pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Standing Our Ground

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13

Ephesians 6:12 – “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.”

In Ephesians 6 Paul picks up on an idea that is present in other parts of scripture. As he closes his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds them of this ongoing spiritual battle. While this idea is sprinkled throughout the New Testament, it is also there in the Old Testament, especially in Daniel and in a few other prophetic writings.

Paul encourages those in the church to “be strengthened by the Lord,” the only source of power in this battle. We are invited to put in the “armor” of God that our faith provides. In the verses that follow our reading, Paul names these gifts from God: truth, justice, faith, salvation, the good news, and the Holy Spirit. He then gives the battle plan: pray, pray, and then pray some more. Prayers connects us to God and to these gifts of God.

In verse 12 Paul writes, “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” This is so true. We’ve all felt the lure of temptation. We’ve all even been drawn into sin. The spiritual forces of evil whisper lies and half truths, remind us of our human desires, rile up jealousy and want, anger and spite, pride and judging… The enemy knows and uses all the tricks and is always on the prowl. Our only hope is in God. Our only chance to quiet these voices and to remain steadfast comes through calling on God to deploy these gifts at our disposal. This day and every day, may we stand our ground, standing on the rock, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we are weak but you are strong. Our defenses are leaky at best, but yours are solid and true. When temptation arises, O God, raise up in us just the right words, just the right antidote. By the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, guide us to ever stand for you as you stand with us. Amen.


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The Good Fight

Reading: 1st Timothy 4-6

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.”

In chapters 4-6 Paul addresses spiritual leadership, caring for the family of God, and holy living. These three are very much interconnected and one supports the other. For example, holy living is essential for good leadership and it drives how we care for one another. Likewise, good leadership empowers holy living and caring well for each other.

Chapter 4 begins with the recognition that some will turn away from the faith. They will be deceived. Paul encourages young Timothy to be a “good servant of Jesus Christ.” He implores him to “train in holy living.” Paul invites Timothy to “set an example” for the believers through his own speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and sexual purity. He also asks Timothy to keep working on his own faith growth and development. All of this gives Timothy solid ground to stand upon as he leads the family of God.

Paul turns to caring for the family next. He encourages Timothy to show respect to the older men and women and to treat the younger ones as brothers and sisters. Paul directs Timothy to care for the older widows who are truly in need, who have been faithful, and who are alone. If a widow has family, they are to care for her. Timothy is instructed to publicly deal with sinners, without bias or favoritism. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who are creating jealousy and conflict as they try to profit from the believers. Paul declares that this love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. Instead, Paul encourages these men to “do good… to be generous… to share with others.” This will store up a foundation for the future, allowing them to “take hold of what truly is life.”

Paul then returns to holy living. He encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love… Paul implores young Timothy, “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.” Paul tells him to do this “without fault or failure” until the Lord appears. May it be so for you and me too!

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly hear and put into practice these guidelines for holy living. Lead us daily to pursue faith, righteousness, holiness, and a servant’s heart. In turn, guide us to use these to lead well when given opportunity and to care well for our brothers and sisters in Christ always. Empower us to fight the good fight of faith today and every day. Amen.


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Steadfast

Reading: Acts 24-26

Acts 26:6 – “Today I am standing trial because of the hope in the promise God gave our ancestors.”

In today’s readings we cover Paul’s trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. In the trial before Felix the Jewish leaders accuse Paul of being “a ringleader of the Nazarene faction.” Paul declares that he is indeed a follower of “the Way.” He professes faith in the Law and in the Prophets. This is his common ground with the Jews. Two years pass and Festus becomes the governor.

On a tour Festus goes to Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders again press their charges against Paul. A new trial is convened in Caesarea. Charges are brought but nothing can be proved. Paul claims his right to be tried in “Caesar’s court” and appeals to Caesar. Festus declares, “To Caesar you will go.”

Soon King Agrippa arrives to welcome Festus to his new appointment. He discusses Paul’s case with the king, who wants to hear from Paul. Festus summarizes the Jews appeal to him and says that he has found nothing deserving of death. Paul begins his defense by recalling his way of life as a Pharisee and his opposition to the Way. He tells of his conversion and his mission to be Jesus’ witness and servant. He tells Agrippa, “Today I am standing trial because of the hope in the promise God gave our ancestors.” Paul is witnessing even as he defends himself. He still wants to draw all he meets into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. His steadfast faith is undeniable. Both Festus and Agrippa feel Paul is innocent. But he did appeal to Caesar. God’s plan continues to move forward.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul’s message, his testimony, his faith – they do not change or waiver. He is steadfast to you alone. Lord, empower us to have such a faith. No matter the situation, no matter the circumstances, Lord, walk with us in each moment, guiding us to always boldly proclaim our faith in you alone. Amen.


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Hearts on Fire

Reading: Luke 24

Luke 24:33 – “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”

In all four Gospels it is the women who go to the tomb on the third day. In Luke’s Gospel the “men” in “gleaming bright clothes” ask the women why they’re looking for the living (Christ) among the dead (tomb.) The angels remind the women of Jesus’ own words about all these things. On the road to Emmaus and during his appearance to the disciples Jesus does this too. As the women share their story, their words are “nonsense” to the disciples. Sometimes a story is just too wild or too crazy or too unbelievable for us to wrap our heads around it right then and there.

The risen Jesus, unbeknownst to the two disciples, comes and walks with them. Jesus unpacks all the scriptures written about him as they walk along. Urged to stay with them, likely eager to continue this conversation, Jesus is revealed as he breaks the bread. Cleopas and friend return right then to Jerusalem to share their story with the rest of the disciples.

Mid-story Jesus appears. The gathering of disciples is “terrified and afraid,” thinking Jesus a ghost. He shows them his hands and feet – the scars from the nails – and he eats a piece of fish. Grounding them in these realities, Jesus then opens their minds to understand all that had been written about him in the Law, the prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus then commissions them to preach about the forgiveness of sins that leads to “changed hearts and lives” – the message preached since John the Baptist first appeared on the scene.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus repeats God’s promise to send “heavenly power” – the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has the power to do for us as it did for the first disciples. This is summed up in the Emmaus disciples’ words: “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, just as the risen Christ did for those first disciples, please continue to open our hearts to your words. Fill us with understanding and with a fire to share what we know and believe – that you still are the power to change hearts and lives. We are each example number one in the story that we have to tell. Amen.


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Wonderful Things

Readings: Joshua 1, Joshua 2, Joshua 3

Joshua 3:5 – “Make yourselves holy! Tomorrow the LORD will do wonderful things among you.”

Photo credit: John Towner

The book of Joshua begins with God’s direction and encouragement. Israel is to get ready to cross the Jordan. God encourages Joshua, telling him “no one will be able to stand up against you.” God encourages him to be “brave and strong.” And then God tells him to obey all of the Law, to recite it always. Why? “Then you will accomplish…” Faith and obedience will be required.

Joshua reaffirms the Transjordan tribes’ commitment to lead into the Promised Land and into battle. They pledge their support to Joshua and his leadership. Spies are sent into the land. They end up at a prostitute’s house. The king of Jericho hears about it and tells Rahab to send out the spies. Instead she lies, sending the king’s men on a wild good chase. Rahab then acknowledges the people’s fear of Israel and expresses her faith in Israel’s God. She seeks and receives assurance that she and her family will be spared. Rahab lowers the spies to safety. A red cord in the window will be a sign for death to pass over her home – like the red blood in Egypt. Rahab demonstrates the faith, initiative, and resolve needed to conquer the Promised Land.

In chapter 3 the Jordan is crossed. The river is at flood stage. Yet as the priests carrying the ark step into the river, dry ground is created. The people cross over, witnessing the “wonderful things” that Joshua has promised to a holy people. God goes before and the people follow. God makes a way once again. As we step forward as God leads, may we also trust fully in our God who always goes before.

Prayer: Lord God, in today’s readings there is a new sense of trust, of faith, of confidence in you. Joshua embodies this and it translates into the people’s lives. Use us today as you used Joshua – as pillars of faith and trust in your power and might. May these things seep into the lives of those we encounter today. Amen.


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Pause and Think

Reading: Hosea 11:8-11

Verse 9: “I am God, and not man – the Holy One among you.”

God thinks aloud in today’s passage. As God considers the sinful behavior of Israel, God realizes that love will win. God questions how Ephraim or Israel can be given up. That would be like you or I allowing one of our children to be eliminated if we could do anything about it. We would not allow such a thing. God’s heart and compassion are aroused. There is a decision made to “not carry out my fierce anger.” In a moment of realization almost, God says, “I am God, and not man – the Holy One among you.” Exile will occur. Lessons will be learned, yes. Faith will be rebuilt. In the end, God will “roar like a lion,” and the children of God will return home.

God does today what we do often as well. God pauses and thinks things through. I’ve found that it is almost always a good thing to pause and think things through. Once in a while an immediate reaction is needed. Or it slips out. Whether angry or disappointed, offended or insulted, hurt or pained, holding our tongue and considering our words or actions first, before speaking or acting, is almost always the best way to go. Doing so we remain grounded in our faith. Doing so we offer words of healing and hope, of peace and restoration to ourselves and others. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to model love and compassion first and foremost. Teach me to often hit the pause button and to allow you to be my first filter. Fill me with words and actions that bring healing and wholeness to all. Amen.


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Willing to Die?

Reading: John 12: 20-26

Verse 24: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain”.

Photo credit: Noemi Pongracz

Our passage begins with some Greeks wanting to see Jesus. They are probably in town for the Passover and are curious about this man. Perhaps they were in the crowd that waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna”! Maybe they’ve just heard a few stories – snipets of his teachings or whispers of miracles. These Greeks know enough to want to know more.

Jesus begins by announcing that his time has come. Soon he will be glorified. Jesus wants them to know that not only he will soon die but that all who follow will also pay a price as well. In verse 24 Jesus says, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain”. Jesus is paralleling his physical death with the emotional, cultural, spiritual… deaths that all followers of Christ are called to. During the season of Lent the question that Jesus might ask of us today is this: What kernels of wheat do we need to allow to fall to the ground? Is it being greedy with my money? Is it being selfish with my time? Is it judging those who are different than me? What is your kernel of wheat that you need to let go of so that you and those you meet can experience true life?

As a society we have come to see humility and death as the enemies – physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. We do all we can to stave off death. This is the right and godly thing to do with a child or young parent or many others. Yet for each of us there comes a time when our physical death is a welcome friend. As a society we look down on humility. Instead we are taught to be strong, to be independent, to work for success in life. We’re taught that once we accumulate these things, all will be good. Until we do. Then we learn that meaning and purpose and love and contentment and peace and joy and hope cannot be earned or bought. Living as a person of the world, these eternal gifts are elusive.

We must be willing to die to pride, fear, arrogance, anxiety, selfishness, doubt, greed, lust, envy, racism, jealousy, judging, anger, prejudice, worry, elitism, injustice… as we seek to follow Jesus. As Jesus says in verse 25, we must “hate his [or her] life in this world”. Only then will we be willing and able to die to self and to begin to walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ, following him daily and one day into eternal life. May you and I be willing to do the hard work of this call to die to self. May the Lord bless our journeys.

Prayer: Loving God, your Spirit leads and guides me daily, holding up to me those kernels that still need to die. I’ve plucked off leaves now and then. Help me to get to the roots. For those things that still separate me from you and from others, grant me the strength to die to these barriers and sins. Thank you God. Amen.


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Ministers of the Gospel

Reading: 1st Corinthians 9: 16-23

Verse 19: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible”.

Photo credit: Priscilla du Preez

Our passage today begins with a part of Paul’s call story. Because of his encounter with the risen Christ he has a clear mission to preach the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ. In Acts 9 it is revealed that Paul is Jesus’ “chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel”. This is why Paul is “compelled to preach” the gospel. Although most of us do not have the singular, radical life changing moment like Paul had, as people who declare Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we fall under the great commission that Jesus gave in Matthew 28 to “make disciples of all nations”.

Some are called to be preachers, some to be teachers, some to be worship leaders, some to be ushers, some to be worker bees… All are called the be ministers. Under the great commission we are all called to minister to the world, sharing the good news with a world in need. While most of us are not evangelical missionaries like Paul was, all of us have a story of faith and all of us can share our love of Jesus with others. Some of us will share through formal roles in the church, some will share through volunteer roles, some will share through specific encounters with friends and neighbors. All of us should share our faith in the ways that we live our day to day lives.

Paul was one who lived out his faith in all he did and with all he met. It was an intentional choice he made after Jesus worked a 180° change in his life. This radical change led Paul to spend the rest of his days telling others about the Lord. In verse nineteen we read, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible”. A slave was the very bottom of the social order. It was a place of total subservience. Paul was willing to be a slave to Jesus in order to save as many people as he could. Paul would become like his audience so that he could best communicate Jesus’ saving power to them. With the Jews, for example, Paul drew on his Jewish upbringing to help the Jews come to Christ. He found common ground. This is the most natural and comfortable way to share faith with others. Today, for example, a young Christian mom would most naturally share her faith while spending time with another young mom. Similarly, a recovered Christian alcoholic would most comfortably share his or her faith with a seeker just beginning the path to recovery. Common interests, shared experiences, similar places in life… provide great opportunities for natural gospel conversations.

Knowing why Jesus matters in our lives is the beginning of being able to share our faith. Step two is a willingness to have the conversation when the Holy Spirit nudges us and provides an opportunity. We are all called to be ministers of the gospel. Do you know your story of faith? Are you willing to share the story of what Jesus means to you? It is our call. May we all choose to be willing slaves of Jesus Christ, seeking to “win as many as possible” by sharing our love of Jesus Christ with the world.

Prayer: Lord God, I am not too sure where I would be without you. With you, I know my days and my future lie in your hands. Make me a willing slave, willing to share my love of you whenever and wherever the Holy Spirit gives opportunity. As always, use me as you will. Amen.


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Your Presence, Lord

Reading: Psalm 114

Verse 3: “The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams”.

Psalm 114 is a song of remembrance that would be sung every year at Passover. It is like “Silent Night” for Christians – sung every year at Christmas Eve as worship concludes, filling the sanctuary with candlelight. Psalm 114 is a song of freedom, of God’s provision and power and might, of faith leading to the impossible, and of God’s presence. It is a song that reminds us about our relationship with God.

Almost from the moment that Moses returned to Egypt to face Pharaoh, God provided signs of his power and might. The plagues were the first signs – relatively small at first, but growing in power until the culmination with the death of the firstborn. This last plague occurred the night of the first Passover, when Israel was spared and protected by the blood of the lamb. This plague led to Pharaoh releasing the Israelites. As they went, God went with them. God dwelled daily with the people in the pillars of cloud and fire. Israel became God’s dominion.

In verse three we read, “The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams”. These awesome and mighty demonstrations reveal God’s absolute power. The sea, the river, the mountains – the immovable – all behave according to God’s command. Have you ever tried to hold back water, to use your hands to stop a flow or water? It seems through, it finds the smallest cracks, it seems to keep coming from nowhere. And not once, but twice, the people of God walk through on dry ground. God did not just stop most of the water so only their feet got wet or just a little muddy – it was dry ground.

The Psalm reminds us that anything is possible with God. Even the mountains move and tremble at God’s command, at his presence. Thousands of years later, as we reflect on these acts of God, let me remind you that God is the same God. God still remains present in powerful and mighty ways. God still moves the mountains in our lives and continues to stop up the tears of sorrow and pain with his love. God still walks with us through the valleys and up to the mountain top once in a while. This day may we each sing a song of rejoicing and remembering as we bow in the presence of the living and eternal God.

Prayer: Living God, this morning I raise a hallelujah, I whisper a song of praise. My heart is full as I think back to those moments in your presence, to those times when I could tangibly feel you there with me. I exult your holy name as I rest in your love for me. Hallelujah! Amen.


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Perfect Love

Reading: Exodus 14: 19-22

Verses 21-22: “The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground”.

The Passover had been the final miracle before the Israelites packed in haste and fled Egypt. Amidst Egyptian cries of grief and heartbreak the people of God left behind slavery and oppression. Their mighty and powerful God has intervened and freedom lay ahead. After 430 years in Egypt about two million Israelites began a journey to their new home. After just a short time, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and his army heads out to bring the Israelites back. Camped up against the sea, they are filled with fear as Pharaoh’s army approaches.

As we pick up the story today, God acts quickly to protect his people as the pillars of cloud and fire both move between the Israelites and the Egyptians, creating a barrier neither will cross. Moses stretches out his hand and God drives back the waters of the sea. In verses 21 and 22 we read, “The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground”. As the people of God walked through on dry ground, a wall of water stood on either side. Talk about seeing God’s power up close and personal!

This image brings up two things for me. The first is the song “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music. In the bridge they sing, “You split the sea so I could walk right through it, my fears were drowned in perfect love”. It is such a beautiful lyric. The second thing I am reminded of are the many ways that God has acted in powerful and mighty ways in my life and in the lives of people I know. God has a habit of doing what he did that day in the desert – of entering our fear and doubt and worry, of walking with us to a place of safety, and of protecting us as we journey. God’s perfect love does indeed surround us and assured us of his presence. As you consider how and when our powerful God has intervened in your life, please take a moment or two to recall when God has led you through. Rejoice and thank God for his perfect love.

Prayer: Lord God, your power is amazing. Thank you for the times when you have provided a way when I could not see one. Thank you for the times when you led me, even though I did not think I could step forward. Thank you for your abiding and perfect love. Amen.