pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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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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In the Name of…

Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In chapter 3 of Colossians Paul is encouraging the church to clothe themselves with the attitudes and practices of Jesus Christ. Verse 12 reminds the church that they are “God’s choice, holy and loved.” This is quite the status to have! The apostle goes on, inviting the church to “put on” Christ’s attitudes: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These attitudes (and others Christ exemplified such as welcome, mercy, grace…) should be lived out in all of life, 24/7.

Paul then invites the church to be tolerant and forgiving. These are ‘response attitudes.’ When someone is different from you or sees things from another perspective or when someone hurts or harms you or someone you love, respond with tolerance and forgiveness. How countercultural this invitation is, especially in our world today! Our human instinct, our gut-level reaction is to ignore or ridicule or exclude those who are different, to get even with those who hurt us. These are selfish responses. Christ was not selfish.

As our human nature is to be selfish, Paul encourages the church to put love over all of these attitudes – see everything, speak every word, through the filter of love. From the framework of love, God’s peace will fill our hearts. Christ’s word and Spirit will dwell richly in us. And one last piece of encouragement: “Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is Paul’s early version of the modern slogan, WWJD? It is choosing to filter all that we say and do and even think through the example of Jesus, he who was love lived out. It is the place that we must begin if we are to do good and not harm in our world.

Prayer: Lord God, clothe us this day and every day in Christ. Clothes thusly, empower us to live our compassion, kindness… When life challenges us in our efforts to follow Jesus, when others seek to harm or negatively influence us, raise up the voice of the Holy Spirit. Call us back to the way of Jesus. Whisper tolerance, forgiveness, grace, acceptance, and understanding into our hearts. In all things, use us to reveal the love of Christ to the world. Amen.


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Even There… Always

Reading: Psalm 139:1-12

Verse 5: “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”

Psalm 139 is a beautiful reminder of God’s presence with us in all of life. I find great comfort in verses 1-6. Here we are reminded that God searches us and knows us, that God knows our coming and going, that God knows our thoughts, and that God “hems me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Yes, this is all indeed wonderful. And it is a little scary or intimidating to be so intimately, personally, and thoroughly known by someone. This depth of knowing is the focus of verses 7-10.

Moving into this set of verses David recognizes God’s omnipotent nature. No matter where he goes, God is there. David touches on the reality of this with honesty as he asks, “Where can I flee from your presence?” We can relate, right? At times we appreciate a little solitude. And it is a high standard to uphold – always being in God’s presence. I’m sure you’ve been around someone and wondered when your time together would ever end. But here’s the thing with God: God is here for our absolute good and to bring joy and hope and light to our lives. And to be there when we need God the most, for “even there your hand will guide me.”

In the closing verses David acknowledges that at times darkness will surround him. Even though he feels “hidden” from God – whether it is because of sin or because of a loss that makes us feel separated from God – even there God is present. Our darkness is just that: ours. Even there God is light and love and grace. And even there God is with us, knows us, searches us, and walks with us. Always, God hems us in. Always, God’s hand is upon us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, on my best days, you are there. On my worst days, you are there. On those many days that fall in between, you are there. Open my heart to your constant presence. Humble me and make me willing to follow your lead and your guidance. I know you love me and have good plans for me. Shape me and form me to your will and ways, O God. Amen.


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Even There

Reading: Jeremiah 29:1 and 4-7

Verse 7: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Returning to Jeremiah 29 today we recall God’s message to the people living in exile: settle in, it’s going to be a while. The consequences of living a long time in sin will not end quickly. Sometimes this is necessary. At times in my life, and maybe at times in yours, I have wandered. The results have left me in places or in circumstances that I didn’t really want to be in. I longed to return to how life was before. Like it is for Israel in today’s text, it was for me at times. I could settle in or I could be stuck in some past. I could live into my new reality or I could fight God the whole way. It is a choice.

Jeremiah’s advice is to start living again. Don’t sulk and frump your way through this because then you’ll miss out on God’s presence with you even here in Babylon. Realize that God is there in the exile. Realize that God is there in the aftermath of wayward living, no matter where we find ourselves. And, maybe more importantly, realize that even there God can make a difference. So even there, God wants to use us for God’s purposes. Even there we too have something to offer. Jeremiah encourages the Israelites and us today by saying, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Be the light. Be the faithful. Be a positive in the city and culture. Set the example. Even now God can work in and through you. Even there, walk the walk of faith.

While we might not be invaded, taken captive, and hauled thousands of miles away, we will find ourselves living out an uncomfortable situation or stuck in the consequences of our sinful choices. When we do, may we remember today’s word: God is faithful even there. May we be so too.

Prayer: God, it’s not always easy to bloom where we’re planted, especially if we don’t like it there. Yet you are ever present, ever guiding. Give me an “even there” faith. Lead me to live and love and serve well no matter the place or the circumstances. Amen.


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Even Though

Reading: Hosea 11:1-7

Verse 2: “The more I called Israel, the further they went from me.”

As God speaks at the start of Hosea 11, we are reminded that God loved Israel and rescued them from slavery in Egypt. This is but one of many stories of God redeeming and guiding the beloved family of God. Another aspect of this familiar pattern comes in verse 2: “The more I called Israel, the further they went from me.” This is the other half of the cycle. For the Israelites, their relationship with God was often one of sin and repentance, forgiveness and restoration. Our faith can follow a similar path.

God laments how the people have turned to false gods. It is a choice we all make in our lives. Whether it is pursuing wealth or popularity or power, at times our focus is askew. We prioritize something other than God. God laments that the people do not recognize who healed them, who led them in love, who lifted the yoke, and who bent down to feed them. At times we too fail to see the work of God in our lives. We can miss the fact that the door that opened or the hole we avoided falling into was God’s hand at work. The verses for today close with a reality: “My people are determined to turn from me.” How often God must think this of me.

Even though we are not always what God designed us to be or who God wants us to be, God’s love remains. Even though we must sorely disappoint God at times, God’s compassion never fails. God ever desires to wrap us in love and kindness. It is a no-matter-what love. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you formed me in my mother’s womb. You’ve loved me since the thought began. I know your love, your compassion. You’ve rescued me and have forgiven me, again and again. Even so, I stray, I wander, I sin. Thank you for a love that always, always reached out, ever drawing me back into right relationship. Amen.


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Even There

Reading: Psalm 139: 7-10

Verse 10: “Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast”.

Even there. Even there God is with us. In the quiet of the sanctuary on a Tuesday morning, God is there. In the excitement of worship on a Sunday morning, God is there. In the prayer on the couch and in the prayer on the walk to work, God is there. As the baby releases its first cry and as the person draws their last breath, God is there. In the spaces where we seek God’s presence and in the times when we try and run as far away as we think possible, God is there.

There is nowhere we can go, no way we can flee fast enough to elude God’s presence. God is in the heavens and in the depths and everywhere in between. God is in the highs and lows of life, just as much as in the regular and ordinary. Even when the psalmist rises early and travels all day to reach the “far side of the sea”, even there God is present. No matter where our there is, we too can say as the psalmist did: “Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast”. Our God is present at all times in all places.

God, unlike us, is always steadfast and true, ever unchanging and unfailing. As with all things concerning God, it is so because God loves us. God is love so his constant presence is based on his great love for us, his dear children. God’s constant love is a no-matter-what love that says “I will be there and guide you, even there”.

As we experience this love over and over, we come to trust God more and more. Our faith grows. I would say “trust completely” but that is not our reality on this side of the veil. At times even the strongest faith can buckle. We are weak at moments and Satan is ever at work. Yet then and there – yes, even there – God is with us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Loving God, as I look out the window, I sense your presence in the sun creeping up in the sky and in the gentle breeze moving the pine branches. You are always right there – when I think I need you most and when I want you the least. You love me that much. Thank you. Amen.


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Even Then

Reading: Luke 17: 11-19

Verse 15: “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice”.

Ten are healed of their disease and are able to return to their families and to society. Ten are cured of the physical separation that they have endured. Only one finds a wholeness that extends beyond the physical. Only one connects back to the Lord Jesus, the One who healed his physical disease. He is the only one who really knows that his healing can lead to being made truly whole. Only one stops to acknowledge and worship the one who restored him to full life.

When we experience God’s hand at work in similar big ways, we likely take the time to pause and praise the Lord for what he has done. But what about the smaller things? Are we grateful and praising each day for the small blessings of yesterday? Do we truly thank God for all of the ways that our lives are blessed?

And how is our faith when the answer that we want does not come? Some of us live with an illness or infirmity for all of our lives or for the last portion of our life. Some of us live with a relationship that is broken. Some of us struggle with a grief that never goes away. Some of the time our loved ones do not get better. Each of these trials persist in spite of our prayers. What do we do when the leprosy remains?

Can we still live in our illness or brokenness within God’s love and care? Yes! We are promised the loving and caring presence of the Lord in the midst of our exile. He walks with us through the valley of the shadows. Like with Paul, that thorn in our side reminds us of our need for a strength that we do not have on our own. Even then – even in our illness and brokenness, we still find hope and life in the Lord Jesus Christ. May we fully trust in the Lord, finding new life and wholeness in him even on the toughest of days.

Prayer: Lord, you have walked with me through the valleys. You have even carried me at times. Help me to trust in your purposes and plans each time I experience a trial or am suffering. I know you are a good, good God. Thank you for always loving even me. Amen.


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Even Me

Reading: Ephesians 3: 1-4

Verse 2: “Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given me for you”.

Paul experienced God’s hand in a powerful way. He had not always been Paul though. He was born Saul and was raised in the Jewish faith. Saul excelled at learning the Law and eventually became a Pharisee, one of their religious leaders. He was very devout and followed the Law inside out. When the Christians began to try and spread the good news of Jesus Christ, Saul made it his personal mission to persecute them, to stomp out this new religion. Saul was enemy #1 of the early church.

And then, one day as Saul traveled to Damascus to arrest and persecute the Christians there, he met Jesus. In a jarring encounter, Jesus changed Saul forever. The #1 enemy became the #1 evangelist, travelling all over the known world preaching about Jesus Christ and His love. Saul took on the name Paul, the Gentile version, and became the apostle to the Gentiles – all who were outside the Jewish faith. His conversion story is what Paul is writing about when he writes, “Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given me for you”. His name alone struck fear into Christians; now, by God’s grace, he was one of them!

As I think about and reflect on this mystery, I am convinced of the fact that God can and will use anyone for His glory. He chose Saul. That means that God can do anything with anyone. God can turn the hardest-hearted atheist into a preacher of the gospel. He can take the most vile criminal and turn them into a leader in a church. God can grab ahold of the one we least expect and use them in amazing ways.

Yes, we are all within reach of God’s grace. We are all available ammunition in God’s battle with the evil and darkness in our world. God desires to use us all for the building of His kingdom of love and grace. Thank you God for using even me.

Prayer: Lord, you call me by name. You ask that I lay down my selfish desires, that I take up my cross, and that I follow you. May it be so. Use me as you will, O God. Make me fully yours. Amen.


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The Struggle Within

Reading: James 4: 1-3

Verse 1: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you”?

So far in the book of James, he has built the argument that the things in our heart and mind are what guide our actions, control our tongues, and directs our decisions. In chapter four, he turns the discussion towards the disagreements and arguments that mankind often enters into. One only has to watch the nightly news for a short time to see plenty of examples.

James opens chapter four with two great focus questions: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you”? Once in a while we fight and quarrel for other reasons, but most often the battle begins with an internal issue or struggle. Maybe it is something that happened in our past that we haven’t gotten past or let go of yet. Similar events trigger us, pushing that button that leads us to desire to fight and quarrel. Maybe our desire to enter the battle comes from some perceived need or want and our envy or jealousy flares up. Sometimes it has to do with a lack of maturity. I can remember times in my greener years when I’d argue for the sake of arguing and times when I would argue long after I knew I had lost the argument. Pride was definitely at work.

When we come to the edge of a fight and quarrel, James suggests a few filters. We should ask ourselves questions such as these: What am I about to fight about? Is this about getting even? Are these feelings even connected this actual person or situation? Am I being stubborn or prideful? Again, in most cases the urge to fight and quarrel is driven by a struggle or issue within us. When we allow these to linger, they inhibit our relationships with God and with others. Only when we make peace within will we have peace without. James has a suggestion here too: seek God’s help with the right motives. Pray for help with the struggle within. God is faithful. He will rain down mercy, grace, forgiveness, and healing.

Prince of Peace, pour out your peace upon my inner being. Guide me to those that I need to reconcile with. Lead me to speak words of unity and healing. Wipe away all unrest and discord that is within. Help me to freely offer mercy, grace, and forgiveness so that I may receive them from you and from others. May I model your love each day. Amen.


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Round and Round

Reading: Romans 4: 13-16

Verse Sixteen: “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, do that it may be by grace”.

In our culture we generally like to feel we are at least ‘even’ with each other. If someone brings us a plate of cookies, for example, we feel we need to return the favor by bringing them a cake or plate of cookies or treats. If we ask someone to help us move, then we feel obliged to show up when they are moving. If wr have someone over for dinner they drive home contemplating when they can have us over for dinner. We go round and round.

Sometimes I think we feel faith is like this too. We try to do good things to gain or earn God’s favor. We pile on more when we have sinned and feel the guilt or shame. We try and check off all the boxes to meet what we think God and others expect of us to be considered ‘good’ Christians. So we go to church and to that pot luck and to the small group and to the rescue mission to help serve the meal and… We go round and round.

Lent is a good example of this idea. The concept behind a season of preparation for Easter is to be ready spiritually to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. What do we do to get ready? We give something up for Lent, wr join another Bible study, we go to that special Lenten small group, we read an extra devotional, we… Sometimes it feels like we are going round and round instead of connecting more deeply to God. But we can’t quite avoid it either. If I were to just say “Stop!” all this and just get closer to God, I would feel inclined to follow it up with advice to just pray more or to just read your Bible more. And we go round and round.

God knows. He knows. In verse sixteen we read,”Therefore, the promise comes by faith, do that it may be by grace”. We are saved by grace alone. No matter what we do or do not do, no matter what we say or don’t say, God’s grace is always sufficient. This removes our need to check boxes or to give up this or to add in that. This need is within us, in our minds, maybe even in our hearts. God says enough, my grace is enough. If abstaining from chocolate or whatever helps you feel closer to God, then do it. If reading an extra devotional or being in a small group helps you grow closer to God, then by all means enjoy your time. In the end, though, may we all rest upon the promise of salvation by faith alone. In this promise, grace is sufficient. It is all about God. This we know. May it be so.