pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: God


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True Power and Presence

Reading: Isaiah 7:10-13

Isaiah 7:11 – “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.”

Photo credit: Dan Kiefer

At the start of chapter 7, King Ahaz of Judah receives a word from God through the prophet Isaiah. Ahaz is told that Aram and Israel will not overpower Judah. Both will fall to a resurgent Assyria. In the first half of this week’s reading from Isaiah 7, God says to Ahaz, “Ask a sign from the Lord your God.” A sign could be very reassuring for a still-fearful Ahaz. In times of tension or danger or doubt or fear, it is natural to want a sign that God is with us. It is normal to not want to feel all alone. A sign indicating God’s power and presence helps us to move forward, to not be so afraid…, to have some hope.

In the remainder of verse 11 God adds, “Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.” Often we want this kind of sign from God. We want a flashing neon billboard-sized sign from God, one that is as high as the heavens (or as low as the grave.) We’d prefer a sign so large that there is absolutely no mistaking that God is present and large and in total control. Ahaz does not fall into this temptation. He states that he does not “want to test the Lord.” Although still fearful, Ahaz resists the temptation to ask God to prove God’s power, presence…

In this season of Advent we’re reminded that Immanuel, God with us, did not come in grand fashion. Christ wasn’t born into a powerful and wealthy family. Instead, Jesus was born to humble parents in the simplest of settings. In times when we are seeking God’s power and presence, may we remember that God most often comes in the humble, simple, and everyday of life. When this is the God that we seek, we will find signs of God’s true power and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, in our times of need, turn our eyes and hearts away from the amazing and awesome. Instead, focus our eyes and hearts on the many ways that you are present in and amongst us – in Spirit, in your Word, in one another, and in creation. May this constant presence strengthen and encourage us. Amen.


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The Way of Love

Reading: James 5:7-10

James 5:10 – “Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolved and steadfastness.”

In today’s passage from James 5 we are invited into a “courageous patience” as we await the return of Jesus Christ. As it was during James’ day, it is not easy to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. The world was and remains selfish and focused on accumulating the things of this world. The pursuit of these worldly things often leads to oppression and unjust systems.

James first invites us to consider the farmer’s patience and perseverance. The crop is planted and the farmer waits patiently and with courage for the rain. In the spring the rain causes the plant to sprout and in the fall it brings the crops to maturity. In the same way we can trust into the reign of the Holy Spirit in our lives to first give life to our faith and then to nourish it to maturity.

James next warns against complaining and judging one another. Nothing weakens a relationship or community quicker than infighting and tearing one another down. There is ample evidence of the cost of these destructive behaviors in our world today. The Spirit of Christ remains at the door of our hearts always, warning against such behaviors, encouraging us to instead choose love, kindness, mercy, and grace.

The passage closes with these words in verse 10: “Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolved and steadfastness.” There are indeed many prophets in the Jewish scriptures who exhibited great resolve and steadfastness. But more recently, Jesus provided an even better example to follow. This is the prophet to whom we should look in times of hardship and trial. Love of God and neighbor guided all that Jesus said and did. It dictated his decisions. Love brought Jesus a resolve and steadfastness that strengthened him at all times. In all ways and in all circumstances, may love be our guide too.

Prayer: Lord God, the world remains a hard place to daily follow Jesus. The ways of the world are driven by a desire for power and possessions in many forms. You call us instead to desire to love and to serve. Living in such sharp contrast to the ways of the world, we can experience oppression and trials at times. Give us a holy resolve and a Spirit-fueled perseverance so that we may always choose the way of love. Amen.


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Serving Humbly

Reading: Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:47 – “In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my Savior.”

In our passage today Mary praises God. Her prayer of thanks contains many of the themes found throughout Luke’s gospel. Considering Mary’s circumstances, these are amazing words to speak. She is barely a teenager. Mary is unmarried yet pregnant. This likely led her to travel to see Elizabeth, perhaps an even more unlikely mother-to-be. Elizabeth has been barren all her life and is very much past child bearing years. Yet she too is pregnant. Both pregnancies have been blessed by an angel’s prophetic words. Mary humbly accepted these words, declaring, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

We see Mary’s commitment in verses 46 and 47. Mary glorifies God “with all my heart” and rejoices in God from “the depths of who I am.” Because God chose her, the lowly has become “highly favored.” This theme continues as Mary celebrates a God who shows mercy and lifts the lowly and feeds the hungry. Recognizing the coming reality of God in the flesh, Mary declares prophetically, “He has come to the aid of his servant Israel.” Mary truly understands the incarnational nature of the one in her womb. Young Mary’s faith is amazing.

While the role we are called to play will never be exactly like Mary’s role, we too are called to humble servanthood. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us in the work of building the kingdom here on earth. Sometimes the call invites us to places or to people who are difficult or challenging. As we play our role, especially in the hard moments, may we choose to trust as Mary trusted, knowing that the Lord our God will look with favor upon all who serve the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of how simple faith can be. Playing our roles comes down to leaning into the call, trusting that you are present and will walk with us. When we don’t know the steps to take or the words to say, help us to trust that you know and that your Spirit will guide us in those moments. In this way may we each humbly serve you with all of our heart. 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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Walk Closely

Reading: Matthew 11:7-11

Matthew 11:10 – “Look, I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.”

Returning to Matthew 11 today we learn more about the kingdom of God. In verses 7 and 8 Jesus speaks about who and what John the Baptist was. Those who went out into the wilderness did not see “a stalk blowing in the wind.” Instead they saw a powerful messenger speaking truth to his generation and calling out those who thought they were good and holy but were not. John demanded the true repentance – a change of heart and life – that would yield “good fruit” in their lives. The people did not see someone “dressed up in fine clothes.” Those in fine robes, living in comfort, they were the “snakes” just going through the motions in public, falling far short in their hearts. In contrast, John was all-in for God, walking closely with God, daily pouring all the had into readying people to meet the Messiah. This is why Jesus proclaims John’s greatness at the start of verse 11.

And then there is the rest of verse 11. It connects back to verse 10: “Look, I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.” In verse 11b Jesus speaks to his audience then and now, getting personal. The “least” are “greater” than John because they are humble servants. They are disciples who bring healing and wholeness to people’s lives and to the world. Disciples are folks who are good news and whose words and actions produce good fruit that builds up the kingdom of God. They are folks who speak truth to power no matter the cost. Disciples are willing to enter the wilderness in order to bring others closer to the Messiah. They are you and me.

Prayer: Lord God, begin in our hearts, making us aware of what we need to prune away, building up our love of you and neighbor. Empower us to risk for others and for your kingdom. Encourage us to humble service that yields good fruit and draws others to living out your will and way. Walk closely with us daily so that we can walk closely with our neighbors. Amen.


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Jesus Offers, Invites

Reading: Matthew 11:2-6

Matthew 11:3 – “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

By the time Matthew’s gospel reaches chapter 11, Jesus has given the Sermon on the Mount, has healed many people, has calmed a literal storm, has gathered the twelve disciples, and has begun training them to carry on his ministry of healing and wholeness. During this time, John the Baptist’s ministry has diminished and he now finds himself in prison, having angered King Herod. Searching for hope, John sends his own disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” From his prison cell, it must not feel like the kingdom of God is what he’d hoped it would be.

Presenting evidence of what the kingdom of God looks like here on earth, Jesus mostly quotes from Isaiah 35 and 61, adding a few of his own words too. Jesus is reminding John of how the Old Testament prophets described the Messiah and his kingdom. Healing and wholeness, fullness of life, deep relationships and community, humble service – this is God’s plan for this created world. It is to be as Jesus taught, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The evidence that Jesus gives are both our inheritance and our marching orders. Jesus offers to open our eyes so we can see as he sees, just as he invites us to do the same for others. He walks with us when we cannot walk alone and he asks us to do the same with one another. Jesus cleanses us of our “diseases” and he speaks truth into our hard hearts. He brings life to what was once “dead” and he restores relationships. All of these, in turn, Jesus invites us to do for the world. As we find healing and wholeness through Jesus Christ, may we work to bring these to our world in need. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts and minds to receive all that you offer. Being filled with your love, guidance, presence, healing, and hope, turn us out into the world, pouring ourselves out for the healing and wholeness of all creation. Use us to manifest your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Walking the “Holy Way”

Reading: Isaiah 35:8-10

Isaiah 35:8-9 – “A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way… Only the redeemed will walk on it.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Today we continue in Isaiah’s vision. In its original context the prophet was speaking of the exiles return to the promised land. Isaiah’s oracle spoke of God’s redemption of Israel and of their safe journey through the wilderness. As the exiles return home, this “way” will be free of predators and enemies. No one will get lost along the way. Those ransomed from exile in Babylon will enter Jerusalem “with singing, with everlasting joy.” The grief and groaning of past suffering will “flee away.” For a people familiar with the long, difficult, costly journey out of exile in Egypt, these words of guidance and protection and blessing brought great hope to Israel.

In the now-and-not-yet spirit of Advent we next look at these words of Isaiah as a messianic text. During his ministry, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6.) With these words in mind we reconsider verses 8 and 9 from Isaiah 35: “A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way… Only the redeemed will walk on it.” Jesus walked and taught in holiness and righteousness. He called his disciples to walk in his footsteps, following his example of holiness and righteousness. Jesus offered forgiveness of sins to those who repented and committed to walk in his ways and truth. Redeemed from our sins, we strive to daily walk and live Jesus Christ’s “Holy Way.”

Looking forward with hope, the trust that the faithful will one day enter “Zion,” the new Jerusalem in God’s coming new kingdom. In that day the ransomed will sing praises to the Lord. Everlasting joy and peace will be upon us. The grief, groaning, tears, and suffering of this present life will be no more in our eternal home. What great hope! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice and thank you for rescuing and redeeming your people long ago, bringing them home to their inheritance. We rejoice and thank you for rescuing and redeeming us from our sins and failures each day, empowering us by your Holy Spirit to walk in Christ’s way. And we rejoice and thank you for our coming final rescue and redemption, when we will joyfully stand in your eternal light and love. You are a most awesome God. Glory be to you, O Lord! Amen.


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Healing and Wholeness

Reading: Isaiah 35:1-7

Isaiah 35:6 – “Then the lame will keep like a deer and the tongue of the speechless will sing.”

Isaiah 35 envisions a time when the wilderness will blossom with life. The dry and barren land will “burst into bloom” as “streams in the wilderness” bring abundant life to the wilderness. Creation itself will “rejoice with joy and singing” as God restores all the earth back to what it was like in the garden of Eden. This restoration will proceed the return of God’s children to this new promised land. Living in exile, imagine what these words of hope would mean and sound like to you. Imagine what they would feel or sound like living in Gaza or Ukraine or on one of our poorest reservations or in an inner city shelter. People in all of these places long for God’s restoration of the land and of all who dwell in it.

After creation is restored, Isaiah envisions the restoration of all of humanity. This is also a return to the way it was in the garden. The weak hands and unsteady knees will become strong. Those with disabilities will be made new and whole again. Verse 6 sums it up beautifully: “Then the lame will keep like a deer and the tongue of the speechless will sing.” Like creation, the restored humanity with celebrate with joy and singing. The trauma and suffering of exile will be no more. Pondering this day would bring great hope and longing to those in exile, in Gaza, in Ukraine, on the reservation, in the inner city…

There will be times and seasons when we find ourselves in dry and barren places or in exile. In these moments when we experience trauma and suffering, we can trust into God to bring healing and wholeness and strength to us and to our lives. This is the promise. God’s grace is here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what hope and promise you offer through the words of Isaiah! To return to a land of abundance for all, to a place without fear or violence or greed, to a time when all people are made whole – what a day that will be. Walk with us daily, O God, guiding us to work to make this envisioned day more and more of a reality here and now. Amen.


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So Welcome ____

Reading: Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:7 – “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

A leper, a tax collector, a prostitute, a demon-possessed man, a blind man, a foreigner, a crippled man, a criminal. A homeless person, a recovering alcoholic, a single mom, an ex-con, a transgender person, a refugee, an immigrant. Which list would be welcomed by Jesus into his presence? Which list would Jesus offer grace, love, mercy, welcome to? “Both” would be the answer for the Jesus that we see and read about in the gospels. Is it the same for you and for me?

In Romans 14 and 15 Paul is addressing how the church should welcome each other as Christ would. Since the beginning of the Christian movement the call has been to be like Jesus. Love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, welcome like Jesus, extend grace, mercy, hope, peace… like Jesus. Fighting this call is the whole “we’re God’s chosen people” thing. This implies “you are not” to many people. Now, Paul, he was once a Pharisee amongst Pharisees. Back then, he drew the in/out line thick and with permanent marker. Through his conversion experience Paul knows that Jesus removed the line. Jesus welcomed Paul. That line? Seeing through Jesus’ eyes, you can’t even tell that there ever was a line.

Our reading today begins with “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.” Pretty clear. But the church still sees the line. So Paul quotes from four Hebrew scriptures that show that the Gentiles (all people outside the old line) are included in God’s plan of salvation. All people. All people.

Go back to the two lists at the start of this devotional. Which one(s) made you pause? Now, insert that name into verse 7. For example ,”So welcome the immigrant in the same way…” Repeat this line again and again for any name that you paused at. Again and again. Do so until “the God of hope” fills you with “all peace and joy” through “the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand that Jesus welcomes one and all just like he once welcomed me. Whatever lines I’ve been taught, whatever in/out ideas I’ve derived – erase them, obliterate them. Fill me to overflowing with your hope, love, peace, and joy. Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit in my heart, guide me to welcome all people into your family. Amen.


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Together with One Voice

Reading: Romans 15:4-6

Romans 15:4 – “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance.”

Photo credit: Fredrik Ohlander

As we enter Romans in chapter 15, Paul is in the process of elevating the community over the individual. For example, in chapter 12, Paul argues that individuals are given gifts by the Spirit for the benefit of the community (not for individual gain or glory.) In chapter 14 Paul emphasizes pleasing God and loving neighbors more than self. At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages patience with those who are less mature in faith. As Christ did, Paul invites those who are able to build up their neighbors.

Today in verse 4 we read, “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance.” Paul and his theology are deeply rooted in the Old Testament and in the Law in particular. But his understanding and application of the scriptures changed radically through his relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul saw and understood how Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. There is no better example of this than in the Sermon on the Mount, beginning in Matthew 5. Again and again Jesus unpacks the Law through his use of the sayings, “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” In each of these examples and in how he lived out his faith, Jesus was demonstrating what love of God and love of neighbor truly looked like. Paul looks at these examples and encourages the church to emulate Christ’s attitude in their lives.

The early church needed hope so that they could endure the trials and persecution of their day. We too need hope to faithfully love God and neighbor in the midst of a culture that elevates self above all else. Like the early church, may we find strength in the scriptures, in Christ, and in our community of faith, all to “glorify God… together with one voice.”

Prayer: Lord God, we pray for daily strength and encouragement, for hope and peace. Draw us deeper into your word, deeper in our relationship with Christ, and deeper into our communities of faith. In these things we find support, help, and the power to love you and to love neighbors as Christ first loved us. Lord, use our daily living to glorify your name and to build your church. Amen.