pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Closer to God, Closer to One Another

Reading: Exodus 20:7-9

Exodus 20:7 – “Do not use the Lord your God’s name as if it were of no significance.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Turning to the third and fourth commandment today, we begin with this: “Do not use the Lord your God’s name as if it were of no significance.” The more familiar translation warns us against using God’s name “in vain.” Along these lines, we can use God’s name in an inappropriate way when we hit our thumb with a hammer or when someone cuts us off in traffic. A similar misuse can slip right out when we’re really angry or frustrated. I like today’s translation because it also reminds me that I can also use God’s name in other ways that are not honoring to God. For example, a phrase like “I swear to God” falls into this category.

But the greatest and most significant way that we misuse the name of God is when we put our name in the place of God’s name. When I assume that I am in control or when I am sure that I know what is right, I’m taking a place that is not mine to take. When I judge or think others are less than or are unworthy, I am going where I should not go. When and how do you act like God or take a role that is God’s to fill?

The fourth commandment helps us in this struggle. (And in our struggles with 1, 2, and 5-10!) Number four instructs us to set a day aside for God. The Sabbath is to be a day of rest and worship, of reflection and renewal. Setting aside a day for God provides time for thanksgiving and for introspection. The weekly practice of evaluating our walk with God and with one another is a vital tool for growing in our relationships with God and with one another. Whether it is Sunday or another day, may we use our holy day to draw closer to God and, in turn, closer to one another.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of who you are and of who we are not. As we remember, may our humility grow and may our selfishness decrease. Turn us to you on a regular basis, speaking into our heart by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit’s power, encourage us and convict us, lift us up and refine us. In all of these ways, may our lives then bring you all the glory. Amen.


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Stories of God

Reading: Psalm 78:12-16

Psalm 78:13… 16 – “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today’s verses from Psalm 78 focus on some of God’s “wonders” that happened during Israel’s time in the wilderness. Yesterday’s call was to remember the stories of God and to tell and retell them so that the next generation will know the stories too. For the people of God, to know that “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow” is to know God and to trust in God’s continuing presence, power, and provision. These miracles are evidence of God’s love for God’s people.

There are times in our lives when God works in miraculous ways. Sometimes we are aware of them in the moment and other times these are things we see when we are looking back. Both are ah-ha moments – moments when we feel and know God’s love for us.

The moments and miracles often come in times when things beyond our control are creating suffering, trial, and/or hardship. Because it is beyond our control, God becomes present and acts on our behalf. About seven years ago our denomination was filled with tension around the inclusion of LGBTQ+ folks. My personal understanding of the scriptures and of God’s love for all people did not align with a small but powerful group at the church I was serving. As meetings and events unfolded, I felt like Israel up against the sea. In the darkest moment, God parted the troubled waters and brought light and peace to my heart. God guided my prayers, thoughts, actions, and conversations. God provided hope and light and strength when I needed it most. And God’s blessings flowed as my appointment changed and ministry became a joy once again.

What stories of God splitting seas… do you have to tell? And who will you tell them to?

Prayer: Lord God, we read of rescue and provision and presence in the wilderness and throughout the scriptures. We also experience your presence and miracles in our lives. Lead and guide us to be good storytellers, helping others to know you and to see how you move and act in their lives too. Amen.


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Faithful Provider

Reading: Exodus 16:2-5

Exodus 16:2 – “The whole Israelite community complained against Moses and Aaron.”

As we begin a few days in Exodus 16 we join the Israelites in the desert or wilderness, depending on your translation. They haven’t been gone very long – just long enough to run out of the food they took with them as they hurried out of Egypt. Because of this, “The whole Israelite community complained against Moses and Aaron.” Finding themselves in an uncomfortable position, a mix of fear and anger and longing rises up. They look back at their time in slavery and wish that they were still there. At least there was meat and bread aplenty. They wonder if Moses brought them into the wilderness to “starve to death.”

We too will find ourselves in desert places or in the wilderness of life at times. This is never an easy place to be and it is seldom a place of our own choosing. Unwanted change or loss or death or illness creates these experiences. We feel out of control. We feel unease, discomfort, disorientation. We often cry out, complain , grumble, and/or question God.

In our text, God hears Israel’s complaint. God will rain down what they longed for and remembered from their time in slavery: meat and bread. Each day, God will provide what they need for that day. Day by day, Israel’s trust in God will grow. In the same way, God hears our cries, our grumbles, our questioning. And because God is faithful, God provides what we need. God usually does not yank us out of our desert places, but becomes present to us in these places. It might be through meat and bread brought by a friend or neighbor. It might be through the comforting presence of our faith community. It might just be the strength to get through one more day. When we turn to God, yes, God is faithful. God will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, you are always with us. We always need you – especially in our desert or wilderness moments. Thank you for your faithful provision in our times of need. Continue to work through these experiences, building us up, growing our faith. Amen.


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The Promises

Reading: Psalm 124:1-5

Psalm 124:1 – “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…”

Psalm 124 is a song of praise for God’s deliverance. The song is a call for the community of faith to thank God for saving them when all was on the brink of being lost. The psalmist described the “enemy” using imagery of water. In the ancient world, the “waters” were the place of chaos, of the unknown, of creatures huge and dangerous. One tried to stay close to land. Water is also hard to control. Think of floods or of that spilled glass of water. It goes here and there, wherever it wants, seemingly with a mind of its own. Once loosed, it cannot be controlled or easily contained.

While the psalmist is likely writing about a specific event, about a time when a vast army was about to overwhelm Israel, the feelings of anxiety or worry or dread are emotions that many of us feel in our day to day lives. Because of our connected world, struggles and issues big and small, local and global, communal and individual are ever before us. A bit too much attention to these and we can feel anxiety… beginning to rise up within us. In addition, we all have our own battles and trials in this life. These are both very common human experiences.

The psalmist repeats a line twice at the start of the Psalm. In a functional sense, it is a liturgical instruction. In the practical sense, it is a great reminder – twice! “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…” But God was for Israel. Again. God delivered Israel. Again. The reminder applies to us yet today. God is for us. Again and again. God will deliver us. Over and over. The promises remain true. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, anxiety, worry, dread… They can rise up so quickly in our heart and mind. Sometimes it comes from without, sometimes from within. In all cases, O God, whisper into our hearts, slow our minds. Remind us of your presence. Center us there with you. Touch us with your powerful love and constant care. Strengthen us for the day ahead. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Forgiveness

Reading: Genesis 45:1-8

Genesis 45:7 – “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

As we turn to Genesis 45, we’ve jumped ahead in Joseph’s story. Joseph has had lots of ups and downs since being sold into slavery in chapter 37. Through the trials, Joseph has come to know God’s plans and purposes. Joseph’s brothers have made two trips to Egypt to buy food. Joseph has learned much about his brothers and about his family. Judah – the one who first voiced the idea of selling Joseph into slavery – offers his life in place of Benjamin’s. This selfless act brings Joseph to the place in today’s reading where he “could no longer control himself.” His emotions get the best of him.

Clearing the room of all but his brothers, Joseph weeps uncontrollably. Blurting out, “I’m Joseph,” his brothers are “terrified.” Calling them closer, Joseph shares his understanding of past events. He believes that it all was the hand of God at work. He says to his brothers, “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.” There is the promise of safety, protection, provision, and rescue in these words. These promises will be fleshed out tomorrow, when we read verses 9-15. Joseph can see how God was at work in his past and he believes that God will be at work in his future.

As we journey through this life we too will find ourselves in these places: either in a position to give or withhold forgiveness, or in a place to receive or reject another’s forgiveness. We may be in one of these places today. It will likely be sooner rather than later. In these moments, may we choose to move forward in faithful love, offering to others what God so freely gives to us or humbly receiving that offered to us in faithful love. Living as people of love and grace, we bless others and honor God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is not always easy to practice forgiveness. We want to hold onto grudges and wrongs done to us. We want to be right and asking for forgiveness puts dents in our armor. Humble us, O Lord. Remind us of your abundant grace and mercy. In turn, lead and guide us to be generous with our grace and mercy, with our love and forgiveness. Amen.


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Rest, Peace, Hope

Reading: Matthew 11:27-30

Matthew 11:29 – “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.”

Finishing out our gospel reading for this week, Jesus first claims authority over all things. He declares, “My Father has handed all things over to me.” God has empowered Jesus to be over all things, to have power over all of creation. Jesus then invites you and me to be a part of his kingdom, part of this creation, saying, “Come to me…” Come and experience my power. Come and experience my love. Come and live under my authority. Come and find rest, hope, peace.

In the rest of verse 28 Jesus names two of humanity’s realities. Many people are “struggling hard and carrying heavy burdens.” For many people, they struggle through a paycheck-to-paycheck existence, making choices between necessities. Others struggle through addictions and others struggle against injustice and others with abuse or violence. Many people are carrying heavy burdens – financial, emotional, relational, physical. For some of these folks, the burdens are their own to try to carry. For others, they carry burdens for those they love. These realities, especially in combination, can make us feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and/or defeated.

To these folks and really to us all, Jesus says, “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.” Jesus invites us all to give our lives to him, to enter into a relationship, to know his love. He invites us to really get to know him, to study his words and his way of life. In exchange, Jesus gives us rest. Walking in Jesus’ way of love, we grow to trust our burdens and struggles to him. He walks with us, lifting some of the struggle, some of the burden – enough so that we can find some rest. Jesus gently and humbly leads us, bringing renewal, life, rest, hope, and peace. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, how we need you! This life, even on a good day, can be hard and difficult. Add in limited finances or challenges with health or other factors, and life can feel heavy and hopeless. If this is our reality, Lord, help us to choose you and the peace, hope, and rest that you offer. If this is not our reality, use us to reveal Jesus’ love and way to others as we seek to walk alongside people in need of rest, hope, and peace. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Weak, Ungodly, Sinners No More

Reading: Romans 5:6-8

Romans 5:6 – “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

In the first part of this week’s Romans 5 passage we were reminded of the hope, love, and peace that are ours in and through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yesterday we were also reminded that we don’t just endure but also grow and are refined as the Holy Spirit guides us through the troubles and problems that are just part of living in this world. Looking back, these times can feel like a small miracle. Today, in verses 6-8, Paul turns to the work of Jesus that made and makes all of this possible.

In verse 5 Paul reminds us of this truth: “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.” There are three parts to this statement. First, Christ died for us while we were still weak. Before his death, all people everywhere were powerless in the battle with sin. Our human flesh is far too weak to stand against the evil one. But with Christ we are strong. Second, Jesus’ death occurred at just the right time. His birth, life, death, and resurrection – all parts of God’s plan. All solidly in God’s control. Jesus’ example, witness, and teachings – all placed exactly when and where they needed to be along the spectrum of God’s unfolding plan to redeem all of creation.

And lastly, Jesus died for the ungodly. This is not bound by time, place, or any other human construct. It is not bound by ethnic or social or even religious constraints. All of humanity are ungodly. Without a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we all live as ungodly, wretched creatures. Without belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we live in a state of separation from God. Without Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we would live in this state forever. However, Paul reminds us, “while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Why? Because God loves us. Yes, God loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, it is true that some might die for a good person or for a just cause or even for the right reason. But for the ungodly, for the blind, for the ones lost in sin? Only Jesus and only through love divine. Thank you, O God, for sending your Son, knowing this was his human fate. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Faithful Suffering

Reading: 1st Peter 5:6-11

1st Peter 5:10 – “The God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Jesus Christ, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.”

Wednesday’s reading from 1st Peter 4 was about the “fiery trials” we face on our walk of faith. Today’s reading is first about how to get through these trials and then is about the end results of staying faithful. Peter offers four steps to help us remain faithful. The first is to “humble yourself under God’s power.” Maybe you’re like me though. My first thought in a time of trial often revolves around how do I get out of this trial, how do I stop the suffering, how do I… But I’m slowly learning that when I do surrender control to God, my time in the trial involves less suffering, less scaring, less hardship. And it always works out better.

We find the second step in verse 7: “Throw all your anxiety into him.” If you’ve followed step one, this step is SO much easier. When I’m trying to do it on my own, I tend to hold onto the anxiety, stress, fear, worry… It’s still about me. But when I place the control in God’s hands, it is much easier and more natural to give up all the anxiety… too.

Verse 8 turns to a reality that we don’t always recognize. Satan is ever “on the prowl,” seeking to tempt us into sin. The whispered lies, the half-truths, the distortions of facts… – just a small sampling of Satan’s bag of tricks. Yes, we certainly need to be clear-headed and alert. This helps us to resist the evil one and to see his temptations.

Peter closes with the outcome of faithful suffering: “The God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Jesus Christ, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.” The end game is glory in eternal life. The present game is a deeper, more devout walk with the Lord. It is true. You and I have experienced it. Looking back at a trial or time if suffering, we can see how God restored, empowered… This is part of our story of faith. May we learn to tell it well so that others in a similar trial or time of suffering may find hope. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, how we need you! While you are ever-present and all-powerful, the evil one is always right there too, tempting, pulling, trying to separate us from you. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, guide us to humility and surrender. Only then do we stand a chance in these battles. Lead us through, O Lord, refining and restoring, strengthening and empowering us for the next inevitable battle. Thank you for your faithful love and unending grace. Amen.


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When Challenges Rise

Reading: Psalm 16

Psalm 16:3 – “Now as for the ‘holy ones’ in the land… let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god.”

There are certainly times in our lives when we will pray as the psalmist prays: “Protect me, O God, because I take refuge in you.” This prayer may be uttered as a natural disaster unfolds. It may be lifted up during a “storm” in our lives – an unwanted diagnosis, an unexpected change, a battle with depression or addiction… And sometimes we lift just such a prayer as we see or experience man-made chaos, violence, injustice, oppression, war…

As I read verse 3 – “Now as for the ‘holy ones’ in the land… let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god.” – I couldn’t but help think of those who declare war the work of God and those who would rather rage and point a finger than offer a hand of cooperation or a word of compromise, claiming some religious high ground. God is not a God of war nor one who operates on the high ground. God is a God of peace and wholeness, of community and lifting the downtrodden and lowly. Too often the “religious” are far away from the Jesus we know from the scriptures.

When the challenges rise, when the world chases after “different gods,” may we first turn to the words of the psalmist: “You, Lord, are my portion, my cup; you control my destiny.” God is in control. Our inheritance is secure. Confident in these truths, may we then open our hearts so that God can “teach me the way of life.” Empower and equipped by the will and way of God, may we then be about the work of bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. Through us, may peace and love and justice flow down like a mighty river.

Prayer: Lord God, much is broken in our world. Many people are hurting and suffering and feel alone. Draw us deeply into your love, O God, filling us up so that we can overflow that love out into the world. Through the power of your love, build the kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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This Truth

Reading: Exodus 17:5-7

Exodus 17:6 – “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.”

Today we continue in Exodus 17. We read about God’s response to the people complaining, arguing with Moses, testing God, and asking for water. God shows none of the frustration that we could hear in Moses’ words yesterday. Taking some of the elders and the staff that parted the sea, Moses moved out. God instructs, “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.” Moses follows the instructions and water is provided.

Reading this story, we often think the miracle is water coming out of a dry rock in the middle of the desert. But there is a bigger miracle. God stands on the rock for Moses and the elders to see. No going up the mountain. No entering into the clouds. Right there, in plain sight. The visible presence of God is a reminder of the power behind the water… and the manna… and the bitter water becoming palatable… and… For us to see God in this way, simply being present, it would blow our doors off.

During Lent we are invited to be extra aware of God’s presence with us. Some do this through fasting. Some do this by reading a Lenten book or devotional. Some do this by volunteering once a week. We are also invited to be aware of God’s presence in the ordinary. Not every moment is a standing-on-the-rock moment. This awareness might come in the answering of a prayer, in the opening of a door, in the words spoken by a friend…

To notice God’s presence, to see God’s hand at work – these work to lessen our self-importance, our need to be in control, our desire to manipulate God. As we practice seeing and sensing God’s presence, we come to understand that God is always with us. God’s goodness is ever present. Understanding this truth, we know the answer to the Israelites’ question, “Is God really with us or not?”

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we get caught up in our own troubles, worrier, wants… In these moments we become less able to sense or see your presence in our lives. When we slip down into this place, lift us up, pull us out, stand our feet upon your rock, Jesus Christ. In ways both big and small, open our eyes and hearts to your constant presence, love, and care. Amen.