pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Telling and Retelling

Reading: Psalm 78:1-4

Psalm 78:4b – “We’ll tell the next generation all about the praises due the Lord and his strength – the wondrous works God has done.”

Photo credit: Priscilla du Preez

Psalm 78 begins with words intended to draw readers into the Psalm and its teachings. It begins with “Listen, my people… tilt your ears…” This is a call to active and engaged listening. It says to us and to other readers, “Pay attention, I have a good story to tell.” The drawing in continues: “I’ll declare riddles from long ago.” The story itself is interesting, maybe even intriguing. It’ll draw readers in even deeper as it progresses. I wonder, do we tell others about our God with such energy and passion? Is there excitement generated in the ways that we share our stories of faith with others?

In verse 4 the psalmist leans into the importance of telling the next generations. We too are called to pass on the stories of faith to our children and to the children in our communities of faith. In the last part of this verse the author declares, “We’ll tell the next generation all about the praises due the Lord and his strength – the wondrous works God has done.” In the telling and retelling of God’s wondrous works we help those new to the faith to understand the power and might of God. Learning all about the things that God has done for Israel begins to build trust and faith in new believer’s hearts.

The telling and retelling also impacts the hearer in another important way. Hearing the stories of what God has done opens their eyes to see what God does in their lives. This step makes God personal and intimate – another wonderful side of God. This realization further moves trust and faith from head to heart. And let’s not forget the teller. We too are impacted. As we tell and retell God’s story and our story, our faith grows and deepens too. Our eyes and hearts become more aware of and sensitive to the God moments in our lives. And our story widens and deepens. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes – both to see your presence in our lives and to see the opportunities that we have to share these experiences. Open our hearts too, O God. Opened wide we can better take in your love and strength, and we can then pour these things out, building up others’ faith and trust in you. Thank you. Amen.


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Faithful Provider

Reading: Exodus 17:1-7

Exodus 17:3 – “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”

As the journey continued through the wilderness, God had provided manna and quail and established the Sabbath – a day of rest and worship. Understanding God’s instructions and trusting into God’s provision, the Israelites break camp and journey to Rephidim. There is no water to drink, to cook with, to give to their animals. Fear quickly rises up in the people. When we find ourselves in a place of dire need, feeling absolutely no ability whatsoever to meet the need, fear can rise up quickly in us. And when we have no outlet for that fear, it often turns to anger and to blaming, like it does in today’s Bible story.

The people turn on Moses, asking, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” They have lost their faith in Moses to lead and in God to provide. They can see no way forward. Fear and anger have won the day. Moses is stuck in the middle. His faith in God remains strong. So Moses cries out to God. And God, ever faithful, hears, responds, guides, and provides. Moses takes some of the leaders out into the desert. At the rock of Horeb, in God’s presence, Moses hits the rock and water flows – abundantly and generously. God provides again. Another miracle.

We’d hope that from here in out, the Israelites would trust God and Moses. We’d hope that faith would always triumph over fear and doubt. It does not always do so as their journey continues. We’d like to think that from the many stories in the Bible and from ample experiences in our lives, that we’d trust God and that faith would always win out over fear… With each reading, with each experience, our faith does grow and deepen. Like Israel with Moses and God, we too are on a journey. We too are a work in progress. May we remain faithful. God is faithful. God will make a way. God will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, story by story, experience by experience, build up our faith. Continue to lead and guide us, whether we are filled with faith or with fear. Continue to be our faithful God, shaping us too into your people. Amen.


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Stepping Out

Reading: Matthew 14:28-33

Matthew 14:28 – “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”

Reading the rest of the “Walking on the Water” story today, we see Peter being brave and faithful. He calls out to Jesus, steps out of the boat, and walks on water. The Old Testament describes God doing this. Jesus is now doing it. And now Peter does it. What a brave and faithful heart he has to call out and to step out. For a few steps, Peter was doing what Jesus was doing.

There are times in our lives when we sense or see Jesus’ presence or call. We desire to step out of our comfort zone and into the ministry opportunity before us. Once in a while perhaps we’re actually brave and faithful enough to step out in faith. Maybe it is to extend on offer of reconciliation in that broken relationship. Maybe it is to serve in a new role in your church or in a service organization.

As Peter is walking, yes, he notices the wind and likely the waves it is generating. He gets frightened and he begins to sink. Crying out to Jesus, Peter is rescued. Have you ever done this? Ever started to do something brave for God, then had second thoughts, doubts, fears? Maybe you only got out of the house or just started to dial the phone and fear rose up. Yet it was a few steps. It was a start in the right direction.

When Peter first saw Jesus, he said, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” Step one is a willingness. It requires a bravery and a desire to faithfully serve God and others. Each time we step out, our faith strengthens and deepens. Soon enough, we’ll take a few more steps – more than the last time. Trusting in the Lord, may we continue to step out in faith, learning to walk where Jesus walked.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to the opportunities that you bring our way. Open our hearts to a deeper and bolder faith. Fill us with confidence, knowing that as we step out, you are there with us – ready to walk with us or to rescue us so that we can step out again. Amen.


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Experiencing God’s Power

Reading: John 11:1-16

John 11:4 – “This illness isn’t fatal. It’s for the glory of God so that God’s Son can be glorified through it.”

Leading into John 11, Jesus has withdrawn from Jerusalem. He has clashed sharply with the “Jewish opposition.” These religious leaders have threatened to stone Jesus. While Jesus and the disciples are spending time on the other side of the Jordan, away from danger, Lazarus becomes ill. Jesus is close to Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. He frequently stays at their home in Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem. The sisters send word to Jesus about Lazarus’ illness. Mary and Martha then sit and wait, like the psalmist, hoping for the Lord to show up. They have sent for Jesus because they believe that he can heal their brother.

Jesus shares this with his disciples: “This illness isn’t fatal. It’s for the glory of God so that God’s Son can be glorified through it.” This glory will come later, outside the tomb near Bethany. This is why Jesus delays two days. Meanwhile, Mary and Martha sit by Lazarus’ side, praying for God’s mercy, waiting for Jesus to show up. They wait with hope. When Jesus decides it is time to go to Bethany, the disciples question his decision. They know the very real threat that sits in Jerusalem. Thomas is even willing to go along so that they may die with Jesus. Jesus is not afraid. He knows his hour has not yet come. It is now time to go to Lazarus, to “wake him up.” Clarifying for the disciples, Jesus tells them, “Lazarus has died.” Jesus notes that this is unfolding in this way “so that you can believe.” Much teaching, learning, and growing unfolds as we finish this story of resurrection and life on Friday.

When has an experience deepened your belief in Jesus? While a few of us have experienced a “near-death” encounter or a “miracle cure” from cancer, most of us experience God’s power in the ordinary of life: the “door” that opens, the whisper or nudge that leads to redemption or reconciliation, the peace in the storm. Each time that we experience God’s power and notice the encounter, our faith deepens and grows. Today, may we pause and reflect on our own “God moments,” giving thanks for the many, many ways that God is good.

Prayer: Lord God, there was purpose and meaning in all that Jesus did and said. The same is true for all that you and the Spirit do and say in our lives today. Open our eyes, hearts, and minds to your power at work in, through, and around us. Guide us to believe in your power, even to bring life from death. Amen.


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Trust Always and Forever

Reading: John 14:1-3

John 14:3 – “I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.”

Jesus calls the disciples away from being troubled and into trusting. The disciples are troubled by what they’ve just heard. The one of them with the most verve, the most confidence, the most daring faith – he will deny knowing Jesus. If this one will fail Jesus, they wonder, what chance do the rest of us stand? These thoughts would trouble us too. Similar thoughts trouble us. A co-worker is unexpectedly let go. We question our job security. A friend loses a spouse. We question our health and our mortality. When the news that we receive rocks our world, it is easy to become troubled.

Jesus calls the disciples to trust in him and in God. To trust in Jesus is to trust into the three years together. He is inviting them to lean into the relationship, into the connection that has developed and deepened by living daily with Jesus. He is also reminding them of the relationship that they have with God. This is founded upon the scriptural promises that they are currently living out with the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through the prophets, God spoke of this time. We can trust in Jesus and God for these same reasons. Our walk of faith has built a relationship that we can trust. Our time in the word has revealed a God we can trust always and forever.

Jesus then connects these ideas of trust to the eternal in verses 2 and 3. He tells the disciples, “I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.” One day this will be true for all who believe. It may be as Jesus personally meets us to take us to our eternal home. It may be at his second coming, when he returns in his final glory. Either way, we will be with Jesus. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, day by day as we walk with you, our trust grows, our relationship deepens. But then that hard news hits. We can feel like we’re back to the days before we knew you personally. We can feel so all alone. In those moments, Lord, remind us of your constant presence, of your eternal promises, of your unending love and care. Hold us tightly in your arms. Amen.


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A New Relationship

Reading: Isaiah 60-66

Isaiah 65:14 – “My servants will sing with contented hearts, but you will cry out from heartache; with broken spirits you will wail.”

As we close our Isaiah today chapter 60 encourages Israel to arise, to welcome sons and daughters home as they return from exile. Isaiah proclaims that peace and righteousness will reign. He tells of a day when the sun and moon won’t shine – God will be their light.

Isaiah 61 is a joyful proclamation that reveals God’s heart for justice and righteousness. The anointed prophet brings good news, heals brokenness, frees from sin, and promises the Lord’s favor to the faithful. He tells of God helping Israel to rebuild, to be restored and renewed. There is a promise of being clothed in victory and in a robe of righteousness. As we continue into chapter 62 God promises not to rest until Israel’s light shines and her salvation “blazes like a torch.” God delights in this people, will care for them, will lead them to be called “Holy People,” redeemed by God.

The prophet steps back in chapter 63, reminding the people why all this rebuilding is necessary. Edom’s sin raised God’s anger and wrath, just as Israel’s sin had. Yet for Israel there was also God’s love, mercy, and redemption. Isaiah invites more, asking God to “tear open the heavens” to come to them. He admits, Israel is the clay, God the potter. Good words of surrender and trust.

Isaiah closes out the book in chapters 65 and 66 with the usual good/bad news. The choice and outcome are summed up well in today’s key verse. No one listened when he spoke… God will repay their sin in full… God’s fire and sword will slay many. God is creating a new heaven and earth where there will be no tears, where they will thrive. Their relationship will deepen. God will answer before they call, God will hear before they speak. If only our hearts were so in tune with the Lord our God. May it be so one day.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your presence with us. Your love and mercy, grace and compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness – these continue to flow to your people. You remain at work, rebuilding when we break down, restoring when we fall away. Your justice and righteousness call us to reflect all of this as we seek to bring your good news to all people. Lead and guide us, O Lord. Amen.


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More and More

Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

Verses 22-23: “God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

After opening his letter to the church in Ephasus with a reminder of their spiritual blessings, Paul offers words of prayer that they would live into these blessings. He has heard of their faith and love and he has prayed each day for them. This is not just a prayer of thanksgiving but it is also for growth and greater understanding. Paul wants to see their faith mature and deepen.

To this end, Paul prays for “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” These abilities, enhanced by the Holy Spirit, will enable them to “know him better.” The “him” and the “he” that Paul keeps referring to is Jesus. Adding to head knowledge, Paul prays that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” Here Paul connects to the spiritual blessings that he wrote about in verses 3-14. With hearts open to fully receive, Paul prays for them to know the hope of their salvation, the glorious inheritance that is guaranteed by their adoption into the family of God, and the power that is theirs through Jesus Christ – the one who came to “bring all things in heaven and in earth together.”

Paul then reminds the Ephesians and us that God raised Jesus up and placed him “at his right hand,” giving Jesus full authority over all things. In verses 22-23 we read, “God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body.” There is a totality to Jesus’ reign. While this has not yet been fully realized, it will be a complete reality one day. In the interim, for the church in Ephasus and for the church today, our task is to live in such a way that makes this more and more of a reality day by day. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, your desire is to be in all and over all and through all. You want to sit squarely on the throne of our hearts. You want us to give ourselves to you and to this world more and more each day. Yes, may it be so, O Lord. Amen.


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Exalt the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 99:6-9

Verse 9: “Exalt the Lord our God, worship at the holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.”

Photo credit: Ben White

In the second half of our Psalm for this week the psalmist reminds us of God’s faithfulness to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. These are but a few of the many examples of God faithfully responding to the prayers of the faithful. We are also reminded today of how God “spoke to them from the pillar of cloud.” During the exodus from Egypt, the pillar of cloud was a constant companion to the Israelites. It was a physical representation of an eternal truth: God is always with us.

Verse eight acknowledges another truth: God is both a forgiving God and a punishing God. Over the grand arc of scripture we see that most of the time forgiveness is God’s primary preference. But at times God acts to break open hard hearts or to force an end to sinful living. For our God who is quick to forgive, meeting out consequences is always a final or last resort. When we find ourselves in the valley or in a difficult situation sometimes we can confuse God’s patience with the feeling that we are being punished.

When we pray to God we often expect answers now. Staying in that place of discomfort or pain or disorientation is not anything we like. But God always has a plan, a purpose, a good. During the suffering we might even feel separated from God, alone in our struggle. Often we only see what God was up to well after we emerge from the trial. These moments of reflection and insight build trust in God and deepen our relationship with God. These allow us to follow the call of the psalmist, declaring, “Exalt the Lord our God, worship at the holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.” May it always be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen my faith day by day. On the good days lead me to joyfully celebrate your love and presence in my life. On the bad days, remind me again of your faithfulness, goodness, and holiness, leading me to walk in faith. Amen.


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A Beautiful Place

Reading: 1st John 3: 19-24

Verse 24: “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them”.

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

This second half of our passage from 1st John 3 centers on our connection to Jesus Christ. John first acknowledges that we are imperfect. We don’t always love in action and truth. In those times we often feel the condemnation in our hearts that John refers to in verse twenty. Even then, though, John reminds us that we can “set our hearts at rest in his presence”. Because God is greater than our hearts – and greater than our failures – we can trust that God will continue to be at work in us, will continue to refine and shape us more and more into who we were created to be.

When we are living at our best, obeying God’s commands, doing what pleases God, we have a confidence before God. We sense his presence active and alive in our lives, empowering us to believe in Jesus Christ and to love one another. Living this way we deepen our connection to Jesus and to one another. We “live in him” and can feel him living in us. Christ becomes tangible in our lives. We feel it, others sense it. That indwelling Holy Spirit feels like a part of who and what we are, almost becoming one with us. It is a beautiful place to be. It is a place where we surrender all of who we are to all of what Christ calls us to be.

As we seek to walk each day with Jesus Christ and his Spirit within us, may we open ourselves to the love of God and neighbor, living with hearts filled with joy and peace and hope and contentment. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for those times where we have been so close. In those times my joy has been made complete. Draw me there again and again. By the power of your Spirit within me guide me to walk in obedience to your love. Amen.


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Focus

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 5:20b – 6:10

Verse 20b: “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God”.

In our passage for today, Paul implores us to be reconciled to God. To reconcile means to restore the relationship. Paul is writing to those in the church who have drifted from the faith, to those who have allowed other things to rise above their commitment to the Lord. Unless we are intentional and disciplined concerning our habits of faith, then this can happen to us too. A daily, focused walk with God supplemented by time with the community of faith have always been essential for solid Christian discipleship.

Moving into verses three through seven, Paul shares with the church how he and Timothy have lived out their faith. Note there is both good and bad, both joy and sorrow. Paul and Timothy have endured trials and hardships, persecution, abuse, and slander, as well as sleepless nights. In and through all of this, Paul and Timothy have practiced purity and patience and kindness. They have relied on the Holy Spirit and have sought to practice love above all else. They have always been truthful. Paul wants the church (including us) to know that a walk of faith is not always easy. He also wants to remind us that to walk or live out our faith we must rise above the norms of the world.

As we prepare to enter into Lent, a season of introspection and preparation, it is good to consider how we are walking out our faith. Have we allowed other priorities to rise above our faith commitment? During Lent some people give something up. What in your life could or should you give up to make room for a closer walk with God? Is there a habit or behavior that lessens your walk or your witness? Some people add a habit or practice during Lent. Some join a Lenten study, some read a book that enriches their faith. Some fast, finding new time to pray or to read their Bibles. And some do both – giving something up, adding something in. The point is to reflect on your current walk with Jesus and to find a way to deepen that walk with the Lord during this holy season.

In the last few verses of our passage Paul shares the beauty of a faithful walk. God has sustained he and Timothy in times of need, guiding them through the trials and hardships. Because of the presence of Jesus Christ in their daily lives they are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything”. Paul and Timothy have their eye on God’s goodness and on the salvation of their souls. As we prepare to enter this holy season of Lent may this be our focus as well.

Prayer: Lord God, prepare me to journey deeper with you during this season of Lent. Guide me to walk closer and more intimately. Show me the way. Reveal the path to walk. Amen.