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Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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One in Christ

Reading: Philippians 1-2

Philippians 2:3 – “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As is his custom, Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with thanksgiving and prayer. He is “full of joy” because of the ministry in Philippi. Paul is sure that God will complete the work begun by these “partners in God’s grace.” Paul prays for their love and for their knowledge of Christ to grow. Then they will truly “filled with the fruit of righteousness.”

Paul then acknowledges that his hardships and imprisonment have actually advanced the gospel. Those in Rome are learning about Christ and others have become bolder in their proclamation of the gospel. Paul then expressed a longing to be with Christ. Yet, for their sake, he recognizes that it is more important for him to “stay in the world.” He can help them to joyfully grow in the faith. He challenges those in the church in Philippi to “live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” This will require them to stand firm, both in the face of hardship and suffering.

In chapter 2 Paul invites the church to imitate Christ. He invites them to be unified with Christ and with one another. He encourages them, saying, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Paul then unpacks what this all looks like. Jesus “emptied himself” and he humbled himself by “becoming obedient to death.” Because of Jesus’ living faith, at his name one day all will bow and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, Paul says, be blameless and pure, trusting in God’s power to live out their own faith, shining “like stars” in this “crooked and corrupt” world. All of this is possible when they “hold onto the word of life,” Jesus Christ. May it be so for us this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, encourage our walk of faith and fill us with all joy. Lead and guide us to yield the fruit of righteousness as we share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. Make us one in Christ, one body created to humbly serve in love. Amen.


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My Grace: Enough

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 11-13

2nd Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.”

As we begin the last three chapters in 2nd Corinthians, Paul confronts the “super apostles” that have been attacking Paul’s reputation and work. He begins with his concern: he promised the church to Christ. They are struggling with their commitment. They’ve gotten off track because they so easily accepted a different version of the Christian faith. We too can end up here, even without anyone’s help.

Paul then resorts to their game: bragging about human credentials. He is all that they are: Hebrew, Israelite, descendant of Abraham, minister of Christ. And he has worked harder and endured much more: imprisonment, beatings, a stoning, lashings, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst… AND! The stress over all these churches he’s planted and is now working with.

In chapter 12 Paul writes about a “man” who had a vision and heard words directly from God. This same man is now experiencing “a thorn in my body” that God will not take away. God’s response to Paul’s pleading? “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” This thorn keeps Paul from being conceited. It keeps him humble. That’s where we experience God’s power and strength too.

Paul then begins to prepare the church in Corinth for a third visit. He warns them: shape up because “I won’t spare anyone.” He invites the church to examine and test themselves. He prays that they will be made “complete.” Paul closes with blessings of love and peace, with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and with fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, as we close 2nd Corinthians it feels like such a struggle for the church and for those within the church. So many voices, so many messages, so many temptations. Wait, Lord. Is Paul writing to us? In that reality, O God, strengthen and encourage us today to walk humbly in your grace, for there we find all that we need. Amen.


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God Has Spoken

Reading: Ezekiel 1-5

Ezekiel 3:4 and 7 – “Human one, go! Go to the house of Israel and speak my words to them… they will refuse to listen to you because they refuse to listen to me.”

The book of Ezekiel begins with the prophet in exile. He was brought to Babylon in the first wave of exiles, five years before the fall of Jerusalem. On his 30th birthday he is called by God to speak God’s word to these hardheaded and hard-hearted people. If not for exile, Ezekiel would’ve begun his formal duty as a priest in the temple on this day. He sees a vision – four magnificent creatures, each with four spinning wheels. Above them is a dome with a throne. On the throne is the glory of God. Ezekiel can feel God’s power and might in this scene.

God commissions Ezekiel to be the prophet to Israel, saying, “Human one, go! Go to the house of Israel and speak my words to them… they will refuse to listen to you because they refuse to listen to me.” God prepared Ezekiel, hardening his face so that he can speak to these rebellious people. God appoints Ezekiel as a lookout. His duty is to warn the people – no more, no less. Obedience falls on them. Or punishment for disobedience. God declares to Ezekiel that the prophet will speak when God speaks and will be silent when God is silent.

Chapters 4 and 5 describe Jerusalem’s fate using “sign acts.” These vivid visuals have a strong impact, amplifying his message. First, Ezekiel depicts the coming siege on Jerusalem. He then lies on his left side for 390 days then on his right side for 40 days – one day for each year of Israel’s and Judah’s rebellion, respectively. Ezekiel then makes bread from scraps. He eats and drinks a small ration of bread and water each day, representing the famine that will befall Jerusalem. The prophet then shaved his head and beard and divides the hair into thirds. He burns the first third. One third of Jerusalem will die by famine and plague. Ezekiel cuts up the next third. One third will die by the sword. Lastly, he scatters one third to the wind. The last third of Jerusalem will be taken into exile. The few strands in his pocket represent the very small remnant that will be left behind. When all of this literally happens to Judah, then God’s “anger will be complete.” Then Israel and Judah will know that God has spoken.

Prayer: Lord God, what a call and what a way to show your people what is about to happen to Jerusalem and Judah. These images raise up a level of awe and fear of you. It is good to recognize your power and might and justice. Help us to see the signs and to hear the words of warning and correction that you speak into our lives today. Soften our too often hard hearts and pry open our too regularly closed ears. Amen.


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Incomplete Understanding

Readings: Job 32 through Job 37

‭Job 32:8 – “But the spirit in a person, the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding.”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

Elihu speaks today. He has listened to the words of Job and his friends. He has waited to speak because he is younger. In the opening verses we see what drives his words. He is angry with Job because Job thinks he is more righteous than God. Elihu is angry with the friends because they wrongly assumed Job to be sinful, preventing them from finding an answer to his suffering. Elihu claims a divine source for his words, saying, “But the spirit in a person, the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding.” It is also this spirit within that enlivens Elihu’s speech.

Elihu tells Job that God is greater than anybody – Job included. He reminds Job that God “speaks” in many ways: dreams, visions, pain, illness. He reminds Job that prayer leads to a response from God. Elihu reminds the friends that God is not evil and that God sees all human steps. Evil doers cannot hide from God. But the divine consequences for their actions is not always immediate. Elihu says that our good and our bad does not affect God but does impact those around us.

Elihu closes by reminding all four that God does prompt people to turn from their sin. To turn from sin brings plenty and contentment. To ignore God, it brings death – at some point. His windy and winding speech wraps up with a picture of how wondrous, powerful, mighty, and just God is. So much so that God will not respond to humans. How surprised he will be when God speaks next from the whirlwind. Clearly Elihu’s understanding of God is not as complete as he thinks.

Prayer: Lord God, as we walk with you we do gain insight; we come to know you more and more. As we journey, help this to continue as we seek to know who you are. The ‘what’ isn’t so important. And, Lord, even though we hold some truths about who you are, because we do not and will not ever know the whole picture, guard our tongues lest we demonstrate the limits of our knowledge. Amen.


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Temple Completion

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 1, 2nd Chronicles 2, 2nd Chronicles 3, 2nd Chronicles 4, 2nd Chronicles 5:1

‭2 Chronicles 1:1 – “Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him.”

2nd Chronicles begins in a great place – Solomon is “securely established” as the king of Israel. He gathers all Israel and offers a great sacrifice at Gibeon. God appears that night in a dream, inviting Solomon to ask for whatever he wants. It is wisdom and knowledge to lead well. God grants this request as well as promising wealth and fame – the two things other kings would’ve asked for. Solomon acquires a vast number of horses and chariots, evidence of his wealth.

Chapter 2 through 5:1 covers the building of the temple. Solomon secures a needed craftsman as well as lumber from Hiram of Tyre in exchange for wheat, barley, wine, and oil. A huge immigrant work force is gathered and construction begins. The temple is built on the former site of Ornan’s threshing floor. The main temple is built, followed by the porch and the holy place. All is covered in gold, gems, carvings, and embroidery. Winged creatures are made for the holy place. The curtain and two columns are made. The altar, Sea, lampstands, tables, and bowls are made. Lastly, all of the small pieces are made: tongs, wick trimmers, censers…

Now that the temple and all of its equipment is completed, Solomon brings the gold, silver, and other objects that David has dedicated to God to the temple treasuries. All is set to dedicate the temple to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, what great detail. What great care. These are echoes of the detail and care that went into the construction of the tabernacle. God, help us to give such great detail and care to the building of our faith. And, Lord, may our lives reflect the magnificent beauty of your love. Amen.


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Complete and Correct

Readings: Deuteronomy 21, Deuteronomy 22, Deuteronomy 23, Deuteronomy 24, Deuteronomy 25

Deuteronomy 24:13b – “They will bless you, and you will be considered righteous before the LORD your God.”

While today’s readings might feel like a fire hose of disjointed and maybe unrelated laws and case studies, one can make sense of these passages by looking at them within the framework of unpacking the Ten Commandments. Today’s passages deal with commandments 6-9, laws that deal with how we are to live in right relationship with one another. This focus laid over all of these laws gives us structure to understand and even apply many to our lives and culture today.

Chapter 21 and most of 22 unpack the law “do not kill.” Chapter 21 begins with a process to remove blood guilt for unsolved murders. We then shift to foreign wives, oldest sons, and parents. These laws work against “killing” reputations and the rights of the firstborn. Chapter 22 deals mostly with caring for property and reputations. Helping others and defending a woman’s virginity are ways to love instead of harm.

22:23 through 23:18 deal with adultery – against one another and also against God. The topics range from literal adultery to who and what can (and can’t) be in God’s presence. There is even a protection in here about slaves who escape from cruel masters. Abuse, in this sense, is a form of adultery. The focus then shifts to “do not steal.” This section greatly expands this commandment way beyond simply taking something off the shelf at the store. Interest and oaths and pawning and kidnapping are included here as ways that we can steal from one another.

Beginning in 24:8 we turn to #9: “do not testify falsely.” Loans and worker pay and harvesting are regulated to protect the poor and the vulnerable. In this section we find a verse that in spirit arches over all that we read today: “They will bless you, and you will be considered righteous before the LORD your God.” This section closes with rules for honest business dealings. Weights and measures must be “complete and correct.” This is a wonderful way to look at how we should love our neighbors too. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we work through unpacking such simple commands – do not kill, steal… and see that these simple commands affect so much of life. To love neighbor is a vast and wide ranging charge. Guide us each day to place the other before self. Lead us to live as humble servants of your great love. Amen.


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Don’t Be Afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:24-33

Verse 27: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”

Photo credit: Saad Chaudhry

This week’s gospel text is part of Jesus’ words of instruction as he sends the 12 out to preach, heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Today’s portion is some honesty and some encouragement. Tomorrow’s portion is more warning and clarification of the cost of discipleship.

In the opening verses Jesus says, “It is enough for students to be like their teachers.” Reflecting back on scene after scene where Jesus taught amazing lessons and offered powerful miracles, the disciples must’ve been equal parts excited and overwhelmed. Jesus is saying that they will be like him.

Knowing the disciples have also witnessed the clashes and conflicts with the religious leaders, Jesus next addresses the fear this must’ve brought to the disciples as they are to head out on their own. Jesus tells them to not be afraid. He encourages them to be bold in the face of this fear: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” Jesus also reminds them to keep focused on the eternal reality. He tells them not to fear man, but to fear Satan, the one who has the power to “destroy both body and soul in hell.”

Today’s portion closes with a great reminder. Jesus wants the disciples to know that God loves and cares for them. In God’s all-powerful way, Jesus says that not even a sparrow dies without God noticing. This same God knows you so well that the number of hairs on your head is known. And if God knows that minute detail, disciple of Christ, then God really loves and cares for you. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Prayer: Lord God, discipleship is not always easy. Sometimes we feel a little inadequate. In these times, remind us of the power and gifts imparted to us by the Teacher. Sometimes fear or doubt rises up. When it does, fill us with a holy confidence, fueled by your great love and care for us. Knowing you love and care for us completely and unconditionally, may we boldly proclaim the good news of your kingdom. Amen.


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One

Reading: John 17:1-11

Verse 11: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”

After clearly telling the disciples that it is time for him to return to God, Jesus tells the disciples, “In this world you will have trouble.” He immediately follows this up with words of encouragement: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It is from this place that Jesus offers the prayer that we read today in John 17.

Jesus first prays mostly for himself, thanking God that eternal life will be given to those that belong to or believe in him. He acknowledges that he has “completed the work you sent me to do.” Jesus has lived out God’s love, revealing God to the world. He will be glorified here through the resurrection and then he will return to glory in heaven.

In verses 6-11 Jesus prays for his disciples – “those whom you gave me out of this world.” Living as exiles or sojourners in this world, we too fit this description. Jesus acknowledges their obedience and their belief that God was in him and he is in God. Recognizing that they will yet remain in the world, Jesus prays, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” There is power in the name of Jesus. Calling upon his name will invoke a holy presence. Calling on Jesus for power or guidance or protection or… invites Jesus to be right there with us.

And why might a disciple need this power? “So that they may be one as we are one.” To bring unity, to build community, to develop relationships, to work together – to be one with one another as we are one with God, Jesus, and the Spirit. It’s all about relationship and connection. As disciples of Jesus Christ may we too seek to be one with each other and one with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your Holy Spirit, connect us to one another and to you. Build us up as the body of Christ, finding power and unity in the name of Jesus Christ, your son and our perfect example. Bind us together as we seek to minister to the needs of the world. Amen.


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Complete and Steadfast

Reading: John 14:15-17

Verse 16: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Turning to our gospel lesson for this week, Jesus offers the disciples some needed reassurance and a promise. Coming out of a difficult to understand conversation about Jesus being the only way to the Father, he offers the words that we read today. He begins with this: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” The most recent command is this: “Love one another. As I have loved you…” Living out their faith and into this relationship with God – both are first grounded in love. From a place of complete and steadfast love will come obedience. In human terms, we ground our wedding vows in this kind of love.

Jesus has been addressing the fact that soon he will die. The disciples will soon find themselves without the physical Christ. In today’s teaching Jesus offers these words: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth.” Jesus himself will initiate this new relationship or connection with God. Through Jesus’ request God will send the spiritual Christ to be with the disciples. The Holy Spirit will be with them forever. There is both an assurance and a promise here. Yet, as in all relationships, we have a role to play. We must receive the Spirit into our lives. We must respond to the offer, to the invitation, to the “knock” on our hearts.

Jesus states that those who are of the world “neither sees him or knows him.” For those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and for those of us who do and yet choose to live in sin, the Holy Spirit is disconnected. When there is separation in our relationship with God, then we too are of the world. Even then God reaches out, calling us back into right relationship. Through God’s complete and steadfast love our brokenness is again transformed and we can walk and live once more as a child of God. Our God’s love redeems and restores us over and over, allowing the Holy Spirit to “live with you” and to “be in you.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your love and presence are offered without limit, without condition. You are the perfect giver of these good and gracious gifts. Lead us to receive them, to be filled with them, and to be people who pour them out into one another’s lives. Amen.


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The Path of Life

Reading: Psalm 16:7-11

Verse 8: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Our passage today begins as yesterday’s began, with praise to the Lord. David celebrates God’s presence in his life just as Peter did. In verse 8 David writes, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Here he expresses that faith is a choice. David chooses to receive counsel and instruction from God day after day. He chooses to keep God front and center – “always before me.” Because David chooses God again and again, his faith is assured and strong. He trusts that God will always be there for him.

David rejoices again in the next verses. His “heart is glad” and he knows God’s protection is his: “my body also will rest secure.” For David, his faith is holistic – mind, body, and soul. David’s faith involves all of his life, both in the present and in the future. Mirroring the inheritance that we read about yesterday, David rejoices that the Lord has “made known the path of life” and filled him “with joy in your presence” now and “with eternal pleasures” that are sure to come one day. His faith is not just holistic, it is total and complete. David practices a faith that rests on the Lord’s presence here and now and it trusts into God’s eternal promises for his future.

The God that David connected to, walked daily with, and trusted with all of his being is the same God that seeks to be in the same relationship with you and with me and with all people. Setting the Lord ever before us, we will not be shaken. May we choose the path of life, rejoicing daily in the living hope that comes through faith in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, draw me to you morning by morning, keeping me ever before you. Fill me daily with your presence, growing my faith and trust day by day. Turn me to you in all circumstances, for there I can stand secure and strong. Amen.