pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Holy Spirit


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Walk in the Light and Love

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:4-8

1st Thessalonians 5:8 – “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of salvation.”

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As we continue in our Epistle reading, Paul differentiates between the believers and those who live by the ways of the world. Those without faith will be caught off guard, surprised by Christ’s return. But the believers? They won’t be surprised because they will be ready to meet Jesus. They are the “children of the light and the day.” Those who follow Jesus “live in the light.” This light – Jesus – allows them to always be on guard, alert, and clearheaded. They are not to “fall asleep” on their faith. These words of Paul also apply to us and to our walk of faith. These words also reiterate the call we heard last week in the parable of the ten bridesmaids: be prepared, be ready, always have oil for your lamp.

In verse 8 Paul offers these words: “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of salvation.” Paul is beginning to develop his thoughts on the “armor of God.” He will flesh this idea out fully about ten years later in his letter to the Ephesians (see chapter 6.) With these words, Paul emphasizes the importance of faith and love and of our confidence in God. These words invite us to clothe ourselves with Christ – to allow our faith and love to guide us, our words, our actions. They also invite us to allow Christ to protect us and to guard us – especially our minds. This is where those thoughts that lead us into darkness begin to form. If we allow Christ to guard our minds, then we will walk in the light and love of Jesus Christ. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, while we live daily knowing that Jesus Christ will return, the darkness can creep in, slowly. Because of this, our walk in the light can be challenging. We get busy or distracted and then we look out the window of our mind, and that darkness has enveloped us. Lord, guard and protect us. Remind and encourage us. Through your Holy Spirit’s presence, lead us to walk daily in the light and love and hope of Christ. Amen.


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Each Day: Love

Reading: Matthew 25:7-13

Matthew 25:13 – “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”

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Continuing today in the parable of the ten bridesmaids, we see that they react well to the shout that woke them up. All ten bridesmaids tend to their lamps, trimming the wicks and relighting their lamps. The five foolish ones quickly realize their problem. They ask to borrow some oil. Connecting to the final day of judgment, some people will suddenly wake up and realize too late that they never claimed a faith of their own. In that moment, someone else’s faith will not be able to save them.

The five wise bridesmaids will not lend any oil to the foolish ones. In reality, they cannot: the faith that they have is their own. The bridegroom arrives and they follow him, lamps lit, into the wedding feast. The door is shut and locked. Later, the five foolish bridesmaids knock on the door, seeking admission. They even call out, “Lord, Lord…” In response, the Lord says, “Believe me, I don’t know you.” The “oil” that they bought is not true oil. There will be some folks that go to church or do other “religious” things but do not have a personal saving relationship with Jesus.

Stepping out of the parable and talking to his followers – then and now – Jesus says, “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” We must always keep watch for Jesus. We must keep awake, tending to our faith so that we always have “oil” in our “lamps.” We must be alert and attentive to the ways that Jesus becomes present to us in the face of a stranger or in our brothers and sisters in Christ. While we do not know the day or hour, we do know what is required of us as followers of Jesus Christ. Each day, every day, may our love of God and neighbor be revealed in all that we do and say and think.

Prayer: Lord God, when we are tempted to go to sleep on our faith – even for a little nap – stir up our hearts by the power of your Holy Spirit. When we’re tempted by a “next time” or “later” attitude, rattle our awareness of your charge to always love here and now. Help us to always shine your love out into the world. Amen.


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A Witness, Choosing to Serve

Reading: Joshua 24:16-25

Joshua 24:22 – “You are a witness to your own decision,” Joshua said, “You have chosen to serve the Lord.”

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As we continue in Joshua 24, we hear the Israelites answer to Joshua’s question about whom they will serve. Will it be idols or God? Their choice is to serve the Lord. They tell Joshua that they would never abandon God and that they would never serve other gods. Under Joshua’s great leadership and faithful example, the Israelites have been true to God. The Lord has done so much for the people of God. They have seen and experienced it. They will serve the Lord their God.

But in verses 19 and 20, Joshua questions their ability to serve God. He reminds them that God is a “holy and jealous God.” If they sin or rebel, there will be problems. Big problems. The people again declare their commitment to the Lord. In response Joshua says, “You are a witness to your own decision. You have chosen to serve the Lord.” Yes, they have spoken and, yes, they know what they are getting into. They agree again with their commitment. It is then that Joshua asks for a tangible action that tests their commitment.

In verse 23 Joshua says, “All right then, destroy the idols among you.” Joshua does not want the temptation lying on the shelf in the corner cupboard or tucked under the edge of the bed. Out of sight is not good enough. In the same way, our own commitment to the Lord must be all-in, complete, wholehearted. We must be solid in our choice. When we let our idols hang around, when we pretend they are not there, we’re in for big trouble. The desire for recognition and approval, the need to be in control or in charge, the longing for material gain and possessions – we must be quick to destroy these idols. It is the only way to faithfully serve the Lord our God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, it is easy to say that we have chosen you, to say that you are the Lord of our life, to show up on Sunday mornings. That’s the easy part – when the focus is on you. But there are many times and places when the focus shifts away from you. Be with us in the harder places and times, especially when no one else is looking. Use the Holy Spirit to guide our walk, to keep our choice pure and genuine. Alone we cannot remain faithful. Be with us. Thank you. Amen.


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Come and Listen, Trust and See

Reading: Joshua 3:7-17

Joshua 3:9-10 – “Come and listen to what the Lord your God says. Today you will know that the living God is among you.”

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Our reading today begins with God assuring Joshua that God is with him, just as God was with Moses. Because of this promise, Joshua will be a “great leader” too. This assurance is quickly followed by some testing. God instructs Joshua to instruct the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the Jordan River. It is at flood stage. These instructions test both Joshua and the priests. Will Joshua issue this difficult instruction? Will the priests trust that God is with Joshua? What “rivers” might God be asking you to step into or to cross in order to witness to your faith in God?

Joshua calls all the Israelites together, just as Moses had done many times. Joshua says to them, “Come and listen to what the Lord your God says. Today you will know that the living God is among you.” God will be present. God will make a way: clearing their enemies, parting the waters, guiding the people of God forward into a land of abundance. Each tribe is to choose a man to represent their tribe: a leader. As the story continues, after all have crossed over, these men will take a stone from the place that the priests stood in the middle of the river. These stones will be piled up to be a memorial to God’s power and presence. This memorial will be a tangible reminder of this God moment.

When I moved to the church I’m now serving, two good friends gave me a small jade plant. On the pot they wrote, “Bloom where you’re planted!” New things are hard. It was the middle of COVID. Their encouragement helped me to trust into God’s power and presence. That small plant now fills a large rectangular planter. It is a sign of God’s faithfulness. It is a sign of trust. As you step into your “river,” trust that God goes with you. And look for a sign or symbol to take with you as a reminder of God’s power and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, inspire us today to come and listen, to trust and to see that you are good. Open our eyes and hearts to the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Give us the trust to step where you are leading and are already present in power. Amen.


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Exalt the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 99

Psalm 99:5 – “Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!”

The first five verses of Psalm 99 remind us of God’s majesty, power, and greatness. These verses remind us of God’s holiness and of God’s love of justice and all that is right and good. At the end of this section, we too hear the invitation: “Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!” God is definitely worthy of our praise and worship. We bow before the Lord our God in humble awe when we pause to recognize the one who causes the whole earth to quake.

And just when it begins to feel like God is way up there somewhere and we are way down there somewhere, the psalmist reminds us that God is present with us. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel had intimate, personal relationships with God. They cried out. God heard and answered. There is hope for us! Long ago, God spoke through the clouds on mountain tops and through the prophets. God continues to speak through the Holy Spirit within each of us. The prophetic voice has not been lost. It has been multiplied many, many times over. It is within us all.

Verse 8 offers a bit of a reality check. Moses, Aaron, Samuel… also sinned and fell short of the glory of God. God forgave and restored them. We too walk this path, in spite of the Holy Spirit’s best efforts. God continues to forgive and restore. Yes, may we worship and exalt the Lord our God! God is holy. And God is with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are amazing, awesome, wonderful! You deserve all of the glory and praise. All of it! And yet you are right here with us. Your Spirit dwells in us always. Please continue to walk with us, to lift us back up when we fall down. Hold us daily in your love. Amen.


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Practice, Practice, Practice

Reading: Philippians 4:8-9

Philippians 4:8 – “Focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.”

Concluding our Philippians 4 reading for this week, we end with Paul’s guidance on how to “stand firm in the Lord.” It begins with fixing our eyes and our heart on the things that are excellent and admirable, that are life-giving and soul-lifting. These things are the core characteristics of a lived life of faith. In verse 8 Paul calls us to this task: “Focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.” Paul invites us to think about these things always. Doing so, our thoughts will guide our words and our actions.

The core beliefs of our faith are what is true. Salvation, grace, love, mercy, humble service, generosity, one God – core beliefs. All that is holy is the will and way of God. Central and foundational are the great commands: love God and love neighbor. To be just is to live in right relationship with both God and neighbor and to redeem and restore these relationships when they are broken or damaged. To be selfless is to be pure. To not think of our wants but of other’s needs starts with a pure heart. The lovely in our life and in the world are those things touched by God. It is a sunrise and a kind word, a meal shared and a gentle embrace. These and other blessings are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.

To focus our thoughts on what is true, holy, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise and to live these out daily is a tall order. Paul’s guidance: practice. Daily remember what we’ve “learned, received, heard, and saw” from Paul and from Jesus. And then practice, practice, practice these things. And as we practice, practice, practice, the peace of God will be with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us today and every day. Open our ears and hearts to the whispers and nudges of your Holy Spirit. Echo the words and example of Jesus in our hearts and minds. Send us out, thusly equipped and prepared, to be always true, holy, just, pure, and lovely, bringing you all the praise and the glory and honor. Amen.


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An Obligation to Love

Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Romans 13:10 – “Love doesn’t do anything wrong to a neighbor.”

Photo credit: Shane

Our reading in Romans 13 begins with a great line: “Don’t be in debt to anyone, except for the obligation to love.” Paul has been writing about obeying civil law, respecting government authority, and paying your taxes. He segues into a much more important obligation in verse 8 – our obligation to love one another. Obligation is a good word choice. It feels stronger than “call to love” or “invitation to love.” Tapping into their Hebrew roots, Paul adds that loving each other fulfills the Law of Moses. Paul is also channeling his inner Jesus here. Echoing the main point of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18, Paul elevates loving God through loving neighbor as our highest obligation.

In these three passages, Jesus taught the rich young ruler how we are to love God and therefore neighbor. We are to lessen our grip on the things of this world, becoming willing to give freely to others to meet their needs. We can meet needs in many different ways. We can bring a meal or some groceries to an actual neighbor during a hard time. We can spend some time with or give a ride to an elderly person in our community. We can support a child in a far away land or we can give to rescue and relief efforts following a natural disaster. We can teach a Sunday school class or volunteer at a local rescue mission or food bank. These are but a few of the many ways that we can love God and our neighbors.

In verse 10 we read, “Love doesn’t do anything wrong to a neighbor.” On one level Paul is looping back to not committing adultery or murder or… But on another level, this is also about our sins of omission – in this case, those times when we could have met a need and chose not to. When we fail to do good, we are doing harm. May it not be so.

Prayer: Lord God, give us eyes willing to see those with needs – both near and far. Once seeing, open our hands to release what we have. Open our hearts to yield freely what you have blessed us with. And when we are tempted to ignore the obligation to love, may your Holy Spirit shout a little louder and/or nudge us a little harder. Work within our hearts, O God, leading us to love you as we love our neighbors. Amen.


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Moses’ Truths -> Our Truths

Reading: Exodus 3:4-15

Exodus 3:10 – “So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

As we continue in Exodus 3, God sees that Moses has noticed the burning bush. “Moses! Moses!” comes from the bush. Moses engages, “I’m here.” A conversation has begun. God establishes the presence of holiness – “take off your sandals” – and of relationship. God is the God of Moses’ father and is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

After introductions, God gets to the matter at hand. God has heard the cries of God’s people. God has seen the oppression and injustice. God feels the Israelites’ pain. Moses can relate to all of this. After all, this is what led him to kill that Egyptian many years ago. It is why he is hiding out in Midian. God promises a return to the Promised Land, to the Israelites’ home. Then the sudden bombshell: “So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” Moses reacts as we would. Say what? Who, me? Are you sure?

Getting to the most important detail, God says, “I’ll be with you.” It is not by Moses’ power that the people will be freed. No, it is by God’s power alone. “I AM” will be with Moses as he responds to God’s call upon his life. That is all that matters.

So… What is God’s call upon your life? Into what ministry, into whose life, into what situation? While we seldom have “burning bush” moments, God definitely calls, most often through the nudges and whispers of the Holy Spirit. And Moses’ truths are our truths. It is God’s plan. God will go with us. God will equip us for the mission ahead. God’s power will do the heavy lifting. With these truths in mind, may we be willing to hear and accept God’s call upon our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, first, remind us of your faithfulness in the scriptures and in our lives. You call, you show up, you remain present. You equip and lead and guide. Second, help us to trust in these truths and in the things we’ve experienced ourselves. Lastly, lead us into your call, using us to free people from all that entangles them. Amen.


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Redeeming the Lost

Reading: Romans 11:1-2

Romans 11:1a – “So I ask you, has God rejected his people?”

Photo credit: Mitchel Lensink

As we begin two days in Romans 11, we begin with the first two verses. These verses continue Paul’s argument against salvation through the Law. Instead, Paul sees grace as the saving agent. In our two verses today, Paul touches on when God’s people (or us) are not faithful to God. Verse 1 begins, “So I ask you, has God rejected his people?” When I first read this verse, to be honest, my mind said, “Maybe.” I thought of the policies and things done today by those claiming to be Christian, and thought, surely God is at least deeply grieved by this. But upon more reflection, I realized that this has been going on since the actual time of Jesus. In his day it was the Pharisees who used the Law for their own purposes. Later it was those who led and funded the Crusades. There have always been folks who have used “faith” as a weapon.

Paul’s response to his opening question is this: “Absolutely not!” God always remains faithful. Paul offers himself as proof. He is an Israelite through and through – and he loves and follows Jesus. Paul invites us to remember Elijah. He felt like he was the only faithful person left. But the faithful were actually down to a small fragment – 7,000 who had not turned to idols. Through the faithful, God redeemed the lost. God continues to do so today. You and I – we are living examples. Through our sin and failures, God has not rejected us once. Through grace we are redeemed again and again. Like the story of Elijah and God’s faithfulness, our story of grace and redemption has power. Our story can change lives. Who do you know that needs to hear the story of how Jesus changed your life?

Prayer: Lord God, today many worship idols. They aren’t carved of stone or wood but are found in the mirror, parked in driveways, stashed in bank accounts, put forth in social media. These folks are as lost as most in Elijah’s day. So, Lord, use us to turn people to you – some back to you, many encountering you for the first time. Fill our stories with a Holy Spirit power – with the power to change lives. Amen.


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Our Chosen Walk

Reading: Genesis 37:1-4

Genesis 37:4 – “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him.”

Returning to the opening verses of our Genesis 37 passage, we focus today on the larger picture. Overall, the Old Testament is the story of God’s chosen people – the descendants of Abraham, the Israelites, the Jews. Within this story, Joseph is like many others: the chosen among the chosen. Others also suffered at times because of their chosen status: Moses, David, Elijah… Whether an individual or the nation, at times each could relate to verse 4: “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him.” When the people grumbled against Moses, when Saul hunted David like an animal, when Elijah fled into the wilderness, when Edom attacked Israel, when Joseph was sold into slavery or was thrown into prison – the chosen suffered on God’s behalf.

This story line continued into the New Testament. The Christians were singled out, harassed, stoned, beheaded, crucified. It begins in the story with John the Baptist losing his life. Then Jesus suffers the cross. Stephen was the first of many followers to die for their faith in Jesus. This story line has continued down through the ages. The chosen people of God, whether Jew or Christian, are still persecuted, targeted, and even killed for their faith. To be the Father’s favorite can be a hard path to walk – individually and as a nation.

We are invited to walk this path. We’ve chosen to be called a Christian, to live a life of following Jesus’ words and example, picking up a cross at times. Now and then, we will be hated by the world and by people living in the ways of the world. In these moments, may the Holy Spirit give us the strength, faith, and hope to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Prayer: Lord God, “chosen” has always carried a weight with it – whether in faith or in athletics or politics or family. In our chosen walk of faith, O Lord, be close to us in the difficult moments, when that weight becomes a cost. And when we need it, please shoulder some of that weight. Amen.