pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Filled to be Emptied

Jesus calls us to believe in the light so that we can become the light ourselves.  Darkness is powerful – only the light can overcome it.  After teaching the people all day, Jesus takes some time in solitude to pray.  It is a hard week ahead.  Even the Son of God needs to spend time alone with God in order to face what lies ahead.

Psalm 71 begins with the encouragement to take refuge in God.  In the midst of the trial and adversaries that surround all around the psalmist, they seek refuge, protection, and safety in time alone with God.  There is the admission that we cannot manage on our own but need time alone with God to find the strength and the ability to face the day or week ahead.

In both of these cases and in our case too our enemies pursue us.  The messages of the world shout out things to chase after and interests to develop that are not the things of God.  These things and people in our lives will challenge our faith.  And like Jesus and the psalmist, we too must take time alone with God.

Today, where will you find the time to be alone with God?  Where will you go to hide from the world as you seek help, protection, and love from God?  It is important to make sure we are full of His presence before we go out into the world to be the light and love that dispels darkness and fills it with Christ’s presence.  After being filled up, go out and give it away.

Scripture references: Psalm 71: 1-14 and John 12: 20-36


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Be Filled

In today’s parable from Matthew, ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom to come to the wedding banquet.  Sad thing is five of them do not have enough oil.  Five do.  When news of the bridegroom’s approach reaches them, the five need more oil.  While they are away getting oil, the bridegroom arrives.  Then banquet begins and when the five arrive late, they are not allowed in because the bridegroom does not know them now.

The lesson is to be prepared. The hour of return is unknown to us too.  Metaphorically, Jesus is the bridegroom, we are the virgins, and the banquet is the celebration of the return of Christ.  The oil represents the Holy Spirit and our faith is the lamp.  In our walk of faith we must keep our lamps burning, shining forth with the light of Christ.  To do so we must seek the Holy Spirit, that symbolic oil for our lamps.

Each day when we pray for guidance, direction, and God’s presence, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Each time we we read and meditate on His Word, we are filled.  Each time we gather and worship, we are filled.  Each time we stop and care for one in need, we are filled.  God loves to pour His Holy Spirit into us because then our light shines bright.  Be filled today and every day!!

Scripture reference: Matthew 25: 1-13