pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: holy


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Aligned

Reading: Exodus 33:17-23

Verse 17: “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

Today we continue in the conversation between God and Moses that we began on Monday. Just a quick review – in verses 12-16 Moses seeks for God’s presence to be with him and with the Israelites. Today God responds, saying, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” There are two pieces that drive God’s positive response. First, God is pleased with Moses. Although far from perfect – like us – Moses has sought out and grown in his personal relationship with God. In this process, Moses has revealed himself to God. This is the second reason that God agrees to share God’s presence with Moses and with the people. Who and what Moses is and does is pleasing to God. It opens the door for God to be more present in his life.

Moses next asks for even more of this presence. Presumably Moses is in the “tent of meeting” talking to God. Moses wants more. He wants to see God’s glory. He is asking to see God live and in person. God responds positively again. God will allow Moses to see as much of God as is humanly possible. This response is first because Moses asked and, second, because Moses is pleasing to and known by God.

The first question that comes to mind today is this: Do I want to see God’s glory? And, if so, two more questions: Is my life pleasing to God? And, am I fully known by God? God is all-knowing. So the last question is more a question of whether or not I am revealing myself to God humbly and honestly?

Heart and will aligned with God, may we see God’s glory.

Prayer: Lord God, I say I want to know you and to be known by you. Lord, move me from these easy words to tangible action. Work in me, Holy Spirit, to bring me closer to God, to stand more fully in the divine and holy presence. There, empty me of myself and then fill me up with God’s glorious presence. From there, use me to reflect God’s glory out into the world. Amen.


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Newsworthy

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1:4-10

Verse 8: “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.”

Photo credit: Vanilla Bear Films

Continuing in our Epistle text for this week, Paul recognizes that the Thessalonians have been chosen by God. The gift of the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction by which they live their faith is the proof that God has indeed chosen them. His words alone do not have that power. It is the power that comes through the Holy Spirit of God that changes hearts and lives.

Paul then commends them for becoming “imitators of us and of the Lord.” They lived out their faith joyfully just as Paul, Silas, and Timothy has: boldly even in the face of suffering. These disciples and this church were being Jesus to the world. They were sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. They model for us what it looks like to follow Jesus. Because of this, Paul is able to write, “Your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Wow!

Paul sees that their faith has “rung out” far and wide. What would it look like for your faith to “ring out?” How could your church engage the world in such a way that the church’s witness “rings out” in the community? This is what happens when we joyfully live out our faith and when we boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Our faith really can impact our world. It should impact our world.

For the church in Thessalonica, their faith was told of by others far and wide. Stories of turning from idols and of living for Christ were newsworthy. This is the end result of “work produced by faith… labor prompted by love… endurance inspired by hope.” May it be so for us.

Prayer: Lord God, enable and empower us and our churches, leading and guiding us to make your name known. Through our joy and through our boldness, may others come to experience the power of your Holy Spirit at work in their lives. May this be the witness that the Lord receives. Amen.


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Sing a New Song

Reading: Psalm 149

Verse 1: “Sing to the Lord a new song.”

God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are the same then, now, and forever. The scriptures have existed in their present format for almost 2,000 years. When we read today, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” is the psalmist still speaking to us today?

Music has always been a part of the worship of God. Even before the Psalms were written and sung, God’s people were expressing their faith through music and song. The Psalms run the gamut of expression – from the laments to heartfelt prayers to the celebration of God’s presence and activity among the people of God. The tradition of proclaiming our faith has continued throughout the history of the church. Music – be they hymns or gospels or contemporary praise songs – it all teaches theology and offers shared experiences of our encounters with God through sung expression. When each of these works were written and shared, they were a “new song” to the Lord.

These new songs run the gamut of the Psalms. Many address what we Methodists call “social justice” and “social holiness.” Music centered on love and peace, hope and justice calls us and society to a better world, to a holier way of living and of treating one another. Some of the voices come from the edges, adding to this rich mix of music, expressing the pain of being ignored or shunned or marginalized, sharing the hope of truly being a part of the family of God. Through these new songs we can become more aware of and engaged with the needs of our day. These new songs are evidence of God’s Spirit at work. They are invitations to be a part of God’s growing kingdom here on earth. As people of God and as people of love, peace, hope, and justice, may we too sing these songs.

Prayer: Lord God, continue to bring to our ears the cries for justice and equality and fairness. Guide this music and these cries to trickle down to our hearts, moving us to be people who invite all into the circle of your family. Lead us to speak out and even to fight when it is needed to welcome others into the family of God. You created us all. You love us all. Amen.


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Words of Life

Reading: Jeremiah 15:15-21

Verse 19c: “Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.”

Chapter 15 begins as a dual lament. God laments the disobedience and hard hearts of the people. Jeremiah laments where he finds himself – cursed and rejected, abused and alone. This leads him to wonder if God even cares. Our passage today begins with Jeremiah asking for God’s care – via revenge on his enemies. That’s a snapshot into his current emotional state. He laments how taking in and proclaiming God’s word has led him to being an outcast. He asks God why his pain – both physical and emotional – is unending. And then he questions God’s reliability, equating God to “a spring that fails.” His pity party has him spiraling deeper and deeper.

God takes no offense. God understands how hard it is to speak truth to a people bent on evil. God understands how frustrating it is to offer true and abundant life to a people refusing these gifts to chase after the things of this world. God understands because God has been here before and because God is once again torn up about the people’s choices. In grace, God invites Jeremiah back to the task, back to right relationship, back to speaking “worthy” words, back to holy living. This is a great challenge to Jeremiah, to live in the world but not of it. We too wrestle with this challenge.

Much of life is spent living in the world. We too are called to a holy life. God promises to be with us too, to “rescue and save you.” In those moments of doubt and questioning, may we recall these words of truth: “Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.” We know the words of life. We know God is with us. May we ever stand upon these truths.

Prayer: Lord God, when the steps are hard, whisper your words of love. When the temptation to lessen who I am to fit in or to avoid conflict arises, whisper your truths. Strengthen and encourage me for all that living in this world brings. Amen.


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Holy Ground

Reading: Exodus 3:1-9

Verse 5: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Moses is living in a foreign land. He is an exile. Something is stirring in Moses so he travels with his flock to a place known for God’s presence. Moses is definitely not the first person to go to Mount Horeb. At times perhaps this has happened to you. Maybe that unease drove you to delve into the Bible. Maybe that unsettling circumstance brought you to a place of prayer – perhaps the sanctuary or chapel at your church. Or maybe it was a special place at the beach, in the woods…

When he arrives, Moses is alert, seeking, and probably a bit anxious. How and where will God show up? What will be the outcome of this encounter? It feels like Moses expects God to show up. In those times and places that I have earnestly sought God, the presence has come. Has that been your experience too?

God uses a burning bush to draw Moses closer. It is burning but not being consumed. God calls out to Moses. Here is his response: “Here I am.” There is purpose in these words – I came seeking you, you showed up, here I am. I love God’s first instruction: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Yes, Moses, God is here to meet you. But God is still God. This is holy ground.

God speaks to Moses about connection: “I am the God of your father…” God speaks about relationship: “I have indeed seen the misery… heard them crying.” And then God speaks of mission: “So now go. I am sending you…” And if we read on a bit further, as Moses questions and frets, we meet the God who goes with us: “I will be with you.”

As we seek God, may we seek the God who met Moses. As we enter that holy or sacred place, may we expect God to meet us there, to connect with us personally, to understand the need, and to go with us as we are sent out to minister to others. May it be so.

Prayer: God, may we enter these sacred and holy places and spaces confident of your arrival. As we seek you out, may you be found. Give us the courage and strength not only to seek you, but to leave these encounters with willing hands and hearts. Amen.


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Keys

Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

Verse 19: “I’ll give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

Photo credit: Nerene Grobler

Jesus pauses to get a pulse on how things are going. He asks the disciples who people say he is. The response provides a pretty impressive list of prophets. Jesus has a good amount of respect from the general population. Then he turns to the 12, to his inner circle, to the ones who have been with him practically 24/7 for almost 3 years. He says, “What about you? Who do you say I am?” This is a personal question.

Simon answers first, declaring Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus recognizes that the Spirit has given him this answer and because of this he says that Peter is blessed. Continuing Jesus renames Simon to Peter, which translates “rock.” He then identifies Peter as the one upon whom Jesus will build his church. Peter will be the leader of the early church.

And then Jesus says, “I’ll give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Keys represent access to knowledge. Peter – and all others who come to call on Jesus as Messiah and Lord – will receive all the knowledge necessary to bind or set free from bondage those struggling with or trapped in sin. Just as the Spirit revealed Jesus’ true identity to Peter, so too will the Holy Spirit reveal the words and actions needed to bring others to Christ, the one who sets us free from our sins. With a holy confidence may we witness to this good news!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for all who have poured into me, building up my faith and my knowledge of you. Thank you for those that continue to do so, including the Holy Spirit. Continue to fill me. Continue to use me to share the good news with a world in need of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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God Will Deliver

Reading: Exodus 1:8-22

Verse 11: “They put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor.”

Time in Egypt rolls on. Joseph, his brothers, and all of their generation passes on. A new ruler comes to power. There is no connection to Joseph or his family or his people. All the new leader knows is that the Israelites are growing in number. Fear rises up. The Egyptians enslave the Israelites. In verse 11 we read, “They put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor.” But the more they worked them, the more the Israelites grew in number. The labor ramped up and “made their lives bitter.” The Pharaoh then tries to force the midwives to kill the baby boys. God guides them. The Israelites increase in number. A new law is passed as fear continues to rise. Even through this, God will deliver God’s people.

At times we can experience negative attention. It can be because of our faith or simply because of how we act. Both can be seen as a threat to the powers that be or to people we know. Other times our faith calls us to stand up for someone or to call out an injustice. These actions will surely draw fire as well. In these moments, God’s presence remains with us. The Spirit leads and guides us; it gives us courage and the words to speak. In Spirit, God walks with us. If we, like the people of God in Egypt, choose to trust into God’s plan, then the Lord will deliver us again and again. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord, in this life you said we would find trouble. Our faith – when lived out loud in the world – it will draw fire. You promise to always be with us, to never forsake us. You’ve walked a long, long time with your children. Continue to walk with us. Amen.


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Opportunities, Servants

Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

Verse 19c: “Then Jesus gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

Today we return to the feeding of the 5,000. Yesterday we looked at how we often have a scarcity mentality. We avoid or we dismiss the opportunity to serve that God places before us either because we don’t think that we’re enough or because we don’t think that we have enough. Today, let’s focus on the power of Jesus Christ and on the potential results of trusting into that power.

Disregarding the realities that the disciples saw – a meager meal for 5,000+ people – Jesus instead sees the possibilities. He has the people sit down. This is the first sign of something happening. He does just the opposite of the disciples’ request to send them away. Sit and stay a while. Sit and be in community. It is Jesus’ abundance versus the disciples’ scarcity. Then Jesus looks to heaven and blesses the food. Jesus knows the source of true and life-changing power. He breaks the loaves. Maybe a half for 10 of the disciples? Maybe the other 2 get the fish?

“Then Jesus gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” Jesus includes those who doubted, those who just wanted the people to go away. Jesus empowers the 12 to be a part of the miraculous feeding. Imagine what it would’ve been like to go to group after group, handing out bread and more bread (or fish), and never running out. Imagine how the awe of Jesus’ power grew as the disciples continued to hand out food.

God will give us opportunities, maybe even today. And Jesus will be present, the Holy Spirit empowering us. May we take what we have – what Jesus Christ has given us – and may we be willing servants in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, the opportunities will be there. Jesus in Spirit is always there. Lead me to trust in your guidance and in your provision. Through me may others experience the power of your love. Amen.


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In All Things

Reading: Romans 8:26-30

Verse 28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love God.”

Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Today and tomorrow we focus on the last portion. We open today’s verses with a great reminder that we have an advocate. Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak by praying for us. These are not just random prayers. No, the Spirit searches our hearts and prays for exactly what we need. These prayers are awesome in two main ways. First, the Spirit prays for us according to God’s will. Second, this Spirit is the very Spirit of Christ – the one who walked among us, the one who knows our trials and struggles and temptations personally. We have a great team on our side!

In verse 28 we read, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love God.” We first note that Paul says, “in all things.” God does not cause all things. Yes, God designed the world and it operates according to God’s design. Death and disease and sin and poor choices are part of this world, and are part of “life.” God does not scheme and orchestrate, causing bad or difficult things to happen so that God can swoop in. Yes, our loving God will work through and in all that life can throw at us if we invite God in and if we seek God’s presence.

God designed us in “the likeness of God’s Son.” We are to be like Christ, the one who fully trusted in God. So in all things may we too turn to God, walking and living as Jesus Christ walked and lived, one day also rising to glory.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the intercessions and guidance. Help me to listen better and to follow closer, seeking to be a part of living out your good will for me. Amen.


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Shine!

Reading: Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43

Verse 43: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

This week’s parable speaks of something we know all too well: evil is all around us. It is there in the world in general and it is right there close to us. When close by the evil can sap our spirits and when closer still it can adversely affect our walk of faith.

In the parable, those who follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are the wheat. Followers of Christ live as goodness and love in the world, seeking to ‘shine’ Christ within our hearts out to the world, producing a harvest of righteousness. On the more personal level, it can be challenging to live faithfully amongst the weeds. Our lives can be impacted by the actions of evil people and we can become discouraged and can even question God’s love in really hard times. We can also allow those weeds to take root in our hearts. Temptation can grow into sin and we can become the cause of hardship or discouragement and questioning for others. Thankfully evil and sin do not have to be permanent choices. We can again find hope in our faith as we delve into the word of God. We can repent and turn from sinful choices.

Jesus provides us with a great reminder of our hope at the end of our passage. There will be a day of judgement. All evil will be rooted out, gathered up, and burned in the fire. Those who are faithful will be a part of the new heaven and earth. Rejoice! “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit guard my life and faith from the weeds within and without. In such quick ways I can slip into evil thoughts and at times these lead to hurtful or harmful words or actions. When these evils begin to take root, purge them with the Holy Spirit’s righteous fire. Empower my faith for the battles ahead. Lead me and use me to shine like the sun each day. Amen.