pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: gift


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New Creations

Reading: John 14: 8-17 and 25-27

In today’s passage, Jesus promises the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Like most of us, Philip wants the gift now.  He asks Jesus to show them the Father.  And in a familiar pattern, Jesus patiently explains that He has been showing them the Father all along.  Jesus explains that the words and the works are because the Father is in Him and He is in the Father.  Then Jesus tells them again of this gift of the Holy Spirit.  With this gift the disciples will experience the indwelling presence of God and Jesus within them.  And not only will it be in the disciples, but the Spirit will allow them to do even greater works than Jesus did.  The presence of the Holy Spirit is just one more step in bringing the new creation into being.

Jesus was also a step.  In His example and in the works He did, Jesus began the process of making all things new.  In His teachings He showed a new way, a better way – the way of love.  In truly loving others, we reveal the true nature of God.  Jesus also began the new creation by restoring people.  For some it was a physical restoration: the blind see, the lame walk, the mute speak.  For some, like the lepers, there was also an emotional healing as they were restored to the community as well.  For still others, the restoration was the first steps to returning to a relationship with God.  Jesus was making all things new, providing a glimpse of what the new heaven and earth will be like.

Jesus continued this work with the gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples at Pentecost and to all who have called on Him as Lord and Savior ever since.  The same Spirit dwells in each of us, giving us the power to reveal the new creation that is in motion.  Through our lives, words, actions, and deeds, people in our lives can begin to see, understand, and experience what Jesus offers: to be made a new creation.  May we be willing servants in the building of His kingdom here on earth.


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Shining

Paul reminds us how Moses’ face would shine after he had spent time with God.  It was a physical reminder of the Israelites direct connection to God.  So in those moments when Moses was still aglow, the words he shared from God must have carried a little extra weight.  Paul also points out, however, that the Israelites were also quick to forget God’s words and to turn away.  The light of God’s glory quickly faded for some of the people.

Jesus’ gift to us is the Holy Spirit.  Paul parallels the glory of God shining on Moses with the glory of the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us.  When we have the Holy Spirit living within us, then we too can shine God’s glory out to those we encounter.  God’s light and love dwelling in us should be a constant glow that radiates from us through our lives in the many ways we share our faith and hope with others.

But we too can be like the Israelites.  We too can mask the light within at times as we make poor decisions and sinful choices.  In these times we are like Moses putting that veil over God’s glory.  We too can become stubborn or unwilling to allow the light of the Holy Spirit that is within to guide our steps.  God can place opportunities before us and the Spirit can nudge us towards them and we can still turn away.  We can sometimes be too good at rationalizing or making excuses.

The good news is that the Spirit’s light never goes out and it continues to work in us.  Sometimes it convicts us and steels us for action when the next opportunity comes.  Sometimes it softens our hearts and makes us more willing the next time.  May we learn to be ever open to allowing the Spirit free reign so that God’s glory will shine forth from us for all to see!

Scripture reference: 2 Corinthians 3: 12-16


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Each Opportunity

While at the wedding at Cana, Jesus experiences something we all experience – a request to help someone.  In this case Jesus must have known the wedding party as He and the disciples were invited to the party.  As I reflect on who I struggle most with when asked for assistance, it is with the stranger that I most often struggle.  In this story from the book of John, Jesus teaches us both what we are to do and what we are not to do.

The first thing Jesus did was to be open to the needs of others.  When His mother asked, He could have ignored her or dismissed the request.  Much like when the Spirit prompts us, do we pay attention or do we act like we did not hear or feel anything?

The second thing Jesus did was to decide what the greatest need was.  This can be hard to weigh or evaluate correctly.  At times people in need of assistance have a root need that is much deeper than the asked for need.  But we are called to be in relationship with and to walk alongside people in need.  Warning: to be in relationship and to walk alongside another is a much deeper commitment.  But it is only when we do this that we can begin to understand and address these deeper needs.

The third thing Jesus teaches us is something not to do: He did not judge the situation or the person.  This is often where I struggle most.  It is usually in the immediate need requests that I struggle with this the most.  When I have entered into a helping relationship with another, I learn that they are much like me and it is easier not to judge them.  But in the immediate request from a person I encounter on the street who is asking for $5 for food, for example, it is harder to not judge the validity or worthiness of the request.  In God’s view, we are to help if we can, no questions asked.

The last thing Jesus teaches us is to respond and act to the best of our ability.  He didn’t just make wine, He made good wine.  We too are called to be honest, genuine, and fully invested.  Each of our relationships and encounters should receive our best efforts.  Jesus offered no less.

May each opportunity to come alongside another be done with all the love, compassion, and ability that God has placed within us.  Lord, may it begin with me.

Scripture reference: John 2: 1-11


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Lead and Leading

Parents often try to nudge or encourage their children to try or do something they think their child will enjoy or benefit from.  Sometimes a parent sees something in their child and tries to develop that skill or gift.  And a lot of the time the child responds with some resistance!  This is the case in today’s passage.  Mary nudges Jesus to exercise the gifts He has.  He responds with basically “not now”.  Maybe those things she treasured in her heart and perhaps a thing or two she has observed since then are promoting her to ask Jesus to perform a miracle and to begin His public ministry.

Sometimes in our lives we too are encouraged, invited, nudged… by others.  Maybe it is our parents.  Maybe it is our spouse or a coworker or a friend.  People often see gifts or talents we have that sometimes we do not.  At times we too can do the same for others in our lives.  It is a wonderful thing to see and affirm the God-given gifts we see in each other.

Often the nudge or encouragement comes from the Holy Spirit.  We see or find ourselves in a situation and we can almost physically feel the guidance to do or say something.  In other instances we can hear the voice whispering to us.  It may be in the moment or it may be later as we reflection our day or as we spend time in prayer.  These “too late” or after the fact prompts prime us for action the next time out.  It is still God at work in us.

God always continues to be active and involved in our lives and in the world.  He encourages all followers to use the gifts and talents He gave us through the nudges, prompts, … of the Holy Spirit and those around us.  We too at times invite, nudge, … others.  In all cases, may we be willing servants of His kingdom, whether leading or being lead, all for the glory of God.

Scripture reference: John 2: 1-5


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God’s Call

Paul expresses the profound call that God has placed upon his life.  He knows and writes of the special and holy role that God has selected him to play – to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.  Paul knows what an honor it is to help include this group into the family of God and to reveal the mystery of faith found in Christ’s saving grace.

Perhaps you too have felt God’s call upon your life to be in ministry to a certain group of people.  Perhaps you are still discerning this call.  For all of us, God does have a call upon our lives.  It may not be as ‘big’ as Mother Teresa’s call to care for the dying of Calcutta, but it may be.  We cannot limit God because He is a limitless God.  There is nothing He cannot do.

We all share in one common call.  Jesus commissioned us all to go and make disciples of all nations.  These were His parting words.  This is the general call or role for all of us as Christians.  We are to be the lights and love of Christ to all we meet.  Through how we live our lives we are to model and share Christ.

God’s call upon us as individuals extends beyond this.  He has instilled in each of us unique gifts and passions to be used in building His kingdom here on earth.  Their own unique gifting and passions will lead some to work with those in need.  For some it will be to mentor single parents.  For some it will be to teach others budgeting skills.  For others it will be knitting hats and gloves and scarves.  What is it for you?  How has God built and equipped you?

If you are living out God’s call upon your life, may He continue to bless you in your service.  If you are still in the discernment process, may He open your eyes and heart and guide your feet on your path of service and mission.  Blessings on the journey!

Scripture reference: Ephesians 3: 1-12


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Happiness – God’s Gift

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  When God created the world He knew there would be both love and hate, planting and uprooting, peace and war, and so on.  The existence of good and evil, pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow,… was necessary for free will to be a part of our world.  If all was only good we would not really be choosing to love and obey God.  Yet God’s intent is still for good – for good in our lives and for good in the world.  In the end, God’s goodness and love will reign.  As we come to our end, we can enter His glory and experience nothing but good in heaven.  As this world comes to and end, there will be a restoration of all things and God will once again dwell among humanity.

“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in his toil – this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 12-13)  God desires for us to also be the good in the world.  We are to go forth and to bring the love of Christ with us to all that we meet in the world.  When we do good in the world, when we live following Christ’s example, then we are able to find true happiness.  This is one of God’s gifts to us.

God’s gift to us is also to find satisfaction in our toil.  Our efforts, our job, our work is meant to bring us joy.  God’s intent is for me to love my job and to serve Him with all I can as I work.  In others areas of toil, I must do the same.  In shoveling the driveway or serving the meal at the mission I can experience and encounter God in nature or in the faces of those I serve.  God is all around me.  God is all around everyone.  Thanks be to God for His presence in our lives and for these gifts that He brings.

Scripture reference: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-13


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What a Gift

Christmas cards are still a staple at Christmas time for many people.  Stores sell tons of cards and many people make their own Christmas cards with pictures of their families on the front.  Most of the cards have something to do with the Christ aspect of Christmas.  The references can be through Bible verses or quotes, through using the many names of Jesus, or through the good news of peace, joy, love, and hope.

Christmas carols are another staple of the season and also do the same things to share Christmas and the spirit of the season.  The ‘classics’ are a collective memory that we all share.  It is a wonderful part of Christmas to joyously lift our voices in song to tell the good news.  Sometimes we even go caroling to places like nursing homes and in our neighborhoods to share Christmas with others.

And, of course, Christmas services also draw us back to Christ as the center of Christmas.  In our worship services we read the scriptures and also sing the songs.  We use prayer and the proclaimed word as well to share the story of Christmas.  Perhaps we share in communion.  Tomorrow on Christmas Eve we also light the Christ candle and place it in the center of the Advent wreath, recognizing Jesus Christ as the center of our peace, joy, love, and hope.

Advent is also a time of personal study and reflection.  We read a devotional book or use an Advent calendar to connect to the season in a deeper way.  These personal practices have the same purpose as the corporate practices: to remind us of Jesus and what a gift He is to us and to all of humanity.  Thanks be to God for this gift.

Scripture reference: Colossians 3: 15-17


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Made in Love and Prayer

Hannah only saw Samuel once a year after she dedicated him to the service of God as a young boy.  This was the child she prayed and prayed for and waited and waited for all those long years.  Can you imagine only seeing your child once a year since early childhood?

Each year Hannah would make Samuel a new robe to wear as he served in the temple.  As young children grow, this was a necessary thing to do – much like getting new school clothes each year.  But for Hannah this was not a quick trip to the mall to purchase a new robe.  She handmade the new robe, one stitch at a time.  Each piece was carefully cut and sewn together.  Maybe she even made the linen itself.  From what we know of Hannah, she probably prayed for Samuel with each and every stitch.  So when Samuel received the robe each year, it came soaked in love and prayer.

A group of ladies at our church has a prayer shawl ministry.  They gather once a month, usually at Betty’s house, and they make shawls.  They pray as they create these beautiful shawls.  Each one is bathed in prayer and love.  After dedicating the shawls, members of the church can take them to people they know who are ill or struggling with something.  They are amazing gifts to those in need of prayer and God’s love.

As we ponder these gifts made in love and covered in prayer, we must ask ourselves how we can give such a gift to another.  Maybe a gift can be bought in love and bathed in prayer instead.  Or maybe we receive such a gift from another.  If so, what then is our grateful and thankful response?  Perhaps for some, the gift needed is our time and presence and through prayer God reveals who needs this gift this year.  Maybe the Holy Spirit whispers or nudges us too.  May this love and grace fill our gifts and our presence this Advent season.

Scripture reference: 1 Samuel 2: 18-20 and 26


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Sacrifice and Offering

The Old Testament guided the daily lives of the Israelites.  Much of life was dedicated to the study and understanding of God’s holy word.  The rabbis and priests were among the most respected members of the community.  At the temple, the center of life, much of the activity revolved around the sacrificial system and ways of making offerings that had developed over many years.  By the time of Jesus, maybe the systems were less than perfect.  In the scriptures we see Jesus clearing the temples as He chased away the money changers and sellers of goods.

So when Jesus announces an end to these ways of connecting to and relating to God and offers a new way, the people are unsure and they question.  This announcement would be a little akin to your church announcing that from now on Coke and Doritos would be used for communion.  It is hard to change tradition.  Then Jesus goes on to say that God no longer desires these offerings and sacrifices.  And then to really muddle the waters, Jesus says that His body will be the final sacrifice.  But as events unfolded, all of this made sense to His followers and to us today.  In dying for our sins, Jesus established a new relationship between God and mankind – one built upon love and grace.  For all believers, Jesus is the path to salvation and eternal life.

Jesus also changed how we look at sacrifice and offering.  In Jesus, these things were no longer requirements, but were now gifts.  We give of ourselves out of love for God and our fellow man.  We willingly sacrifice our own selfish desires for the good and well-being of others.  Through our lives, may others experience His grace and love.

Scripture reference: Hebrews 10: 5-10


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Offering the Gift

After His resurrection, Jesus entered heaven.  As the unblemished One, He sits at God’s side.  In that role He “appears for us in God’s presence”.  The crucified Son offers His self-giving love on our behalf to bring us forgiveness of our sins.  His death on the cross was a ‘once-for-all’ sacrifice.

God is holy, pure, truth.  Sin is far from God.  God could not even look upon His own Son on the cross as Jesus bore the sins of the world.  And God is love.  Out of His love for Jesus and for us, the crucified Christ was made the risen Christ.  He passed through death and into eternal life, providing a means for us to do the same.  Through this ultimate act of self-giving, sacrificial love, Jesus opened the gates of heaven wide.

In doing this, however, Jesus did not remove sin from this world.  Sin is a part of our human condition.  It must remain so if we are to be able to choose Jesus.  And choose we must.  Believing cannot be forced.  Faith is an act of our free will.  In order to walk the path that Jesus set as our example, we must have the ability to exercise our will and to daily choose this path.  This is necessary to offer ourselves in sacrificial, other-centered service to others.  If it were forced it would not be sacrificial or self-giving.  Just as with Jesus Christ, there is a cost.  We give of ourselves to serve another.

The gift Jesus gave on the cross and as He entered heaven is a great gift.  This day, may I offer what I can of this gift to all I meet, as Christ lives and shines in me.

Scripture reference: Hebrews 9: 24-28