pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: glory


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How Majestic!

Reading: Psalm 8

Psalm 8:1 – “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Psalm 8 begins and ends with the same words, praising God for who and what God is. The words in between celebrate the creation and humanity’s place within the world God created.

The psalmist looks up at the skies and is awed. The work of God’s “fingers” is vast and powerful and amazing. We’ve had these feelings and responses when we’ve looked up at the stars. The Psalm then pivots to humanity. The psalmist muses about God even paying attention to something so relatively small. We’ve also each felt our own smallness as we have stared heavenward.

In verse 5 the psalmist acknowledges that God has made humanity “only slightly less than divine.” Of all creation, only humanity is created in the image of God. Accordingly humanity has been charged with ruling over God’s “handiwork.” All has been put “under their feet.” It would be easy to read these words and to find justification for devouring the planet and its resources, eating our fill of the earth’s “fruit.” When thus tempted, may we be reminded of our smallness and of the earth being God’s handiwork. These reminders keep us humble and invite us to care for our world as God would care for our world. May it all be so.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, Lord, how majestic is your name and your creation. From the skies to a baby’s cry, your handiwork calls for praise and adoration. Lead and guide us to care for this world as acts of praise and adoration, bringing you all the glory. Amen.


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Come, Lord Jesus!

Reading: Revelation 21-22

Revelation 21:5 – “Then the one seated on the throne said, ‘Look! I’m making all things new.'”

As we conclude our Bible Year reading plan with Revelation 21 and 22, it is a wonderful end to this project and to the words of scripture. These two chapters give us a sneak peak into eternity. God and Jesus Christ are victorious. All evil is no more. Everything focuses on worshipping God and the Lamb.

Chapter 21 begins with the new heaven and earth becoming one as the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven. In this heavenly city, God will once again dwell with “his people.” There will be no tears, no death, no mourning, no pain. The one in the throne declares, “Look! I’m making all things new.” In his fourth spirit-led trance John gets a tour of this new city of God. It is 1,500 miles on each side. It was twelve gates, each made out of a huge pearl, each gate with the name of one of Israel’s twelve tribes on it. The city has twelve foundations, each made of a different previous stone, each bearing the name of one of the twelve apostles. There is no sun or moon. God’s glory is the light and the Lamb is the lamp. The river of life flows from the throne of God. On each bank is a tree of life. The trees bear twelve fruits and the leaves bring healing. God’s servants gather around the throne, worshipping God and the Lamb.

The epilogue begins in 22:6. An angel declares these words “trustworthy and true.” John states that he heard and saw these things. He is told not to seal the scroll because “the time is near.” Jesus, the “root and descendant of David… the bright morning star,” is coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Prayer: Lord God, we long for the day. We long to see the new heaven and earth. We long to dwell in your presence. Today we pray, come Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Worthy is the Lamb

Reading: Revelation 3-5

Revelation 5:5 – “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.”

Chapter 3 concludes the messages to the seven churches. The church in Sardis looks good on the surface but is really dead. They need to remember what they first learned, changing hearts and lives. If so, their names will be declared in heaven. The church in Philadelphia has little power but they have stood strong. They will be pillars in heaven, names written there. And Laodicea… neither hot nor cold, just lukewarm. This church is perhaps most relevant today. Jesus is about to “spit them out.” They are “miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, naked.” Yet Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If they hear and open the door, he will come in and be with them. If they emerge victorious, they will sit with Jesus on his throne in heaven.

Chapters 4 and 5 shift to heaven as John enters his second Spirit-led trance. At the center God sits on the throne. 24 elders on thrones surround God. There are seven torches and four living creatures before the throne of God. The creatures have six wings and are covered all over with eyes. They never rest but praise God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” The elders join in the praise, declaring God to be the one worthy of glory, honor, and power.

John then noticed that there is a scroll in the hand of God. He weeps because no one is worthy to open it. Then an elder says, “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.” The Lamb, Jesus Christ, comes and takes the scroll. The elders, the living creatures, millions of angels, and all of creation praises and worships the Lamb, the one who was slain. What a glorious day it will be!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reality check as we began today. Draw us out of the comfy middle ground. Empower us to stand boldly for you. And thank you for the peak into heaven, for the reminder of your majesty and power, for the reminder of who and what the Christ child will be and become. All praise and honor and glory are yours! Amen.


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Blameless and Rejoicing

Reading: Jude

Jude 1:3 – “Instead, I must write to urge you to fight for the faith delivered once and for all to God’s holy people.”

Jude focuses mostly on repudiating the false teachers or “dreamers” that are present in this community of faith. In the opening verses Jude states that he wanted to write to them about their shared salvation. But… “Instead, I must write to urge you to fight for the faith delivered once and for all to God’s holy people.” These “godless people” have taken grace and turned it into an excuse for “unrestrained immortality.” Doing so, they deny Christ.

Jude then uses several examples of people who have turned from their faith, doubting God or becoming inwardly focused. Perhaps following 2nd Peter’s lead, Jude names the exodus’ first generation, the fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah. He includes Cain and also adds Balaam and Korah. Using wonderful metaphors from nature, Jude likens these dreamers to “jagged rocks just below the surface” and to “waterless clouds.” He reminds them that Enoch prophesied about these people and the judgment that they will receive.

Jude then closes with words of encouragement. First, he says, remember the words of the apostles. They too warned about these scoffers. Second, stay together. Build each other up, pray in the Spirit, keep each other in God’s love. Be people of mercy and rescue “from the fire” those you can. The letter closes with a beautiful blessing. We are reminded that “glory, majesty, power, and authority” belong to “the one who is able to keep you from falling, to present you blameless and rejoicing before his presence.” Yes, may all of this and more be our blessing!

Prayer: Lord God, Balaam, Korah and such may be unfamiliar to many, but the temptations of this world and our natural tendency towards selfishness are very familiar realities. Walk with us, O Spirit of God. Encourage us to walk with one another in faith. Draw us to your beautiful blessing. Amen.


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Sincere Love

Reading: 1st Peter 3-5

1st Peter 4:7-8 – “Be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray. Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins.”

1st Peter 3-5 is mostly about the ways to conduct ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ. In chapter 3 Peter writes about having an inner beauty that can win over non-believers and also about honoring those who are weaker. He encourages all believers to be of one mind (Christ’s), to be compassionate, and to be modest. When someone asks about our hope, be ready to speak with “respectful humility.”

Peter also addresses suffering. He begins with a reminder that Jesus Christ “suffered on account of sins, once for all.” This was so a believer can enter into the presence of God. Peter encourages us to “arm yourself with his way of thinking.” He invites us to rejoice when we share in Christ’s suffering because then one day we will rejoice when his glory is revealed. If we suffer in Christ’s name, Peter declares we are blessed because “the Spirit of God rests on you.”

Christian behavior receives much attention in these chapters. Don’t pay back evil or insults with evil or insults – give blessings. Don’t waste time doing what unbelievers do. Instead, “Be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray. Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins.” Open your homes and serve one another using the gifts God has given. Humble yourselves. Throw your anxiety on God. (He cares about you.) Keep alert – the devil is on the prowl. Resist and stand firm in the faith, knowing that others are also enduring suffering. And in the end, “the God of all grace will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.” Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, build up in each of us obedience, compassion, and a humble servant’s heart. Walk with us, bringing strength and encouragement during the trials and suffering. In those moments, remind us of the way of Christ, he who suffered for each and every one of us. Daily help us to model a genuine faith, standing firm in your love and grace. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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All Together

Reading: 1st Corinthians 10-12

1st Corinthians 10:31 – “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.”

Paul begins today’s readings with a warning from the “wilderness generation.” They all passed through the sea, they all followed Moses, they all drank from the rock – and most sinned and were struck down in the wilderness. Paul is telling the church: don’t do what they did. He then encourages them, telling them that God will see them through and will provide a way out of temptation. He next re-emphasizes the danger of idolatry. One cannot split allegiances.

Paul then elevates the other over self. While all is permitted, all isn’t always beneficial, all doesn’t always build up. Paul instructs the Corinthians to first look out for one another when making choices and decisions. The overarching guidance should come from this admonition: “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.”

In chapter 11 Paul addresses proper worship. Both of these sections lift other over self. Paul encourages proper dress in worship. Here Paul cites cultural norms as the guide for dress. He also points out that men and women are equal in the Lord. He then addresses the fellowship meal and the Lord’s Supper. One person overindulges and another goes hungry. This is not elevating other over self.

Spiritual gifts are the focus in chapter 12. All gifts are from the Holy Spirit and all gifts are given for “the common good.” Again, all above self. Paul then equates the church to the human body. All parts are needed and necessary. All gifts matter. God puts the body together in this way so that there is a “mutual concern” for one another. Accordingly, all suffer together and all celebrate together. May this mutuality be fully present in our lives and in our communities of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, again and again, in way after way, we hear the calls to love you and to love neighbor more than self. We’re reminded that you walk with us, strengthening and equipping us for the tasks and challenges. Thank you for your love and your presence, both abiding in our hearts in the Spirit. Amen.


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Glory to God!

Reading: Romans 14-16

Romans 14:19 – “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.”

In chapter 14 Paul seeks to build unity and community. He encourages the believers to think of others before themselves. Paul encourages them to not judge another’s convictions about food or wine or sacred days. It is very interesting that he tells the more mature believers to not do this or that if it negatively impacts a new believer’s faith. We tend to do just the opposite, expecting others to be like us instead of meeting others where they are at. We would do well to heed his advice: “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.” Paul reminds the Roman church and the church today: we all belong to the Lord.

Paul then extends these ideas beyond the body of believers. He directs the believers to “please our neighbors for their good in order to build them up.” He encourages them to welcome others just as Christ did. Paul asks God to fill them with joy and peace so that hope overflows by the power of the Holy Spirit. What a witness this would be to our faith in Jesus Christ.

The letter to the Romans closes with a look forward and with greetings to many people. Paul expresses a longing to visit Rome – after going to Jerusalem and on his way to missionary work in Spain. He seeks prayers for his visit to Jerusalem. He looks forward to coming to Rome, believing he will be “reenergized” by their faith. Paul introduces Phoebe, the likely deliverer and reader of the letter. He greets 26 people by name. 10 are women. Paul warns against those who create division and problems. He asks the God of peace to crush Satan, underneath their feet. Paul closes his letter by asking again and again, “May the glory be to God!” May it be so in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a faith that lifts and builds up. You warn us against judging and being arrogant about our faith. Help us to encourage others, to edify others, to lift others through our witness to you. May all we say and do bring glory to you! Amen.


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Trusting, Confessing

Reading: Romans 8:18-10:21

Romans 10:10 – “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As we continue in Romans 8 today we find great hope. First Paul reminds us that this present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory. With hope we await being “set free” as we who have the Spirit become the “first crop.” Today these words remind me of the rapture imagery found in Revelation.

Paul then speaks of the Spirit’s role in our lives. The Spirit intercedes for us, praying for us, “consistent with God’s will.” Accordingly, God works all things – us included – towards the good. God is good. To work this process out, we are increasingly conformed to Christ’s image. In this process we become less and less like the world. Therefore nothing worldly – trouble, harassment, famine… death, rulers… – nothing can separate us from God’s love that we find in and through Jesus. Hallelujah!

The apostle shifts gears in chapter 9. Paul laments Israel’s rejection of Christ. He would give up his salvation to see Israel turn to Christ. Yet Paul also recognizes that this is God’s plan unfolding, not his. This is a good reminder to us. It is God who shows mercy and compassion to whom God chooses. This is why it is the Gentiles who came to faith that leads to righteousness. The Jews instead sought to “establish their own righteousness.” But keeping all of the Law proved impossible. The righteousness that leads to salvation comes only through faith. Paul summarizes in 10:10 – “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, faith, trust, hope, obedience, surrender – such simple concepts in many ways. In an ideal world, so easy. Yet our world is not easy or ideal. Many things can challenge or assault our faith – real things like death, harassment, famine… Lord, may your Spirit intercede for us always and may it walk with us, strengthening and encouraging us in our walk of faith. As ones who are conformed to your Son, and therefore to you, use us as love and mercy and compassion in your world. Amen.


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We Can

Reading: Romans 6:1-8:17

Romans 7:6 – “We can be slaves in the new life under the Spirit, not in the old life under the written law.”

In chapters 6-8 Paul draws heavily upon the image of being a slave. He is drawing upon the understanding of his day, not upon other historical or cultural contexts. Paul calls us to be a “slave to God in Jesus Christ.” He is calling us to an absolute obedience, to a total surrender of self, to a full-on righteous life. This contrasts directly with being a slave to sin. That life centers on selfishness.

Paul begins by reminding us that because Christ was raised to glory, we can walk in the new life. This new life can be empowered by the Spirit. The Spirit living inside of us can lead us to life and peace. It can make us into sons and daughters, into heirs with Christ – if we suffer with Christ so that we can be glorified with him.

Paul speaks honestly of the sin that also dwells within each of us. He encourages us to “not let sin rule your body.” Because he is “flesh and blood,” Paul struggles. He does what he doesn’t want to do and he can’t do what he wants to do. We too know this struggle. The evil that is “right there with me” wages a constant battle with God’s will and way that is also right there inside of us in the Spirit. This reality is why Paul uses “can” a lot in these chapters. Yes, we can choose the good. Yes, we can overcome the evil within. Yes, we can live a holy and righteous Spirit-led life. Yes, we can be a slave to God in Jesus Christ.

On our own, we cannot win this battle. We are not alone. In 8:3 we’re reminded that God has already sent Jesus to “condemn sin in the body.” Through his death and resurrection Jesus became our atoning sacrifice. Grace won, defeating the power of sin and death. Just as Christ surrendered himself, he calls us to also die to selfishness, to “suffer with him so that we can be glorified with him.” We have Christ’s Spirit within. We can do this. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, what a battle. Like Paul, we too can struggle mightily to always walk in and with the Spirit of Christ. We so want to. The flesh is weak and the power of evil is great. But your love and grace are greater. With your Spirit, we can walk as a child of the light. Empower and strengthen us today. Amen.


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Trust Always

Reading: Acts 21-23

Acts 21:13 – “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Paul’s journey to Jerusalem (and eventually to Rome) begins in our reading for today. Working his way towards Jerusalem, Paul encounters a prophet, Agabus, in Caesarea. He prophesies that Paul will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles (the Romans.) In response, Paul declares, “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.” His resolve is set. In this, Paul reminds me of Jesus as he “set his face like flint” as he made the final trip to Jerusalem. His trust is in God. Paul is absolutely focused on his one mission: to witness to all about Jesus his Lord.

Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul gives a detailed report of God’s activity amongst the Gentiles. James and the elders warn him of the rumors about Paul rejecting Moses and the Law. While undergoing a purification ritual to demonstrate his devotion to Judaism, Paul is seized, accused, and drug out of the temple. The commotion draws the attention of a nearby Roman commander, who rescues Paul. Unable to ascertain the cause of the unrest, Paul is taken to military headquarters, where he asks to address the people.

Permission granted, Paul gives his history – born a Jew, taught as a Pharisee, harasser of the followers of Jesus. He tells of his Damascus Road experience and his conversion. As he tells of the Jews rejection and being sent to the Gentiles, the crowd erupts in anger. To learn the truth, the commander orders Paul “questioned under the whip.” It is then that Paul reveals he is a Roman citizen by birth. The commander orders an assembly of the Jewish leaders.

Paul wisely divides the Pharisees and Sadducees along theological lines. After being removed from this dangerous situation, Jesus tells Paul that he will ultimately testify in Rome. A treasonous plot is foiled and Paul is brought to Governor Felix. Learning that Paul is from Cilicia, he will hear Paul’s case. This trial will unfold tomorrow as the Jewish leaders arrive in Caesarea.

Prayer: Lord God, no matter the crowd, no matter the threat, no matter the audience, Paul trusts always in you. Filled with your presence and power, Paul always trusts into your plans and into your purposes for his life. Lord, fill us with that same power and presence, making us ever ready to trust in you with all that we are and with all that we have. May it be so – all for the glory of your kingdom! Amen.