pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: faith


by Leave a comment

Outward and Upward

Reading: Luke 17-18

Luke 18:14b – “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”

Our text today begins with words of accountability. We are to help one another in our walk of faith, warning others when they sin. We are also to forgive others when they sincerely repent. Recognizing the challenge in living out these words, the disciples say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!”

As Jesus travels along the border between Samaria and Galilee he encounters ten lepers. They seek and receive healing. Only one comes to give thanks. Jesus sends the Samaritan on his way, healed by faith. At the end of our reading a persistent blind man is healed because of his faith. In between a widow’s persistence is rewarded, much as our prayers for justice will be answered by God. She received justice from an unjust judge. Imagine how our prayers for justice will be answered by our just God.

The Pharisees ask Jesus when God’s kingdom is coming. He first tells them that it is already among them. He then speaks of the time when he’ll come again – because they’re missing the present. It will be like it was in the days of Noah and of Lot. People will be eating, drinking, living life… Then Jesus will return like a flash of lightning, swift and sure as the flood came or as the fire and sulfur rained down. In that moment, “one will be taken and the other left.” We must remain faithful and ready for this day.

Two stories illustrate what being faithful and ready looks like. It begins with having a selfless and humble attitude. Like the tax collector we must pray again and again, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And unlike the ruler, we must keep our faith as the top priority, forsaking wealth, power, status… We are reminded, “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to ever keep our focus and commitment outward and upward. We need your help because we are naturally selfish. Yet we know that all things are possible with you. Keep us persistent in our faith, generous with our blessings, and humble in our walk. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Narrow and High

Reading: Luke 13-14

Luke 13:24 – “Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and won’t be able to.”

Today we largely center on Jesus’ call to “change your hearts and lives.” He begins by describing God’s patience. An owner wants to cut down an unproductive fig tree. The gardener asks for one more year – to tend to and fertilize the tree. The tree might produce fruit the next year. Faith is like a mustard seed or some yeast. It grows or spreads almost without notice. Patience is required. Yet the walk of faith is not easy or for the half-hearted. In 13:24 Jesus says, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and won’t be able to.” Then, in 14:33, he adds, “None of you who are unwilling to give up all your possessions can be my disciple.” The gate is narrow because the requirement is hard. God must be #1 in all aspects of our life.

Twice Jesus demonstrates that love and compassion trump the rules established by man. He heals two people in the Sabbath. We too will be asked to disregard man-made rules or expectations at times if we are to keep God #1 in our life. This “cost” – like the tower project – is necessary to keep in mind as one chooses Jesus as Lord and Savior and as one continues to walk as his disciple.

Jesus drills down on the superficial “faith” of the religious leaders. They jostle for the best seats at the table. Jesus preaches humility. They invite people just like themselves to their own parties. Jesus preaches inviting the lost and broken. Jesus laments over those who refuse to come to him. The hand, the invitation, it is always open, always extended. Until the door is closed. At that point our fate is decided.

Yes, the road is narrow and the expectation or requirement is high. For those who carry their cross daily, keeping God as their only priority, “Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom.” This is true now and in the kingdom to come. May it all be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, what do you require of us? It’s simple: keep you as the only occupant of the throne of our hearts. It’s also very difficult: keep you as the only occupant of the throne of our hearts. Lord, guide and encourage us daily as we seek to walk “the narrow way.” It is only possible with your presence. Amen.


by Leave a comment

We’ve Been Given Much

Reading: Luke 11:37-12

Luke 12:33 – “Make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

Today’s reading deals with authentic versus surface commitment to God. And it speaks into the worry and doubt and anxiety that is so common in our world today. These two topics relate to one another.

Our words from chapter 11 address the outward and superficial faith lived out by the Pharisees and legal experts. They tithe their herbs but neglect justice and love. They crave recognition and status. They place huge expectations on others but don’t help them and often get in the way of their faith development. These condemnations create deep resentment towards Jesus. But we must ask: Which would be addressed to the faith lived out by you and me?

Chapter 12 mostly focuses on trusting in God’s love and care instead of getting caught up in worry and fear or in the cares and concerns of the world. Jesus reminds us that God cares for and loves us much more than sparrows, ravens, and lilies. Each of these is provided for. How much more will God provide for us, God’s dearly loved children.

Jesus warns against greed, specifically against hoarding or storing up. These inwardly focused acts draw us away from compassion, empathy, and generosity. We are encouraged to release our “things,” to give to those in need. Doing so, we “make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out.” Nothing can take these eternal things away. Jesus sums up why it is so important to be selfless: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.”

Jesus also addresses our spiritual readiness. As servants of God we all have roles to play. We are to be diligent and faithful in how we use all of our resources – time, talents, gifts, wealth… “Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much.” Friends, we have been abundantly and generously blessed by our God.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, you love us far beyond our understanding. And, yes, you care for us unlike any other. Yet worry and fear and earthly concerns can creep in. We can question you. In these moments, remind us of your truths and promises. Speak these into our hearts, Holy Spirit of God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Are we? Do we? Will we?

Reading: Luke 10-11:36

Luke 10:36 – “What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?”

Jesus sends out the 72 because the harvest is big and the workers are few. They are to heal and cast out demons. They are to share their blessing with people of peace. They are to trust in God to provide. Because they bring the kingdom of God near to people’s lives, they can rejoice: their names are written in heaven. We can be like the 72. Are we?

Next Jesus speaks of those places that have rejected the kingdom of God. It will be better for Tyre and Sidon and for Nineveh – the first would’ve listened and Nineveh did change hearts and lives. Jonah stood as a sign for Nineveh and now one stands in Israel’s midst who is greater than Jonah. Christ stands in our midst yet today. Which city will we be like?

Jesus is then tested by a legal expert. He asks what he must do to gain eternal life. When asked what he thinks, the expert offers the two great commandments. Pushing the issue, he asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Well, a man going down to Jericho was attacked and left for dead. A priest and then a Levite see the man and pass him by. A Samaritan, moved by compassion, cares for the man – extravagantly. Jesus asks the expert, “What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?” Yes, the one who showed mercy is the neighbor. The expert is told: “Go and do likewise.” We are told the same thing, again and again in the Gospels. Do we?

Choosing faith is the focus of the teaching about Martha and Mary. Being persistent is the focus of Jesus’ teachings about prayer. Jesus tells us, “Ask… receive. Seek… find. Knock… the door will be opened.” Our good, good father God wants to and will give the Holy Spirit to those of us who ask, seek, and knock. But will we?

Prayer: Lord God, we read today of the call to trust, to witness, to change our hearts and lives, to be a good neighbor, to be persistent, and to go to you expecting a good answer from a good, good God. We see the results of lives lived in these ways. Our question today, God, is if we choose this way of life. Today, Lord, encourage and empower us to “go and do likewise,” loving you and neighbor extravagantly with all of our being. Amen.


by Leave a comment

“No” to Self!

Reading: Luke 8:40-9

Luke 9:23 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”

Today’s reading begins with two stories where faith results in healing. Jairus comes to Jesus seeking healing for his daughter and a woman discreetly comes to Jesus for healing. Both believe that Jesus can bring healing. In spite of circumstances stacked against them, both experience healing because they continued to believe.

Jesus sends out the 12 to heal and proclaim the good news. After a successful outing, Jesus encounters a large crowd. After a long day teaching and healing, the disciples suggest sending the crowd to find food and lodging. Jesus suggests the disciples feed the crowd. Their response: But we don’t have enough. Fish and loaves are not what is lacking. With five fish and two loaves, Jesus feeds the huge crowd. In the end all eat their fill and the disciples each hold a basket full of leftovers. Jesus has faith to spare!

There are two sections about following Jesus in today’s readings. After Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus explains that this means dying and being raised. He will be an unexpected kind of Messiah. Because of this, Jesus defines what it takes to follow this way: “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” At the end of today’s readings we see that many cannot meet these expectations. Followers must be willing to lose their lives to take on Christ’s.

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where he is transfigured. They see Jesus in his divine glory. God’s words add to their understanding that he is truly the Son of God. They descend and Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon. He then confronts the disciples lack of understanding about following him. They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus states, “Whoever is least among you is the greatest.” It’s all about elevating others above self. This requires a follower of Jesus to say “no” to self again and again and again…

Prayer: Lord God, while the world and our culture tells us that self is all that matters, you say the opposite. Everything, everyone, all else is to be placed before our own needs and wants. In that place, we are trusting in you alone for all that we truly need. Grant us the faith and the courage to make this choice every day. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Great Love and Compassion

Reading: Luke 7-8:39

Luke 7:50 – “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Luke 7 begins with a story about a man with great faith. The centurion first asks Jesus to come heal his valued servant. He then realizes that he is unworthy to have Jesus come to him. So he sends words, recognizing Jesus’ authority to simply speak a word to heal the servant. It is so.

Jesus next encounters a funeral procession. A widow’s only son has died. With great compassion Jesus resuscitates the son, providing for the widow.

From prison John the Baptist sends some disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one?” Jesus heals many people right then and tells the disciples to tell John what they saw. This is a physical demonstration that fulfills Isaiah 35 and 61. It is Jesus’ “yes” to John’s question. He then laments this current generation’s lack of faith.

Jesus is then invited to dinner at a Pharisee’s home. While there, a sinful woman comes and washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair, kissing them and then anointing them with oil. In his thoughts, the Pharisee is condescending of both Jesus and the woman. This leader skipped all the normal hospitality customs. Jesus says to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Her revelation of great love leads to her salvation.

After naming some of the women who support Jesus’ ministry, he tells the parable of the soils. It is about our receptivity to Jesus’ words and example. These women are the good soil. Jesus then encourages us to let our light shine. It is to shine on all soil/soul types.

Jesus then reveals his power over wind and sea before encountering “Legion” – a man long possessed by many demons. The demons recognize Jesus and negotiate release into the pigs. The man is totally healed. The townfolk are awed but are also afraid of Jesus’ unexplainable power. They ask him to leave. The man is told to stay behind, to witness to Jesus’ power. He goes home to “tell the story.”

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to have great love and compassion for us. You respond when we call out in faith. And you sometimes come even when we don’t call out. You know what we need and this drives your responses. Thank you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

As You Walked and Lived

Reading: Luke 6

Luke 6:45 – “A good person produces good from the good treasury of the inner self, while an evil person produces evil from the evil treasury of the inner self.”

Photo credit: Nathan Lemon

Chapter 6 is a primer on the Christian life. On the Sabbath – a day on which devout Jews did absolutely no work – Jesus asks, “It is legal to do good or evil, to save life or destroy it” on the Sabbath? He then heals a man’s withered hand. After calling the 12, Jesus heals many people. Maybe it was the Sabbath, maybe it wasn’t.

Starting in verse 20, we hear the “Sermon on the Plain.” It begins with Jesus telling us that those without now will one day receive. Those who have already received will one day be without. Jesus calls his followers to love, to do good, and to bless and pray for those who hate, curse at, and mistreat us. He calls us to go above and beyond what is asked. His teaching is summed up in what we know as the golden rule: “Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.”

After pointing out that the world loves those who love them… Jesus calls us to be compassionate as God is compassionate. He warns against judging and condemning. Instead we are to be forgiving. Jesus says to give and it will be given to you. The golden rule not only applies to our relationships with each other but to our relationship with God too.

We’re also warned about self-deception. Deal with the log in your own eye, Jesus says, before trying to remove the splinter from a neighbor’s life. In this way a good tree will produce good fruit. This is because “A good person produces good from the good treasury of the inner self, while an evil person produces evil from the evil treasury of the inner self.” When we build on the solid foundation of Jesus, filling ourselves with and living out his words and example, then the storms can’t and won’t shake our faith. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we are called to do and be good in the world. We are called to give of ourselves with no strings attached. Our love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness is to be universally and unconditionally poured out. We are to walk and live as Jesus walked and lived. Yes, Lord, may it be so. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Alert and Ready and at Work

Reading: Mark 12:35-13

Mark 13:36-37 – “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”

We begin in the temple today as Jesus corrects the legal experts. The crowd delights in his teaching. He then condemns the religious leaders self-seeking ways: they wear long robes and say long prayers; they desire the best greetings and the best seats; and, they “cheat widows,” leaving them homeless. A sharp contrast to this arrogance comes in the next verses. A poor widow gives all that she has to live on. The rich give “out of their spare change.” This humble, faithful, trusting widow is the model.

As they leave the temple, one of the disciples points out the grandeur of the temple itself. Jesus predicts its demolition. Peter, James, John, and Andrew later ask him when this will happen… what will be the signs? Jesus warns them of deceivers. There will be wars, famines, and earthquakes. The disciples themselves will be handed over and persecuted (but the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say.) Then the war will culminate as the temple is defiled. People will flee to the mountains to escape the Romans. There will be great suffering.

Sometime after this suffering, the sun and moon will grow dark, the stars will fall, and the planets will shake. Then the “Human One” will come on the clouds in power and splendor. The angels will gather the “chosen people” from the corners of the earth. Jesus tells them that just as the fig tree’s new leaves tell them summer is near, so too will these signs tell the world that his return is near. Jesus tells them (and us), “Watch out! Stay alert!”

Jesus closes his teaching on the end times with a story. As an owner goes on a trip (perhaps back to heaven for a time?), he assigns tasks to his servants. For all disciples, the task will be to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus closes with this warning: “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!” Jesus is coming soon. May we be found ready and alert, working on our task as we strive to live a daily life that seeks to make disciples for the transformation of the world.

Prayer: Lord God, please walk closely in Spirit with us. Attune us to the charge you give each of us. Defend us from our human tendency to make it all about us. Lead us to walk as humble servants, seeking to be witnesses of your love and power in this world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Not Far

Reading: Mark 10:46-12:34

Mark 12:14 – “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.”

Blind Bartimaeus sits beside the road as Jesus passes by. He shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” Shushed by the crowd, he shouts louder. Today, who is crying out to Jesus that we are trying to shush? Seeing him as worthy, Jesus heals him. Going on, Jesus enters Jerusalem, triumphally riding on a colt as people shout, “Hosanna”! In Mark, Jesus looks around the temple and goes to Bethany.

On the way back to the temple, Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree – symbolic of the temple. Returning to the temple, Jesus clears it of all connected to their fruitless sacrifices. These rituals are not reflected in changed hearts and lives. Coming back into the city Jesus had encouraged the disciples to have faith in God. He told them, “Whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you.” Faith and belief leads to fruit.

The religious leaders question Jesus’ authority. He traps them in a question about John the Baptist’s authority, revealing their lack of faith in God. Jesus then tells the parable of the tenants, taking full aim at these religious leaders. The vineyard represents Israel and they are the tenants. These tenants abused and/or killed this sent to collect fruit. Soon the son was sent. They kill him, claiming the inheritance. Prophet after prophet and then finally Jesus was sent to Israel. Destruction is promised for these tenants. The stone rejected will become the cornerstone.

After a couple of attempts to trap Jesus using the hot topics of paying taxes, divorce, and resurrection, a legal expert asks Jesus a real question. He recognizes truth in the flattering words spoken earlier: “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.” He deeply appreciates Jesus’ answer about loving God with all our being and loving our neighbors as self. The expert correctly deems these two commands “much more important than all kinds of… offerings and sacrifices.” Yes, faith in God demonstrated through love lived out – these matter more than anything. With a faith like this, we too won’t be far from God’s kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a faith that is alive and active, bearing fruit for your kingdom as we seek to bring your love to bear upon our world. Open our ears to the cries of those in need. Open our hearts to respond as Jesus would’ve. Draw us closer and closer to your kingdom – here and now, one day in your divine presence. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Service and Sacrifice

Reading: Mark 9-10

Mark 10:24 – “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

The transfiguration of Jesus begins today’s readings. On a mountain top with Peter, James, and John, Jesus becomes “amazingly bright.” Elijah and Moses come and talk with Jesus. God speaks, saying, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” These words echo God’s words at Jesus’ baptism. Coming down the mountain Jesus finds a hubbub. The disciples were unable to cast out a demon. Jesus laments the lack of faith. The father begs Jesus for his son’s healing and admits his own lack of faith. Jesus casts out the demon. How do you think this affected the father’s lack of faith?

Jesus tells the disciples once again of his coming death. They, in turn, argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus gathers the disciples and reminds them that the first will be the least, the servant. He explains that there is a cost to being a follower. It might cost a hand or foot or eye if that leads one into sin. Jesus is telling them to do anything to avoid sin and disobedience to God.

A rich man comes and asks about obtaining eternal life. He has kept the commands faithfully. After Jesus “looked at him carefully and loved him,” he is instructed to sell all that he has. The man goes away sad. Jesus goes on to say, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!” Much can get between us and Jesus. It’s not just our wealth or our possessions. When Jesus looks carefully at our hearts, what does he see that vies for the throne of our hearts?

Once again Jesus tells of his death. This time he is very clear. James and John come with a request: to sit at Jesus’ left and right in heaven. Power is their struggle. Jesus, with great patience, again tells the 12 that the greatest will be the servant and the first will be slave to all. Jesus again reminds them – and us – that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life “to liberate many people.” May we too choose service and sacrifice.

Prayer: Lord God, humble servant, slave to all, keeping you #1 in our hearts – no, discipleship is not easy. We must first die to self – the greatest barrier to walking humbly and obediently. Guide us in this necessary and daily act of surrender. Grant us the faith and trust, the strength and courage to do so each day. Amen.