pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: heart


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Trust, Faith… Each Day

Reading: Matthew 6

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters.”

Photo credit: Wesual Click

As Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount he addresses showy religion, prayer, and fasting. To give to the poor or to pray or to fast in ways to be noticed by others – then that recognition will be our only reward. Jesus advises us to do these things in private or in secret. Then our reward will come from God. When we pray, Jesus cautions against “a flow of empty words.” He gives us a simple and humble prayer, one grounded in loving God and neighbor. We know this prayer as “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Jesus then addresses our tendency towards our “treasures.” Today he’d caution us against collecting homes, cars, the latest gadgets, bigger bank accounts… Instead he encourages us to collect treasures in heaven. Some examples of how to do this were given in verses 1-18. In verses 22-24 Jesus connects this struggle into the common Old Testament, Jewish understanding about good/evil, light/dark. In first century Palestine the eye was seen as the window or door to the heart (or soul for us). Jesus clearly believes the best choice is light. He then states, “No one can serve two masters.” God and wealth is the example Jesus gives. While probably the biggest struggle for most of us, there are many other things that we can prioritize over our relationship with God.

Chapter 6 closes with perhaps one of our greatest adversaries in our battle to trust God: worry. We can worry about so many things, big and small. Jesus points to the birds and lilies – examples of parts of creation that God cares wonderfully for. He points out that we are worth much more than these to God. We are told to “desire first and foremost God’s kingdom.” Keep God #1 in your life, Jesus says, and “all these things” will be given to you by God as well. Jesus concludes, “Stop worrying about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Trust God each day, believing that our “daily bread” will come from our God who loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a simple faith, to a day by day walk with you. To focus on the day, to live each moment, we have a chance to notice the opportunities and ways you call us to love completely. To stay in the moment, it focuses our heart on you and in your presence in our lives each day. Help us to live a simple and honest faith today, O God. Amen.


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Complete Love

Reading: Matthew 5

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

Chapter 5 begins with nine statements known as the Beatitudes. In these phrases Jesus describes those who are happy or blessed. The hopeless become happy because they find hope in God’s kingdom. The humble become happy because they know God’s presence. The disciples who are insulted or harassed because of their faith become happy when they realize their “great reward” in heaven. All nine statements frame a happy or blessed life in the context of faith and trust in God and in God’s plans for one’s life.

Jesus then reminds his disciples that they are to be salt and light. These things are no good if hidden or lost. They are to be lived out, to be shared with the world. In doing so, others will see the good we do and will praise God.

The balance of chapter 5 deals with the Law. Jesus begins in verse 17 by stating that he came not to do away with the Law but to fulfill it. To keep and teach these commands, Jesus says, will lead to being called great in the kingdom of heaven. Each teaching is framed in “You have heard it said… But I say to you…” language. In each case Jesus goes deeper or beyond the minimal following of the letter of the Law. He is getting at the matters of our hearts.

Don’t murder, they say. Jesus says don’t get angry and don’t use harsh words. Don’t commit adultery, they say. Jesus says don’t even look lustfully at another. An eye for an eye, they say. Jesus says, no, give them what they want or demand plus give some more. Love your neighbor, they say. Jesus says, yes, but love your enemies too. And pray for them! Verse 48 serves as a summary verse: “Just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.” May it ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, with you we are truly happy and blessed – not because all things are rosy and good but because you are with us in all things. This too is our model. You call us to flavor the world with love, mercy, kindness. You call us to bring light into dark valleys and shadowy places. You call us to an exemplary walk, one that causes others to take notice of our unconditional love for all people. Lead and guide us to live completely and fully, just as you love us. Amen.


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“I Do Not Change”

Reading: Malachi 3-4

Malachi 3:10b – “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

Today we close out the Old Testament as we read Malachi 3 and 4. Some of the words today point to the Messiah. Chapter 3 begins with a prophecy about a messenger that will come to “clear the path.” Then suddenly the Lord will be in the temple. How Simeon and Anna rejoice on that day! This covenant Messiah will be like a refiner and cleaner. The priests will be purified. He will testify against the sorcerers, adulterers, cheaters, oppressors. He will call out those who ignore the foreigners in their midst and those who do not really revere God. The section closes with this declaration: “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Jesus will be God in the flesh – no more, no less.

Beginning in verse 7 we return to the disputes between God and Israel. God invites them to return to God. They ask, “How?” God tells them step 1 is to return to giving the full tithe. This is a step of faith and trust, as it is for us today. God challenges them (and us), saying, “Put me to the test.” Step up and see what happens. Continuing, God proclaims, “See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.”

The next dispute centered on harsh things being said about God. They think serving God is useless. As evidence they point to the evil people who are prospering. They “test God and escape.” Instead of responding directly, God turns to the righteous few. They revere God. They drew close to God. They will be God’s “special possession” when God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. The arrogant and evil will burn like straw on that day. The “sun of righteousness” will rise on the faithful, bringing healing in its wings.

The book ends with God declaring, “Look, I am sending Elijah.” The second Elijah will come to clear the path before the “great and terrifying day of the Lord.” God invites Israel to turn the hearts of parents and children to one another. This will avoid the curse and will prepare them for the refining arrival of the Lord. We dive into that tomorrow as we begin our journey through the New Testament.

Prayer: Lord God, you do not change. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your heart for the least flowed throughout the Hebrew scriptures. Sometimes this was for your people. And sometimes it was for “the other.” In Jesus, your heart for the least and the other was revealed as he loved such as these. You invite us to be your heart, to be Jesus’ heart, to love the least. May it be so. Amen.


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Trust and Honor the Lord

Reading: Malachi 1-2

Malachi 2:8 – “But you have turned from the path. You have caused many to stumble… You have corrupted the covenant of Levi.”

Photo credit: Daniel Hooper

Throughout Malachi we hear a call to holiness. The people’s holiness should be reflected in all areas of their lives: in worship practices, in service, in marriage, in interactions with one another. Unfortunately, God’s people are far from holy. So Malachi calls for repentance, for changed hearts.

Chapter 1 begins with the people questioning God’s love for them. They are struggling along while neighbor Edom is doing well. God reminds them that God chose Jacob, not Esau. In turn, God asks them, “Where is my honor?” The priests despise God, accepting blind, lame, and sick animals for the sacrifices. God takes no delight in this and goes so far as to suggest closing the temple doors. “Nevertheless” God says, God’s name will be honored among the nations. Just not at home. God will curse those who bring impure offerings when there are healthy males in the flock. This conversation with God makes me wonder: when do we bring impure or less than our best as offerings to the Lord our God?

Chapter 2 begins by addressing the priests. God threatens a curse on them. Then maybe the covenant with Levi will be honored. To live within the covenant is life and peace. There would be true instruction on their lips. If only. God declares, “But you have turned from the path. You have caused many to stumble… You have corrupted the covenant of Levi.” We too are called to hold one another accountable, to help one another to walk daily in faith. How are we doing with this calling or charge?

Turning to the people, God asks, “Isn’t there one father?” God is reminding them that they’re one family. God then asks why they all cheat each another. God uses their marriages to foreign wives as an example. The men are breaking the covenant with their wives. God tells them to cover the altar with “tears, weeping, and groaning” – signs of repentance. This chapter closes with a declaration that God is tired of the people’s words. The people are questioning God’s goodness and justice. This is something that we continue to do. May we instead choose to trust and Honor the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to call us today to holiness in all of life. You desire pure hearts that seek to be your light and love, your grace and kindness in the world. When temptations arise, when we become half-hearted, send your Holy Spirit to revive us, to strengthen our faith. Empower us to walk your path. Amen.


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Are Any Unworthy?

Reading: Jonah 3-4

Jonah 3:5 – “They proclaimed a fast and put on mourning clothes, from the greatest of them to the least significant.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

God tells Jonah a second time, “Go to Nineveh.” Deposited on the nearby shore, he gets up and goes. Jonah proclaims, “Just forty days and Nineveh will be overthrow.” This simple warning moves people’s hearts. Here is their response: “They proclaimed a fast and put on mourning clothes, from the greatest of them to the least significant.” This is step one towards a repentant heart. Words get to the king and he proclaims the next steps: call on God, change your ways. When conviction came upon their hearts, all of Nineveh responded immediately. Conviction can come quickly up on our hearts too.

God sees their changed hearts and decides not to destroy Nineveh. Jonah is deeply angered, thinking this “utterly wrong.” He says this is why he ran. Jonah recognizes God as “merciful… compassionate… very patient, full of love, and willing not to destroy.” Jonah would rather die than see God save his enemy. He exits the city and plops down to see what happens, ignoring God’s question: “Is your anger a good thing?” God sends Jonah some shade. He is very happy about this mercy. Then God takes away his shade, provoking his anger and renewing his wish to die. Again God asks him, “Is your anger… a good thing?” Jonah believes it is good – “even to the point of death.”

God invites Jonah to consider God’s mercy, compassion… Jonah was grateful for the mercy that came in the shade. God asks, “Can’t I pity Nineveh?” They are a people that don’t really know any better. The story ends here, inviting us to consider ways that we want to limit God’s mercy, grace, compassion, forgiveness… Jonah’s hard heart calls us to reflect upon the condition of our own heart, especially as it regards to those who we might feel utterly unworthy of God’s (and our) forgiveness and grace.

Prayer: Lord God, the story ends in an uncomfortable place for Jonah and for us. Your love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness for the repentant is amazing. We can be less free with these things at certain times, with certain people. Lord, open our hearts to the vastness of your love and mercy and grace. It truly is for all people. Amen.


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When We Choose

Reading: Obadiah

Verse 15 – “As you have done, so it will be done to you.”

Obadiah condemns Edom for its attitude and for its behavior. The nation of Edom is proud. It rejoices when its ‘neighbor’ is defeated. They choose to then join in the plundering and violence. Edom kills those who escaped Babylon’s swords and they sell the refugees as slaves. There is much for God to condemn and judge concerning Edom and their choices.

There is a long history between Edom and Judah/Israel. These peoples are descended from Jacob and Esau. In real life there was great tension between these twin brothers. That tension persisted down through time. Perhaps today we’d say there is ‘bad blood’ between these two nations. Today, when one side or the other suffers or falls or experiences some defeat, there is often rejoicing on the other side. When long held animosity and tension lie just beneath the surface, that can flow out and lead to things like Edom did to Judah.

This same reality, this same scenario also scales down. We see it between the police and inner city residents. We see it between gangs who compete to thrive upon people’s weaknesses. We see it between neighbors and family members who refuse to even speak to one another. We see the tension there, just beneath the surface, always there. Then, at times, it rises up, it erupts, it shows its ugliness. Such was the case with Edom when Judah fell to the mighty Babylonians.

God declares to Edom, “As you have done, so it will be done to you.” About 750 years later a relative of God’s would share this same sentiment. He encouraged those who saw each other as less than to choose love over hate, empathy over apathy, compassion over condemnation, welcome instead of exclusion. Funny thing is this: when we choose love, empathy, compassion, welcome, grace, forgiveness… it is also said: “As you have done, so it will be done to you.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be hard to choose not to celebrate when a rival loses, to not rejoice when an ‘enemy’ falls. It can even be tempting to join in, to pile on, to release those old, bad feelings. These are the ways of the world. This is not your way. As your children and as your examples in this world, use us to choose the better way, to speak and act and think in ways that reveal your heart for all people. Amen.


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You Will Know

Reading: Joel 1-3

Joel 2:27 – “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In three chapters Joel packs a ton into his prophetic message. He follows the normal pattern: devastation, cry out, repent, deliverance. Joel is a bit unique in the fact that Israel’s sin isn’t included. That usually leads to the ‘devastation’ part of the cycle. Joel begins with an invading army. Locusts? Assyria? Babylon? We’re not 100% sure if it’s real or metaphor as Joel is really hard to date. He does not include kings or names that can be tied to a specific point in Israel’s history. The effects of whichever army are all the same: starvation, death, suffering, grief. Even the earth and creatures of the earth mourn, so great is the fire that burns before and after the army’s invasion. People shake in fear as the army rushes upon the city and into their homes.

Yet… there’s that word! Yet, even now, says Joel, God invites us to return to God with all of our hearts, to weep and fast and mourn. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over what we’ve done. Yes, weep, fast, and mourn over the consequences of that sin. Do so because God is compassionate, merciful, very patient, full of love, and ready to forgive. So, cry out to God! Who knows? God does. God brings renewal and restoration to a repentant Israel: corn, wine, oil… green pastures and fruitful trees. An early rain will be a “sign of righteousness” that will pour out abundance on them. And then the Lord declares, “You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God — no other exists.” Is this because of these physical blessings or is it because of what God promised next?

In verses 28-29 God proclaims that the Spirit will be poured out on all people – sons and daughters, young and old, slaves. All people will receive the gift of the Spirit. All barriers will be broken down. Then Joel turns to the coming day of the Lord. This day will bring darkness but all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. The darkness comes as God gathers and judges the nations. Through Joel, God condemns a variety of offenses against God’s people. Crowd after crowd will come before the Lord. But God will be a refuge for the faithful. Jerusalem will be holy and a spring will come forth from God’s house. The new Judah and Jerusalem will be forgiven. It will be inhabited forever. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what good and great plans you have for those who love you. Yes, the storms of life will come, drawing us closer to you. Yes, times of separation will come as we choose self over you. Even then, you work to renew our relationship, to restore our connection. You remain ever ready to forgive. You continue to declare that you are our God. Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional love. Amen.


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Our Truth Too

Reading: Hosea 11-14

Hosea 14:7 – “They will again live beneath my shadow, they will flourish like a garden; they will blossom like the vine.”

Hosea closes with hope. There are still moments where God recognizes and is angered by Israel’s sin, but words of hope dominate our reading today. This is the truth of our lives too. We are sinful by nature. God is merciful, loving, and forgiving by nature. We walk with hope because God’s love is greater than our sin.

Chapter 11 begins with parent-child imagery. God recalls raising Israel, as a loving parent. But Israel turned away, as most children do at some point. So they will return to Assyria and Egypt. Tough love will reign. Yet love will abide. God will gather the children home one day.

Charges come in chapter 12. Israel multiplies lies and violence, makes treaties with Assyria and Egypt. God recalls Jacob, the younger brother. God recalls wrestling with Jacob at Bethel, where Jacob came to truly know God. God calls Israel back to that relationship. But Ephraim is too proud. They thought themselves sinless. This is a bitter offense to God. We too do this to God when we become proud, when we think ourselves righteous.

Their pride and self-sufficiency was also compounded by their idolatry. Israel turned to these metal images. They are reminded that God alone can save. This will be reinforced when God falls upon them like a lion. God will come in the east wind, making Samaria desolate. Even the babies and pregnant women will fall before the Assyrians.

Hope rises again in chapter 14. God implores Israel to return and even gives them the words to speak: “Forgive all wickedness and receive the good.” God responds with promises to heal and love, to plant and raise up, to protect and provide: “They will again live beneath my shadow, they will flourish like a garden; they will blossom like the vine.” What a beautiful picture of grace and restoration, of wholeness and life. This picture can be ours too. This truth is our truth. Sinful as we are, sin will never define us. God always offers this gift of grace and restoration, of wholeness and life. With repentant hearts and a faithful Spirit, may we step into the truth of God’s love.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to walk daily and to trust eternally into your promises of love and grace, of forgiveness and restoration. You are our God, the only one who can save. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Live Amongst Us

Reading: Ezekiel 38-43

Ezekiel 38:23 – “I will display my greatness, show my holiness, and make myself known in the sight of many nations.”

Chapters 38-39 deal with Gog, a representation of the evil empires. Coming from the north, Gog could represent Nebuchadnezzar. Gog gathers many nations to his side. This mighty army comes to Israel, intent on conquering and looting God’s children. God’s anger is aroused and God unleashes nature on them, followed by turning their swords upon one another. God calls on the birds and animals of prey to feast on the horde’s bodies. So vast was the army, it took Israel seven years to bury the bodies. In the end God promises to pour out “my Spirit” upon Israel. With this Spirit within them, God will never again hide God’s face.

Chapters 40-42 contain the first part of Ezekiel’s temple vision. He is told to pay close attention so he can tell all to Israel. The temple described has some commonalities with Solomon’s temple, but much is different. While a temple will be rebuilt, this temple is never realized in the Bible. Ezekiel’s temple compound is 750 feet by 750 feet. It has three gates, courtyards, chambers, holy places and equipment. The Zadokite clan is set apart as the only Levites to “draw near” to God – to offer sacrifices on the altar. The temple is adorned with winged creatures and palm trees. There are holy chambers, places to store holy things.

The temple is at the center of God’s restoration of Israel, both physically and spiritually. It is a part of the sanctifying process, making Israel into the holy people of God. For Ezekiel and his audience, the temple represented God’s presence with the people. These words and vision bring hope and encouragement to the people living in exile. God longed to live amongst the people of God. God still longs to live amongst us today. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, your power and might extend over all things: over Gog and his allies, over today’s idols and temptations, over our selfish hearts. Ezekiel’s temple vision reflects your power and might. But it is still just a building. Just as your presence will fill this visionary temple, fill our hearts with your indwelling spirit, transforming our lives and our hearts. Amen.


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Ends with Hope

Reading: Ezekiel 6-11

Ezekiel 11:19a – “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.”

Chapter 6 addresses the consequences of Judah’s idolatry outside the temple. God will slay most of these idol worshippers. Some will escape and go into exile. God was “crushed” by the people’s “roving hearts.” They will fall by sword, famine, and plague. Chapter 7 continues this story line. God will judge Judah according to her ways. God won’t shed a tear, won’t show any pity. Those outside Jerusalem will die by the sword. Those inside will die by plague and famine. “Violent intruders” will defile the temple. Then Judah “will know that I am the Lord,” declares God.

Chapters 8-11 contain Ezekiel’s “Temple Vision.” God’s glory is in the temple as his virtual tour begins. Ezekiel is shown “terribly detestable practices” – a huge idol, 70 elders worshipping engravings on the wall, women worshipping a Babylonian god, men bowing to the sun. God then calls the “guardians of the city.” One of the six, the one in linen, is sent out to mark the foreheads of the faithful. The others follow along behind, killing all without the mark. They begin in the sanctuary and move outward from there. Ezekiel questions the depth of the violence. God is holding them accountable.

The guardian in linen is then sent out with fire from the temple chariot. He scatters fire about, burning down the city. The chariot rises up and moves to the threshold of the temple. God’s glory is on the chariot throne. There is a final confrontation with some evil and wicked men. God declares that they will die by the sword. And then God offers hope.

The exiles will be gathered back. God says, “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.” Israel will be obedient. God will be their God. Then the chariot leaves, flying east towards Babylon. The vision ends and Ezekiel tells the exiles all that God has shown him. The story ends with hope. Our story does too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are almighty and all-powerful. You are just and righteous. Just as you held Judah accountable, so too do you hold us accountable. So God, create in each of us a single heart, a heart fully aligned with you. Pour your Spirit into our hearts, leading and guiding us to walk faithfully with you. Be our God. Make us into your people. Amen.