pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: generous


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Abundant and Generous

Reading: Isaiah 55:6-11

Isaiah 55:7 – “Let them return to the Lord so that he may have mercy on them… because he is generous with forgiveness.”

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Isaiah 55 is an invitation to the feast of the Lord. The rations of captivity will become an abundant divine banquet. The covenant of love between God and Israel will be renewed. Through the prophet, God is telling Israel that pardon and return is possible. There are times in our lives when a relationship is strained or broken and we wonder if things can ever be made right again. We wonder if pardon and renewal are even possible.

Verses 6 and 7 reveal the first steps for Israel. First, seek and call on the Lord “while he is yet near.” The time is now. Isaiah invites the wicked to turn from their sinful ways and schemes. For us, these might be first steps too. To begin healing what is broken, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in prayer is step one. And if the hurt or harm is ongoing, we must certainly stop this at once.

In the last part of verse 7 we read, “Let them return to the Lord so that he may have mercy on them… because he is generous with forgiveness.” God desires to forgive and restore, to renew the covenant relationship. For Israel and sometimes for us, we do not understand God’s terms. Our rational and prideful ways can block mercy and forgiveness. This is why we’re reminded that God’s ways and plans are so much higher than ours. God pours out generous forgiveness. With God, these promises and invitations, they are like the rain and snow that renews the earth. If we turn to God, if we abandon our sinful ways, then we will experience generous and abundant forgiveness and renewal. Following this model we can also experience forgiveness and renewal in our own broken relationships. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your generous forgiveness and for your deep desire to walk with us, fallible as we are. Your grace and your love go far beyond our understanding yet we can grasp how we are to live and be in the world, how we are to treat one another. Forgiven and renewed ourselves, empower us to practice well your generous forgiveness and abundant love and grace. Amen.


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A Hand Always Extended, Always Giving

Reading: Isaiah 55:6-11

Isaiah 55:9 – “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans.”

Today we turn to Isaiah 55, at the end of what is known as ‘Second Isaiah.’ This middle section jumps to the time in exile in Babylon, which is drawing to a close by chapter 55. This chapter is titled “An Invitation to the Feast” – an invite to return to covenant relationship with God. Verse 6 begins our reading today with “Seek the Lord when he can still be found.” God is extending a hand to Israel. Will they take God’s hand? Do we take it when God extends it to us?

The wicked are invited to abandon their evil and selfish schemes. If willing, they are then invited to return to the Lord, “so that he may have mercy on them.” This too is God extending a hand. Yes, all are invited into relationship with God. Why? “Because he is generous in forgiveness.” Being in relationship is more important to God than holding onto past sins. How gracious!

And how unlike us. Yes, God is not the same as us. God’s plans are not our plans. Our ways aren’t naturally God’s ways. That is why we must work at being in a relationship with God. In verse 9 we read, “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans.” We must work at our relationship with a God who we’ll never fully understand or comprehend.

The passage for today closes with an illustration of verse 9. God designed creation so that the rain and snow water the earth, providing for humankind’s physical needs. In the same way, God’s word doesn’t return empty. It has purpose. God’s word enters in and settles into our hearts and minds, providing for our spiritual needs, accomplishing God’s purposes. Sometimes the word is like a seed, planted until the time comes for it to take root and grow. Other times God’s word gives us just what we need in the moment – encouragement, hope, comfort, peace, strength… So generous! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, your hand is always extended to us in love. In all situations and at all times, you desire to be present and to give us what you know we need. Help us to understand and accept your provision, especially when it is your will and way, not ours. Humble us to walk in covenant relationship with you. Amen.


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Love and Care, Provision and Protection

Reading: Numbers 11:16-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!”

After hearing the complaints and grumblings, God first deals with Moses. In response to Moses feeling overwhelmed, God has him call 70 elders and God places some of the Spirit that is upon Moses on these men. They will help Moses bear the burden of leadership. God also allows the Spirit to fall upon two who were called but weren’t at the tent of meeting. Joshua asks Moses about stopping these men from prophesying. Moses, instead of being jealous, is generous. His reply to Joshua: “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!” Yes indeed! Imagine if all of God’s people were filled with the Holy Spirit!

God next turns to the peoples’ complaints and grumblings. God addresses their physical grumbling first. God, through Moses, invites the people to make themselves holy – because it is about to rain down quail. Moses does question this promise of God at first. He cannot wrap his mind around what God is promising. Some of the time we can struggle with this too. It is God’s turn to be generous. With great grace God simply asks Moses, “Is the Lord’s power too weak?” Well, no. Not ever. Reminded of who and what God is, Moses shared the promise with the people.

God also reminds the people of who and what God is. They don’t just receive quail like they received manna. It is not just enough for the day ahead. It is quail upon quail upon quail upon… This is God’s way of demonstrating God’s power and strength. Addressing their spiritual grumbling next, God deals with those who questioned God and God’s plans. Those called ‘riffraff’ were buried that day. This too is part of God’s love and care for God’s people. Provision and protection are part of loving and caring for the family of God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is important to remember from time to time all of who and what you are. Thank you, God, for being a loving God, first and foremost. Thank you for being a God who cares for and provides for us. And, also God, thank you for being a God who protects us, sometimes even from ourselves or those who draw us away from our faith and trust in you. Amen.


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More Then Enough

Reading: 2nd Kings 2:38-44

2nd Kings 4:43c – “This is what the Lord says, ‘Eat and there will be leftovers.'”

Today we read about God again being faithful, about God again keeping a promise. These two feeding miracles demonstrate God at work in partnership with a faithful believer. As we consider our big prayers and our God opportunities this week, may we trust in this same God who loves and cares for us.

A severe famine has struck the land. In our story Elisha returns to Gilgal, one of three centers where prophets gathered. As the leading prophet in Israel, he also oversaw the centers at Bethel and Jericho. Elisha gives instructions to make stew. Another prophet gathers what he can find, which includes some inedible gourds. In response and in alignment with God’s nudge to feed these prophets, Elisha calls for flour to be added, miraculously making the stew edible.

At this point a man arrives with some bread and grain, likely a first fruits or thank offering. Instead of keeping this for himself, Elisha is moved to use this gift to feed his fellow prophets. The giver questions how this meager offering could feed 100 men. Elisha shares the “how” with him, saying, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Eat and there will be leftovers.'” God has moved Elisha to share his bread. God will see that there is more than enough. Healthy stew is augmented by bread, sent from God.

Over the next few days may we be sensitive to the ways that God nudges us. It might be to share food or it might be to share some other resource. Instead of being selfish or keeping it “for a rainy day” or worrying about our own needs, may we trust the nudge from our God of more than enough.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to be responsive to and generous with that person that you place in our lives. Break our tendencies to hold onto and to store up and up and up. Bend our heart towards your heart of abundant generosity. Use us to be your love and care. Amen.


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Complete and Generous

Reading: Matthew 5:38-48

Matthew 5:48 – “Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also must you be complete.”

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Today we focus on two of Jesus’ “But I say to you” statements. These two are the last of six such teachings, where Jesus unpacks and dives deep into how to truly live out these laws and commands. These six teachings flesh out Jesus’ statement about coming to fulfill the Law, not to do away with it.

Verses 38-42 unpack the “law of retaliation.” This “eye for an eye” law originally limited revenge or repayment for wrongs. Jesus begins by telling us not to oppose those who seek to hurt or take from us. In fact, Jesus says to go beyond what is expected or required. For example, if someone slaps your right cheek (an act of insult given with the back of the hand,) then offer your left cheek next (an act of love given with the palm.) Jesus says, in essence, love and serve and give when others would seek that eye.

Verses 43-48 five deep into the “law of love.” Jesus extends this law too: love not just neighbors, not just those like you, but love your enemies as well. That’d be that Roman soldier that required you to carry his gear for a mile (Roman law.) Jesus says, carry it two miles. In summation, Jesus says, “Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also must you be complete.” God loves us all completely, unconditionally, without limits or stipulations. Jesus’ command is for us to do the same. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when much is asked of us, fill us with your love. When we are asked to live or serve those who are difficult or challenging, remind us that you love us even when we are at our worst. Help us, O God, to be generous and complete in our love. Amen.


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Commands

Reading: Exodus 20:1-17

Exodus 20:3 – “You must have no other gods before me.”

Entering the history of Israel, they have been freed from slavery in Egypt for three months. In this time they have tested both God and Moses. They have witnessed amazing miracles as expressions of God’s love for them. The mass of humanity is now at Mount Sinai, where they prepare themselves to receive God’s covenant. On the mountain Moses receives these ten commands from God. Obedience to these commands should be Israel’s response to God’s saving grace.

The first four commands center on our relationship with God. It is from this relationship that all other relationships flow. We shall not have any other god and we shall not make or worship idols. We shall not misuse God’s name. And we shall keep the Sabbath holy. These commands shape our relationship with God and they remind us of God’s proper place in that relationship.

The next six commands come in pretty rapid succession. These commands define our relationships with one another. The first deals with our family, our primary relationship: honor father and mother. The next five expand the circle to the wider world: do not kill, commit adultery, steal, lie, or covet. These seem simple and straightforward. Yet within each command is a degree of interpretation and application. Jesus will flesh out some of these commands in the New Testament.

These commands can be simplified. Jesus summed them up as love God, love neighbor. John Wesley used three simple rules to govern his life. As we can do with the 10 Commandments or with any rule, we can try to limit what it means to love or we can try to limit who our neighbor is. The simple answer is “all.” Love God with all that we are and with all that we do, say, think, and act. Love all people as Christ loved us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, center us first in our relationship with you. May we love you in all possible ways, bringing you all the glory, honor, and praise. From there, Lord, move us on to generously and genuinely love all people. Open our hearts to the width and depth and breadth of your love for us, revealed in Jesus Christ. Then move us to pour that love out into the world. Amen.


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A Heart for All People

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-6a

1st Timothy 2:2 – “Pray… so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives in complete godliness and dignity.”

This past week we read passages that spoke of the timeless and eternal truths of God and our faith. We also read some challenging passages that were written for a time and place different from our own. Hopefully both added to our understanding of the Bible, strengthening our relationship with God as well. Today Paul writes to Timothy about another essential practice of our faith.

Paul begins by asking Timothy to pray for all people. Paul understands that God’s call is to all people – so that they can be saved. Understanding that Jesus died to bring eternal life to all people is key to understanding who and what God is. God is generous in love, wide in mercy, deep in grace. Paul encourages Timothy and us to pray for those in authority. In his day, these would be the ones persecuting and harassing the church. This aligns with Jesus’ call to pray for our enemies.

We read the “why” concerning prayer in the last part of verse 2: “So that we can live quiet and peaceful lives in complete godliness and dignity.” Praying brings a peace and a calm to us. It changes our hearts, not just the hearts we’re praying for or about. This changed hearts is reflected in our lives and in our interactions with those we’re praying for and about. We better reflect the godliness and dignity Paul speaks of. These things, in turn, reveal God and Jesus to others – again, those God wants to be saved. May we be people of deep and sincere prayers, changing hearts, beginning with ours.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to your great love, mercy, and grace. May these be the foundation of our prayers and, therefore, our lives. Help us to have your heart for all people. Amen.


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The Great Commands

Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 and 7:9-12

Matthew 7:12 – “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.”

Photo credit: Shane

In Matthew 22 the Pharisees get together and decide to test or trap Jesus. Their religious rivals, the Sadducees, have just been left speechless after their attempt to trap Jesus in his words. The Pharisees send one forward to test Jesus with a question: What’s the greatest commandment? The Law has 613 (or 623) commands. Which is the most important one Jesus?

Quoting from the Law, Jesus identifies the Deuteronomy law to love God with all that you are. He quickly adds one from Leviticus: “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” For a devout Jew these are the two core commands. These two verses form the heart of a prayer offered each and every day, both morning and night. While the concept of loving God and neighbor is easy to understand, the actual execution of these commands can be very hard. To date, I believe that Jesus is the only one with a 100% success rate.

Jesus offers some practical application tips in chapter 7, verses 9-12. Here he uses parenting as the analogy. If your child asks for bread or fish because they are hungry, who would give them a rock or a snake instead? Well, no good parent would. Jesus then reminds us that the one who loves us as children will do the same and even more. He then generalizes this teaching on loving well to others, adding, “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.” Give that person in need not just bread but some water too. Give that stranger not just a fish but a place to stay too. Just as the Lord our God is good and loving and generous, Jesus says, you do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, the call is clear: love well, love deeply, love genuinely. You have modeled this and your son Jesus modeled it. We have no excuses. We can’t play dumb. Yet we sure can struggle to love you with all that we are and to love others as we love ourselves. Lord, encourage and empower us today to love as you call us to love. When we waver, strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Generous and Hospitable

Reading: 3rd John

3rd John 1:11 – “Don’t imitate what is bad but what is good. Whoever practices what is good belongs to God.”

3rd John addresses two ways that one can live as a part of the community of faith. Unfortunately, good and evil can exist within the church. Like many other institutions, a church is a group of imperfect people. So, at times, people in a church can cause harm to one another or to the mission of Christ.

In this short letter the elder contrasts the actions and attitudes of Gaius and Diotrephes. The elder is “overjoyed” by what he heard about Gaius. He is living “according to the truth,” caring well for the brothers and sisters who are on missionary journeys. Diotrephes, on the other hand, is one who “likes to put himself first.” He does not welcome these itinerant missionaries. And, not only that, he’s slandering the elder and his companions. And Diotrephes is expelling people from the church if they help these missionaries.

The elder writes to Gaius, “Don’t imitate what is bad but what is good. Whoever practices what is good belongs to God.” Those who practice what is bad or evil have “not seen God.” This is a simple letter about being generous and hospitable. It calls us to consider where our actions and behaviors fall along this spectrum. If we are more like Gaius, then we are seeking to live according to the truth of Christ. If we are more self-centered, then we have some work to do.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to truly reflect on how generous and hospitable we are to those who are doing your work and who pass through our doors or lives. May we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the one who welcomed and engaged one and all in love. Amen.


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People of Grace and Love

Reading: Philemon

Philemon 1:15 – “Maybe… Onesimus was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back forever.”

Today we turn to Paul’s letter to Philemon. He is appealing to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul walks the fine line between coercion and appeal, at least twice crossing this line. Paul writes this letter not just to Philemon but also to the church that Philemon is a part of. What Paul asks of Philemon extends to the whole community of faith.

As I read this story today my mind went to the parable of the prodigal son. It also reminds me of estrangements that I’ve heard of in families I know well. We’re familiar with and maybe even have been involved in stories of separation, in experiences where one party somehow hurt or offended the other, making reconciliation difficult. In the story of the prodigal son we see how grace and love overcome the harm done to welcome the younger son back into the family. We are left hanging concerning the younger son’s estrangement from the older brother. We hope that they are reconciled. In situations we’ve experienced (or are still experiencing), love and grace are the keys to reconciliation.

Just as the younger brother and perhaps that family member or friend changed for the better to open the door for reconciling, so too has Onesimus changed. As a brother in Christ he has become useful to Paul. To Philemon he writes, “Maybe… Onesimus was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back forever.” Maybe the younger son had to experience the bottom of the pit to change. Maybe that estranged family member or friend had to experience something really hard to be changed. When change occurs, though, the ball is in our court. We hope that Philemon received Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. May we too be people of grace and love.

Prayer: Lord God, reconciliation is not easy. At times we are deeply wronged. Perhaps we’ve also suffered financially or physically. When the hurt and pain are deep, Lord, may your love and grace be deeper still. Through these, heal the hurt and pain in our hearts. Lead us then to be as you are, generous and abundant in our love and grace. Amen.