pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: focus


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Kingdom Builders

Reading: Matthew 13:44-52

Matthew 13:46 – “When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all he owned and bought it.”

Photo credit: Markus Spiske

Today we turn to three more parables about the kingdom of heaven. In the first two, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure and to “one very precious pearl.” In both parables, once discovered, it was all that was desired. In the second parable we read, “When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all he owned and bought it.” The first of the great commands invites us to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is about being all in for the kingdom of God.

The third parable is the culmination of this mini-series on the kingdom of heaven. When we allow our faith to grow and permeate all of our life, like the mustard seed and yeast, then our faith becomes the most important thing in our life. All that we do, say, and think is done for and out of our love of God. We are led and guided by Jesus’ Spirit. When the net is cast and the angels sort the good and the bad, we who love God will go “into the container.” The bad “fish” will be tossed into the burning furnace. Heaven or hell – the final judgment.

As followers of Jesus Christ who seek to love God with all that we are, we focus now on the building of the kingdom of heaven here on earth. Through our lives, our witness, and our example, others experience the kingdom of God. As we seek to be kingdom builders, may we offer all of ourselves to others so that they too may come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. Focus our heart, mind, soul, and strength on loving you and on loving neighbor. Encourage us to be generous with our blessings. In all things, use us to glorify you as we seek to build the kingdom of heaven here on earth. Amen.


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Focus on the Good

Reading: Matthew 13:36-43

Matthew 13:43 – “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their father’s kingdom.”

Moving forward and inside the house, the disciples receive Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the weeds. Jesus (and now the Holy Spirit) plants good seeds in the hearts of Jesus’ followers. The evil one plants bad seeds that produce weeds. At the end of this “present age” the angels will come and harvest from the world “all things that cause people to fall away and all people who sin.” For these people, there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” in the “burning furnace” (hell.) “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their father’s kingdom.” The redeemed will exult in glory.

The disciples asked Jesus for an explanation because they did not get what he was saying. Jesus offers guidance and answers. At times we need guidance and direction. We don’t understand or we don’t know the next step to take. Jesus invites us to come to him, to ask him our questions. In prayer, we take them to the Lord. God responds to our prayers and through the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, we grow in our faith and in our trust in God. As we grow in these ways, we will “shine like the sun” in this present age, even as we wait with longing for our final redemption. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, focus our hearts and eyes on you and on the good in our world. It can be easy to get distracted, to focus on the evil all around us. So, Lord, keep us out of the weeds. Lead us to focus on being the good in the world, on shining your light into this world. Amen.


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Alive for God

Reading: Romans 6:6-11

Romans 6:11 – “You should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Jesus Christ.”

Coming back to Romans 6 today, we go a bit deeper into Paul’s thoughts on our new life in Christ. I love Paul’s word choice for describing the change from old to new self. He writes of our old self being “crucified.” This conveys the magnitude of dying to sin and the power that it can have in our lives. This word speaks of commitment. It also helps us understand the finality of leaving behind “the corpse that has been controlled by sin.” Crucified with Christ, our new self is freed from sin’s power.

Because we are set free from the power of sin, we can fully live a new life in Christ. In the same way that death has no power over Christ, sin holds no eternal power in our lives. Through his sacrifice, the price was paid so that we can be forgiven and restored back into right relationship with God. The power of sin to trap us in the guilt, shame, and regret was broken forever. Because Christ “died to sin once and for all,” forgiveness is always available to us.

Given the ability to be made right with God again and again, we are freed to live for God just as Christ lived for God. In verse 11 we read this great reminder: “You should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Jesus Christ.” Since sin has no power in our lives, all of our focus, energy, and love can go to living for Christ – instead of fighting the power of sin. Alive for Christ, we walk in the newness of life, bringing all of the glory to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making a way for us to walk daily with you. Without the sacrifice of your son, we’d be forever lost in our sin. But because of your great love, we can come back into right relationship with you again and again. Each time, O Lord, refine us more and more each time, recreating us each time just a little closer to the image of your son, Jesus. Amen.


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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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Glory, Mystery

Reading: Haggai 2:6-9

Haggai 2:7b – “I will fill this house with glory.”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

As we continue in Haggai 2 today, the focus shifts. The encouragement of the people in their work on the temple shifts to focus on what God will do. The words in verses 6-9 speak of the present and of the future. They speak of the here and of the there. These words are promises from God. And they can be every day truths.

We begin with “in just a little while.” These words could mean later today or tomorrow or 2,000 years from now. We know that God’s time is not our time. We also know that God’s timing is perfect. In God’s time, God will make the “heavens… earth… land… sea quake.” Connecting back to words and images from the Genesis 1 narrative, we’re reminded that God controls all of creation. In the next verse we are included: “all the nations.” This shaking will lead to action, in both the created world and in us.

God declares that ‘soon’ “the wealth of the nations will come” to God’s house. In the near future, the empire of Persia will financially support the rebuilding and glorification of the temple. But is has been said that the greatest resource of any nation is its people. Here we edge into eternity or maybe a great revival, when all people will kneel and all tongues will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Keeping on this track, silver and gold can be material possessions but this could refer to much more. Gentile and Jew? Lost and saved?

The second temple will be a glorious structure. There will be “prosperity” at times. In these times, yes, God will “fill this house with glory.” There will also be times of corruption and greed. Jesus will overturn some tables one day. And what if prosperity isn’t financial at all?

Prayer: Lord God, we know that your love is unconditional, that your mercy is endless, that your grace is ever overflowing. We know that you created and are over all things, us included. But there is so much that we don’t know. There is much mystery. And that is good. Today we ask, O God, that you would help us to step into that mystery, to imagine your possibilities, to trust you into the unknown. We know that you are in all these things. And you are in us. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Marks of Faithful Discipleship

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-4

2nd Thessalonians 1:3 – “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.”

2nd Thessalonians is Paul’s second letter to the churches in and around Thessalonica, a city in what is now Greece. This second letter is not Paul’s second interaction with these believers. Paul visited here on his second missionary journey, likely establishing these churches. He returned on his third journey, likely bringing encouragement and more teaching. Paul’s letters were continuing education and encouragement. It is believed that this second letter is written in response to a letter from these churches. Amidst the persecution that has ramped up, they seek assurance and more encouragement in their battle against fear and doubt.

Paul opens the letter in typical fashion, with a greeting followed by a blessing. The blessing is also a reminder: grace and peace are already yours. These gifts from God and Jesus will remain present in their communities of faith as long as Jesus remains their focus, their centering presence. Next Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.” Although struggling under some heavy persecution, these churches remain models for other Christian communities. Paul wants to elevate and celebrate their faithfulness and love.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul lifts up three ways that these churches are living out their faith. First, their faithfulness is “growing by leaps and bounds.” They are maturing in faith, growing closer to Christ. Second, their love for one another is increasing. They are becoming more intimately connected. And third, they are faithfully enduring the “harassments and trouble.” As the world beats against their faith, their are holding fast to their faith as they stand firmly on the rock of Jesus Christ. These three markers identify faithful discipleship. May these be the daily marks of our lives too!

Prayer: Lord God, in this world we will have trouble. In this walk of faith, it will get difficult. Challenges will arise. Doubt and fear will creep in. By the power of your Holy Spirit in us, lifted by your grace and peace, strengthen and encourage our daily walk with you. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Our One Foundation

Reading: 1st Corinthians 3:10-17

1st Corinthians 3:11 – “No one can lay any other foundation besides the one that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

During his missionary journeys, Paul planted many churches. As he moved on to other communities others took over the leadership of these new churches. In our passage today, Paul speaks into this transition. Paul reminds these new leaders that at the start of each church he “laid a foundation like a wise builder.” A wise builder would lay a foundation that was true and square. A good foundation is essential – it provides a stable and solid base for the next phases of building.

Paul then speaks to the continuing work of building the churches in Corinth. First, he writes, pay attention to what you are doing. Keep the focus. In verse 11 he writes, “No one can lay any other foundation besides the one that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the true foundation, the truth that anchors the church. Keep the focus on Jesus.

Next Paul speaks to the quality of the building of the church. He makes a distinction here. Some apparently are teaching things equivalent to “wood, grass, or hay” – things that will not sustain the church and people’s faith, things that aren’t eternal truths, things that will “go up in flames.” Instead, teach those truths which are eternal, things of spiritual worth. Paul speaks of this kind of teaching akin to “gold, silver, precious stones” for the soul.

Our passage closes as Paul addresses the church – both corporately and individually. Those who seek to destroy the church, Paul says, will themselves be destroyed. To counter these efforts, Paul reminds them that each member of the church is holy, as are we. The Spirit will guide those in the church to remain holy as God is holy. Living this way, the church will be supported and sustained. May this be true for you, for me, and for the church.

Prayer: Lord God, walk with us daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Keep our eyes and hearts focused on Jesus Christ, our one foundation, the source of life and love and faith. Fill us with the teachings, truths, and promises that sustain and build our faith. Guard our hearts and minds against the things that lead us away from you. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Heaven-focused

Reading: Philippians 3:17-21

Philippians 3:19 – “Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in… earthly things.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Paul, in much of his writing, is pretty black and white. There is some gray, but not a lot. For Paul, you are a follower of Jesus or you are not. You love God and neighbor or you do not. You live out grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness or you do not. Paul is arriving to paint a picture of faithful living that is 24/7. While we know this is the goal and we strive daily to reach the goal, we also must acknowledge that we are not perfect. We sometimes fail to always live out the example set by Christ.

In today’s passage Paul invites the Philippians to “use us as models.” Paul and companions strive to follow Jesus’ example. He then draws a contrast with those who “live as enemies of the cross.” Of these people Paul writes, “Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in… earthly things.” Do you know folks who live for pleasure and/or simply to fulfill their own desires and wants? Do you see people like this on social media and on other media? Were you once there?

Paul contrasts the life of a Christ-follower with those focused on earthly things. A Christ-follower is focused towards heaven and towards Jesus Christ, the one who will one day “transform our humble bodies” to be like his heavenly body. While Paul definitely encourages living the faith out in this present world, he also longed to be transformed. This is the “now and then” of our faith. Day by day may we live as Christ, each day growing closer to what we will be when we too are transformed.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to walk the walk of faith all of the time. Our spirit is willing but the temptations are real too. By the power of your Holy Spirit, build us up, strengthen and encourage us to faithful living. And, Lord, when we stumble, draw us quickly back to you. Amen.


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Christ’s Peace

Reading: John 14:23-29

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Chapter 13 ends with announcements of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial with the command to love one another tucked in between. The depth of love that the disciples hold for one another will set them apart from the world. Chapter 14 begins with a call to trust God and with a reminder that Jesus is the way to the father and to heaven. Jesus shares that the words he speaks and the deeds that he does are not his own words or deeds, but are from the Father “who dwells in me.”

It is within the context of all of this that Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” By extension, this is keeping God’s word. This will lead Jesus’ followers to experience what Jesus himself experienced: “We will come and make our home with them.” Jesus goes on to explain that this indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, “the Companion,” will teach and remind believers of everything that Jesus said. This is what Jesus was referring to earlier when he said to the disciples, “I won’t leave you as orphans.”

Jesus then says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” Because of the constant presence of the Holy Spirit within, we have a constant source of peace. The steadfast and unchanging nature of Jesus’ presence is very different from the world’s offer of peace. The world’s peace is a moving target. It shifts with our whims, with cultural norms, with the latest fads, with society’s definition of “success.” God’s love and presence, and therefore our peace, is steady and unchanging. May this ever be the peace that we seek.

Prayer: Lord God, the desires of the flesh and the lures of this world can so easily shift our focus, changing the thing that we think might bring us peace. By the power of your Holy Spirit keep us focused on your words and on the voice within our heart that seeks to lead and guide us. And when we stumble, Lord, by the power of your love and grace return us to the path guided by your light and truth. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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The Moment of Connection

Reading: Matthew 19:29-34

Matthew 19:32 – “What do you want me to do for you?”

The scene is Jericho. This is the place that the walls came tumbling down almost 400 years ago. It was Israel’s entry point into and first victory in the Promised Land. The presence of the Lord was there as Joshua led the army around the city and the Lord’s presence is there as two blind men cry out.

As our passage opens, Jesus, the disciples, and a large crowd are leaving Jericho. From here Jesus will turn towards Jerusalem, entering the city for the final week leading up to the cross. In Matthew’s gospel this healing is followed by Jesus’ triumphal entry we celebrate as Palm Sunday. Is this Jericho crowd the same crowd that will cheer and shout “Hosanna…” as Jesus rides into Jerusalem?

Knowing all that lay ahead Jesus must’ve had a lot on his mind and heart. Imagine how you would be if you knew you had one week to live and you had much to accomplish in that week. As Jesus… is passing by, two blind men shout out, “Show us mercy, Lord, Son of David!” The crowd tries to hush them, but they just shout louder. Jesus hears them. He “stopped in his tracks.” We cannot miss this detail. All else becomes totally unimportant to Jesus. Focusing on these two blind men, Jesus asks them, “What do you want me to do for you?” They want to see. Jesus restores their sight. They follow Jesus.

May we do as Jesus did. May we notice the cry of the one in need, ignoring the noise of the crowd. May we stop and turn our whole focus to the one God places in our path. May we clarify what they say they need. And then may we work to meet their need, either personally or through connecting them to those who can meet their need.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this example of empathy, presence, and compassion. Enable and empower us to do as Jesus did. Lord, stop us in our tracks when we hear the cry for help. Guide us to be Christ’s presence in the moment of connection. Use us then to meet the need, however we can. In all things, may you be glorified and lifted up. Amen.