pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: honesty


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In the Small and in the All

Reading: Luke 16:10-13

Luke 16:10 – “Whoever is faithful with little is also faithful with much, and the one who is dishonest with little is also dishonest with much.”

As we wrap up our passage from Luke 16, Jesus focuses in on our honesty with God and with ourselves. In verse 10 Jesus says that it all matters – from the small decisions that no one else sees to the biggest decisions that can impact a lot of other people. If we are faithful to God in all of the little ways – in how we see others, in our thoughts, in the things that we do in private – then it will become second nature to be faithful in the bigger moments of life. But if we are sinful in our private moments then it will be much harder to suddenly be righteous in the times that really matter.

It can be said that as followers of Christ we are “in the world but not of the world.” We live in the world every day but we truly belong to God. As we live out our days, do we strive to remain faithful to God’s will and way or do we chase after wealth and other things that the world treasures? In this process we use the gifts and talents that God gave us either to build God’s kingdom or to accumulate and gather wealth, status, and accomplishments for ourselves. Where we invest our time, energy, gifts, and resources reveals which master we are serving – God or the world.

An honest assessment of how we invest these things quickly reveals if we are serving and loving God or if we are serving and loving the world. Jesus is blunt: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” One of these fills our hearts with light and love, with hope and grace. The other leaves us ultimately with empty hands and empty hearts. May we daily choose to serve and love the Lord our God, being faithful in the small and in the all.

Prayer: Lord God, we beg you to walk with us moment by moment, being present in the thousands and thousands of decisions that we make daily. Keep whispering your guidance and direction into our hearts, keep nudging us to walk your path in the world. Guard our hearts and minds against the great temptations of wealth and success and power and popularity. Help us to choose to be faithful to you alone again and again and again and… Amen.


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A Clean Heart, A Faithful Spirit

Reading: Psalm 51:1-17

Psalm 51:10 – “Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!”

Today’s Psalm is believed to be David’s response to Nathan confronting him about his great sins around Bathsheba. When he realized the depth of his sin, David became deeply remorseful. While adultery and murder are serious sins, we must keep in mind that any and all sin separates us from God. There are no levels or degrees of separation from God’s view.

David seeks God’s mercy and cleansing. Only God can offer these means of grace and newness. David longs to be made clean so that he can “hear joy and celebration again.” He wants to be restored. And he wants to be able to teach others – so they can return to God as well.

In the Psalm we see an acknowledgement of our human condition. David admits “my sin is always right in front of me.” Sin is ever knocking at the door of our heart. While our sins can certainly affect others, sin primarily affects our relationship with God. It is God alone that has the power to change our hearts and, in turn, to create the praise that comes from a heart tuned to God.

Because God desires truth and wisdom in “the most hidden places” (in our hearts,) David invites God to “create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!” God alone empowers us in our battle with sin. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can our “broken spirit” become a “faithful spirit,” the sacrifice that God desires. Dying to our old self, breaking that worldly pull, we open ourselves to living as a child of the light. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, bring us again and again to the place where David is at in this Psalm. Bring us to the place of honesty with ourselves and with you, to the space where we can lay all of our sin before you, begging to be made new again. Walk forward from there with us, O God, encouraging and empowering us to be Spirit-filled creations, living joy, bringing you glory and praise. Amen.


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Righteousness, Honesty

Reading: Proverbs 24

‭Proverbs 24:3 – “By wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established.”

Today the sages speak of not engaging the wicked, of not envying those who do evil. Their hearts are “focused on violence” and their lips “speak trouble.” The sages tell us not to get mad or to seek revenge against such as these. The wisdom writers note that the lazy person’s field is full of thorns and weeds. This just leads to poverty. By contrast, the wise will get their “outside work” done so that they can build a home. Here one finds hope and a future.

To build a good future, to add to our hope, we are encouraged to eat wisdom like people eat honey. Honey was a somewhat rare delicacy. Treat wisdom this way, says the sage. To eat wisdom is to secure a future with hope. Along these lines we’re reminded to fear the Lord (and the king.) Therefore, don’t associate with the rebellious. And rescue those headed for death.

We again hear the call today to honesty and to righteousness. Yes, the righteous will fall. But they’ll get up again and again. “Seven” is symbolic for ‘many times.’ The wicked, however, will fall into trouble. We’re warned against rejoicing over this. To do so would displease God. We’re also reminded today that our words should always be honest, showing no partiality, offering no false witness. Speaking in these ways could be hard. Yet just as the Holy Spirit at times speaks hard but true words into our hearts so too must we do this for others. Done in love, it is a gift.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us today to walk the path of righteousness and to speak the words of truth. Guard us from being wicked or evil or lazy. Lead us to joyfully engage the work that you have for us. Amen.


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Path of Righteousness

Reading: Proverbs 16

‭Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Today’s reading contains mostly examples of how to live in alignment with God’s will and way. Verses 1 and 9 summarize this idea well. In these verses we are reminded that although we plan our path using our hearts, it is God who answers our plans and who secures our plans/path. The sage reminds us that God “tests our motives” too. Are our plans and the desires of our hearts pure? Are they aligned with God’s heart?

Many of today’s verses speak to answering this question. If we commit our work (and our lives) to God, then our plans will succeed. If we see and work towards God’s purposes, if we walk the right and good road, then God will be glorified. If we seek wisdom, then we will have insightful speech and can offer enhanced teaching. Verse 31 reminds us that we’re long-term projects: “Gray hair is a crown of glory.” Eventually this is found “on the path of righteousness.”

There’s a bit of practical advice in today’s verses. Honest scales and balances are God’s way. Integrity and honesty matter in God’s world. Therefore, “better a little with righteousness than great profits without justice.”

And there are warnings today too. It is important to remember the outcomes of wicked or evil choices. The Lord “detests” arrogance and pride, evil deeds, and slanderous and gossipy speech. All of these behaviors run against God’s will and way and against God’s plans and purposes for our world and for our lives. Yet these sins are ever before us, tempting us to walk the world’s path. With God’s strength and presence, may we instead choose to walk the path of righteousness. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, it is so easy, so tempting, so alluring to simply choose the way and path of the world. So, God, pour out your Spirit’s wisdom and power, enabling us to choose your path of righteousness. Amen.


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An Extension

Readings: Psalms 108-112

‭Psalm 111:3 – “God’s deeds are majestic and glorious. God’s righteousness stands forever.”

Psalms 108 and 109 seek God’s presence in the struggles against enemies. Psalm 108 begins with praise to God. The psalmist’s “unwavering heart” will make music for all people, proclaiming God’s faithful love. The Psalm celebrates God choosing Gilead, Manasseh… and rejecting Moab, Edom… Yet the writer turns in verse 11, asking the familiar question: Where are you, God? The psalmist asks for God’s help because “human help is worthless.” Psalm 109 seeks God’s help too – just on a personal level. Verses 6-19 detail the “hateful words” spoken by the enemies. From a place of weakness the psalmist begs God to shame and disgrace his or her enemies.

Psalm 110 speaks of kingship. It invites God’s presence with the king, allowing the “mighty scepter” to reach far. The psalmist calls to mind God’s “solemn pledge” to establish the kings. The Psalm closes with a reminder that God’s justice will reign.

Psalms 111 and 112 are similar. They praise God’s work and the workings of a righteous life. There is a parallel here. In Psalm 111 the psalmist praises God’s works as magnificent, majestic, and glorious. God’s righteousness, mercy, and compassion are celebrated. God’s handiwork is honesty and justice. God brings redemption. It closes proverbially: “Fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins.” Psalm 112 echoes these traits of God. The people of God are to be an extension of God. We are to be righteous and generous, merciful and compassionate. In the end, then, we too will see our enemies’ defeat. Death and pain and oppression and struggle will be no more. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your presence is what we need. Whether beset by enemies or praising your glorious reign, we need your presence. On the stormy days and on the days of joy and peace, be present to us, O God. Guide us to walk and live faithfully, shining your love onto and into the world. Amen.


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Even There… Always

Reading: Psalm 139:1-12

Verse 5: “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”

Psalm 139 is a beautiful reminder of God’s presence with us in all of life. I find great comfort in verses 1-6. Here we are reminded that God searches us and knows us, that God knows our coming and going, that God knows our thoughts, and that God “hems me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Yes, this is all indeed wonderful. And it is a little scary or intimidating to be so intimately, personally, and thoroughly known by someone. This depth of knowing is the focus of verses 7-10.

Moving into this set of verses David recognizes God’s omnipotent nature. No matter where he goes, God is there. David touches on the reality of this with honesty as he asks, “Where can I flee from your presence?” We can relate, right? At times we appreciate a little solitude. And it is a high standard to uphold – always being in God’s presence. I’m sure you’ve been around someone and wondered when your time together would ever end. But here’s the thing with God: God is here for our absolute good and to bring joy and hope and light to our lives. And to be there when we need God the most, for “even there your hand will guide me.”

In the closing verses David acknowledges that at times darkness will surround him. Even though he feels “hidden” from God – whether it is because of sin or because of a loss that makes us feel separated from God – even there God is present. Our darkness is just that: ours. Even there God is light and love and grace. And even there God is with us, knows us, searches us, and walks with us. Always, God hems us in. Always, God’s hand is upon us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, on my best days, you are there. On my worst days, you are there. On those many days that fall in between, you are there. Open my heart to your constant presence. Humble me and make me willing to follow your lead and your guidance. I know you love me and have good plans for me. Shape me and form me to your will and ways, O God. Amen.


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Growing Deeper

Reading: Psalm 119:1-8

Verse 7: “I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.”

As we return to Psalm 119 today, we focus in on the joy of living into the will and way of God. The psalmist recognizes the blessing of walking in the way of the Lord. Now this is not a material blessing, but a spiritual blessing. This is not an absence of trial or pain blessing, but the blessing of God’s presence in and through all that life throws at us. The blessing comes in the intimate relationship that we can have with God.

The psalmist has learned that intimacy must be built, grown, developed. Accordingly the author strives to “seek God with all their heart.” It is a total commitment. It is not a “what have you done lately” attitude, nor is it an “I’ll see you the next time I need something” attitude. It is an “I’ll seek God with all of my heart” in the highs, in the lows, and in all in between attitude. It is awakening with an “I love you,” going to bed with an “I love you,” and it is saying “I love you God” with each thought, word, and action throughout our day.

The blessing and the presence of God leads to the joy and thanksgiving expressed in our Psalm. In verse 7 we read, “I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” The psalmist seeks to live righteously and according to the will and way of God. Yet there is also a realization that he or she is a work in progress – “as I learn.” There is humility and honesty here. What a refreshing reminder! As fellow works in progress may we too seek God with all of our heart, trusting in God to be faithful and true as we learn to grow deeper in love with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, there is such joy and peace in your presence. There is security and contentment. There is hope and there is love. There is calm in the storm and elation on the mountain top. Day by day keep my feet on the faithful path. Moment by moment deepen my love for you. Amen.


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Blessed Are…

Reading: Psalm 32:1-5

Verse 5: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity… and you forgave the guilt of my sins.”

Our passage begins with two beatitudes or blessing statements – “Blessed are…” the one whose sins are forgiven and the one with no deceit in their spirit. To be blessed, to live in right relationship with God and with one another, we must be people of forgiveness and people of honesty and integrity. We must be willing both to receive and to offer forgiveness. We must live an upright life before God and with each other.

In verses 3 and 4 we see the impact of remaining in our sin. David writes, “my bones wasted away” as his “strength was sapped.” To live in sin is life-taking, joy-stealing, and energy-consuming. In those seasons when I have strayed and lived a sinful life, I was always worried about being found out and about how my actions were hurting myself and others. When one knows of the better way, it is hard to live in sin. At other times I have lived with or overlooked iniquities – prejudice, bias, racism, sexism, classism. My silence or inaction was my sin. Worse yet, at times I used these unjust systems to my advantage. There are other ways, of course, that I have fallen short. These failures, when left unconfessed, become “heavy” upon us.

God is faithful. God offers a remedy. In verse 5 we read, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.” David came clean and was honest with himself and with God. He laid bare his sins and iniquities before God. God is faithful. God did not condemn him. No, “and you forgave the guilt of my sins.” God pardoned him. God wiped away the guilt and restored David to right relationship. God once again brought David to a place of blessing. Blessed are we when we confess our sins and iniquities. God is faithful. God will cleanse and restore and redeem us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, temptation is ever before me. The ways of the world and the lies of Satan ever seek to draw me in, to trap me. Fill me with your Spirit, guide me by your will, conform me to Christ. Strengthen me this day and each day so that I may walk as a faithful disciple. Amen.


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Fasting Practice

Reading: Psalm 63:1-8

Verse 8: “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me “

Today’s Psalm is an expression of both longing for God and of praise for those intimate moments with God. David’s soul “thirsts” for God, especially in the times when David feels dry and weary. There is also recollections of moments when David has seen God’s power and glory. For these experiences he praises God with uplifted hands. Because of God’s help and presence, David sings “in the shadow of your wings.”

As you consider these thoughts from David, reflect on times in your life when you’ve longed for God in a “dry and weary land.” Reflect on times when you’ve been a witness to God’s power and glory. Take a few moments to offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God…

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Lent is a season where we are invited to look within, to seek to become more like Jesus Christ. Fasting is one means of helping us to practice these spiritual disciplines. To give up or abstain from something brings us face to face with our weakness and vulnerability. In that moment when we long for what we’ve given up we see our limits and our need for God. Admitting our inability to keep our commitment on our own leads us to a place of seeking God’s power to overcome. This is a scary place to willingly walk into. But it is also a place of honesty and clarity. From this place we can take steps to becoming closer to our Lord and Savior.

Fasting can lead us to a beautiful place – to a sacred space where we encounter ourselves and where we draw closer to the Lord. I invite you to consider the practice of fasting as a part of your Lenten journey.

Prayer: Lord God, the fast that you require is one that leads me away from self and deeper into your presence. Guide me on this journey. Draw me closer to who you created me to be. Amen.


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Forgiven and Forgiving

Reading: Genesis 45: 1-15

Verse 5: “Do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you”.

Today’s passage centers on forgiveness. In the Christian faith we understand that forgiveness is a two-way street. Each Sunday most of us pray these words: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. If we want to partake of God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness, we need to extend these same things to one another. For me, and perhaps for you, at times I struggle with each side of this equation.

It can be hard to admit we are wrong. It can be hard with both God and with others. There are times when it is difficult to admit I am wrong or have done harm. It can be easy to justify myself or to be self-righteous. Wanting to seek revenge or to get even can be tempting. But the way of love calls us to more. Jesus calls us to humility and honesty and transparency, to vulnerability and weakness, to confession and repentance. To enter and walk the path of Jesus, one must first practice forgiveness when we have sinned or caused harm. This was the first step for both Joseph and his brothers. For Joseph, it was to reckon with his younger self – the bratty, spoiled, arrogant Joseph – and the role that played. For the brothers it was to accept responsibility for what they did. Yes, God was at work behind the scenes, but they still harmed Joseph.

Sometimes it is difficult to extend forgiveness. At times it would seem easier just to keep that person on the outside, to keep them in a place where they cannot have a chance to be hurtful or harmful. (And, yes, there are times when it is necessary to end a relationship – in an abusive situation, for example.) As Jesus told Peter, we are not to forgive seven times, but seventy times seven! Just as we are each a work in progress before God, so too are all of God’s children. God has no limits or a quota on forgiving us. May we be the same, forgiving just as we are forgiven.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to ever be a person of grace. Help me to see and believe the best in everyone. Lead me to give my best and to recognize when I have given less, especially when I need to ask for or extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Guide me, O God. Amen.