes, full of “if onlys” and filled with grief. It is here that we read, “When Jesus saw her weeping… he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” He enters their pain and grief. Jesus becomes present in the midst of their sorrow. He is with those who believe. This too is our Jesus. In our pain and grief, in our anger and disappointments, in our loneliness and doubt, in all of life – Jesus is with us.

Yes, Lazarus will walk out of the grave. But in 5, 9, 17 years – he will die again. The pain and sorrow will return. And so will Jesus. In Spirit, he will comfort Mary and Martha once again. This is the good news of this story: Jesus is with us. He weeps with us. He comforts us. He lifts us up. Thanks be to God, Jesus is with us.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, you are present! In the highs, in the lows, and everywhere in between, you are there. You invite us into a personal relationship. You offer to all who believe abundant life now and life eternal. But you don’t wait until we die to become part of our lives. The moment we invite you into our hearts, you enter in and you take up residence. Thank you, Jesus. I need you every day and every hour. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Fully Surrendered

Reading: Psalm 23:1-4

Verse 1: “The Lord is my shepherd.”

Photo credit: Alex Woods

Psalm 23 is very familiar. Its words remind us of how deeply God can love and care for us. It speaks of the relationship that we can experience. David writes these words as one fully surrendered to God. In order to claim and to fully experience the relationship detailed in this Psalm, we too must be fully surrendered to God.

David chooses the shepherd analogy. He is drawing from years and years of being a good shepherd to his family’s sheep. In verse 1 David declares that he “shall not be in want.” God will provide for our daily needs. God will also provide for our emotional and spiritual needs. Not “might” – will! When we are surrendered to God, rest and restoration in green pastures and beside still waters is not optional. Surrendered fully, God will guide us in all righteousness. Sabbath is part of this.

God is also our shepherd when life gets difficult. Verse 4 reminds us that God will be fully present in the valleys – in those times when “the shadow of death” has fallen over our lives. When we lose a loved one, God is there to both comfort and protect us. God comforts us in our pain and also protects us against the evil one. In moments of loss, we are most vulnerable to the lies and manipulation of Satan. God protects us. Physical death is not the only deaths we experience. God is there in the loss of relationship, in the loss of a job or dream, in the loss of health… In all these, God comforts us and protects us. It is a provision so strong that we need not fear evil in any of these circumstances either. This fear can be fully surrendered to God too. Doing so, we find rest and restoration even in the valley of death or loss.

Psalm 23 reminds us of God’s presence and love and care in all of life. If we choose daily to surrender to and to walk in the presence of God, we are never alone. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your love and care for me is so amazing and wonderful. You guide me and lead me in what is right. You lead me to times and places that restore my soul. Help me, Lord, to surrender daily so that I can experience the fullness of your love and care. 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.