pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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All Who Believe(d)

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 4:15-18

1st Thessalonians 4:17-18 – “Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”

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Reading the second part of this week’s Epistle passage, Paul connects what they know and believe about Jesus’ life to the believers’ lives. Jesus died and was resurrected to new life. We were reminded yesterday that this will be true for all believers. In verses 15-18, Paul unpacks this promise.

Verse 15 begins with a statement of authority: “We tell you this directly from the Lord.” This could mean that it was spoken by Jesus to the disciples and then was passed on to Paul. Or, more likely, it was something that the risen Christ revealed directly to Paul. In either case, Paul declares that Jesus’ return will begin with a shout and trumpet call. Following this, the faithful who have died will be raised up to new life. Lastly, those believers that are alive will be raised up to be with Jesus too. Paul concludes with these words: “Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” All who have believed and all who believe – with Jesus forever! What great encouragement and hope.

Paul speaks these words into the Thessalonians’ worry, anxiety, fear, and doubt. They can trust that Aunt Rose and cousin Steven and grandma Lois and nephew Anthony will one day be raised to new life. We too can trust in this promise – for those we love and for ourselves. We too find great hope and encouragement in knowing that all who believe will be like Jesus: resurrected and eternal. For this truth we rejoice and say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for Jesus, the one who was and is and always will be. Thank you for the way that he made through death, opening for us the path to eternal life. Let us not forget, O God, that the way is predicated on faithfully walking the path in this life. Strengthen and encourage us in the day to day living of our faith. Amen.


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Children of God

Reading: 1st John 3:1-3

1st John 3:1 – “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

On this All Saints’ Day we celebrate the saints who have gone on to their eternal home during this past year. For some of us, the day holds grief as their loss is recent and still painful. For others, the day holds joy as the grief has begun to recede and the celebration of a life well-lived gains more of the focus. For all those who gather and name the saints, it is a reminder of our connectedness, of the great cloud of witness, and of John’s words today: “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”

We who believe are the ones that John calls the children of God. Technically, all people are children of God. Just as some do not recognize that we who believe are children of God, they and others do not recognize themselves as a child of God. They do not see or understand or find their worth and identity in God’s love. We do. We know that we are loved and that we belong to God. As we celebrate the saints today, we also celebrate our place in the great cloud of witness.

While some long for the day and others look forward to the day, it will be glorious when we see Jesus face to face because we will see him “as he really is.” In the resurrection we will fully know Jesus. That experience of love will be grand! As that day draws nearer for each of us, may we seek to be pure and holy, just and loving, just as Christ was, is, and always will be. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for those who we will name today as we celebrate the saints who have joined you this past year. We can also name other saints – those who shaped and formed us, who walked with us, and who encouraged us. We ask, O God, that you would use us in these ways, walking with each other and with future saints. Amen.


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The Power to Transform

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

1st Thessalonians 2:12 – “We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy.”

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In the week’s Epistle reading, the call is to live a life worthy of God’s call. As we witness to our faith, our words, actions, and thoughts should reflect God’s love and our calling to the world. In the first four verses, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the example that he and his co-workers set for them. They were bi-vocational, working a job so that they did not burden these new believers. Paul and friends were “devout… honest… faultless” towards the believers. They treated those new to the faith as a father would treat their children. In this role, Paul and his fellow workers “pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy.” They walked alongside the Thessalonians until they were ready to walk on their own.

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Thessalonica. God’s plan went far beyond that. The words he wrote and the example he set have given guidance to generations of countless believers. We stand in that line of faith. We too are to live out our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ by being devout, honest, and faultless. We are charged with walking alongside new believers, encouraging, challenging, and urging them on in their walk of faith. We are to lift them up, not to place burdens on them.

In the last verse of today’s reading, Paul gives thanks to God for the fruit of their ministry in Thessalonica. There is fruit because the believers heard Paul’s words and his co-workers’ words not as mere human words but as the word of God. Yes, the words came out of human mouths but the Spirit of God gave the words the power to change hearts and lives. And the Spirit continued to work in the new believers, empowering them to live out their faith. This is a good reminder to us. As we seek to live out our call and to witness to our faith, we too can trust that the power to transform lives comes not from us or from our efforts. The same Spirit of God will be at work, moving hearts and transforming lives. For this we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen and encourage us. Lift us and prod us on. Fill us with the words to speak. Guide us in the actions to take. In all things, may our lives and our witness bring you the glory. Amen.


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The Pointed Question

Reading: Romans 14:1-6

Romans 14:5b – “Each person must have their own convictions.”

As human beings, we are taught early on that the best is the most important. On the playground, children run races to see who is the fastest. In the classroom, students look around to see who got the highest score on the spelling quiz or math test. This continues. Who is the lead violin in the school orchestra or the starting quarterback on the football team? What college did you get into? And it continues. Who got the promotion? Who has the newest, greatest cell phone? What neighborhood do you live in? Sadly, we learn quite well how to judge, categorize, and label.

Apparently this was the reality of Paul’s day in the church in Rome. (And very likely everywhere else.) Jews and Gentiles came together to form new Christian faith communities. Some brought Jewish dietary practices with them. Others did not. Some honored the Sabbath – Saturday. Others honored the Lord’s day – Sunday. The judging, categorizing, and labeling kicked in. This led to “my way is right” thinking – and is therefore better. So… your way is less than, wrong…

Paul asks this pointed question: “Who are you to judge…?” He then reminds those in the Roman church that they will all stand before the Lord. The same is true for us. The apostle then adds, “Each person must have their own convictions.” This remains an important thing to remember today. As we grow and mature in our faith, what is holy and good and just grows too. An “acceptable” behavior is no longer acceptable as we grow in Christ. Our convictions mature. We all grow and mature at different rates and in different ways. May we remember love and grace not only for others, but also for ourselves.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to love and see and act with love and grace. Lead us to encourage others, to lift others up. And when we’re tempted to judge… remind us that we stand before you too – both daily in this life and one day in the life to come. Amen.


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I AM Is with Us

Reading: Matthew 14:22-27

Matthew 14:27 – “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Turning to our gospel lesson, Jesus has just fed 5,000 men plus women and children. His focus returns to why he originally came to this deserted place: to grieve the beheading of John the Baptist. And perhaps to wrestle with his coming fate as his hour too draws near. Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in a boat and then dismisses the crowd. Finally alone, he ascends the mountain to pray. Jesus spends the night in prayer.

The disciples spent the night battling a storm. Maybe there was some praying going on in the boat too. We read that very early in the morning, Jesus came to the disciples, walking in the water. In the storm, the waves, the early morning light, the disciples think Jesus is a ghost. Only God walks on the waters. They are “terrified.” Responding to their fear, Jesus shouts out, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Do not fear – the power and presence of God almighty is here with you. Take courage – you are not alone. I AM is with you.

In times of sorrow and grief, in moments of fear and doubt, in situations where we are unsure or paralyzed, may we do as the human Jesus did: pray to God. Get alone if necessary and enter into a time of honest conversation with God. And in the storms of life, in the long hours of struggle, in the days of oppression or addiction or abuse, may we trust in what the disciples came to know: I AM is with us. God is always here. God’s power and presence are always with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, draw us into your sure and strong presence. In times when we feel powerless, pour out your power. In moments when we feel alone, pour out your abiding Spirit. Lead us and guide us, protect us, and provide a way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Thanksgiving and Praise

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6

Psalm 105:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people!”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Psalm 105 is a call to worship. Yes, it was a call to worship long ago for the Israelites. And it is a call to us today to worship God in the ways that we live out our faith in the Lord our God. The Psalm begins with this invitation: “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people!” There are three parts to this invitation. First, give thanks. Whether through prayer, a journal, or both, daily thank God for your blessings, large and small. This practice of gratitude is good for our soul. Second, call on God’s name. This could be calling on God’s name in prayers and petitions. And it could be seeking God’s guidance and direction in our lives. And third, witness to your faith. Share the story of what God has done and is doing so that others might be drawn to our Lord and Savior.

These basic invitations are echoed in verses two and three: Sing, give praise, rejoice in the Lord! In verse four we’re invited to pursue or seek God’s presence and strength. While God is ever present and ever willing to be a part of our lives, God will not barge in or force the issue. God waits for us to “open the door,” and then God enters in. Invite God in!

Verses five and six invite us into acts of remembering. These are both personal and corporate. Remember God’s wonderful and marvelous works in your life and in the world around you. Remember through thanksgiving and praise. Recall God’s acts of justice – in your life and in our world. Offer thanks and sing! And remember who and whose you are: “children of Jacob… chosen.” For our place in the family of God, may we lift a celebratory and joyous word of prayer or a song of praise to the Lord our God!

Prayer: Lord God, we pause and offer our thanks for all you do in our lives to lead and guide us, to strengthen and encourage us, to forgive and redeem us, to restore and save us. You are an amazing, awesome, wonderful God! Thank you for choosing us and for being our God. Amen.


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Blessings

Reading: Genesis 24:58-67

Genesis 24:60 – “May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousand.”

Returning to this week’s Genesis 24 passage, we see the final outcome. But first, in verses 50-56, the men discuss the potential arrangement. Rebekah’s brothers say, “This is all the Lord’s doing.” From the servant’s story, it is clear that God is at work here. Abraham’s servant gives wedding gifts to Rebekah and to her family. All is settled. They will depart in the morning. Until morning comes. It is then that Rebekah’s family asks for ten days – the customary betrothal period. Abraham’s servant still wants to leave. Rebekah is brought in to decide. In our reading today she states, “I will go.” She too sees God’s hand at work.

All is made ready and Rebekah’s brothers send her off with this blessing: “May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousand.” Reflecting their belief that God is at work, they hone in on what makes women most blessed in that culture: having lots and lots of children. As soon as they arrive back home, this process begins with Isaac taking Rebekah as his wife that very night.

Thinking about the brother’s blessing, it causes me to wonder: What blessings do we offer to people as they enter into new things? What hopes do we have for young couples today and how do we express that in the blessings that we give? What blessings do we give to people as they step into something new as they follow God’s call and plan for their lives? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we become a part of that blessing, walking alongside one another in faith and love?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to build community both through our words and our actions. In word, may we support and encourage one another. And then may we back our words up in practical, tangible, helpful ways. Walk with us, Lord, as we seek to walk with one another in faith and love. Amen.


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Life in Christ

Reading: Romans 6:12-19

Romans 6:14 – “Sin will have no power over you, because you aren’t under Law but under grace.”

As we turn to Romans 6 today and tomorrow, we read Paul’s arguments about sin and the new life that we find in Christ Jesus. Today’s section begins with this advice: “Don’t let sin rule your body so that you do what it wants.” Here Paul is acknowledging a reality. Sin is always there, always trying to draw us in. Because of this, we must battle every day so that we are not used “as weapons to do wrong.” Instead, Paul encourages us to offer ourselves to God, as people “who have been brought back to life from death” so that we can be used “as weapons to do good” in the world.

Although sin and temptation are powerful, Paul reminds us, “Sin will have no power over you, because you aren’t under Law but under grace.” By the grace made available through Jesus Christ, we are no longer held captive to sin and the guilt and shame that keeps us entangled in our sin and its consequences. As Paul explores our freedom from sin found in Jesus Christ, he lays out the choice we make on a very regular basis. Do we offer ourselves as “slaves of sin,” setting our course towards death? Or do we offer ourselves as “slaves of righteousness,” which leads to holy living? Paul understands that for each of us who seek to follow Jesus, as it was for him, this is a choice made again and again, over and over, many times each day. Each time may we choose life in Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we face an almost steady stream of temptation. We’re encouraged to just do what feels good, to just sling that verbal barb, to just get more and more for self. We soon enough learn that, as Paul wrote, one sin often leads to another and another. Soon we are enslaved. Lord, we want to choose your will and way. We want to live as children of righteousness. We want to do and be good in this world. O Lord, help us. Only through and with the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us do we stand a chance. Lead and guide us, O God. Strengthen and encourage us. Thank you. Amen.


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One

Reading: John 17:6-11

John 17:11 – “Holy Father, watch over them in your name… that they will be one just as we are one.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

Returning to John 17 today, Jesus’ prayer continues. The focus shifts to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus refers to all believers as “the people you gave me from this world.” Those who “belong” to Jesus – and this includes you and me – are those who keep God’s word as the rule of life. We have received God’s words, some of them from Jesus, and we understand that Jesus was sent by God. Sent as God incarnate (in the flesh) we understand Jesus as the revelation of God on earth.

In verse 9 Jesus states, “I’m praying for them.” We are part of “them.” Jesus prayed then for all who believed in him as Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit continues to pray for all believers. Your name and my name are lifted into God’s presence. As this prayer of Jesus continues, he prays, “Holy Father, watch over them in your name… that they will be one just as we are one.” Because we are not of this world once we become a new creation in Christ, we need watching over. We become targets of Satan once we declare belief in Jesus. The spiritual battle amps up once we declare that we belong to Jesus. This is our reality. This is why Jesus prays for unity.

As the body of Christ we are called to mirror the unity that we see between Jesus Christ and God. This unity, this intimate connection, is grounded in and empowered by love. The love of Christ in our hearts guides us to also pray for one another and at times to be the answer to those prayers. This love leads us to keep one another safe, cared for, provided for, comforted, encouraged, connected… Walking together with Jesus Christ, may we be one as Jesus and God are one.

Prayer: Lord God, unity is often hard. This world and its ruler are constantly seeking to pull us away from you and back into our old selfish ways. Christ in Spirit seeks to counter this, building our connection with you. Open our hearts to continue to receive your word, your love, your presence. And receiving, may we in turn live out these gifts in our faith communities, bring you the glory. Amen.


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Share the Good News

Reading: Acts 17:22-31

Acts 17:24 – “God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn’t live in temples made by human hands.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Acts 17 comes during Paul’s second missionary journey. He has seen a lot so far on his mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Athens, however, is a different beast. It is a city filled with all kinds of idols and with a population that loves to debate and learn new things. Paul has spoken to enough people that he’s been invited to speak before a large group. He begins by addressing their spirituality. Paul uses this common ground to introduce his God. He does so this way: “God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn’t live in temples made by human hands.” It is important to note that Paul does not degrade their religion or tell them his is better. He simply tells them about the God that he worships and follows.

Paul then tells them about how God created humanity to “seek him, perhaps even reach out and find him.” We are indeed created for relationship with God and with one another. Paul then turns to the crux of our faith: Jesus resurrected. This is too much for some to hear. They walk away from Paul, as some will do when we share our faith’s power over sin and death. Paul will persist. He will continue to tell all who will listen about his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many will come to a saving faith as he shares the good news. May the same be true for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, encourage and equip us to be sharers of the good news. Work in us to develop our stories of faith so that we can tell others what Jesus has done for us. Empower us and guide us by your Holy Spirit, Christ alive in us. Amen.