pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: confession


by Leave a comment

Walk the Walk

Reading: Matthew 3:7-12

Matthew 3:8 – “Produce fruit that shows you have changed hearts and lives.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Continuing in Matthew 3 today we see that many Pharisees and Sadducees come to John the Baptist in the wilderness. These two religious groups were very different. The Sadducees came from the ruling class, didn’t believe in an afterlife, and interpreted the scriptures much differently than the Pharisees. Both groups were powerful and popular amongst the people. The fact that these two groups both came to be baptized by John is a testament to the appeal of John’s message. Even the religious leaders were looking for the kingdom of God to draw near.

Even though the scripture tells us that the Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized, John goes on the offensive. He begins by calling them “children of snakes.” He then asks them about who warned them to flee the coming wrath and judgment. This calling out is exactly the opposite of ‘Welcome! Step on down into the water!’ John’s assault on their status and place in society continues with this charge: “Produce fruit that shows you have changed hearts and lives.” John has been around these groups long enough to know that what they teach and what they live do not line up. Status, heritage, popularity… do not matter to John. It’s all about walking the walk.

John then points to the coming Messiah. His or her baptism will not be with water but with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John references the “coming judgment” in verse 12. The Messiah will sift the wheat from the husks, the good from the bad. Those not producing good fruit will suffer “a fire that can’t be put out.” Confession and repentance must lead to a change in heart and life, to turning back to the path that we are called to walk in and through Jesus Christ. May we daily choose to walk the walk of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we can be tempted to think, ‘I read my Bible, I go to church’ as our justification for being a ‘good’ person. Checking boxes, though, will not equate to eternal life. So Lord we ask that the fire of your Holy Spirit would burn away our selfish desires and actions. And may the fire of the Spirit ignite our love of you and of neighbor, leading to humble service, producing fruit that lasts. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Rescuer, Deliverer, Redeemer

Reading: Luke 1:76-79

Luke 1:77 – “You [John] will tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins.”

As we continue in Zechariah’s prophecy today we read about the role that his son, John the Baptist, will play in the coming of the Messiah. We also learn more about who and what this Messiah will be. John will go before the Lord “to prepare his way.” Zechariah is channeling his inner Isaiah here, as John will also do during his ministry. Out there in the wilderness, along the Jordan River, John will “tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins.” Calling God’s people to a baptism of confession and repentance, John will prepare people’s hearts to receive the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

With these words, Zechariah is looping back around to the Savior who delivers and rescues God’s people from their enemies. John calls folks to battle with their sins, the enemies within. This call will next be echoed by Jesus. And after sending his Spirit, this call will be echoed down through the generations of believers, echoed in our hearts. This call is the “light to those sitting in darkness.” Whether from John, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, the call to live out the covenant of love shines a light on our sins and the darkness that they create in us and in the world. This light and the change of heart that it leads to guides us to step out of “the shadow of death.” Freed from the power of sin and death through Jesus Christ, we are guided to walk on “the path of peace.” Thanks be to God for our Savior, deliverer, and redeemer!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the voice that calls out to us, inviting us to come before you, confessing and repenting of our inner darkness, committing to walk on your path of light and peace. Keep our hearts ever open to your still, small voice that whispers words of love. Free us, O Lord, to be people whose love helps others to know the Savior. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Wonderful Love

Reading: Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:42 – “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

As we continue in the crucifixion scene, we read Jesus’ only real interaction with anyone since he spoke to the mourning women on the way to the cross. In our reading today one criminal joins in the mockery and adds a selfish request: “Save yourself and us!” It is then that another voice speaks, this time for Jesus. The second criminal asks the other, “Don’t you fear God?” This is a telling question. He recognizes that they’ll soon die and that he’ll soon stand before the next judge – the one who will pronounce a sentence of eternal light and love or one of eternal torment and darkness.

Turning to Jesus, the second criminal says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He wants to go where Jesus, the innocent one, is going. Jesus offers him words of assurance, of welcome, of love. Yes, “today you will be with me in paradise.” This is so interesting to me. Jesus does not require a confession of sin first. He doesn’t quiz the man about his past life. Jesus doesn’t wait for a pledge of repentance or for a request to be baptized. The man just wants to be with Jesus for whatever is next. He longs for a reality-changing relationship with the Lord. Jesus welcomes the man in love.

This remains who God is. We don’t have to be perfect to present ourselves to God. In fact, God does some of God’s best work when we come broken or hurting or humbled or vulnerable. It us then that we are most malleable, most ready to be made new again. This is love. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it is reassuring to know that your love never changes. At our very best and at our very worst, your love is the same. It is a wonderful love. Lord, help us to have this kind of love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Springs of Joy

Reading: Isaiah 12

Isaiah 12:2 – “God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.”

Our four readings this week collectively speak of God’s continuing transformation of the world. Together these readings help us as Christians to understand how we are to participate in this transformation. Today’s hymn of trust in Isaiah 12 comes after Isaiah’s preaching about Judah’s unfaithfulness and about the coming wrath of God. An invading army will soon decimate Jerusalem, leaving behind a “burning stump.” In the long term, though, this fire will also work to refine and transform God’s people. Isaiah speaks of a day when a shoot (child) from that stump will lead Israel into a time of peace and grace.

Isaiah 12 celebrates the time after God’s refining fire. The opening verse looks forward to when God’s anger has been spent. Then God’s comfort will come in. This leads Isaiah to write, “God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.” God, Judah’s strength and shield, will rescue and redeem, will restore and save. These promises are consistent with who God is and are therefore true for our reality too. When we sin and fall short, creating separation from God, we feel the refining fire of conviction. This leads us to confession and repentance, beginning the transformation process within us.

Being made new by these “springs of salvation,” God’s people will draw water of joy. The restored people will exalt God for the “glorious things” that God has done. When the Holy one is among us, Spirit leading and guiding us, then we too will sing for joy, declaring that God is indeed among us. As God works in our lives, transforming us from the inside out, we will be filled with joy as we live as new creations proclaiming our faith and trust in the Lord. Living as light and love, we will draw others to the Lord. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for your redeeming work in our lives and in our world. Each time that we are refined and transformed we are drawn deeper into faith. Each time we are made more into Christ’s image. Use us to bring this invitation to all of creation, inviting all to be made whole, to be made new again. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Disciplined Faithfulness

Reading: 2nd Timothy 2:8-15

2nd Timothy 2:15 – “Present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker… one who interprets the message of truth correctly.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

In today’s reading Paul is encouraging Timothy to pass on the message of the good news faithfully and correctly. In verses 8-10 Paul reminds Timothy of the example that Paul has set. Paul’s focus is on Jesus. This focus has led to suffering (he is in prison) yet Paul endures so that others “may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” Paul’s faithfulness has allowed others to know the good news of Jesus Christ.

Verses 11-13 present the reality of our faithfulness when held up against Christ’s. When we do live faithfully – dying to ourselves, enduring suffering – then we live and rule with Christ. When we deny these things, living for self, then Jesus denies us too. In sin, we create this separation. Hope comes in the last verse: even when we are disloyal, Christ is faithful – that’s just who Jesus is. This is why Jesus is always there, always present to us.

Verse 11 engages the fourth step of Ignatuis’ Examen: repentance. Paul appeals to Timothy and to readers of this text to “die together” with Jesus Christ. This involves making the choice to die to those sins, both words and actions, that deny the Christ within us. Confession and repentance naturally flow out of step three (review) and they bring forgiveness, which brings us back into living faithfully with Jesus. To this end, Paul encourages Timothy to “not engage in battles over words” that cause harm. Such good advice for today! Paul then says, “Present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker… one who interprets the message of truth correctly.” This connects back to Paul’s words in verses 1-7, where he offers examples of disciplined faithfulness. This faithful daily living allows us to not only interpret the message correctly, but it also helps us to live it correctly, bringing God the glory and honor and praise.

Prayer: Lord God, on the good days, we are able to live faithfully, witnessing to your love and grace. But when life gets hard or when we suffer, the walk is more difficult. In these times, make your power and presence known in our hearts. Empower us to the disciplined faithfulness that allowed Paul to endure all things. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Constant Trust

Reading: Psalm 91:1-6

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

Psalm 91 is a declaration of divine protection. When the psalmist is walking closely in right relationship with God, he or she is living in God’s “shelter,” is “camping” in God’s “shade.” There is a day and night implication to the images created by these words. This 24/7 idea is also reflected in verses 3-6, where troubles also come day and night. A right relationship with God is a constant relationship, not one where we can pick and choose when to turn on or off our connection to God.

In verse 2 we read, “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God – the one I trust!'” This is a wonderful confession of trust in God. Here again we see the 24/7 nature of a right relationship with God. This confession is both a response to God’s promises of shelter and shade, refuge and strength and it is a pre-requisite for God to provide these things in this 24/7 relationship. It’s not that God won’t protect or strengthen a non-believer, but it’s a confession that God is always available to offer “divine touches” to the believer living in right relationship with God. When God is the one in whom we constantly trust, then God is always present in our lives.

Verses 3-6 reveal some times when the psalmist needs God’s presence and protection. We also need saved, protected, and shielded from sickness and disease, from destruction and snares. We too need God to be a refuge in the storms of life and when evil “prowls” and “ravages.” When we turn to God as our first, last, and only hope in times of need, then our God is a God in whom we can trust. God will be our refuge and stronghold. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, the longer we walk with you, the stronger our trust grows in you to be all that we need in this life. Encourage us in the moments when the “storms” beat against and threaten this trust. Reach out and pull us close when we are beginning to doubt or to question. Hold us in the shelter of your wings, in the palm of your hand. Thank you, Lord, for your constant love and presence. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Saving Faith

Reading: John 20:24-31

John 20:29 – “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

On the first Sunday, when Jesus came to the disciples, Thomas was not with them. After the disciples tell Thomas about it, he declares, “Unless I see the nail marks…” Thomas wants physical proof. We’ve been there. We’ve heard something that was too amazing to believe. In response, we say or think, “When I see it with my own eyes…”

A week later the disciples are gathered , still hiding behind closed doors. It is again a Sunday. (At this point, in their culture, they counted that day too.) Jesus enters into their midst – a sign of Jesus’ divinity and his risen nature. After greeting the disciples, Jesus offers Thomas his hands and side. It is the physical proof that Thomas demanded. Jesus then says to Thomas, “No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responds with a confession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas connects to the human and divine natures of Jesus, recognizing both as worthy of following and worshipping, respectively.

Jesus, speaking to those present, to us today, and to all who will read this story, says, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Generation after generation will come to faith in one not physically seen. In summary, in what some scholars believe to be the original ending to John’s gospel, he writes, “These things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that believing, you will have life in his name.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, even though we do not physically see Jesus, his presence can be “seen” everywhere in our lives. As we love our neighbors, as we serve those in need, as we walk with one another through the valleys, evidence of your Son’s presence is manifested in and through us. Use our witness to draw others to a saving faith. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Receive Your Reward

Daniel 12:1 – “At that time, every one of your people who is found written in the scroll will be rescued.”

Today we read Daniel’s visions. These difficult and challenging words carry both a historical meaning and they speak into future times as well. In the historical sense, these words deal largely with Antiochus IV, a Greek king who heavily persecuted the Israelites. His reign brought the first known attempt by a political ruler to wipe out a religion. The historical time frame is 176-164 BCE. These words come much later than Daniel 1-6, set around 400 BCE.

Daniel’s first vision is of four beasts. These kingdoms will rise and fall. All will impact God’s people. But in the end, “the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingship.” In the end, God will triumph. The fourth, the most evil, represents Antiochus. The 3 1/2 years lines up with his actual reign, as do the wars fought with the “southern king” – Egypt.

Daniel’s second vision of the ram and he-goat are about Persia/Media and the Greeks/Alexander the Great. As strong and powerful and dominant as Alexander will be, his kingdom is divided into four smaller, weaker kingdoms. This vision is followed by Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9. His humble words of confession and repentance move heaven. Gabriel is sent. He affirms Daniel as “greatly treasured” but also confirms the persecution soon to come upon God’s faithful.

Chapter 10 offers insight into another battlefront – the heavenly conflict. Michael helped in the battle against Persia’s powers so that the messenger could get to Daniel. Chapter 11 is some review – the battles between Antiochus and Ptolemy III of Egypt. It is about the persecution the people of God will face too. They are assured that this too will end.

Chapter 12 closes the book of Daniel with words of hope, with words of resurrection and rescue. The messenger speaks of the faithful who “will shine like the stars forever and ever.” In the end, Daniel is also encouraged. He’s told that he “will rest and will stand to receive your reward.” He too will be a part of this glorious eternity. May we also persevere through the challenges, remaining humbly faithful, trusting in God’s power to rescue and redeem.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read these words that the people of God lived through, we too are reminded of the lasting nature of evil. Antiochus wasn’t the first or the last to persecute the faithful. More came. More are yet to come. Lord, lead us to walk in faith, humbling turning to you, the only one with the power to save and rescue. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Never Fails, Never Wanes

Readings: Psalms 29-32

‭Psalm 32:7 – “You are my secret hideout! You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of rescue!”

Praise for God’s power and glory flow from Psalm 29. The likely inspiration was likely a powerful storm rolling in off of the Mediterranean Sea. God’s voice is over the waters, it is strong and majestic in the rolls of thunder. It is visible and tangible in the flashes of lightning. The power of God can be felt, literally, in the storm. Yes, God is enthroned! And, yes, may the God of power and might bring strength and peace to us, God’s people today.

This spirit is continued in Psalm 30. It is a Psalm of thanksgiving. God is exalted for hearing the psalmist’s cry, for bringing him back to life. There is rejoicing that God’s anger lasts “only for a second” and that God’s favor “lasts a lifetime.” These words contrast our momentary existence relative to God’s eternal existence. As such, God sees the big and long picture. From this perspective, and out of God’s great love for us, God changes our “mourning into dancing,” our sorrow to joy.

Psalm 31 is a prayer for refuge. It moved between pleas for God’s help and praises for God’s rescue. Back and forth, back and forth – such is our rhythm of life too. Our lives are filled with ups and downs. At times we find ourselves as David does here in the Psalm, feeling alone as the community has withdrawn. It is if our sorrow or grief was contagious. God remains present, though, right there by our side. God responds, providing an example for the community that tends to shun or even intentionally ignore the weak and the suffering.

We close with a Psalm of instruction. David begins by sharing that the forgiven are truly happy (or blessed.) He contrasts this with times when he has withheld his confession. He was “worn out” as “God’s hand was heavy upon me.” Admitting his sin he was restored to God’s presence. Here David teaches by example. He then declares, “You are my secret hideout! You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of rescue!” May it be so for you and for me too!

Prayer: Lord God, oh the ebb and flow of our lives and of our faith. So strong in some moments, so weak in others. Not you, O Lord. Your love never fails, your might never wanes. Because of who and what you are, we have hope. Be present to us in our imperfections and failures, picking us up, walking beside us, loving us anyway. O Lord, how majestic is your name, how deep is your love! Amen.


by Leave a comment

The First Steps

Readings: Psalms 25-28

‭Psalm 25:10 – “All the LORD’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.”

Photo credit: David Brook Martin

Psalm 25 is a prayer for forgiveness and protection. The psalmist’s declaration of trust is followed by a request to prevent any shame from coming their way. The psalmist edges up to asking God for forgiveness – don’t remember my sins. Verse 10 sums up the psalmist’s belief and what they hold to be true: “All the LORD’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.” If one is faithful, one experiences God’s love. That is the hope. Closing the Psalm, because he or she looks to the Lord, well then, God should forgive their sin and end their suffering. Save me God – because I seek you.

The next Psalm declares the author’s innocence. There are echoes of the book of Job in Psalm 26. Give me justice, God, because I have integrity. Examine me, God, because I’m innocent. I don’t spend time with the wicked. No, I love being in your presence, God. So save me! As was the case with Job, we too feel injustice when good people suffer – especially when it is us.

Psalm 27 is a song of hope during suffering. There is a trust in God’s light and salvation. It is a trust that counters fear. Again the psalmist seeks to be in God’s presence. There God will shelter us, will hide us, and will set our feet high upon a solid rock, above the storms of life. The Psalm closes with a “sure faith” that he or she will experience God’s goodness. In our storms, may this be our hope and our trust.

We close today’s readings with a petition that God would hear and respond. Psalm 28 begins by saying “don’t refuse to hear me” because “you are my rock.” Today I read this and other parts of these Psalms as transactional. I too can treat God that way at times. Returning to the text, a request is made to give the wicked what they deserve. This too would bring relief to the psalmist. The Psalm closes with a declaration of hope, trust, and rejoicing.

Throughout these four Psalms there is a common theme. We must be faithful to and connected to God if we desire for God to hear and respond to our prayers. While this is true, it pre-supposes a relationship as the first step. I am also struck today by the lack of introspection, confession, and repentance. These are essential elements – steps – for a healthy relationship with God. May we take these first steps today. It is where our relationship with God begins anew each day. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve created us in your image, designed us to live in a relationship with you. We can sense this connection, this call. But we are not always faithful. We stray and we fall short. Have patience. Build our trust and faith. Guide our steps. Order them according to your heart. Bless us as we seek to walk daily with you. Amen.