pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: joy


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Joy and Peace

Reading: Philippians 4:1-7

Philippians 4:6 – “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.”

Photo credit: Hannah Skelly

Turning to Paul’s letter to the Philippians today and tomorrow, we close out a week of hard passages with hopeful words about standing firm in the faith. Reminding us of how hard this can be, in verse 2 Paul calls for reconciliation between Euodia and Syntyche. Following Jesus’ conflict resolution guidance, Paul invites a mediator and other members of the church to get involved to heal this broken relationship.

In verses 4-7 Paul then encourages us to be glad or to rejoice in the Lord and he gives us guidance on how to always have joy in the Lord. In verse 6 Paul writes, “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.” There is much in this life and in our world that can make us anxious or afraid or angry or worried or… Paul invites us to hold onto joy even in the difficult times of life. Step 1 is prayer. Bring our petitions and our pleadings to God. Why? Because God is near and because God hears and responds. How do we know this? We turn to the next step.

We cannot miss step 2: “along with giving thanks.” Prayer cannot be just about asking God for this or that. Prayer must also include praising and giving thanks for God’s presence in our lives. This step is an act of gratitude that builds our humility and leads to a willingness to surrender our lives and all situations to the Lord. It is through these actions that we experience “the peace of God that exceeds all understanding.” It is a peace that allows us to rejoice in the Lord always. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, as we daily offer our thanksgiving and praise in our prayers, build up our memories of your presence. The times when you have been there, when you rescued or redeemed us, when you led or guided us through the valley – they build our trust and faith. From this firm foundation, walk daily with us in the good, in the bad, and in the in-between, filling us with your joy and your peace. Amen.


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Faithful and Obedient

Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew 21:31 – “Which one of these two did his father’s will?”

Continuing their conversation on authority, Jesus tells the religious leaders a story. A father has two sons. He tells each son to go and work in the vineyard. A good son would surely obey his father. The first son says “No.” But later he goes and works in the vineyard. The second son says “Yes,” but never goes to work. Jesus asks the leaders, “Which one of these two did his father’s will?” The first son, of course. He actually did what the father commanded.

In our journeys of faith, we play the role of both sons. At times God asks us to do something or places someone or something upon our heart. We tell God and maybe even ourselves that we will do it, but then we don’t. Some of the time we genuinely plan on doing it. Other times it is just lip service or we say “yes” because others are in earshot. And then some of the time we say “no” or we try and ignore God or the Holy Spirit. Yet in the end we do God’s will, being obedient in our faith.

As Jesus’ story continues, he lets the religious leaders know that they are like the second son. They’ve said “yes” to God and now they say the right things, but they don’t do them. Jesus then points to the tax collectors and prostitutes – those who said “no” initially with their lives. But then they heard John’s call and changed their lives, saying “yes” to God’s call. When the religious leaders saw this happening, they still refused to change their own hearts and lives.

When we are obedient to God, we find again and again that we are blessed. When we feed a neighbor or comfort a friend, yes, they are blessed. But we too are blessed by our obedience to God. After each experience, we feel joy because we said “yes” to God. In those moments when we hesitate or even feel like denying God’s call, may we remember how we grow in our faith and in our love of God when we are faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, work in our hearts and lives, placing a deeply rooted faith and trust in our spirit. When you call, O God, move us to a faithful and obedient response, loving others as you love us. Fill us with joy each time we serve you and others. Amen.


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Deep Unity

Reading: Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:2 – “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

As we turn to our Epistle reading for this week, Paul invites the people that make up the church in Philippi to imitate Christ. He is writing to a group of people that he knows well. On his first missionary journey he founded a church there, sharing Jesus with them. He stopped in during his second missionary journey a few years later, offering further teaching and encouragement. Chapter 2 begins with an “if” statement. Having spent so much time with these folks, this is more of a reminder than a guess. Paul knows that they have been encouraged and comforted by their faith. He knows that they have shared food and other resources with one another.

Paul then invites them to lean even more into these blessings of the faith so that they can know and experience a deeper faith. He writes, “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.” This community of faith will bring joy to their founder if they continue to grow in Christ, working together in their common mission and ministry. To live and be this way is essential as the world creeps in and as challenges arise – ridicule, persecution, isolation… If they stay united in Christ, having Jesus’ heart and mind, they will get through the hard times and the challenges, and they will be bonded together with stronger ties.

In verses 3 and 4, Paul focuses on the key to unity and to working together: humility. In times of challenge and trial, it is natural to first think of self-preservation and then to act on these instincts. Paul encourages another line of thought. He encourages those in the church to think of others first. Yes, you matter. But “watch out for what is better for others.” When we consistently put others before ourselves, we build bonds and relationships that can weather the worst of the inevitable challenges that will surely come. In this place of love, we become people willing to sacrifice for one another. From this place of deep unity, we can overcome all obstacles and we can do great things for Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your love, draw us together. As we live together in faith, draw us deeper into relationship with one another. As our relationships deepen, Lord, create in us a desire to lift the other, to care for the other, to give of ourselves to benefit the other. Walk with us and work though us, O God, to build the kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.


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Together

Reading: Philippians 1:21-30

Philippians 1:27 – “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.”

Paul writes the letter to the Philippians from prison in Rome. He awaits trial before Caesar. He has found opportunities to share Christ even there. His example of faithful witness has led other believers to speak more boldly and with greater courage. Paul hopes that this continues to be the case for him and for his ministry. And in this dire situation, there is no fear of death. There is no desperation to continue living this life. There is hope.

In verse 21 Paul expresses his wrestling with life, faith, and death: “Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better.” Yes, part of Paul longs to go to heaven, to see Jesus Christ face to face once again. As he unpacks this tension, Paul comes to understand that it is better for him to “stay in this world for your sake.” Through his ministry, the gospel is spreading. He is still effective. People in Rome, Philippi, and other communities are “progressing” in their faith and are finding joy in Christ.

Paul then shifts from himself to his fellow believers in verses 27-30. His summary statement comes in verse 27: “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” Paul is referring here to living like Jesus in their/our public, visible life. He is encouraging believers to allow their faith to be evident – not just in church but everywhere, all the time. The apostle is also stressing the importance of unity in the community of faith. We are to be unified with “one mind and spirit” (of Christ.) Living a connected faith, they and we are able to “stand firm” and together to experience the “privilege” of both believing in and suffering for Christ. The walk of faith is not always easy. But together – with Jesus Christ and with one another – we can experience the joys and the growth in our faith that come with striving forward side by side, day by day. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder to live a public, active faith. It is in community that we find the opportunity to practice grace, mercy, forgiveness, welcome… Work in and through us, O God, drawing others into a relationship with Jesus and into our communities of faith, where support, encouragement, connection, and accountability are found. Amen.


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Living for Jesus

Reading: Romans 14:7-12

Romans 14:12 – “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

Pressing on in Romans 14, Paul declares that we do not live or die for ourselves. While this becomes truer and truer the longer we walk with Christ, there was a time in my life and probably in your life when this was not the reality. Even though I grew up in the church, during my late teen and college years I lived for self. My time, energies, and priorities were focused on pleasure, desires, and other things of this world. Over time, though, God drew me back into relationship and reoriented my focus. Yes, there are still days when that old self rises up and I become less than God created me to be. But now I am quicker to hear the Spirit that has always been there, drawing me back to God.

Living (or dying) for Christ is the focus of a life lived in faith. All that we think, say, and do becomes focused on pleasing God and bringing God the glory. As Paul continues to work to combat the judging going on in the church in Rome, he reminds them and us that “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” While this is very true, as we walk with Christ, we find that our “motivation” is not fear of condemnation, but is the joy and peace, the hope and contentment found in living for and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With these as the outcomes of living for Jesus, the temptations of this world fade. So when judgment or desire or another sin rises up, the Spirit that lives within us has greater voice and more power. Thanks be to God for the power and presence within us!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your grace that brings us back into your presence when we fall short. Thank you for your love that pursues us when we are lost in our sin. And thank you, Lord, for your steadfastness. You are always there for us. Amen.


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Good and Pleasing

Reading: Psalm 133

Psalm 133:1 – “Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!”

Psalm 133 is short – only three verses long. But it lifts up one of the most important aspects of faith: unity. This song celebrates the community of faith and the ultimate blessing of living in a community of faith: “everlasting life.” In verse one we read, “Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!” Step back and look at your community of faith. Is it good and pleasing to God and to the world around it? Does it reflect unity in the body of Christ?

We must be careful not to mistake unity for conformity. That is a common mistake. Our unity is centered on Jesus Christ and following his teachings and example. Around this, yes, there is conformity. But Jesus certainly did not minister to and include only people like him. He included fishermen and a tax collector and a zealot. And that was just in his “church.” Jesus welcomed children and women and outcasts and even “sinners.” To one and all, Jesus extended love and created a sense of belonging. He found sacred worth in everyone he met. This fostered unity and community in the early church.

In the Psalm, this is described as anointing oil and life-giving dew. The psalmist envisions both flowing freely, pouring down. There is a joy and an abundance in these images. It should be this way in our lives and in our communities of faith. Love and grace should flow freely. Mercy and forgiveness should pour down. Sharing life and what we have should bring joy. These things should be the primary marks of a Christian community. May it be so as our communities of faith – our “families” – strive to be good and pleasing to the Lord and to the world around us.

Prayer: Lord God, our world tends to separate us into categories. It feels like the natural thing to do is to label – so we can divide and define. May it not be so in our churches and lives, O God. All are created in your image. All have sacred worth. All have a place at the table of grace. Shape and form us into people who see you in others, who draw others into our communities of faith so that they can know love, mercy, grace, belonging – both ours and yours. Amen.


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Glory, Hope, Joy

Reading: Romans 8:18-25

Romans 8:22 – “We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now.”

Turning to the second part of this week’s Romans 8 passage, Paul makes a powerful statement: the suffering of this age is nothing compared to the glory to come. The glory we will one day experience in heaven will make our suffering in this world seem meaningless. Paul uses birth pains as an analogy. There are a couple of levels to this. As it relates to Paul’s opening statement, when holding a newborn child, those recent birth pains seem a distant and meaningless event.

The present reality of living faithfully in this world can be like birth pains in another way. Almost all mothers experience intense and undeniable birth pains. Some fathers experience is vicariously by being fully present in the birthing moment. Paul would argue that all of creation experiences these same birth pains. In verse 22 he writes, “We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now.” All of creation longs to be set free from this suffering. Creation groans as it waits to be set free.

As believers we also wait with longing and groaning, eager to be adopted into the new creation, to be set free from bondage and decay. And as we wait, we do so in hope. And with patience. To wait with patience, we must have discipline. To know that glory will be amazing and wonderful helps in this regard. So we wait in hope, living daily in joy, looking forward to our final adoption. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, suffering is never easy. We do not do it alone though. And we do not suffer without the knowledge and promise of the life to come. Walk with us, strengthen and encourage us, carry us in our greatest moments of need. Fill us with joy and hope each day, O Lord. Amen.


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This Kind of Knowledge

Reading: Psalm 139:1-12

Psalm 139:3b – “You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.”

David begins Psalm 139 with a truth that applies to all of us as well: “Lord, you have examined me. You know me.” God knows when we come and go. God knows our plans. God studies our times of busyness and our times of rest. In the rest of verse 3 David writes, “You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.” Thoroughly familiar – that is a great term for how well God knows us.

To me, this thought is both incredibly comforting and it is incredibly disconcerting. God knows my best intentions and my worst thoughts. God sees my shining witness and my damning failures. God is always there, “front and back.” Yes, the psalmist is correct: “That kind of knowledge is too much for me.”

With this intimate knowledge in mind, David launches into a great set of questions and recognitions in verses 7-12. There is nowhere we can go to escape the presence of God. To heaven, to the far side of the ocean, to the deepest darkness? God is there in all of these places and everywhere in between. So in the moments when we need comfort, God is there. In the moments when we need strength, God is there. In the moments when we laugh and share joy, God is there. In the moments when Christ’s light and love flow out of us, God is there. This kind of knowledge is beautiful and wonderful and amazing. And it is for you and for me. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being there. Yes, in the moments when I need you. But especially in the moments when I don’t think I need you and suddenly do. I find then that you’ve been there all along. You are an amazing and wonderful God. This knowledge is just what I need. Amen.


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Joy That Attracts

Readings: Psalm 119:111 and Matthew 13:1-2

Psalm 119:111 – “Your laws are my possession forever because they are my heart’s joy.”

In the opening verses of Matthew 13, Jesus heads out to the lake. We see that a large crowd came and gathered around Jesus. The lake can be a fun place to go, especially on a warm day. But the crowd was there because Jesus was there. He was the attraction.

Today social media alerts us to where our favorite food truck is that day or to who is having a flash sale that we do not want to miss. If we want to grab a coffee with a friend, a quick text or phone call can set that up. As we remember that almost all communication in Jesus’ day was by word of mouth, we have to wonder what drew a large crowd to the lake. For that matter, how did word of Jesus spread at all?

Verse 111 of Psalm 119 reads, “Your laws are my possession forever because they are my heart’s joy.” The psalmist loved God’s laws because they brought joy to his or her life. They want to hold onto this joy forever. God’s instruction, living by God’s will and way, this brings joy to our hearts as well. Do others see it or feel it in your life? Does our daily walk with Jesus and the Spirit lead us to overflow with joy (and love, hope, peace…)? I think those touched by Jesus spiritually and/or physically overflowed with joy because of how their encounter with Christ changed their lives. These stories are what drew the crowds to Jesus. May it be so for you and for me as well.

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with your joy today. Fill us so full that others sense it, see it, want it. Prepare us to respond when we are asked about our joy. Give us the words of witness that draw others in, that attract others to Jesus Christ. Amen.


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A Bit of Hope

Readings: Psalm 119:107 and Matthew 13:1-9

Matthew 13:3 – “A farmer went out to scatter seed.”

Here at the parsonage we have three raised bed garden boxes and a handful of large planters for tomatoes and peppers. Each year I plant many different types of seeds and some plants from the local greenhouse. After a couple of weeks I start to look for green shoots breaking the surface of the soil. It is usually a hopeful endeavor. Excitement comes with each new seed type sprouting to life. But this year, the carrots didn’t germinate. So I planted again a month later. Nothing. Although very insignificant in the grand scope of life, it feels disappointing and even a little defeating.

It seems the psalmist feels defeated. He or she recognizes the suffering in their life. The author petitions God to “make me live again according to your promises.” God promises to be present to us in all of life, to lift us up when needed, and to bring us joy, peace, and hope. When we feel alone or like we are without life, it is pretty hopeless.

Turning to our gospel lesson, Jesus says, “A farmer went out to scatter seed.” To scatter seed – an interesting thought. You carefully plant and space each seed. You do not scatter. This word choice would’ve caught the attention of Jesus’ audience. It catches our attention. Sometimes, though, seed does scatter. There is the chamomile growing in the grass – seeds blown by the wind. There is the random arugula plant in with the broccoli – a seed dropped by mistake. There are a few “volunteer” basil plants here and there – seeds that lay dormant from last year, suddenly springing to life. Yes, there are the carrots. But how these other surprises bring joy to my heart! And, yes, even a bit of hope.

Prayer: Lord God, there will be times when hope feels thin – in our lives, in the lives of those we live, in the life of a stranger that we meet. In these times, when we feel it, remind us of your love and help us to feel your abiding presence. Or, when hope feels distant to others, use us to bring these things to bear in their lives . In all things, may we trust in you. Amen.