pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: faith


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Help and Hope

Reading: Psalm 146:5-10

Psalm 146:5 – “The person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God – is truly happy!”

Psalm 146 celebrates God’s activity on behalf of those in need. The psalmist declares that those who seek help from God and who place their hope in God, they will be “truly happy.” When God is the one we turn to, hope in, trust… then our focus becomes our relationship with the God “who is faithful forever.” We can rejoice even in our trials and sufferings because we know that God will triumph over all these things one day.

In verses 6-8 the psalmist speaks of the Lord’s activity in specific ways. We could re-write these verses, substituting in ways that God has acted in our lives. We could name a time when God brought justice to a time when we were being mistreated. We could write of the time when the Lord freed us from a prison of our own making. Just as the psalmist rejoices in the ways that God feeds the hungry, opens blind eyes, lifts the lowly, and protects the vulnerable, we too can celebrate moments when God has done these very things (and more) for us.

Daily remembering that we are “the person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God,” we can daily draw upon the power and presence of our God. Drawing upon, leaning into, trusting in God, we can find and live out the happiness and contentment found in Psalm 146. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you reign forever, over all the earth! Your presence is constant, your love is neverending. Daily you desire to walk with each of us, from the least to the greatest. Open each of our hearts to receive you, to surrender to your will and ways, to be your hands, feet, and love in the world. Daily use each of us to draw all people into your help and hope. Amen.


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Jesus Offers, Invites

Reading: Matthew 11:2-6

Matthew 11:3 – “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

By the time Matthew’s gospel reaches chapter 11, Jesus has given the Sermon on the Mount, has healed many people, has calmed a literal storm, has gathered the twelve disciples, and has begun training them to carry on his ministry of healing and wholeness. During this time, John the Baptist’s ministry has diminished and he now finds himself in prison, having angered King Herod. Searching for hope, John sends his own disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” From his prison cell, it must not feel like the kingdom of God is what he’d hoped it would be.

Presenting evidence of what the kingdom of God looks like here on earth, Jesus mostly quotes from Isaiah 35 and 61, adding a few of his own words too. Jesus is reminding John of how the Old Testament prophets described the Messiah and his kingdom. Healing and wholeness, fullness of life, deep relationships and community, humble service – this is God’s plan for this created world. It is to be as Jesus taught, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The evidence that Jesus gives are both our inheritance and our marching orders. Jesus offers to open our eyes so we can see as he sees, just as he invites us to do the same for others. He walks with us when we cannot walk alone and he asks us to do the same with one another. Jesus cleanses us of our “diseases” and he speaks truth into our hard hearts. He brings life to what was once “dead” and he restores relationships. All of these, in turn, Jesus invites us to do for the world. As we find healing and wholeness through Jesus Christ, may we work to bring these to our world in need. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts and minds to receive all that you offer. Being filled with your love, guidance, presence, healing, and hope, turn us out into the world, pouring ourselves out for the healing and wholeness of all creation. Use us to manifest your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Walking the “Holy Way”

Reading: Isaiah 35:8-10

Isaiah 35:8-9 – “A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way… Only the redeemed will walk on it.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Today we continue in Isaiah’s vision. In its original context the prophet was speaking of the exiles return to the promised land. Isaiah’s oracle spoke of God’s redemption of Israel and of their safe journey through the wilderness. As the exiles return home, this “way” will be free of predators and enemies. No one will get lost along the way. Those ransomed from exile in Babylon will enter Jerusalem “with singing, with everlasting joy.” The grief and groaning of past suffering will “flee away.” For a people familiar with the long, difficult, costly journey out of exile in Egypt, these words of guidance and protection and blessing brought great hope to Israel.

In the now-and-not-yet spirit of Advent we next look at these words of Isaiah as a messianic text. During his ministry, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6.) With these words in mind we reconsider verses 8 and 9 from Isaiah 35: “A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way… Only the redeemed will walk on it.” Jesus walked and taught in holiness and righteousness. He called his disciples to walk in his footsteps, following his example of holiness and righteousness. Jesus offered forgiveness of sins to those who repented and committed to walk in his ways and truth. Redeemed from our sins, we strive to daily walk and live Jesus Christ’s “Holy Way.”

Looking forward with hope, the trust that the faithful will one day enter “Zion,” the new Jerusalem in God’s coming new kingdom. In that day the ransomed will sing praises to the Lord. Everlasting joy and peace will be upon us. The grief, groaning, tears, and suffering of this present life will be no more in our eternal home. What great hope! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice and thank you for rescuing and redeeming your people long ago, bringing them home to their inheritance. We rejoice and thank you for rescuing and redeeming us from our sins and failures each day, empowering us by your Holy Spirit to walk in Christ’s way. And we rejoice and thank you for our coming final rescue and redemption, when we will joyfully stand in your eternal light and love. You are a most awesome God. Glory be to you, O Lord! Amen.


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Together with One Voice

Reading: Romans 15:4-6

Romans 15:4 – “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance.”

Photo credit: Fredrik Ohlander

As we enter Romans in chapter 15, Paul is in the process of elevating the community over the individual. For example, in chapter 12, Paul argues that individuals are given gifts by the Spirit for the benefit of the community (not for individual gain or glory.) In chapter 14 Paul emphasizes pleasing God and loving neighbors more than self. At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages patience with those who are less mature in faith. As Christ did, Paul invites those who are able to build up their neighbors.

Today in verse 4 we read, “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance.” Paul and his theology are deeply rooted in the Old Testament and in the Law in particular. But his understanding and application of the scriptures changed radically through his relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul saw and understood how Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. There is no better example of this than in the Sermon on the Mount, beginning in Matthew 5. Again and again Jesus unpacks the Law through his use of the sayings, “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” In each of these examples and in how he lived out his faith, Jesus was demonstrating what love of God and love of neighbor truly looked like. Paul looks at these examples and encourages the church to emulate Christ’s attitude in their lives.

The early church needed hope so that they could endure the trials and persecution of their day. We too need hope to faithfully love God and neighbor in the midst of a culture that elevates self above all else. Like the early church, may we find strength in the scriptures, in Christ, and in our community of faith, all to “glorify God… together with one voice.”

Prayer: Lord God, we pray for daily strength and encouragement, for hope and peace. Draw us deeper into your word, deeper in our relationship with Christ, and deeper into our communities of faith. In these things we find support, help, and the power to love you and to love neighbors as Christ first loved us. Lord, use our daily living to glorify your name and to build your church. Amen.


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Unity Yields Justice and Peace

Reading: Psalm 122

Psalm 122:9 – “For the sake of the Lord our God’s house, I will pray for your good.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

The Psalm of David that we read today rejoices in worshipping God in Jerusalem. The city is both the seat of power for the kings of Israel and it is understood to be the seat of grace for the King of Kings. This song would be sung by many people each time they journeyed to Jerusalem to visit the temple, to offer sacrifices, to celebrate their holy days.

Themes of unity and justice and peace are woven into this Psalm. Unity is found in the people of God coming together to worship the Lord. This is both in actual worship in the temple and it is in the way that they lived their daily lives. God is the thing that unites. The unity found in and through God gives the people of God strength and power. This power is so different from the world’s power. The strength and power that comes from unity with God and with one another leads to justice and peace in the land and in the peoples’ lives.

David writes these words in verse 9: “For the sake of the Lord our God’s house, I will pray for your good.” He prays this prayer with unity and justice and peace as his goal. When the people of God are faithful to the will and way of God centered on Jesus’ example and teachings, then unity with God and with one another will yield justice and peace in our homes, in our communities, and in our world. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, be the king of our hearts. Sitting on the throne of our hearts, guide us to a unity that brings justice and peace to our hearts and to our lives. Centered on the love of Christ as our guide, make us people who stand for and work for justice for all and for peace in all places. O God, may it be so. Amen.


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Light Our Fires, Rekindle the Light

Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaiah 2:3 – “Come, let’s go up to the Lord’s mountain… so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in God’s paths.”

These words from the prophet Isaiah are words of great hope. In his words we see the world as God intended it to be and as God calls us to make it. This envisioned world is one of peace and abundance. It is a world where all people have a place of belonging in God’s beloved community.

Isaiah’s words, on the one hand, are specific to Judah and Jerusalem. One day the city of God will be lifted up and nations will stream to it. All who are saved will come to be taught God’s ways. This will lead them to turn swords and spears into plows and pruning tools. Walking in God’s ways will bring an end to hunger and want, to war and hate, to division and oppression. All people in this new place will walk in God’s light.

While this is a wonderful and beautiful vision of a day to come, what if these words were our marching orders right now? What if the people of God lifted up God’s ways of love and grace, compassion and generosity? What if we did that so well that many would be drawn to walk in the ways of the Lord? What unjust systems might change and what forms of oppression and violence might come to an end?

When we truly walk as Christ in the world, then we have the power to transform lives and systems. When we are faithful to Jesus in all aspects of our daily living, then our light will shine forth into the darkness of the world. When we practice and fight for peace and justice as the minimum standard for all people, then God’s kingdom will begin to be manifest here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes it seems easier to just envision these words of Isaiah becoming a reality somewhere down the line. To believe that we can make this world into what you desire it to be, well, that’s harder to envision. When we doubt and fear, light our fires of faith. When we are anxious or weak, rekindle the light of Christ within us. Use us, O God. Send us out to change our broken and unjust world into a world of love and peace and justice and abundance. Amen.


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Share the Gift of Life

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry… will never be thirsty.”

Leading into today’s reading, Jesus has just fed the 5,000 (a corporate miracle) and, after some time in personal prayer, has walked on the water to catch up to the disciples (a personal miracle.) The crowd follows Jesus to Capernaum, his home base for much of his public ministry. Jesus acknowledges that they are looking for him because they want more food. The crowd missed the miracle.

Jesus attempts to redirect the crowd’s focus. He points out that they are now chasing “food that doesn’t last.” Like most of the world most of the time, we can at time spend inordinate amounts of time and energy chasing after all kinds of “food” that doesn’t last: possessions, status, power, popularity. All of these things that feed our human ego and desire sadly leave our spiritual soul hungry and empty. Jesus encourages the crowd (and us) to seek “food that endures for eternal life.” In order to find this “food,” they (and we) must choose to “believe in him who God sent.” Belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior yields sustenance for our journey to eternal life.

Today is a day when many are thankful for the blessings in their lives – home, health, family, friends… Gathered around the table with family and friends, we who claim faith in Jesus also offer thanks to the Lord. We have found and believe in the one who proclaims, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry… will never be thirsty.” Just as we share food and drink around the table today, may we each day share the one who brings eternal life.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for the abundant blessings in our lives, some temporal but many eternal. May we live each day as a celebration of the gift of life that you offer and give – here and now with you and one day in the age to come with you. Through our daily living may others come to know your Son, the gift of life. Amen.


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Practice, Practice, Practice

Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Philippians 4:9 – “Practice these things… The peace of God will be with you.”

Paul begins today’s reading with an encouragement to “Be glad!” The apostle is inviting the Philippian Christians to find joy in all of life. Paul, like us, has his ups and downs in his life and in his faith. He has endured more than most of us will ever come close to enduring. As he writes, Paul sits in prison, likely nearing his death. Even so, his focus, his perspective, his faith – they all find a joy and peace in Christ.

Paul offers us a guide to living with joy and peace in all circumstances. First, treat others gently. This brings to mind various expressions that all remind us that we never know what another person is going through. We should always offer grace. Second, pray. Instead of being anxious about this or that, take it to God in prayer. And take time to give thanks to God for the blessings and for the presence. In prayer and then in life, a peace beyond our circumstances will keep our hearts and minds safe in Jesus Christ.

In verse 8 Paul invites us to focus on the ways of God, on all that is “excellent… and admirable.” Focus on these things and we will find God in them. Paul also encourages us to pay attention to our own thoughts too. He encourages us to focus our thoughts on all that is “true… holy… just… pure… lovely… worthy of praise.” Focusing on these thoughts, we will be Christ to the world.

When we choose to live and practice our faith in these ways, then we will develop a Christ-centered heart and mind. The challenges, the difficult circumstances, they will still come. But when we “Practice these things… The peace of God will be with you.” May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us, strengthening and encouraging us in each step of faith. In all things, remind us of your love. In all ways, use us as examples of your love. Rooted and grounded in love, guide us to trust in you and lead us to hope in you. Deeply connected, fill us with a peace that leads to joy. Use us to offer these things to the world. Amen.


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Faithful, Joyful Living

Reading: Psalm 100

Psalm 100:1 – “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth!”

Joy in the Lord flows throughout Psalm 100. Unlike happiness that comes and goes, joy is a state of being. It is a state of being that becomes our “norm” as we spend more and more time walking with the Lord. It is from this state of being that the psalmist declares, “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth!” This declaration invites all of creation to praise God. This invitation is not limited to the psalmist’s community of faith. It is quite the opposite. All people and all of creation are the work of God’s hands. All are invited. This concept is also echoed in verse 3. We are all the “sheep” of God’s pasture.

The Psalm is filled with action. It calls us to a living faith. We’re invited to serve God with celebration, to offer shouts of joy, to thank God often, and to bless God’s name. This open invitation to active, faithful living and worship creates a place of welcome and community. This kind of living breaks down walls and barriers. Joyful worship draws others in.

Faithful living and joy as our state of being are not rooted in ourselves. We find the source in the last verse. We can be faithful and we can be joyful because of who and what God is. We are made in the image of God – the one who is good, who is loyal in love, who is always and forever faithful. God is our source of joy. God gives us the power to be faithful. God is with us. We are God’s. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we celebrate our place in your pasture. We are your family and you are our God. What joy! From our place of belonging, help us to extend invitation to others. From our place in community, guide us to make all feel included. All for your praise and glory! Amen!


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A Plan Unfolding

Reading: Luke 1:68-75

Luke 1:69-70 – “He [God] has raised up a mighty savior… just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago.”

By nature we are social beings. We were created by God to be in community. While each of us enjoys some solitude from time to time, we crave human interaction. A large part of this involves expressing ourselves, our thoughts, our emotions. The average person does this mainly through speaking about 10,000 words a day. Imagine being silent for a few days. For me that would soon begin to feel like a heavy weight. What would that feel like for you? Now, imagine being silent for nine months.

As we turn to Luke 1:68 today, Zechariah begins to speak for the first time in nine months. He had been struck mute by God about 840,000 words ago. Zechariah did not believe the angel Gabriel when he told the old priest that was having a son. The angel told him that his son would “bring many Israelites back to the Lord.” What news to share! But he cannot. After all of this silence, what are Zechariah’s first words?

Zechariah first announces that the words of the prophets from long ago have been fulfilled. A Savior has been born! The priest turned prophet tells the people that God has remembered the covenant and will rescue Israel “from the power of our enemies.” Recalling the times in exile and in the wilderness, those enemies were mostly within – selfishness, greed, idolatry. As we continue tomorrow, Zechariah will next speak of the role that his son, John the baptizer, will play in God’s unfolding plan. The unfolding plan continues today. You and I are a part of that plan.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for remembering your covenant and setting in motion the redemption of all of creation. Thank you for sending the one filled with the spirit of Elijah to prepare hearts to receive your son, the Savior. Lord, fill us with the Spirit’s power, using us today to call people to change hearts and lives. Use us to call people to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.