pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: forgiveness


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Ups, Downs, Highs, Lows

Readings: Psalms 85-89

‭Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!”

Photo credit: Franzie Allen Miranda

Today’s Psalms rise and fall like the highs and lows of our lives. Like these Psalms, our faith can bounce from “Praise God!” to “Where are you, God?” more often than we’d like. Psalm 85, for example, begins with thanks for God’s forgiveness then quickly pivots to a God who seems angry, who yet needs to forgive their sins. The Psalm closes beautifully and with hope. “Truth springs up… righteousness looks down.” Walk with the Lord!

Psalm 86 begins with a series of petitions, each followed by a “because.” In verse 2, for example, we read, “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!” Do these things, God, because I have faith! After celebrating times when God was faithful, the psalmist invites God to act once again: “Come back to me! Have mercy on me!” A faithful one asks, “Where are you, God?”

A short Psalm 87 celebrates that those from Zion are blessed.

Next we turn to Psalm 88. Frankly, it is hard to read. It is a lament that goes down and down, ending in hopelessness. The psalmist cries out to God but feels beyond help. Friends have abandoned the writer. It feels like God has too. The Psalm concludes: “My only friend is darkness.” So why read Psalms like this? There is a really good reason. They remind us that life is not easy. Many people end up here. If you’re not one, then read this Psalm and allow yourself to feel the pain and darkness. The connection will bring a measure of empathy to how you minister to those who walk in the darkness.

We close with Psalm 89 as book 3 ends. A lengthy remembrance of God’s power and of God’s promises to David and his dynasty is followed by 15 verses that ask where God is. It seems that God has broken the covenant. It begs God to let the anger pass. There is an implied plea for restoration. Because you promised this God and because I am faithful… We can certainly relate.

Prayer: Lord God, we encounter so many ups and downs, so many highs and lows today in our readings. Thank you, Lord, for the reminder. We all struggle. We all need support, encouragement, understanding – from you and from one another. We can all offer these things to others. Guide us, O God, each day. As we receive, may we give. Amen.


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Listen, Save, Deliver

Readings: Psalms 37-41

‭Psalm 37:37 – “Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace.”

As we close our Book 1, today’s Psalms have a more personal, more intimate feel. Psalm 37 lifts up the life of righteousness. I love verse 3: “Trust the Lord and do good… farm righteousness.” What a great image – plant it, water it, feed it, tend it, nurture it, produce a crop. There’s an honest admission in verse 23: the righteous will trip up. But they won’t be thrown down because God holds their hand! We find great advice in verse 37: “Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace.” And let us tend to the other side of this equation too: may we model the faith well; may we be persons of peace in this world.

Psalms 38-41 all share connected themes. They speak of the consequences of our sin, of God’s forgiveness, and of the brevity of life. In Psalm 38 the writer acknowledges that the weight of our sin is “way too heavy for me.” Psalms 38 and 41 speak of how people abandon us when we struggle in our sin. In Psalm 40 their wrongdoings have caught up with them. We too have played this game. Psalm 41 begs for healing from their sin. These Psalms also express a strong belief and trust in God’s forgiveness and restoration. There is a deep confidence in God’s unconditional love. Psalm 40 closes with these words: “You are my help and rescuer. My God, don’t wait any longer.” Save me NOW!

Sitting in the middle is Psalm 39. It is a reflection on the brevity and difficulty of life. The psalmist tried holding their tongue to avoid sinning. It did no good. Sin resides in not just our words. The psalmist compares our lives to “a puff of air.” Our blip is just that on God’s eternal timeline. Yet, even so, the psalmist says to God, “Please don’t ignore my tears.” They matter to us, each day. God, don’t ignore our tears either. Listen to our cry. Deliver us, O God.

Prayer: Lord God, what are we, really, that you are mindful of us? Our lives come and go with a blinking of your eye. Yet from our perspective, our years hold meaning. Moments and seasons matter. Teach us to value our time, to use it wisely, to live it all for your glory. Be our helper and rescuer, O God. Hold our hand. Walk with us each of our days. Amen.


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True and Perfect

Readings: Psalms 17-20

‭Psalm 18:30 – “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

There is a familiarity of themes and of some verses/phrases in today’s readings. Psalm 17 and 18 touch on the theme of obedience/blessing and disobedience/consequences. In Psalm 17, for David, a right heart and a sinless mouth means that God should “tilt your ears towards me now.” He seeks refuge in God from those who speak arrogantly, who want to “put me in the dirt.”

Psalm 18 begins with some wonderful descriptors of God: strength, solid rock, fortress, rescuer, refuge, shield, salvation, place of safety. These are words that we too can claim. David cries out for help and God responds in power and might – thunder and lightning, hail and coals. God’s power is both majestic and frightening. Verses 20-24 remind me of Job. God rewards because David is righteous. God restores because David’s hands are clean. Verse 30 is a great summary verse: “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Psalm 19 continues the praise of God that ends Psalm 18. The heavens declare God’s glory. The law is perfect, faithful, right, pure, correct, and true. It brings wisdom and gladness and light. One is given “great reward” by keeping the law. In verses 12 and 13 David seeks forgiveness for accidental wrongs. Psalm 19 closes with familiar words: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart…”

In our last Psalm for today the focus shifts to the other. The prayer is for God to answer “you” when in trouble and for God to fulfill the desires of “your” heart. This is a prayer that we can pray over others. Who might you pray verses 1-5 over today?

Prayer: Lord God, your way is true and perfect. Your will guides us to light, love, hope, peace. We are faulty and imperfect. On our own, O God, we’d be helplessly lost. Surely those cords of death would entangle us. But we are not alone. You are right there beside us. You are our strength and our shield, our rock and our defender, our God. Thank you. Amen.


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Power, Revenge, and Other Evils

Readings: Judges 9, Judges 10, Judges 11, Judges 12

Judges 10:13-14 – “You have gone away from me and served other gods, so I won’t rescue you anymore! Go cry out to the gods you’ve chosen.”

In chapters 9-12 we find the stories of two rulers – Abimelech and Jephthah – who rely on self for the most part, who wheel and deal to get what they want, who leave Israel worse off than before they reigned. We also read about five minor judges who rule on either side of Jephthah.

Abimelech is one of Gideon’s 70 sons. He convinces Shechem that one ruler is better than 70. To consolidate power he then kills all of his brothers except Jotham. Jotham proclaims a fable that decrees monarchy and predicts that fire will destroy the unfaithful. Shechem rebels and Abimelech reacts violently, ultimately killing everyone and leveling the city. Fire is used to kill those hiding in the tower of Shechem. Abimelech then moves on to capture Thebez. At their tower a woman drops a millstone on Abimelech’s head, leading to his death. His lust for power and revenge leads to his downfall.

After two minor judges rule, Israel becomes unfaithful, abandoning God in favor of many local gods. The Philistines and Ammonites “bully and beat up” Israel for 18 years. The people cry out to God but God says, “You have gone away from me and served other gods, so I won’t rescue you anymore! Go cry out to the gods you’ve chosen.” The people change, putting away their foreign gods, turning back to God. God is moved to rescue Israel. Jephthah is eventually made ruler of Gilead. He who was spurned is brought back. After a little history lesson for the Ammonite king Jephthah basically says, “Let’s let God decide.” The Spirit of God comes upon him. He then makes a solemn promise to God. Even though God is clearly with him, the wheeler and dealer can’t resist. This promise costs him his only daughter. Jephthah wins an “exceptionally great” victory.

Ephraim feels left out and threatens Jephthah. Civil war follows. 42,000 from Ephraim die. A lust for power and an unwillingness to seek forgiveness leads to this tragedy. Jephthah dies and three minor judges rule next. God is not even mentioned in any of these three accounts. Evil is not far away.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us all to lead in one way or another. In our moments of leadership remind us that you are the one true God, the only one in control. Empower us to keep that perspective when temptation rises up within us. Quell the desires for status, power, control… Guide us to lead well as we follow closely in your footsteps. Amen.


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When Will They Learn?

Readings: Numbers 11, Numbers 12, Numbers 13, Numbers 14

Numbers 14:8 – “If the LORD is pleased with us, he’ll bring us into this land and give it to us.”

Photo credit: Anne Nygard

Chapters 11-14 are a great summary of the Israelites time in the wilderness. It has it all: complaint and grumbling, anger and punishment, faith and doubt, trust and fear, intercession and forgiveness, victory and defeat.

Our reading begins with a little grumbling. God’s fire burns against this unnamed complaint, burning the edges of camp – a sign of warning. Some “riffraff” ignore the warning. They allow their craving for meat to lead to grumbling and a longing for those “better days” in Egypt. Moses is frustrated and overwhelmed. God responds by giving him leaders to help bear the weight of leadership. And God brings waves and waves of quail. God will be so abundant that “it will come out of your nostrils and nauseate you.” God’s anger then burns against the riffraff. They are buried there in the desert.

The complaining turns personal as Aaron and Miriam question Moses’ leadership. They are jealous. They claim a connection to God that only Moses has. Miriam is struck with a skin disease. Aaron begs for Moses to intercede. Miriam must bear the shame of their sin for seven days. After her isolation period she is healed and returns to camp.

Chapters 13 and 14 cover the exploration of the Promised Land and the people’s lack of faith and trust. The spies return with huge grapes and stories of huge people and fortified cities. Caleb tries to rally the people. Rumors ensue and soon the people are discouraged. The people once again long for Egypt – or at least to die in the desert instead of by the sword. Joshua then speaks, trying to rally their faith. He says, “If the LORD is pleased with us, he’ll bring us into this land and give it to us.” That is a really big “if.” The people want to stone Joshua and Caleb.

God’s anger burns hot as God decides to start over with just Moses. Moses intercedes again and God’s anger relents. But there will be a consequence: those 20+ will indeed die in the desert. They will wander for 40 years – one year for each day of exploration. Bitter mourning follows this news. And yet a group decides to enter the Promised Land anyway. Moses warns them. They are struck down by the people of Canaan.

Prayer: Lord God, how clear are the results of faith versus fear, of obedience versus disobedience. I start to think, when will they learn?! And then I realize that we’re still learning, that I’m still learning. Thank you, Lord, for your unending love and for your enduring faithfulness. You give mercy and grace that we and I don’t deserve. Yet it flows generously and abundantly. Thank you, God. Amen.


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God Still Provides a Way

Readings: Leviticus 5, Leviticus 6, Leviticus 7

Leviticus 7:30 – “Your own hands must bring the LORD’s food gifts.”

Chapter 5 opens with a few more ways that we can sin – by withholding information in a trial, by touching something or someone unclean, by carelessly swearing. A purification offering is required. Access is also made available to the poor. If one cannot afford an animal from the flock, doves or pigeons are acceptable. If one can’t afford this, choice flour is acceptable. This provides all people with equal access to all parts of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Then the text turns to unintentional sin against the “Lord’s holy things.” In addition to the purification offering, one-fifth of the value of the holy thing is given as a compensation offering.

Chapter 6 begins as chapter 5 had, with some other sins we could and do commit. These sins are deception, cheating, lying, and swearing falsely in things dealing with property. Again the one-fifth compensation offering is added to the purification offering. The rest of chapter 6 and most of chapter 7 covers “Priestly Instructions.” It covers the priest’s roles in the various offerings. Detail is added in terms of how they perform their duties and in how they are to eat their portions that provide compensation for doing their priestly duties.

Chapter 7 closes with a few more instructions for the people. They are not to eat anything that has touched something unclean. They are not to eat the fat of the ox, sheep, or goat. They are not to eat blood. And they must bring their offering to the Lord with their own hands. While most of what we read today pertains to another time, this last one remains true. We must bring our own confessions to the Lord. We must repent of our own sins. We take responsibility for ourselves. So be it.

Prayer: Lord God, today’s readings remind me of two things. First, we can and do sin in many different ways. Some are intentional, some are unintentional. Second, you still provide a way to be reconciled and forgiven. Thank you for your unending grace and mercy. Amen.


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Changed Hearts

Readings: Genesis 42, Genesis 43, Genesis 44, Genesis 45

Genesis 45:7 – “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.”

Today’s reading covers the story of the reunion of Joseph and his family. The famine has spread far and wide. Jacob hears that Egypt has grain to sell. He sends 10 of his sons to buy grain, keeping Benjamin home. Joseph’s initial reaction with his brothers is harsh, accusatory, and searching. He sends the 10 “spies” to jail with the charge to decide who goes to get Benjamin. In the morning he states that he will keep just one while the others go. Simeon is put in jail while the others leave to retrieve Benjamin, “proving” they are not spies. Joseph has their grain sacks loaded – and places their silver back in there too. Jacob finally relents and sends Benjamin along with gifts, the original silver, and more silver for more grain.

Upon arrival the brothers confess about the silver to Joseph’s household manager. He dismissed it as a gift of God, stating that he received their silver. Simeon rejoins them at Joseph’s home. Seeing Benjamin overwhelms Joseph for a moment. He invited his brothers to a meal, seating them oldest to youngest. He gives Benjamin a portion five times larger. Joseph eats at a table set apart, as is the custom in Egypt.

The grain sacks are filled in the morning and again the silver is replaced. Plus Joseph’s silver cup is hidden in Benjamin’s sack. They leave for home but quickly Joseph’s servants catch up. The brothers profess their innocence and declare death to the one who did such a thing. Slavery will do fine says the manager. The cup is found in Benjamin’s sack. Returning, Judah steps up, recounting Jacob’s words and offering himself in place of Benjamin. Moved, Joseph clears the room of all Egyptians and weeps loudly, revealing himself to his brothers. He assured them that this was all God, saying, “God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.” Plans are made for Jacob and his whole household to move to Egypt, where Joseph can take care of them. The brothers go home and Jacob is overjoyed to hear that Joseph is alive.

It is quite the end to the story that began with selling a hated brother into slavery. Joseph proceeds with caution when he first meets his brothers, but ultimately sees that their hearts have changed. In grace and love reconciliation is found. May we also be people willing to offer the grace and love that leads to forgiveness and reconciliation.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to be people of grace and love and forgiveness. Help us to see how you have been at work, leading and guiding. Empower us to trust in your good plans. Amen.


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Recalling Faith and God

Reading- ‭Psalms ‭85:1‭-‬2‬ ‭- “LORD, you’ve been kind to your land; you’ve changed Jacob’s circumstances for the better. You’ve forgiven your people’s wrongdoing; you’ve covered all their sins.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Psalm 85 is a song of remembrance. Although we only read portions today and tomorrow, the whole song remembers both the good and the bad of Israel’s relationship with God. It recalls times of joy and times of sorrow. It thanks God for God’s presence and it begs God for God’s presence. In the general sense, then, it mirrors most of our lives of faith – the days when we are close to God and the days when we feel distant, the times of joy and the times of sorrow. These emotions and feelings are amplified in the holidays.

Like many Psalms and other books of the Bible, Psalm 85 reflects on the story of faith. Today’s two verses celebrate when God’s “favor” was shown, restoring the peoples’ lives. The restoration centers on the forgiveness of their sins. Sin is often what creates the separation and sorrow. God’s love and grace remedy this division. As a people of God and as persons of faith, it is important to remember that God always restores us – both in particular instances and in the continual mercy and grace that always abounds in our lives.

In the spirit of the Psalm, what stories of God’s presence do you recall? What special moments happened at this Christmas or at that family gathering? It is important to also reconnect to the moments when God has been tangibly present in Advent or Christmas Eve worship. Take some time to recall these God moments and the blessings of God for you and your family. And in doing so, be assured that God is with us now and will be with us in our future.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many ways that you have touched our lives and our faith. As we’ve recalled these moments, we now rejoice in your love for us and for our place in the family of God. We are grateful for our place and for the love and presence that will continue to walk with us each and every day. Thank you, Lord God. Amen.


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Revelations of Christ

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:3-9

Verse 7: “You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As we return to 1st Corinthians today we look at how God’s grace is worked out in our lives. God’s grace guides us into relationships. The first relationship is with God. This comes as God’s graces woos us and draws us towards God’s love. As this prevenient grace brings us into a personal relationship, God’s grace then justifies us, making us right with God. This justifying grace enables imperfect us to continue to be in a relationship with our perfect God. Our relationship with God is then reflected outward by Christ’s Spirit, which resides in us, giving us grace and strength and guidance. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us these “spiritual gifts” and that prompts us to use these gifts to live in community with one another.

As we “eagerly wait” for Jesus to be revealed, we do so in a two-fold manner. In Paul’s context he is expressing the common hope and belief of his day that Jesus’ return (or revelation) was imminent. This is true for us too. So we also seek to live “blameless” lives before our God. While we wait, however, we are also the revelation of Christ in the world. As we live into and respond to God’s love we begin to sense a call to “live in fellowship” with Jesus and with those Jesus loves. Our response is to share and to witness to Christ’s love, grace, forgiveness, and hope in the world, making Jesus real to that world. Trusting that God “will keep you strong to the end,” may we live daily as Christ’s hands, feet, heart, and words.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us into a deep, personal, intimate relationship with you. It is so close and so important that you send the Holy Spirit to live within each of our hearts. Lead and guide us, use us each day as we seek to live out all that you are for the world. Amen.


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Actively Using our Gifts

Reading: Matthew 25:14-18

Verse 14: “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.”

This week’s parable begins, “Again, it will be like…” The ‘again’ refers to Jesus’ continuing teaching on the kingdom of heaven. That’s the ‘it’ in these opening words. The prior parable was all about keeping awake and being prepared. That is step one in our Christian journey. As Jesus continues, we get to step two.

In today’s text a man is “going on a journey.” Jesus is offering words of instruction to his followers. Right now the disciples are mostly watching Jesus. One day he’ll go and they will be the ones tasked with sharing the good news, healing a broken world… This task falls to each new generation of Christ followers.

The man in our parable gives each servant some talents or money. The amounts varied – “each according to his [or her] ability.” While there are no instructions given, the implication is that they will use this gift in accordance with their ability or giftedness. There are a few layers to this part of the parable. When Jesus departed this world he gifted the disciples with the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence leads and guides and teaches his followers. As we enter into a relationship with Jesus, we too receive this gift. The second gifting comes in the love, hope, peace, joy, forgiveness, grace… that we receive from the Lord. Our third gifting is our particular talents as nurses, teachers, parents, accountants, coaches… The implication of the parable applies to us in all of these layers. We are to use all of these gifts for the building up of the kingdom of God. So the question is this: Are we actively using our giftedness for God’s glory?

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve given me much – unconditional love, unending grace, undeserved forgiveness… As I know these more and more, guide me to use and share them more and more. You’ve blessed me with the gifts of teaching and serving. Employ these too to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.