pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: faith


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What Can Anyone Give?

Reading: Matthew 16:24-28

Verse 26: “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Today’s passage begins with Jesus offering a challenge and an invitation. He states that if one wants to follow him (that’s what happens after we profess him as our Lord and Savior), that one must do two things. First, one must deny self. Second, one must take up their own cross. In the reality of faith, I believe these are often repeated events and practices.

Professing Jesus as Lord is step 1 of denying self. In this confession we are declaring that Jesus is our top priority, that he is the #1, that he occupies the throne of our heart. The flip side is that we are none of these things. This is the beginning of denying self. Making the declaration is the easy part. It is often made in a moment of passion for Christ. We are “on fire.” The much harder and ongoing challenge is keeping the profession as we enter the world. These daily steps are the hardest. The ways, norms, and practices of the world often clash with our faith, causing us to evaluate our choices and decisions one by one in the light of faith.

In the same way, taking up our cross is not a once-in-a-lifetime act. It is not exactly the same as when Jesus took up the actual cross. It is the same in that taking up our cross involves sacrifice and it is on behalf of others. And, oh yes, there is usually also some suffering involved. As with denying self, there is a cost to this act too. One can take up the cross in many ways. Some efforts provide the arc of our faith journey. Think of a missionary in China or of Mother Teresa in India. For most of us, though, they are shorter term. Strung together they reveal the arc of our story of faith. We might stand against an injustice being done. This ends when justice prevails. We might befriend someone who is an outsider or outcast. This ends when our love leads others to love and include this person. We might commit to walking with someone experiencing addiction. This ends with long-term sobriety or recovery. Some of these can be lengthy but not forever.

Taken together these become our journey of faith. Casually speaking, these practices become our lifestyle. Lived out, we experience losing this earthly life and all of its attachments. In turn we gain true life – a life focused ultimately on the gift of eternal life, both for us and for all others. It is a day by day, moment by moment focus. Jesus asks, “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Nothing but a day by day, moment by moment walk of faith. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you ask for all of me to be given, to be poured out for you. From the outside it seemed like such an ask. But now on the inside, it feels like the only possible choice, understanding what you did and do for me. Use me this day and every day in loving service to you and to my neighbors. Amen.


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God Will Deliver

Reading: Exodus 1:8-22

Verse 11: “They put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor.”

Time in Egypt rolls on. Joseph, his brothers, and all of their generation passes on. A new ruler comes to power. There is no connection to Joseph or his family or his people. All the new leader knows is that the Israelites are growing in number. Fear rises up. The Egyptians enslave the Israelites. In verse 11 we read, “They put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor.” But the more they worked them, the more the Israelites grew in number. The labor ramped up and “made their lives bitter.” The Pharaoh then tries to force the midwives to kill the baby boys. God guides them. The Israelites increase in number. A new law is passed as fear continues to rise. Even through this, God will deliver God’s people.

At times we can experience negative attention. It can be because of our faith or simply because of how we act. Both can be seen as a threat to the powers that be or to people we know. Other times our faith calls us to stand up for someone or to call out an injustice. These actions will surely draw fire as well. In these moments, God’s presence remains with us. The Spirit leads and guides us; it gives us courage and the words to speak. In Spirit, God walks with us. If we, like the people of God in Egypt, choose to trust into God’s plan, then the Lord will deliver us again and again. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord, in this life you said we would find trouble. Our faith – when lived out loud in the world – it will draw fire. You promise to always be with us, to never forsake us. You’ve walked a long, long time with your children. Continue to walk with us. Amen.


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Steadfast and Resilient

Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

Verse 22: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Returning to Matthew’s gospel today we move from ‘clean and unclean’ to Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman. She comes to Jesus seeking healing for her daughter. She is demon-possessed. The clean/unclean conversation centered on the condition of our hearts over and above the keeping of the traditions and the Law. In the culture of the day, we must recognize that a devout Jew would avoid engaging with a Gentile, especially with a woman.

This woman comes to Jesus and says, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!” She is acknowledging his power and his lineage. She is acknowledging his ability to do what she asks of him. She is so desperate for this ability to focus on her daughter that she ignores tradition and approaches Jesus. And Jesus ignores her. But she persists – enough that the disciples finally ask Jesus to send her away. They do not ask him to hear or to grant her request – just send her away. Jesus takes two runs at doing just that. Or is Jesus using this encounter as a way to show his disciples and others what a heart filled with faith looks like and can ultimately yield?

Pushing past these barriers and remaining steadfast in her faith in Jesus, she kneels at his feet and eventually receives praise from Jesus for her great faith. Her daughter is healed “that very hour.” This story is a great reminder to keep our faith strong no matter the barriers or obstacles we face, trusting in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As we are steadfast and resilient in our faith, we too will experience Jesus’ power.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the Canaanite woman’s example of great faith. Thank you for her example of brave faith too – a faith that overcame and triumphed. In those times when we feel things are against us, help us to remain faithful and true to you and to our faith. Amen.


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To Preserve a Remnant

Reading: Genesis 45:5-15

Verse 7: “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

As Joseph’s reunion with his brothers continues, he offers them words of assurance and encouragement. Joseph fully believes that it is God’s plan unfolding. He is 100% sure that God’s plan has both human and divine purposes.

There are a few human purposes. The first is to preserve lives. Joseph is placed in mighty Egypt, in a country with large enough resources to grow and store enough extra food to sustain themselves and others during 7 years of famine. That is a monumental task. God gifted and directed Joseph to orchestrate this massive food program. Without Joseph there it is unlikely that any of this would’ve happened. And God sent Joseph ahead to be in a spiritual place to offer grace and forgiveness to his brothers. The trials and sufferings accompanied by the joys and victories have readied his heart to reconcile with his brothers.

As amazing as this all is, there was a greater purpose being worked out: “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth.” Everything that has happened is wonderful. But the main purpose was to preserve a remnant of God’s people to keep alive God’s covenant promises. The family of Israel moves to Egypt and not only survives but thrives. They become a great nation. This is ample proof of God’s love for Israel.

Today I look at the church and the word remnant comes to mind. God and faith seem to have less and less space in our collective hearts. The church’s influence feels in decline. Yet God is faithful. In the end we know that Jesus returns and makes all things new. Evil does not win. This brings to mind a question: How is God using you and me to preserve a remnant that will ultimately triumph over all?

Prayer: Lord God, you are faithful and true. Not a word has gone out or will go out from your lips that isn’t forever. Give us hope. Encourage us as we seek to be your faithful disciples here on earth. Amen.


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Beautiful Feet

Reading: Romans 10:14-15

Verse 14b: “And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

Returning to Romans 10 today, Paul follows up his proclamation that “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved” with a few questions. While we hope that Peter’s proclamation will one day include all people everywhere, the reality is that many people do not have the opportunity to call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This middle question in verse 14 really resonated with me: “And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” Really, how can they?

Many years ago Christians read this question and thought of places like Africa. While Africa remains a place of mission today, this question increasingly applies to where we live. Faith is no longer a guiding force in our nation and in most of our communities. Today we are living in the post-Christian era. In the US and in Europe church and faith are on the decline. Just 2 generations ago almost everyone went to church each Sunday. Today 1 Sunday a month is considered “regular” attendance. On any given Sunday about 17% of the population is in church. We have many people in our communities who are disconnected from faith in Jesus Christ.

Yes, as Paul writes, those who preach and those sent on mission are important parts of the faith process. But the heart and soul of faith and of the church remains those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is these folks who put on Christ and go forth, taking Jesus with them to work, to school, to the neighbor next door. This is how non-believers get to know Jesus. This is how the lost hear the good news of Jesus Christ. May we all have beautiful feet this week.

Prayer: Lord God, move us all out into the world as your love, being poured out into the lives of those we meet. Use each of us to make Jesus Christ known. Use each of us to proclaim the good news every day. Amen.


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Faith Rises Up

Reading: Matthew 14:24-33

Verse 27: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

As Jesus sent the disciples off across the lake all seemed well. Jesus often went away to pray. But what began as a simple journey across the lake became a scary and dangerous situation. “Life” can happen like this to us too. We’re sailing along and all of a sudden we’re in the middle of a storm. The storms of life can be physical, relational, emotional, spiritual, or a combination of these. As it was with the disciples, fear and doubt and worry often arise in our storms.

Late into the night, when the wind and the waves have been against them for a long time, the disciples first see Jesus as a ghost. He has not been their focus so far. If he was, they’d have recognized him. Speaking into their storm, Jesus says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” He encourages them with his presence. With him they can find courage – and hope. Both come with Jesus’ presence. So they do not need to fear or doubt or worry. Once again in his presence, their faith rises up against the storm. This allows Peter to step out onto the waves.

In the midst of our inevitable storms, when will we choose to look for Jesus? He will be there from the start because he is always with us. When we choose to look past the wind and the waves, when we choose to look beyond our fears and doubts and worries, we will instantly be in Jesus’ presence. There, our faith will rise up. In his presence we too can step out onto the waves, knowing that we are not alone. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in my storms may I choose to turn to you as the wind and waves rise up. Lead me to look to you before the fears, doubts, worries… climb high. Grant me the courage to trust into your presence and to reach out to you. Amen.


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No Jew or Gentile, No…

Reading: Romans 10:5-13

Verse 12: “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”

Paul writes in chapter 10 of the Lord who is Lord of all. For the Jewish Christians in Rome, they still clung to the Law of Moses. They saw faith as living out the Law. The Jewish Christians thought the new Gentile believers should adhere to all of the Law as well. Paul is calling for a faith based upon living out Jesus’ teachings and example. Paul invites those in the church in Rome to a faith that is “in your mouth and in your heart.” He is inviting them all to live a faith driven and guided by the Holy Spirit – the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ within each of them.

Paul continues, emphasizing that faith in Jesus comes not from the Law but from confessing and living out “Jesus is Lord.” Faith is ‘finalized’ with the belief that because Jesus rose, one day the faithful will rise too. Put another way, one day our justification will lead to our sanctification. Put yet another way, faithful and righteous living here will one day lead to eternal glory. For both groups in the Roman church, this was the hoped-for outcome of their faith in Jesus Christ. It is all believers hoped-for outcome of faith.

There was a division in the Roman church and it was getting in the way of their moving towards this desired outcome AND it was getting in the way of their witnessing to non-believers. So Paul uses some strong language in verse 12: “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” Paul does not say “Christian Jews and Gentile believers.” He goes a step wider. He wants the church to understand that their little squabble affects more than just them. He says all Jews and all Gentiles (which, in the language of the day, means “all people”) can call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. All people can call on Jesus to be saved.

As we seek to share and live out our faith and righteousness, may our eyes and hearts also be wide open, loving and witnessing to all people as the beloved children of God.

Prayer: Lord, in your kingdom there will be no Jew or Gentile, no Methodist or Catholic, no slave or free, no black or white, no rich or poor, no this or that. All people are the creation of your hands. All people are beloved by you. Lead me and use me to build that kingdom here on earth. Open my eyes and heart wide open. Amen.


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Anyone? Someone?

Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Verse 2: “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

This week’s Epistle reading comes on the heels of one of the greatest passages about the power we find when we choose to live our life in Jesus Christ. Paul has passionately built the case for faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Romans 8 is one of the most convincing and moving arguments for choosing Jesus as Lord that can be found in the New Testament.

After completing this passage, I bet Paul felt drained. He poured his heart and soul into those words. Concluding that section, I can picture him letting out a big sigh, accompanied with a “Phew!” It was truly a monumental effort. And then his heart and mind turned to the great number of Jews who refused to see Jesus Christ as the Messiah, who refused to believe anything about having a saving faith in Christ.

In verse 2 he writes, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” Paul is heartbroken over the peoples’ refusal to even consider Jesus Christ as the Messiah. His compassion for his own people is so great that Paul would gladly be “cursed and cut off from Christ” if the people of Israel would just come to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, as the Son of God. That is a deep compassion.

Is there anyone in your life that you long to see come to Christ? Is the someone for whom your soul aches and your heart longs for because of their refusal to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? For most of us, the answer to both questions is “yes!” Through our prayers and through our witness may we bring these before Christ.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be more intentional about how I am Christ to those who don’t quite know you as Lord and Savior. Use me in whatever ways necessary to draw these to you. Amen.


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Well, have you?

Reading: Matthew 13:44-52

Verse 49: “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous.”

Today we turn to 3 more parables. All 3 fall into the “kingdom of heaven is like…” category. Jesus continues to string together thoughts that paint a broader and deeper understanding of what God’s kingdom and our faith is like.

In our first parable Jesus compares faith to a treasure hidden in a field. Faith is often something that we “discover.” Suddenly one day we claim a faith of our own. In the parable a man finds it and in joy sells all that he has just to attain the treasure. In a like way we joyfully give up the things of this world – pride, greed, ego, possessions… – in order to attain a relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

In our second parable a merchant is searching. Perhaps at a point you were searching – looking for meaning and purpose beyond the simple things of this world. When you found it – your faith – you were willing to give up all else so that you could walk faithfully with Jesus.

And then the third parable. It gives meaning and even consequences to the first two parables. Jesus speaks again of a time when the good will be separated from the bad. The good – those who sold all that this world could offer, giving it all up to walk with Jesus – they will be saved. The bad – those who chose the things of this world – they will suffer in the eternal fires. And then Jesus asks the disciples, “Have you understood all these things?” Well, have you?

Prayer: Lord God, in the day to day, in the small things, I can struggle. Help me to choose you. It’s easy to get lost in what seems important at the moment – until I realize where it’s led. I’ve given all for you. Remind me again and again of this decision. Amen.


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Faith Is Like…

Reading: Matthew 13:31-33

Verses 31 and 33: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… is like yeast… worked all through the dough.”

Photo credit: Lidia Nikole

Today and tomorrow we work through a series of “the kingdom of heaven is like” statements from Jesus that are found in Matthew 13. These short bursts, when taken alone, are small truths about our faith. Taken as a whole, though, they paint a bigger picture than we can see and understand from just any one of these mini-parables.

The first parable tells us that “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.” This bush begins as a tiny seed that is planted in the garden. With good sunlight and soil, with adequate water, the tiny seed grows into a large plant. Once mature, it provides a place for birds to perch, offering rest and shelter. Once upon a time someone planted a tiny seed of faith in our heart. Others nurtured our faith and others tended to it, helping it to grow. As we mature in our faith, we too become seed planters. And we also become able to give to others, offering and helping them to find rest and to find shelter in the storms.

The second parable tells us that “The kingdom of heaven… is like yeast… worked all through the dough.” Yeast is also a very tiny organism. A packet that we add to the dough contains hundreds of yeast. Once mixed in it is almost hidden – too small to easily see amongst the flour, sugar, eggs… And yet it is still there. As the yeast matures it affects the dough, causing it to rise. Our faith is also like the yeast. It is not just one seed planted but many. As our faith grows, we learn this here, we experience that there, we overcome an obstacle or struggle. Hope or peace or strength or trust rises up in us. Our faith, like the yeast in dough, works through all of our life, in the highs, lows, and everything in between. Thanks be to God for the many workings of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for those who planted seeds in my faith life and thank you for those who have nurtured and taught and encouraged my faith over these many years. Use me in the these ways too, O God, helping your kingdom to grow and rise up in our world. Amen.