pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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A Simple Walk

Reading: Luke 17:5-10

Luke 17:10 – “When you have done everything required of you, you should say, ‘We servants deserve no special praise. We have only done our duty.'”

In the opening verses of chapter 17 Jesus calls the disciples to live in a community of faith that both holds one another accountable and forgives a repentant brother or sister in Christ again and again and again and… Hearing this call to really love well, the disciples think themselves incapable of being this faithful. In response to this feeling, they say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” In verses 6-10 Jesus gives two responses to their request. In both responses the bottom line is clear. The disciples have enough faith – they just need to act on the faith that they already have. The same can often be said for most of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith, like the roots of a tree, are our “unseen” foundation. Claiming faith in Jesus establishes those roots in our hearts. As we live out our call to be light and love in the world, our roots develop and grow stronger. Growth that is visible begins to emerge in small ways – helping a neighbor, standing against an injustice, feeding the hungry. While the idea of doing these kinds of things may feel outside of our comfort zones at first, Jesus tells us that if we just had “faith the size of a mustard seed” and if we put that faith to work, then we could do all these things and so much more. If we would trust the power of the faith that is already in our hearts, then we will experience God moving in and through us.

The small, incremental acts of faith are what lead to a greater and greater application of our faith. The path Jesus calls us to walk, though, is quite simple at its core: love God, love neighbor. This is everything required of us. It is our duty, it is our call, it is our means to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need of love and hope and peace.

Prayer: Lord God, at the dawn one can sense that the sun is about to poke through. It is simply what happens every time. At the moment of opportunity, when we are in a place to love well, may our faith poke through. Lead and guide and empower us daily, Lord, so that as we grow in our faith, loving well is simply what happens all the time. Amen.


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Practice and Model…

Reading: Matthew 6:14-15

Matthew 6:14 – “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Today’s two short verses come at the end of Jesus teaching the disciples the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer is a prayer that we know by heart. Most of us recite these words each Sunday and at other times as well. Of all that Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer, the only part that he felt needed a little emphasis was the part about forgiveness. Did Jesus know that we would struggle with seeking and offering forgiveness?

In verses 14 and 15 Jesus emphasizes our role in being people of forgiveness. There is a feel here that if we are not people who regularly and consistently practice and Model forgiveness, then we will not be forgiven by God for our sins. This understanding does not, however, align with other passages about forgiveness in the scriptures. No other passage contains what feels like “conditions” to be forgiven by God. So then, what is Jesus getting at here in verses 14 and 15?

First, forgiveness is like love, generosity, grace, compassion, comfort… We must practice and model these facets of who and what God is. When we do, we experience God’s forgiveness, love, generosity… in deeper and more transformational ways. Living out a more Christ-like life draws us closer to Christ. Second, as we practice and model forgiveness we begin to grow into the “as far as the east is from the west,” your sin is more, practice of God. Truly understanding God’s unconditional and complete ways of forgiveness leads us to practice and model this kind of forgiveness in our lives and relationships. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, day by day lead us to develop, to grow into, to truly live out forgiveness in the ways that you do. Being able to let go, not holding onto past hurts, not plotting getting even, it is truly freeing. In this place, we are so closely aligned to you and your heart. Draw us there, closer and closer, O God, encounter by encounter. Thank you. Amen.


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Equipped for Faithful Living

Reading: Hebrews 12-13

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix your eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.”

Hebrews 12 continues the ‘heroes of the faith’ ideas developed ch chapter 11. We begin today with the encouragement to also run the race of faith, surrounded by this “great cloud of witness.” This would include those names in chapter 11 and those we can make in our hearts. To run this race we are invited to “throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix your eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.” Without these entanglements of this world we can better live a life of faith.

The author then turns to discipline and hardship. These work together, one ever strengthening the other. These partners benefit our faith, building us up in holiness, yielding “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” So, the writer says, “make straight paths… pursue the goal of peace… and holiness as well.” Living a disciplined life of faith, one will be drawn towards the city of God and to Jesus, the “mediator of the new covenant.”

The writer of Hebrews then declares that the faithful will receive a “kingdom that cannot be shaken.” Therefore, he or she says, keep expressing gratitude, keep serving in ways that are pleasing to God. Chapter 13 continues to unpack faithful living: love each other, open your homes to guests, visit the prisoners and the mistreated. Be free of the love of money. Be content. Remember and imitate your leaders. Draw close to Jesus and to “that city yet to come.” Do good and share what you have.

Hebrews draws near to a close with a prayer that the God of peace would “equip you with every good thing to do his will, by developing in us what pleases him through Jesus Christ.” May this too be our blessing!

Prayer: Lord God, we invite your power and presence into our lives, equipping us to run the race of faith with endurance and confidence. Remind us of those who have gone on before us so that we can draw strength and encouragement from their example. At the front of this line, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our ultimate example of faith and love. Amen.


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The Good Fight

Reading: 1st Timothy 4-6

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.”

In chapters 4-6 Paul addresses spiritual leadership, caring for the family of God, and holy living. These three are very much interconnected and one supports the other. For example, holy living is essential for good leadership and it drives how we care for one another. Likewise, good leadership empowers holy living and caring well for each other.

Chapter 4 begins with the recognition that some will turn away from the faith. They will be deceived. Paul encourages young Timothy to be a “good servant of Jesus Christ.” He implores him to “train in holy living.” Paul invites Timothy to “set an example” for the believers through his own speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and sexual purity. He also asks Timothy to keep working on his own faith growth and development. All of this gives Timothy solid ground to stand upon as he leads the family of God.

Paul turns to caring for the family next. He encourages Timothy to show respect to the older men and women and to treat the younger ones as brothers and sisters. Paul directs Timothy to care for the older widows who are truly in need, who have been faithful, and who are alone. If a widow has family, they are to care for her. Timothy is instructed to publicly deal with sinners, without bias or favoritism. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who are creating jealousy and conflict as they try to profit from the believers. Paul declares that this love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. Instead, Paul encourages these men to “do good… to be generous… to share with others.” This will store up a foundation for the future, allowing them to “take hold of what truly is life.”

Paul then returns to holy living. He encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love… Paul implores young Timothy, “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.” Paul tells him to do this “without fault or failure” until the Lord appears. May it be so for you and me too!

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly hear and put into practice these guidelines for holy living. Lead us daily to pursue faith, righteousness, holiness, and a servant’s heart. In turn, guide us to use these to lead well when given opportunity and to care well for our brothers and sisters in Christ always. Empower us to fight the good fight of faith today and every day. 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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Go with Us, O God

Reading: Exodus 33:12-16

Verse 15: “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Photo credit: Ruthson Zimmerman

In our Old Testament text this week we once again find Moses interceding on behalf of the people. The golden calf incident has just occurred and God is upset with this “stiff-necked people.” God’s words about potential punishment and destruction have gotten the people’s attention and Moses’ attention. Moses’ intercession focuses in on God continuing to be with him and with the people.

Moses begins by reminding God that God once said, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.” Moses wants to re-establish their relationship as the starting point for the continuing conversation. It is like saying, “Since we’re good friends…” before getting to the heart of the conversation. Moses begins by asking God to continue to teach him God’s ways so that he can know God and find favor moving forward. Moses wants the relationship to grow and develop. And then Moses reminds God that “this nation” (yes, this stiff-necked people) is (are) God’s people. This nation that God has asked Moses to lead? Yes, God, they are your people. The implied question remains this: Will you go with us, God?

God affirms their relationship, saying, “My presence will go with you.” Moses is relieved. Making sure that this is the promise, Moses says, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Don’t send us on if you’re not going with us God. Moses knows that without God, the Israelites are just like all the other people. The same is true for us, for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you went with Moses and the Israelites, be present to us and go with us. Through your presence, distinguish us from all the other people of this world. Going with us, help us to be different in the best ways possible. Use us to be love amidst the hate, to be peace amongst the violence, to be healing for the broken and suffering. Go with us, O God, as we seek to live as your light and love in this world. Amen.


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Roots

Reading: Jeremiah 17:7-10

Verses 7-8: “Blessed is the man [or woman] who trusts in the Lord… [They] will be like a tree planted by the water.”

Today in our Old Testament lesson we shift gears to consider following God’s ways (instead of the ways of the world). In our first two verses for today we read, “Blessed is the man [or woman] who trusts in the Lord… [They] will be like a tree planted by the water.” Trusting in God is essential in our walk of faith. Life is not always rosy; trust is needed most in times of trial or suffering. Trust reminds us that God is with us in all times – the good, the bad, and everything in between. This truth about God does not change. The degree to which we live into it is what fluctuates.

In the rest of verse 8 the Lord parallels trust to the roots of a tree. A tree’s roots grow underground, working their way towards the water, towards the source of nourishment. Because the tree is connected to the water, heat and drought do not impact the tree significantly. The leaves remain green and the tree still bears fruit.

Like the roots of a tree, our faith develops over time. It takes intentional and consistent effort for our faith to develop deep roots. The source of our faith nourishment is found in God. As we dedicate time to read and study and meditate on the word of God, our roots of faith and trust grow deeper. As we give time to prayer, bringing both our joys and our concerns, we strengthen our roots of faith, building our trust day by day. As we spend time in worship, we are exercising our faith and trust in God, establishing a firmer foundation of faith.

In verse 10 we read, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind.” When the Lord looks within each of us, may a heart turned to God, a mind filled with the things of God, and a soul deeply rooted in faith and trust be found. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, day by day, lead me in ways that sink my roots of faith deeper and deeper into you. Nourish me with your word and with your Holy Spirit presence. May it ever be so. Amen.


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Hope Eternal

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1

Verse 16: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”.

Photo credit: Aron Visuals

Paul begins our passage for today and tomorrow reminding us that because we believe in eternal life, we must speak of it. As ones who believe that God raised Jesus Christ from the grave, we also believe that we too will be raised. For Paul, we are to speak about this belief so that God’s grace may reach more and more people. As more and more people come to believe, God’s thanksgiving overflows.

These are important words to believe and to speak for our time and culture. Our post-Christian culture sees death as the enemy and goes to extraordinary means to stave it off. There is a pervading fear of death in our society. Even though our reality is that each day we are one day closer to our death, human beings will do much to try and thwart, to counter, to deny this reality. While even those who believe love life and want to have a long, good life, we do not fear death nor do we fight it’s coming when it is our time. We know a deeper truth in all of this. Paul writes of it in verse sixteen: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”. Hope. Our hope is founded on our belief in resurrection, in eternal life. There is more – much more – yet to come. And what will come is more wonderful – much more wonderful – than the best that the world has to offer.

Paul knows that this earthly tent, this body, is wasting away. It becomes more and more true for all who live into old age. Yet. Yet God remains at work in us to the very end, making us new every day, growing and developing the part of us that speaks what we believe, the part that overcomes and moves beyond this temporary world. As we live to the full today, may our lives speak of the hope eternal that grows in us day by day.

Prayer: Loving God, you renew me day by day, bringing me closer to your love. May my thanksgiving overflow into the lives of all I meet today. Amen.


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Praise, Worship

Reading: Psalm 104: 31-34

Verse 33: “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live”.

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

Today’s portion of Psalm 104 begins by recognizing that the glory of the Lord will “endure forever”. This is a sharp contrast to yesterday’s portion, where we were reminded that all will return to dust. We are finite and limited. God is infinite and unlimited. Because of what God is, the psalmist rejoices in the works of God’s hands. Yesterday we too were awed by the splendor and abundance of God’s wonderful and powerful creativity.

In verses 33 and 34 the response becomes more personal. Each of us needs to cultivate and develop our relationship with the Lord. The psalmist declares, “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live”. This is the psalmist’s outward expression of faith. For some of us, singing is our outward expression of our evolving relationship with God. Others may express their faith through art or writing or by doing acts of kindness or mercy. In the next verse the psalmist names “meditation” or time reflecting on God’s word as his inward or inner expression of faith. This is one practice many people use to worship God and to cultivate our faith. Others connect more through prayer or fasting. Whatever means we use, like the psalmist, praising and worshipping God as our way to grow in our faith is a lifelong pursuit.

As we go throughout our day today, may we seek and take opportunities to praise and worship the Lord. May each opportunity be a blessing not only to our faith but also to those who experience God in and through you and me!

Prayer: Lord God, you are forever. The works of your hands humble me. Each day may my life be a song to you. And as others hear my song, may they too come to know you and your love. Amen.


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Rock and Refuge

Reading: Psalm 31: 1-5 and 15-16

Verse 5: “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth”.

When David wrote today’s Psalm he must have been at a difficult point in his life. We do not know what was challenging him at this point, but we do get a sense of his trust in the Lord. For David, this trust has been built on many experiences where God has proven trustworthy. As David seeks refuge and lifts his voice to God, he is counting on God to once again be his rock and refuge.

In this life we all face challenges. Some are small and are mostly within our minds. Others are larger and on the life-altering scale. In each case, how we work our way through the challenge can happen many ways. We can put our head down and try to push through. We can pretend it is not happening. We can fiercely take it on and act brave and strong on the outside. We can allow fear or doubt or worry to freeze us up. We can turn to God like David does in today’s Psalm. Often, especially in our bigger challenges, we can try many of these before we surrender and turn to God. We might recall that David tried this method too. He did not jump straight to fully trusting in God either.

As David journeyed with God he had many opportunities to learn to trust God first, to trust in God alone, to seek refuge and shelter and redemption under God’s care. We too have or will have each of these experiences as we journey with the Lord. We too will develop trust… in God. To frame that idea, what experiences have you had that have led to a deepening in your trust in God? When has God been your rock and refuge? As we recall these moments and file them away as God moments, our faith is strengthened. They become a reserve, a place to draw from as our next challenge arises. We begin to live more often into these words from verse five: “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth”. As we draw to a close, take a minute or two for yourself and for your faith. Recall God’s trustworthiness and offer God some praise and thanksgiving today.

Prayer: Father God, ever be my refuge and shield. Ever be the one I turn to in both the good and the bad. Ever be the rock upon which I stand. I thank you for your ever-present hand and Spirit that guides, leads, directs, protects… You are an awesome God. Amen.