pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: holy


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In Every Way

Reading: Romans 11-13

Romans 12:1 – “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

In chapter 11 Paul addresses God’s people – both the Jews who still reject Jesus and the Gentiles who’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul argues that God has not rejected Israel. A remnant remains. They’ve not fallen permanently. In fact, Paul has intentionally been so public about his ministry because he hopes to “make my own people jealous and save some of them.” Paul also warns the saved Gentiles about bragging about their grafted in status. It is the root (God) that sustains them – not the other way around. In the end, Paul believes “Israel will be saved.”

In chapter 12 Paul begins to address behavior. In verse 1 he writes, “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.” Constantly give self up in surrender to God’s will and way (not to the world’s) and one will become “good and pleasing and mature.” As we do so we live more and more as one unified body, each playing a vital and necessary role. Paul lists prophesying, serving, teaching, and encouraging as some roles. He then elevates love, evangelism, hope, prayer, empathy, and equality as marks of faith. Paul warns against arrogance, revenge, and other evil actions. These are those “patterns of the world.”

Paul addresses our civic responsibilities at the start of chapter 13. Live well under the authority of the government because they have been “put in place by God.” Pay your taxes and don’t be in debt to anyone. And love really well. Paul reminds us that all the commands are summed up in the one to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Our reading closes with a great reminder. Salvation is closer now than ever. So, “Dress yourself with the Lord Jesus” – be like Christ in every way. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our place in your family. Encourage us to see the family as an ever-growing family, as one that seeks to graft in all people. As we walk in faith day by day, nurture us and guide us into a more and more mature faith. Above all, may we love without limit, helping others into the path of salvation and life. Amen.


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Not Even My Life

Reading: Acts 18-20

Acts 20:24 – “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.”

Moving on to Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, two believers forced out of Rome when Emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews. In Corinth, Paul teaches first in the synagogue on each Sabbath. Once Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul preaches daily. This leads to Jewish opposition which leads Paul to teaching only the Gentiles. Many come to believe in Jesus Christ. In a vision God encourages Paul to keep speaking, assuring him of God’s protection. This is evident as the Jews unite and drag Paul before Governor Gallio. He summarily dismisses them.

Paul leaves Corinth and works his way to Ephesus, preaching along the way. Apollos has been successfully teaching about Jesus in Ephesus. He meets Priscilla and Aquila, who teach him more about Jesus. They send him on to Achaia with their blessing. When Paul arrives he educates the new believers about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which they receive. Paul teaches first in the synagogue, until opposition arises. He shifts again to the Gentiles, teaching for two years in a lecture hall. The power of God at work is evident in amazing ways – towels and aprons touched by Paul bring healing to people.

We also read of a “great disturbance” stirred up by Demetrius. Paul’s work is threatening their livelihood and their god Artemis. Demetrius’ words lead to a riot. Paul is warned against going to speak – by city officials. The city manager goes and calms and then dismisses the crowd. Paul’s influence is wide.

Paul and seven others then make their way to Traos. Here he resuscitates a young man who falls asleep and then falls out of a third story window during Paul’s preaching. Moving on to Ephesus, Paul gathers the church elders. Reminding them of his faithful example, he encourages them to continue the ministry. He warns them of “savage wolves” and to “Stay alert!” He also speaks of prison and troubles that await him. As words of both encouragement and example, Paul declares, “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.” Entrusting the Ephesian church to this same grace, Paul leaves these that he will not see again, heading for Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul continues his mission and ministry, place by place, person by person. He remains faithful to the mission of sharing the good news of your grace. Troubles come and your Holy Spirit guides his through. Lord, fill us with this same Spirit. Lead and guide us to walk in faith each day. Amen.


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Strengthen the Church

Reading: Acts 8 and 9

Acts 9:15 – “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.”

Following Stephen’s stoning persecution ramps up. Saul began to “wreak havoc” against the early church. Many fled Jerusalem, spreading out, preaching the good news “along the way.” Philip was one of these. He went to Samaria. His preaching and the signs and healings he offered led to belief and baptisms. News of his ministry leads the church in Jerusalem to send Peter and John to Samaria. They prayed for the gift of the Spirit, laid hands on the new believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. As Peter and John return to Jerusalem, they too preach “along the way.” In the early church the practice of sharing the faith was a 24/7 kind of thing. It was just something you did naturally. This should be how we live each day too!

Philip is then sent down a desert road (what?!) where he meets an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. The eunuch has been in Jerusalem to worship God, but his physical condition would’ve limited his participation. Philip rides along with him, interpreting the passage, using it to teach him about Jesus. Coming to some water, the eunuch asks about baptism. Philip welcomes the opportunity to fully include him, baptizing the eunuch. The Spirit then takes Philip to Azotus where he… preaches the good news of Jesus Christ!

Chapter 9 begins with Saul’s “Damascus road” experience. Confronted and struck blind by the risen Jesus, Saul is then healed by Ananias. He had protested going to Saul, but the Lord told him, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.” As the chapter unfolds, Saul preaches the good news. This leads to the persecutor becoming the persecuted.

Our reading closes with Peter’s continuing ministry. He heals Aeneas in Lydda and then Tabitha in Joppa. Both of these signs are in Gentile areas and many come to put their faith in the Lord. There is a time of peace for the church and God continues to strengthen the church. May it continue to be so in our time.

Prayer: Lord God, in ways big and small, in ways loud and quiet, you continue to work to change hearts and lives. Your Spirit ever leads and guides. Help us to draw upon the same Holy Spirit power to continue your work in the world. Amen.


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Be Encouraged!

Reading: John 15 and 16

John 15:19 – “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.”

“I am the vine; you are the branches.” We live in connection with Jesus. Without this connection we cannot produce fruit. Without connection we are trimmed and thrown into the fire. With connection we are nourished and fed and are able to produce much fruit, doing acts of love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, generosity… – actions that grow the kingdom and make new disciples.

These actions are guided by the new commandment: “Love each other just as I have loved you.” Chosen by Jesus, filled with his Spirit, we are promised whatever we ask in his name. Yet following is not easy. There is a cost. In 15:19 Jesus says, “I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.” Because we are not of this world, we will be harassed, abused, persecuted. But we are not alone.

The Companion or Holy Spirit comes to us and speaks truth unto our hearts. It reminds us that we belong to God. These things empower us to speak words of truth to the world. Jesus promises that the Spirit will “take what is mine and proclaim it to you.” When the world harasses… the Spirit will strengthen and encourage us. This process will bring us joy.

The Spirit will come because Jesus is leaving. One’s physical presence will be replaced by the all-present Spirit. Yes, a time of desertion will come when the world strikes the shepherd and the sheep scatter. We too have times when we wander. So we too need to hear verse 33: “In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” Because this is so, we too can conquer all things. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, empower us to remain in you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, defend and protect us from the lures and temptations of the world. With that same power, send us out into the world to share your love, building the kingdom, bearing much fruit. Amen.


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As Jesus First Loved

Reading: John 13 and 14

John 13:34 – “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.”

As his time nears, Jesus demonstrates humble service, a form of love. During the meal, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. This dirty job was normally done by a slave. Peter, recognizing the upside-down nature of what’s happening, protests Jesus washing his feet. Jesus persuades him and later explains that if the Lord and teacher washes feet, so too must they. This is a practical example of what Jesus says later in chapter 13: “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.” Love will do anything for the other.

This commandment comes after it is revealed that Judas is the betrayer. Jesus then tells Judas to do it quickly. Judas exits into the night. Jesus tells the disciples that they cannot go where he is going right now. One day they will. Peter declares, “Lord… I’ll give up my life for you.” No, Jesus says, first you’ll deny me three times – “before the rooster crows.”

Jesus offers words of great assurance and comfort in chapter 14. Calling them to trust over fear, Jesus tells them there is a room in heaven prepared for them. One day he will take them to dwell with him there in eternity. Because Jesus lives on, they too will live on. Into their confusion Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus assures them that they know the way because they have seen the Father and have heard the Father’s words, both revealed in and through Jesus. Because of this, whatever they ask in his name, it will be given to them.

Jesus then promises them the Companion – the Holy Spirit. Jesus and God “will come… and make our home with them.” Dwelling in the heart of all believers, the Spirit will teach and remind us of the words, will, and way of Jesus. Through this, the Spirit will empower believers to live as Jesus first loved us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that loving as you loved involves doing the lowly yet simple as well as the costly and sacrificial. Your love knows no bounds, no limits, no conditions. Through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit may we love as you have loved each day. Amen.


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The Spirit Gives Life

Reading: John 6:22-7:10

John 6:51 – “Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of this world is my flesh.”

After feeding the 5,000, the crowd realizes that Jesus is “missing.” They follow the disciples by boat to Capernaum and find Jesus already there. They ask how he got there. Ignoring their question he implies they are looking for more bread. Jesus encourages them to work for “food that endures for eternal life” – the food that he will give. The crowd wants to know what to do to receive this bread. Just believe in the one sent by God. The crowd, though, wants a sign, something like the manna. Their hearts and minds are stuck in the concrete and tangible. Jesus tries to get them to understand the spiritual.

Jesus first reminds them that it was not Moses who gave the manna. He says that in the same way God has once again sent bread from heaven. The crowd desires this bread. To them Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” Eat and never be hungry. Believe and have eternal life. Their ancestors are manna and died. Eat from Jesus and never die. He declares, “Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of this world is my flesh.”

The crowd is lost. How can one literally eat his flesh and drink his blood? Jesus says this is necessary to remain in him and for him to remain in them. They are stuck in the literal. They grumble. This is a hard teaching. Jesus reminds them that the Spirit gives true life. He’s inviting them to think spiritually. The flesh cannot do this. God must enable people to believe in and to receive Jesus. Many cannot hear what Jesus is saying. Many turn away and no longer follow him.

Jesus asks the 12 if they want to leave too. Peter asks, “Where would we go?” Peter declares that Jesus holds the words of eternal life and is the one sent by God. The 12 believe. Jesus’ brothers struggle. They want him to go to Judea, to “show yourself to the world.” Jesus tells this his time has not come yet. Or has it come?…

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too get stuck, get hung up on something, fail to understand. Here we too can struggle with belief. In these moments, Lord, may the Holy Spirit lead and guide us, opening our hearts and minds to your will, your way, your plan, your purposes. You are truly the word of life. Thank you. 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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Alert and Ready and at Work

Reading: Mark 12:35-13

Mark 13:36-37 – “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”

We begin in the temple today as Jesus corrects the legal experts. The crowd delights in his teaching. He then condemns the religious leaders self-seeking ways: they wear long robes and say long prayers; they desire the best greetings and the best seats; and, they “cheat widows,” leaving them homeless. A sharp contrast to this arrogance comes in the next verses. A poor widow gives all that she has to live on. The rich give “out of their spare change.” This humble, faithful, trusting widow is the model.

As they leave the temple, one of the disciples points out the grandeur of the temple itself. Jesus predicts its demolition. Peter, James, John, and Andrew later ask him when this will happen… what will be the signs? Jesus warns them of deceivers. There will be wars, famines, and earthquakes. The disciples themselves will be handed over and persecuted (but the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say.) Then the war will culminate as the temple is defiled. People will flee to the mountains to escape the Romans. There will be great suffering.

Sometime after this suffering, the sun and moon will grow dark, the stars will fall, and the planets will shake. Then the “Human One” will come on the clouds in power and splendor. The angels will gather the “chosen people” from the corners of the earth. Jesus tells them that just as the fig tree’s new leaves tell them summer is near, so too will these signs tell the world that his return is near. Jesus tells them (and us), “Watch out! Stay alert!”

Jesus closes his teaching on the end times with a story. As an owner goes on a trip (perhaps back to heaven for a time?), he assigns tasks to his servants. For all disciples, the task will be to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus closes with this warning: “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!” Jesus is coming soon. May we be found ready and alert, working on our task as we strive to live a daily life that seeks to make disciples for the transformation of the world.

Prayer: Lord God, please walk closely in Spirit with us. Attune us to the charge you give each of us. Defend us from our human tendency to make it all about us. Lead us to walk as humble servants, seeking to be witnesses of your love and power in this world. Amen.


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Many Are Healed

Reading: Mark 6

Mark 6:34 – “He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.”

Photo credit: Jennifer Araujo

Today’s readings begin in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. At first people were surprised by his teaching authority. But then they think, “Isn’t this [just] the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son…?” These thoughts lead to a rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Their unbelief greatly limits his ability to heal. He departs and begins to minister in the surrounding villages. He sends out the 12 two by two. They teach, heal, and cast out demons. They return with excitement, with stories to share. Jesus decides to take them away to a quiet place to rest, but the crowds follow on shore. In between these two events Mark drops in the story of the death of John the Baptist. He does so to tell us that even the king has heard of Jesus.

After landing ashore we read, “He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.” After teaching all day in a remote place, the disciples ask Jesus to send the crowd away so they can buy food. Jesus tells the disciples to feed them. The impossible becomes reality as Jesus feeds the huge crowd from five loaves and two fish. So great is the blessing there are twelve baskets full of leftovers. After sending the 12 on ahead, Jesus dismisses the crowd and goes up the mountain to pray.

In the night the winds come up and the disciples are struggling along. Jesus walks across the lake. Mark notes, “intending to pass them by.” Why, why, why?! We’re left to ponder this. At first the disciples are afraid: is it a ghost? Jesus encourages them and then climbs in the boat. The wind dies down. They are “baffled” by this Jesus.

Our reading today closes in Gennesaret, a town close to Capernaum. The locals recognize Jesus and bring their sick to Jesus. Many are healed – even those that just touch his clothes. Jesus, through the Spirit, continues to bring healing and wholeness to our lives and to our world. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to have compassion for us, your children. We are so grateful. Yet today many are like the crowds – they know of you and your power but they don’t know you. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and through our witness, Lord, make Jesus known today. Bring healing and wholeness to our world. Amen.


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One in Christ

Reading: Mark 1-3

Mark 2:17 – “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Mark’s gospel moves along quickly, often presenting what feels like shortened versions of lots of the stories we read in Matthew. Although written after and based upon Mark’s gospel, I think Matthew’s is placed first in the New Testament because it gives details that inform our reading of Mark.

John the Baptist begins the story. Jesus is an adult. John calls people to a baptism that shows they are changing their hearts and lives. He tells of Jesus, “one stronger than I,” of one who will baptize not with water but “with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is then baptized by John, hears God’s words of love and affirmation, and it tempted in the wilderness. John is arrested and Jesus gets to work, declaring that God’s kingdom is here, so change your hearts and lives. Jesus then calls the first disciples, heals a demoniac and Simon’s mother-in-law, preaches, and heals a leper. That’s all in chapter 1!

We slow down slightly in chapters 2 and 3. Jesus begins to interact with the religious leaders. Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, prompting muttering from the religious leaders. He heals the man next, showing he has authority over sin. He eats with tax collectors and other sinners after calling Levi (also known as Matthew.) In response to the religious leaders grumbling about this, Jesus tells them, “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” Then the religious leaders question Jesus’ about his disciples not fasting. Jesus tells them the disciples will when he is gone. For now, though, Jesus is here to do a new thing, to offer a new understanding of how to live a holy and righteous life.

Then there is conflict around the Sabbath. Jesus declares that the Sabbath is about doing good and drawing closer to God. The religious leaders begin to plan how to kill Jesus. Jesus then calls the 12 and appoints them to be with him, to preach, and to cast out demons. After clearing up which side he is on (it’s not Satan’s), Jesus claims that his followers are his true family, his one community. One in Christ, we too are one with each other. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are rooted and bound together in your love. That love leads, guides, flavors, influences our relationships with one another. As we seek to build your kingdom here on earth, draw us deeper and deeper into your love. Amen.