pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: connection


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Be Encouraged!

Reading: John 15 and 16

John 15:19 – “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.”

“I am the vine; you are the branches.” We live in connection with Jesus. Without this connection we cannot produce fruit. Without connection we are trimmed and thrown into the fire. With connection we are nourished and fed and are able to produce much fruit, doing acts of love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, generosity… – actions that grow the kingdom and make new disciples.

These actions are guided by the new commandment: “Love each other just as I have loved you.” Chosen by Jesus, filled with his Spirit, we are promised whatever we ask in his name. Yet following is not easy. There is a cost. In 15:19 Jesus says, “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.” Because we are not of this world, we will be harassed, abused, persecuted. But we are not alone.

The Companion or Holy Spirit comes to us and speaks truth unto our hearts. It reminds us that we belong to God. These things empower us to speak words of truth to the world. Jesus promises that the Spirit will “take what is mine and proclaim it to you.” When the world harasses… the Spirit will strengthen and encourage us. This process will bring us joy.

The Spirit will come because Jesus is leaving. One’s physical presence will be replaced by the all-present Spirit. Yes, a time of desertion will come when the world strikes the shepherd and the sheep scatter. We too have times when we wander. So we too need to hear verse 33: “In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” Because this is so, we too can conquer all things. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, empower us to remain in you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, defend and protect us from the lures and temptations of the world. With that same power, send us out into the world to share your love, building the kingdom, bearing much fruit. Amen.


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Inner Strength

Readings: Psalms 137-140

‭Psalm 138:3 – “On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength.”

Psalms 137 and 138 offer lament and then raise up thanks and trust. These two represent much of what we find in the Psalms and in all of life – highs and lows. In Psalm 137 the psalmist laments a hard experience in exile. Their “tormentors” wanted them to sing a joyful song. How could they sing joyfully in exile? The response, instead, is a plea for Babylon’s (and Edom’s) downfall. In Psalm 138 we see a better choice. The psalmist turns towards Jerusalem and the temple. Here we read, “On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength.” God is faithful. God hears and responds. The Psalm closes with this plea to God: “don’t let go.”

Psalm 139 expresses a deep connection with God. The psalmist recognizes that God knows them inside out. This is at first overwhelming, “too much for me.” There is nowhere the psalmist could go to avoid this overwhelming knowing. Even darkness would be no relief. In verse 13 there is a shift. The psalmist realizes that God knit them together and that God has good plans for them. After a brief dive into hating evil and seeking their destruction, the psalmist returns to self, inviting God to know him or her even more.

Psalm 140 is a plea for protection. For those who plot evil,“spider poison is on their lips.” The psalmist cries out to God for help, hoping for evil’s downfall. In the end, the psalmist knows deep down in his or her heart, “those who do right will live in your presence.” Through all of the highs and lows, for all in between, may this too be our daily choice: to live right, to be in God’s presence.

Prayer: Lord God, through all of life’s ebbs and flows, you are there. Walk with us daily, keeping us from evil and defending us when it arises in our lives. Grow in us a trust in you as our knowledge of you grows in us. Grant us an inner strength in the trials and sufferings, a strength that clings to you. Amen.


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Ups, Downs, Highs, Lows

Readings: Psalms 85-89

‭Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!”

Photo credit: Franzie Allen Miranda

Today’s Psalms rise and fall like the highs and lows of our lives. Like these Psalms, our faith can bounce from “Praise God!” to “Where are you, God?” more often than we’d like. Psalm 85, for example, begins with thanks for God’s forgiveness then quickly pivots to a God who seems angry, who yet needs to forgive their sins. The Psalm closes beautifully and with hope. “Truth springs up… righteousness looks down.” Walk with the Lord!

Psalm 86 begins with a series of petitions, each followed by a “because.” In verse 2, for example, we read, “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!” Do these things, God, because I have faith! After celebrating times when God was faithful, the psalmist invites God to act once again: “Come back to me! Have mercy on me!” A faithful one asks, “Where are you, God?”

A short Psalm 87 celebrates that those from Zion are blessed.

Next we turn to Psalm 88. Frankly, it is hard to read. It is a lament that goes down and down, ending in hopelessness. The psalmist cries out to God but feels beyond help. Friends have abandoned the writer. It feels like God has too. The Psalm concludes: “My only friend is darkness.” So why read Psalms like this? There is a really good reason. They remind us that life is not easy. Many people end up here. If you’re not one, then read this Psalm and allow yourself to feel the pain and darkness. The connection will bring a measure of empathy to how you minister to those who walk in the darkness.

We close with Psalm 89 as book 3 ends. A lengthy remembrance of God’s power and of God’s promises to David and his dynasty is followed by 15 verses that ask where God is. It seems that God has broken the covenant. It begs God to let the anger pass. There is an implied plea for restoration. Because you promised this God and because I am faithful… We can certainly relate.

Prayer: Lord God, we encounter so many ups and downs, so many highs and lows today in our readings. Thank you, Lord, for the reminder. We all struggle. We all need support, encouragement, understanding – from you and from one another. We can all offer these things to others. Guide us, O God, each day. As we receive, may we give. Amen.


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Clean Hands, Pure Heart

Readings: Psalms 21-24

‭Psalm 22:19 – “But you, LORD! Don’t be far away! You are my strength! Come quick and help me!”

What a range we have in today’s four Psalms. Psalm 21 celebrates God’s protection of the king. Psalm 22 begins as a desperate plea for help and turns into praise. Psalm 23 is all about trusting in God’s care. Psalm 24 celebrates God’s control over all things.

Psalm 21 begins with thanksgiving for all that God has done to establish the king. There is a two-way street: the king will not stumble because he trusts the Lord. The psalmist returns to thanksgiving in verses 8-12. This thanks is for God’s protection against enemies. There are parallels with Psalm 23 abounding here in this Psalm. Praise be to God!

Turning to Psalm 22 the immediate question is, “Where are you, God?!” The psalmist cries out day and night. Although faithful since birth, the author is now “poured out like water.” These words and others in these four Psalms echo the scene of Jesus on the cross. The cry to the Lord is renewed in verse 19: “But you, LORD! Don’t be far away! You are my strength! Come quick and help me!” This cry, however, is quickly followed by words of praise and proclamation. It is as if the psalmist of verse 4 (“Our ancestors trusted you”) has reconnected to the Lord our God. Psalm 23 speaks deeply of this trust and connection. This Psalm reminds us of the thoroughly sufficiency of God’s care for us in all of life.

Psalm 24 takes the themes and ideas of Psalm 23 and makes them corporate. All is God’s. The God who walks with us “through the darkest valley” is also the God who is strong and powerful in battle. Psalm 24 reminds us that “only one with clean hands and a pure heart” can ascend to the mountain of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, how glorious, how mighty, how majestic, how powerful are you, O God. And yet you hear our cries in the night and our pleas by day. All-powerful yet personally intimate. You hold our hand in the valleys. Your hand anoints us with the oil of blessing. You are the king of glory! You are our God. Amen.


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Connection, Belonging, Faith

Readings: Genesis 21, Genesis 22, Genesis 23

Genesis 22:7 – “Isaac said, ‘Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the entirely burned offering?’”

Chapter 21 brings a shift in the family dynamics. Sarah gives birth to Isaac. Her laughter of doubt and shame turns to the laughter of joy and celebration. As Isaac grows so too does the tension over the inheritance. This leads to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. God assures Abraham of their future too, so he is able to send his firstborn son away. Death soon feels near and Hagar and Ishmael cry out to God. Once again God sees her and hears their cries. God promises to make him into a “great nation.” The chapter closes with Abraham making a treaty with Abimelech. This secures water rights for an immigrant living in a foreign land. This reality comes up again in chapter 23.

In chapter 22 God tests Abraham. He is instructed to sacrifice Isaac – his one and only son, again in a place that God will reveal. Showing radical obedience once more, Abraham rises early, chops the wood, and heads out – the fire, the knife, and also Isaac in tow. Leaving the two servants behind, Abraham says to them, “The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.” Carrying the wood himself and seeing the fire, Isaac asks, “But where is the lamb for the entirely burned offering?” Abraham’s response – “God will see to it” – demonstrates his faith. Going so far as to raise the knife over Isaac then demonstrates his trust. God intervenes, providing a ram. Then God reiterates the covenant promise of many, many descendants.

Sarah dies at the beginning of chapter 23. After grieving for her, Abraham goes to the Hittites – the locals – to buy land to bury Sarah. He is at their mercy. Abraham is a temporary immigrant. After some culturally necessary back and forth, he buys land at a very high price. It provides a burial space and it begins a social relationship with the Hittites. To a small degree, they have now become “family.” There is connection and there is belonging, something we all need.

Prayer: Lord God, as the story progresses we see that you do not change. You are faithful, you provide, you are grace. Abraham experiences all of these things again and again as he walks faithfully and obediently with you. Encourage and guide us as we seek to walk this same walk. As we do, Lord, bless us too with your care, your provision, your grace. Amen.


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Giving Thanks

Reading: Psalm 100:1-3

Verse 3b: “It is God who made us, and we are God’s; we are God’s people, the sheep of God’s pasture.”

Psalm 100 is subtitled “A Psalm. For Giving Thanks.” in my home Bible. It is a fitting passage for today and tomorrow, for collectively offering our thanks for God’s blessings and presence in our lives and in our world. The psalmist begins by encouraging us to “shout for joy” and to “worship the Lord with gladness.” This is an encouragement that we need often.

We need to be reminded because life often happens in ways that can derail our joy and that can dampen our gratitude. Those unexpected twists and unwanted turns can leave us anything but thankful. It is precisely in these times that we need the words of Psalm 100 – especially verse 3.

Verse 3 begins with a reminder and a call: “Know that the Lord is God.” In all and through all and over all, God is God. God does not cause our hardship or difficult situation or unwanted change – these are part of life – but God does desire to be with us in all of life. By making the intentional choice to walk with God, we make our journey lighter, our road less rocky, our valley less challenging… because we are not alone.

The verse continues with these words: “It is God who made us, and we are God’s; we are God’s people, the sheep of God’s pasture.” This verse speaks of the deep connection and foundational relationship that we have with God. We are God’s and God is ours. We are the sheep of God’s pasture. God is our good and loving shepherd. In all and through all and over all, God is with us and we are with God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, I rejoice in your love for us, your family. With joy and with thanksgiving I praise you for your presence in all of life. You chose us before our lives even began. You desire to walk with us every day. May we choose you always. Amen.


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Home, Belonging, Connection

Reading: Psalm 90:1-6

Verse 1: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”

Today’s and tomorrow’s time focuses on Psalm 90. Today’s portion is about the everlasting nature of God and about our dwelling place in God. In our mobile and super busy version of life, “home” has become less about where we physically live and more about where we feel connected, about where we belong.

Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses. It is set during the time in the wilderness. The people spent 40 years wandering from place to place. It is no wonder that their constants – God and one another – defined their sense of connection and belonging and home. Since almost the beginning of time, God has walked and talked with Moses’ ancestors. Moses knows that this will continue to be the relationship and connection because God was and is and will be “from everlasting to everlasting.”

God was their constant. God wants to be our constant. Moses does acknowledge our very limited time on earth relative to God’s eternity – “a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by.” And yet, to us and to God, our days matter. Each day matters. So, today, I ask: where will you find “home?” It may be at work or at school or at practice or at youth group. It may be on a walk or in a time of prayer. We are created for relationship with God and with one another. May we each find times and places of belonging and connection today.

Prayer: Lord God, since forever you have sought us out, seeking to walk every day in relationship with us. Since then you’ve created us to be in community and in relationship with each other too. Help us to connect to you and to each other in ways that deepen our sense of belonging and of home. Draw us closer to you and to one another. Amen.


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Authority

Reading: Matthew 21:23-27

Verse 23: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Jesus’ ministry is nearing its climax. The Palm Sunday celebration happened just the day before. Jesus has just turned tables over in the temple, accusing them of turning it into a “den of robbers.” The tension between Jesus and the religious authorities is skyrocketing. As he is teaching in the temple courts they approach him and ask, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”

They are the religious authorities. They are the ones in charge. They are the keepers of the Law. Have you ever had a boss or a supervisor who was like this? Yes, they had the title and maybe even the office but they lacked real power and authority. Real decisions and real leadership came from someplace else. The religious leaders sense that Jesus has both in volumes. He demonstrates this with the simple question that he asks.

Turning the question to John the Baptist’s authority, Jesus exposes the religious leaders lack of faith. They have tons of religion, yes. They can quote scripture and they follow all the rules, but they have little faith and almost no personal relationship with God. That’s the things John had and it’s the thing that all of the prophets had. Just as it was with John and with all of the other past prophets, so it is with Jesus. They didn’t understand that power comes from a personal relationship with God. They didn’t get that this is what leads and guides, fuels and drives a life lived for and with the Lord. This is the source of Jesus’ authority. May it be so for you and for me as we seek to live out the love of God in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, grow our relationship day by day, deepening our connection and my sense of your will and way. May I know you more personally and more intimately, just as you know me. Fill me with your Spirit’s presentation and power. Use me as your servant today. Amen.


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Remember and Celebrate

Reading: Exodus 12:1-14

Verse 8: “Eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.”

The lamb or goat and the meal shared together are the central focus of the Passover. The giving of life to protect and insure life is a foreshadowing of what Jesus will do for us on the cross. The blood and bread that are part of Passover also foreshadow the meal that Jesus will share with his disciples in the upper room as his crucifixion nears. We continue to hold these events sacred in our Christian traditions.

Each year at the end of Christmas Eve services we light the candles, turn out the lights, and sing “Silent Night.” Just reading these words evokes memories. This tradition is practiced in many churches. Each of these elements connect us to not just that time and place. It connects us to other Christmas Eves. Some remember a loved one not present that year. Others remember a child’s first Christmas Eve or a special memory from another year. The words of the song touch us at our core. They remind us of that which we celebrate – the silence, the waiting, the birth and what it all means for us and for the world.

The meat roasting over the fire, the blood of protection spread on the door frames, the bitter herbs, the bread baking, the family gathered, the words – together they remember and celebrate what God has done for them. Remembering also helps them to look and move forward, knowing that God will be present to them then and there too. Our moments and remembrances connect us to God and to one another. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the God of all time – past, present, future. You connect to us in so many ways, reminding us of our intimate relationship again and again. Thank you. Amen.


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Holy Ground

Reading: Exodus 3:1-9

Verse 5: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Moses is living in a foreign land. He is an exile. Something is stirring in Moses so he travels with his flock to a place known for God’s presence. Moses is definitely not the first person to go to Mount Horeb. At times perhaps this has happened to you. Maybe that unease drove you to delve into the Bible. Maybe that unsettling circumstance brought you to a place of prayer – perhaps the sanctuary or chapel at your church. Or maybe it was a special place at the beach, in the woods…

When he arrives, Moses is alert, seeking, and probably a bit anxious. How and where will God show up? What will be the outcome of this encounter? It feels like Moses expects God to show up. In those times and places that I have earnestly sought God, the presence has come. Has that been your experience too?

God uses a burning bush to draw Moses closer. It is burning but not being consumed. God calls out to Moses. Here is his response: “Here I am.” There is purpose in these words – I came seeking you, you showed up, here I am. I love God’s first instruction: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Yes, Moses, God is here to meet you. But God is still God. This is holy ground.

God speaks to Moses about connection: “I am the God of your father…” God speaks about relationship: “I have indeed seen the misery… heard them crying.” And then God speaks of mission: “So now go. I am sending you…” And if we read on a bit further, as Moses questions and frets, we meet the God who goes with us: “I will be with you.”

As we seek God, may we seek the God who met Moses. As we enter that holy or sacred place, may we expect God to meet us there, to connect with us personally, to understand the need, and to go with us as we are sent out to minister to others. May it be so.

Prayer: God, may we enter these sacred and holy places and spaces confident of your arrival. As we seek you out, may you be found. Give us the courage and strength not only to seek you, but to leave these encounters with willing hands and hearts. Amen.