pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: divide


by Leave a comment

Good and Pleasing

Reading: Psalm 133

Psalm 133:1 – “Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!”

Psalm 133 is short – only three verses long. But it lifts up one of the most important aspects of faith: unity. This song celebrates the community of faith and the ultimate blessing of living in a community of faith: “everlasting life.” In verse one we read, “Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!” Step back and look at your community of faith. Is it good and pleasing to God and to the world around it? Does it reflect unity in the body of Christ?

We must be careful not to mistake unity for conformity. That is a common mistake. Our unity is centered on Jesus Christ and following his teachings and example. Around this, yes, there is conformity. But Jesus certainly did not minister to and include only people like him. He included fishermen and a tax collector and a zealot. And that was just in his “church.” Jesus welcomed children and women and outcasts and even “sinners.” To one and all, Jesus extended love and created a sense of belonging. He found sacred worth in everyone he met. This fostered unity and community in the early church.

In the Psalm, this is described as anointing oil and life-giving dew. The psalmist envisions both flowing freely, pouring down. There is a joy and an abundance in these images. It should be this way in our lives and in our communities of faith. Love and grace should flow freely. Mercy and forgiveness should pour down. Sharing life and what we have should bring joy. These things should be the primary marks of a Christian community. May it be so as our communities of faith – our “families” – strive to be good and pleasing to the Lord and to the world around us.

Prayer: Lord God, our world tends to separate us into categories. It feels like the natural thing to do is to label – so we can divide and define. May it not be so in our churches and lives, O God. All are created in your image. All have sacred worth. All have a place at the table of grace. Shape and form us into people who see you in others, who draw others into our communities of faith so that they can know love, mercy, grace, belonging – both ours and yours. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Only You, Lord

Reading: Psalm 68:1-10 and 32-35

Psalm 68:9 – “You showered down abundant rain, God; when your inheritance grew weary, you restored it yourself.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

Psalm 68 offers words of hope. Attributed to David, much of the song remembers how God has acted in the past. These words also call for praising God. But when we dig deeper, reading the actual words, we see that the present isn’t very good. In verses 1 and 2 David invites God to show up, to scatter the enemies present, to drive them away now. As a means of trusting that God will show up, David then recalls times when God did show up.

God has been a father to orphans and a defender of widows. God has brought the lonely into community and has set the prisoners free. God has led the people through the wilderness. God has provided for the poor. God has lifted up the nation of Israel before: “You showered down abundant rain, God; when your inheritance grew weary, you restored it yourself.” In all of these ways and more, God has been good and loving. This is what we need to remember too, especially when it feels as if we are surrounded by enemies.

I do not know about you, but for me our world often feels heavy and dark. There is war and violence. There is a prevalent us versus them divide. Chaos and hatred seem to overshadow order and love. Harsh rhetoric has replaced civil conversation and discourse. Under this weight, I long for God to pour down love and grace, healing and wholeness. In this outpouring, the orphans, widows, prisoners, and lost would be blessed. True and full redemption and restoration begins here, on the edges.

The Psalm closes with a call to praise God. David invites us to sing praises to our strong and majestic God. He reminds us that it is God who gives us strength and power. O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we need you. While life feels fine in my little world, I know many are struggling – emotionally, financially, relationally. So, Lord, pour out your presence, your Spirit, your love and grace. Bring healing and wholeness to our society and to our world. Only you, O Lord, can heal the brokenness. Only you can redeem and restore. Amen.


by Leave a comment

All for the Gospel

Reading: 1st Corinthians 7-9

1st Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all people, so that I could save some by all means possible.”

Beginning in chapter 7, Paul begins to address some of the questions and concerns sent to him in a letter. The first question has to do with sex. Paul declares that a married couple should meet one another’s sexual needs. This reduces the temptation towards immoral sexuality. Paul also adds a caveat about divorce: if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage, let them go. Paul then lifts up – but does not command – celibacy. Paul feels that marriage divides a person’s attention. For Paul, celibacy “promotes effective and consistent service to the Lord without distraction.”

In the next chapter Paul addresses eating food sacrificed to idols. For the mature believer, they know idols are not real so the food is fine to eat. But the weak or new to faith might not know this. Paul recommends living in ways that don’t potentially weaken or destroy another’s faith. He notes that one sins against Christ when one sins against a brother or sister. Today one might, for example, invite one who struggles with alcohol to a meeting at a bar. That would fall under Paul’s prohibition.

In chapter 9 Paul writes about being an apostle. There must’ve been a question about paying the preacher’s salary. Paul reminds them that both the Old Testament and Jesus himself taught that the prophet or priest or preacher should get their living from sharing God’s word. Paul chooses to wave this right. Chapter 9 closes with a call to share the gospel with all people and to “run to win.” Paul notes that he has “become all things to all people, so that I could save some by all means possible.” All is done with a focus on sharing the gospel. Paul encourages self-discipline as the means of attaining “the crown that never dies” – eternal life.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to run the race, eye ever on the prize of eternal life. Lead us to also recognize the breadth of the mission field. Walking faithfully with you as our priority, also open our eyes to the ways that we can engage and draw in the lost. May we meet others where they are at, witnessing to your saving power and love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Trust Always

Reading: Acts 21-23

Acts 21:13 – “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Paul’s journey to Jerusalem (and eventually to Rome) begins in our reading for today. Working his way towards Jerusalem, Paul encounters a prophet, Agabus, in Caesarea. He prophesies that Paul will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles (the Romans.) In response, Paul declares, “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.” His resolve is set. In this, Paul reminds me of Jesus as he “set his face like flint” as he made the final trip to Jerusalem. His trust is in God. Paul is absolutely focused on his one mission: to witness to all about Jesus his Lord.

Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul gives a detailed report of God’s activity amongst the Gentiles. James and the elders warn him of the rumors about Paul rejecting Moses and the Law. While undergoing a purification ritual to demonstrate his devotion to Judaism, Paul is seized, accused, and drug out of the temple. The commotion draws the attention of a nearby Roman commander, who rescues Paul. Unable to ascertain the cause of the unrest, Paul is taken to military headquarters, where he asks to address the people.

Permission granted, Paul gives his history – born a Jew, taught as a Pharisee, harasser of the followers of Jesus. He tells of his Damascus Road experience and his conversion. As he tells of the Jews rejection and being sent to the Gentiles, the crowd erupts in anger. To learn the truth, the commander orders Paul “questioned under the whip.” It is then that Paul reveals he is a Roman citizen by birth. The commander orders an assembly of the Jewish leaders.

Paul wisely divides the Pharisees and Sadducees along theological lines. After being removed from this dangerous situation, Jesus tells Paul that he will ultimately testify in Rome. A treasonous plot is foiled and Paul is brought to Governor Felix. Learning that Paul is from Cilicia, he will hear Paul’s case. This trial will unfold tomorrow as the Jewish leaders arrive in Caesarea.

Prayer: Lord God, no matter the crowd, no matter the threat, no matter the audience, Paul trusts always in you. Filled with your presence and power, Paul always trusts into your plans and into your purposes for his life. Lord, fill us with that same power and presence, making us ever ready to trust in you with all that we are and with all that we have. May it be so – all for the glory of your kingdom! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Again and Again

Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Verse 7: “Will not God bring about justice for God’s chosen ones, who cry out day and night?”

Returning today to Luke 18 we focus on the widow and her faith. She was fully convinced that an injustice had been done against her. As a widow, she was powerless to affect change in this case. The judge was her only option. So she goes to the judge over and over. And then she goes again and again. The widow persists; she will not give up.

Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever been so moved by an injustice that you won’t give up? If so, you were like the widow – you prayed and prayed, you came over and over to the one(s) who could affect the injustice, you acted in ways to bring healing or change or justice. You demanded to be heard and used any means possible to shine light on your “case.” You were persistent. You would not give up.

Who or what in our world or in your life needs your focus and attention? Who or what do you need to pray and pray and pray for? How else can you affect change? Maybe it is the divided in our nation and among us. Maybe it is for a friend in an unjust situation. Maybe it is for the homeless or the orphans or the single parents or for the foster care system.

Whatever it is, remember that the parable is about always praying and never giving up. It must be so because we pray to a God who will bring about justice. May we go to God again and again, trusting God to act.

Prayer: Lord God, you are gracious and merciful and loving. You are a champion of justice and peace and wholeness. Lord, bring your power to bear on our hurting and broken world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Lead in Light and Love

Reading: Jeremiah 4:11-12 and 22-28

Verse 22: “My people are fools; they do not know me… They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good.”

As I read and reflect on these words in Jeremiah 4, there is a sadness. It is a sadness both for the people of God in Jeremiah’s day and a sadness for our time as well. In the opening two verses God tells Israel that a “scorching wind” is coming. It will not be to “winnow or cleanse” however. It is a destroying wind that comes from the north. In our time it feels like the scorching wind comes from the edges, from the extremes.

Verse 22 sums up the state of the people. Here God says, “My people are fools; they do not know me… They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good.” This is quite the charge. The people of God have chosen idols over God, evil over good. They are now like “senseless children.” These words mirror our society today. Our nation as a whole has lost its connection to God and to faith. We have become like senseless children, intent on getting our own way, no matter who it hurts, not the least bit interested in other people’s perspectives. We, as a nation, have grown faithless, becoming polarized and divided along the way.

Verses 23-26 present an interesting image. Using the language of the creation story found in Genesis 1, here God deconstructs the story. It is a regression story now. Just as the people have regressed in their faith and in their actions, so too will the earth regress. The light, the people, the plants and animals – they will all be gone. All will be a desert, left in ruins. It is where that path of evil and selfish behavior leads – to death and destruction.

This image does not have to be the end of our collective story. We can learn to do good, to honor the other, to understand and value differing perspectives. We can once again seek to build up, choosing not to tear down and create division. We can extend a hand instead of a fist, a smile instead of a scowl. We, as the people of God, can lead, letting the light and love of God guide our words, thoughts, and actions. It is a choice. May we choose God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you never give up on us. You ever call us to living and walking as your children, reflecting your goodness into the world. Help us to change the world and its ways, making space for and truly valuing all people. Amen.


by 1 Comment

Playing Our Part

Reading: Ephesians 4: 1-6

Verses 5 and 6: “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism”.

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

Paul writes today about unity within the body of Christ – the church. Unity almost sounds like a foreign concept. Unity almost feels like an impossible dream. We seem to divide and separate over the smallest of things. Paul is seeing the churches he founded in and around Ephasus beginning to have fissures and cracks.

Inviting those in these churches to “live a life worthy of the calling”, Paul reminds them of some virtues to practice: humility, patience, gentleness, peace… To these he adds belief. In verses five and six he writes, “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism”. Paul sees the church universal, not the church divided. Paul envisions the unity brought through Jesus Christ, not any divisions. I believe the same is still possible today. There are core beliefs that all churches have regardless of their denominational flavors: God, the creator of all things, sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to live out his love and to die to defeat the power of sin and death, paving the way for the salvation of our souls. You may word this or parts of it differently, but the ideas are the core of our faith.

The body of Christ can make the choice to live into unity instead of choosing division, to live into the core beliefs instead of accentuating differences and things that divide. Unity begins with each one of us – in our churches, then in our communities, then in our world. May we each commit to playing our part to bring unity to the body of Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the heart required to build unity. Lead me to elevate and value our core beliefs over our minor differences. May Jesus Christ become more of my focus. May our unity bring Christ the glory. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Capability to Love

Reading: Romans 14: 1-12

Verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother”?

Today’s text is an interesting one for this season in America and for this day in particular. Just before praise team practice last night, one observed that it felt like America was nearing its breaking point. It feels like the levels of anger and fear, of doubt and distrust are very high. It feels like there are giant gulfs between our political parties and between different segments of society. This is a time of great pain and intense hurting for many people.

Nineteen years ago our nation was brought to a collective space of pain and hurting. We got there, in a general sense, because of what Paul is speaking about in today’s passage. One small group of people disapproved of another group of people and judged them. The sentence led to death for hundreds and hundreds and to grief and sufferings for many more. Today in our nation we seem to stand on opposite sides of the gulfs that divide us and we attack one another, coming up just short of setting off actual bombs. We may feel that our disputes are about things much greater than eating meat or which day we worship on, but almost all of our issues and disagreements barely rise above this level.

After reminding us that “none of us lives to himself alone”, Paul speaks to us as Christians. In verse eight he writes, “we belong to the Lord”. Do we, as citizens of both heaven and earth, reflect that belonging? Or do we step outside of it from time to time to hurl word bombs at one another, acting as if God were blind and deaf? I am afraid too often we do. Paul then provides two questions that we must weigh heavily in this time: “You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother”?

Do you remember what September 12, 13, 14… were like nineteen years ago? It did not matter if you were black, white, yellow, brown… It did not matter if you were upper class, middle class, lower class or somewhere in between. It did not matter if you were RC, UMC, ELCA, or any other denominational stripe. People of all categories and labels and identifiers came together to help one another, to care for one another, to comfort one another, to pray for one another. How far we have traveled from those days.

Each and every one of us still has the capability to love within us. As we each belong to the Lord, love is simply who we are. This day and every day may we love well, bringing healing to our land and to our brothers and sisters. May it really be so.

Prayer: Lord God, reign in my heart. Begin there, O God, because it has to start deep down in each of our hearts. Draw all of your children to that same place, Lord, because only together do we rise above the earthly to begin to build the heavenly here on earth. Lead a revival of love, O God, and restore our land. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Capability to Love

Reading: Romans 14: 1-12

Verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother”?

Today’s text is an interesting one for this season in America and for this day in particular. Just before praise team practice last night, one observed that it felt like America was nearing its breaking point. It feels like the levels of anger and fear, of doubt and distrust are very high. It feels like there are giant gulfs between our political parties and between different segments of society. This is a time of great pain and intense hurting for many people.

Nineteen years ago our nation was brought to a collective space of pain and hurting. We got there, in a general sense, because of what Paul is speaking about in today’s passage. One small group of people disapproved of another group of people and judged them. The sentence led to death for hundreds and hundreds and to grief and sufferings for many more. Today in our nation we seem to stand on opposite sides of the gulfs that divide us and we attack one another, coming up just short of setting off actual bombs. We may feel that our disputes are about things much greater than eating meat or which day we worship on, but almost all of our issues and disagreements barely rise above this level.

After reminding us that “none of us lives to himself alone”, Paul speaks to us as Christians. In verse eight he writes, “we belong to the Lord”. Do we, as citizens of both heaven and earth, reflect that belonging? Or do we step outside of it from time to time to hurl word bombs at one another, acting as if God were blind and deaf? I am afraid too often we do. Paul then provides two questions that we must weigh heavily in this time: “You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother”?

Do you remember what September 12, 13, 14… were like nineteen years ago? It did not matter if you were black, white, yellow, brown… It did not matter if you were upper class, middle class, lower class or somewhere in between. It did not matter if you were RC, UMC, ELCA, or any other denominational stripe. People of all categories and labels and identifiers came together to help one another, to care for one another, to comfort one another, to pray for one another. How far we have traveled from those days.

Each and every one of us still has the capability to love within us. As we each belong to the Lord, love is simply who we are. This day and every day may we love well, bringing healing to our land and to our brothers and sisters. May it really be so.

Prayer: Lord God, reign in my heart. Begin there, O God, because it has to start deep down in each of our hearts. Draw all of your children to that same place, Lord, because only together do we rise above the earthly to begin to build the heavenly here on earth. Lead a revival of love, O God, and restore our land. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Capability to Love

Reading: Romans 14: 1-12

Verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother”?

Today’s text is an interesting one for this season in America and for this day in particular. Just before praise team practice last night, one observed that it felt like America was nearing its breaking point. It feels like the levels of anger and fear, of doubt and distrust are very high. It feels like there are giant gulfs between our political parties and between different segments of society. This is a time of great pain and intense hurting for many people.

Nineteen years ago our nation was brought to a collective space of pain and hurting. We got there, in a general sense, because of what Paul is speaking about in today’s passage. One small group of people disapproved of another group of people and judged them. The sentence led to death for hundreds and hundreds and to grief and sufferings for many more. Today in our nation we seem to stand on opposite sides of the gulfs that divide us and we attack one another, coming up just short of setting off actual bombs. We may feel that our disputes are about things much greater than eating meat or which day we worship on, but almost all of our issues and disagreements barely rise above this level.

After reminding us that “none of us lives to himself alone”, Paul speaks to us as Christians. In verse eight he writes, “we belong to the Lord”. Do we, as citizens of both heaven and earth, reflect that belonging? Or do we step outside of it from time to time to hurl word bombs at one another, acting as if God were blind and deaf? I am afraid too often we do. Paul then provides two questions that we must weigh heavily in this time: “You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother”?

Do you remember what September 12, 13, 14… were like nineteen years ago? It did not matter if you were black, white, yellow, brown… It did not matter if you were upper class, middle class, lower class or somewhere in between. It did not matter if you were RC, UMC, ELCA, or any other denominational stripe. People of all categories and labels and identifiers came together to help one another, to care for one another, to comfort one another, to pray for one another. How far we have traveled from those days.

Each and every one of us still has the capability to love within us. As we each belong to the Lord, love is simply who we are. This day and every day may we love well, bringing healing to our land and to our brothers and sisters. May it really be so.

Prayer: Lord God, reign in my heart. Begin there, O God, because it has to start deep down in each of our hearts. Draw all of your children to that same place, Lord, because only together do we rise above the earthly to begin to build the heavenly here on earth. Lead a revival of love, O God, and restore our land. Amen.