pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: heart


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Holy and Perfect

Readings: Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30

Exodus 29:45 – “I will be at home among the Israelites, and I will be their God.”

Today’s readings are mostly about the priestly clothing and their ordination into service. Reading these verses led me to reflect on the changes that have occurred around some of our “priestly clothing.” In some denominations today the clergy wear a robe whenever they are “on duty.” In other denominations robes are rarely worn, even in worship. Changes are also reflected in the peoples’ attire too. “Sunday best” also represents a wide spectrum in many of our churches.

In Exodus 28 instructions are given for how to make the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. This uniform is to be worn whenever they are on duty. Instructions are given for the undergarment, the robe, the vest, the chest pendant, the flower ornament, and the turban. There is a strong connection to the twelve tribes of Israel and to the holy role that the priests will play in the life of Israel. We again see great attention to detail and we see meaning and purpose in all that God does.

In Exodus 29 and 30 we mostly read about the instructions for ordination. There is great ritual embedded in this process. This reflects the importance of the priest’s roles. We read about a daily sacrifice too – a “soothing smell,” a gift to the Lord. In our lives and in our faith we are to mirror this idea. We do so in our daily commitment to prayer, Bible study, and holy living. We read about the census and “temple tax.” We mirror this support too – in our gifts to God, both monetary and time/talents. On either side of this we read about the making of the incense altar, the washing basin, and the incense recipes. In even these small items we see detail, purpose, holiness.

In these three chapters we see a focus on being holy and perfect. This is for one purpose: “I will be at home among the Israelites, and I will be their God.” May all that we do and say and think also be ordered and ordained by God so that our heart too is a home for God.

Prayer: Lord God, today the detail of your plans amaze me. They reveal who you are and who Israel needed to be so that you could dwell among them and with them. You call us to live detailed, holy lives too. May it be so. Amen.


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God: Good, Creative, Loving

Readings: Genesis 1, Genesis 2, Genesis 3

Genesis 3:5 – “You will see clearly and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

As we begin our adventure of reading the Bible in a year, we start at the beginning, in the creation story. Genesis 1 is a very familiar passage – day 1 there is light, day 2 the waters are separated, day 3 land is formed and plants are created… Four times we read, “God saw how good it was.” Then, on day 6, God creates humanity “in our image.” Creation is completed and God now says, “it was supremely good.” Humanity completes creation and raises it from good to supremely good. In chapter 1 we find two themes that run throughout the Bible: God is good and God creates or gives life.

Turning to Genesis 2 we read a different creation story. In this account we read that on day 3 God creates a man. Then, on day 6 of the original story, God creates a woman from the man’s rib. Among the rest of creation, a “helper that is perfect” could not be found so once again, God creates. In chapter 2 we experience our first dissonance. Our brain tells us that both stories cannot be “true.” Our brain is right. Here we learn an important thing about the Bible: it is not a book of “how” but is a book of “who” and of “what.” It is not a science or history book. The Bible is a book about our relationship with a good and loving God.

We close today’s reading with chapter 3. This is another very familiar story. The temptation and sin and fall of Adam and Eve represent another recurring theme in the Bible: human arrogance. Adam and Eve believe the snake’s words: “You will see clearly and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” To be like God – it’s too tempting to pass up. They eat and God’s heart is broken. They hide when God comes to walk and talk with them in the garden. God asks, “What have you done?” This certainly won’t be the last time God asks this question. And it won’t be the last time that God works to restore our relationship with God. All we can say is: thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, in love and with purpose, you created our world and you created us. You allowed us the freedom to choose you or other things. Then and now when we choose other things, your love does not fail, you still desire relationship, and you seek to draw us back to you. Thank you for your great love for all of creation, especially for us, O God. Amen.


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God in Jesus -> The Same

Reading: Hebrews 1:1-12

Verse 12: “You remain the same, and your years will never end.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

Today’s text is fitting for this last Sunday and last day in 2023. As we conclude the year, this text reminds us of who and what Jesus Christ is, was, and will be. It reminds us of Jesus’ presence throughout the scriptures and of his place in our lives.

Hebrews begins by recognizing that God spoke through the prophets and has now spoken through Jesus. God incarnate in Christ is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of God’s being.” Jesus was God’s will, way, and heart lived out as a model for us to follow. After dying for our sins, Jesus returned to heaven to sit for a time at the right hand of God. At the end of the passage we are reminded that one day Jesus Christ will return. He will “roll them up” like a robe and “they will be changed” as the new heaven and earth are created. All that we know will be made new. But not Christ: “You remain the same, and your years will never end.”

As we come to the last day of 2023 and look forward to 2024, this truth remains: God in Jesus is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. This is foundational to our faith. With that in mind, let us reflect on how we can change for the better faith wise in 2024. What faith practices are you willing to commit to in 2024? What changes need made to give faith more of a priority? How can 2024 be an even better year for your relationship with Jesus?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to genuinely reflect on our 2023. Lead us to honestly consider our 2024. Form in us a commitment and an obedience to live more faithfully in the coming year. Amen.


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Bringing the Good News

Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

Verse 7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace… who proclaim salvation.”

Photo credit: Gary Butterfield

Our Isaiah 52 passed is viewed through our New Testament lens as a passage about Jesus. These words certainly “fit” Jesus and the ministry that he offered to his world. The good news of Jesus Christ brought peace to the afflicted and troubled. It brought salvation from those things that kept people bound up and outside of community and wholeness. As disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to share this same good news with our world.

In today’s Disciplines devotional Cherisna Jean-Marie writes this: “Peace is a human right that comes only when justice is realized” (page 428.) In the devo she shares many injustices – police brutality and violence, immoral elected officials, the inequity of pay for the same job. I could add hunger and poverty, discrimination, and unequal health care and education to her list. You could probably add to the list too. None of these things are things that Jesus would’ve tolerated.

In our status quo world we mistakenly think peace is the absence of unrest or other disturbance. At school a few years ago some of my classmates and I were walking to get frozen custard. Suddenly sirens blared and tires screeched and two officers jumped out of their car in pursuit of two teenage skateboarders. All but one of us craned our necks to watch the pursuit. A bit later, as we ate our custard, one of the white, middle class students began to push back against the BLM movement prevalent at the time and on campus. To help him and most of us understand, my friend Will shared that while we were craning our necks, his first instinct was to run. Although a straight-A student who had never had a run-in with the police, “run!” was his first instinct. He grew up in the city. My eyes were opened.

This is just one example that helped me to realize that many injustices exist, even though they are outside of my little world. Just because there are currently no major protests in our cities – it doesn’t mean many people’s first instinct isn’t to run. Again, this is just one example of many ways that our world is unjust. Without total justice there can be no true peace. Without justice there is a need for salvation. May we be the hands and feet and voices that bring the good news to all people.

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to the injustices in my neighborhood and community. Help me to see and feel where there is no peace. Move me, O God of justice, to be your voice, your hands, your feet, your heart in bringing about a world where all people experience your salvation and fullness of life. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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Trust in HOPE

2nd Peter 3:12b-15a – “But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace—pure and faultless. Consider the patience of our Lord to be salvation.”

As we continue in the week’s Epistle reading, Peter draws us to the big picture, to the promise and hope that one day Jesus will return. The community of faith has given up their old ways of life and have taken on Christ. This decision for Christ has not always been easy to live out. There is persecution in many places and there is the constant pull of the world. All of this remains true for those seeking to walk faithfully today.

In verse 13 Peter offers these words: “But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth.” Jesus himself said that he would return. That is the promise. But within this promise, it can still be a challenge to live faithfully in the here and now. There are times when our faith is challenged by things outside of our control and there are times when we create the difficulty all on our own. Both are often rooted in sin.

Today is the last day for a local institution that cares for those struggling with the issues of poverty and homelessness. They have long lived and ministered to those that Jesus would call “the least of these.” The forces of this world have once again conspired. The closure is not just or right or holy. Last night a few of us gathered outside the building to remember and share stories and to pray for the future. There was a heaviness that remains on my heart today.

Yet even in grief I can choose to trust in hope. In hope for the salvation that Peter writes of today. In hope for those who will be without come Monday. In hope for those who have failed the vulnerable and powerless. In hope for what God might have in store for our community. I choose to trust in hope because in and through Jesus, one day we will all experience a new heaven and a new earth. There will be no more tears, no more hunger, no more hate. There will be a banquet table where all have a place. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, walk with us who grieve today. Whisper your words of love and hope into our hearts again and again today and again in the hard days to come. Wrap your arms of love around us and keep us in your care. Amen.


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The Glory of the Lord: Love

Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Verse 5: “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Isaiah 40 offers words of comfort to Israel. In the book of Isaiah, chapters 1-39 have detailed God’s case against the leaders and people of God. They have lived in sin. They have been disobedient. They have worshipped idols and foreign gods. The last king boastfully shows off the treasures of his kingdom to some envoys from Babylon. Chapter 39 ends with Isaiah foretelling of the long exile that is soon to come. After this dire prophecy, all hope would be lost.

Many scholars believe that the portion of Isaiah that covers chapters 40-66 was written much later and likely comes from an anonymous prophet writing under Isaiah’s name. Although in our Bibles it seems like the next day as we turn from chapter 39 to chapter 40, we’ve moved from the 8th century BC to the 6th century BC. The exile has happened. Jerusalem and the temple have long laid in ruins. For generations, exile is all they’ve known. Some scholars suggest that God has been silent for these 150 or so years. If all hope was lost at the end of chapter 39, now the people do not even know what hope is.

Now, with that background and context, hear again these words of comfort, these words that promise restoration of Israel. The way will be made by God. “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.” The Lord will “gather the flock” that has long been scattered in exile. The Lord will carry them “close to his heart.” As God speaks again to the people, God speaks words of love. Soon these words will take on flesh and dwell among us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you remind us today of your great love that still overcomes even the greatest sin and still restores even the deepest separation. You continue to dwell with us, offering hope to all who call on your name. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Patiently, Attentively, Actively

Reading: Psalm 80:1-7 and 17-19

Verses 2-3: “Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”

In this week’s Psalm the people of God are waiting to hear from God. The Psalm begins, “Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel.” They have lifted prayers to God and eagerly await God’s response. This is not like that text or email that we send that says, ‘Call me when you get a chance.’ This is lifting a prayer to God and then actively and attentively waiting for a response from God. Devotional writer Willie James Jennings beautifully describes it this way: “It is waiting inside a conversation that is happening inside a life with God.” The prayers of the psalmist and the prayers of the people are words offered within an intimate and personal relationship with the Lord.

At this point, as was the case in Isaiah’s passage yesterday, the Israelites feel or sense separation from God. Their sins have created this feeling. Sin isn’t the only thing to create a feeling of separation. Challenges that life throws at us can also cause these feelings. I think today of my beloved relationships. When I have caused hurt in these, I offer words of apology or healing and then I wait for a response. I don’t offer these words and then go off to do something else. I wait patiently and attentively.

The great plea offered in Psalm 80 comes in verses 2-3: “Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” There are words of restoration and salvation in this plea. There is a hope and a trust that God will respond. These lead to waiting for God’s response, waiting patiently, attentively, actively with an open and obedient heart. In our moments and seasons when we feel separated and in need of restoration and salvation, may we too wait patiently, attentively, and actively.

Prayer: Lord God, I’m waiting here for you. In my distress and in my trial, I come to you seeking guidance and direction, a restoration to wholeness. Pour out your healing power, lay on the balm of your love. I will wait in hope and with trust in you, O God. Amen.