pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: knowledge


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A Harmonious, Symbiotic Relationship

Reading: Genesis 2:4b-9

Genesis 2:7 – “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life into his nostrils.”

In Genesis 2 this creation narrative places humanity at the center of a beautiful garden. Before God created plants or crops, before God sent rain upon the earth, “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life into his nostrils.” God creates someone to care for, to tend to, to dwell with God in God’s next creation: “a garden in Eden.” Perhaps this is the order because God wanted the human to see the garden’s creation. Understanding that the garden and all in it were created by God would shape how the human saw and interacted with the garden.

The word “Eden” translates “delight.” That is what the garden was. Where else would God dwell with humanity? The trees are beautiful and they bear edible fruit. This food will nourish and sustain humanity. They care for the garden and the garden cares for them. There is a symbiotic relationship here. This idea can be extended to God and humanity. We are at our best when we live in a harmonious, symbiotic relationship with God.

In the center of God’s garden are two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The first tree is though to yield unnaturally long life or even immortality. The second tree is thought to give cognitive enlightenment or to give humanity insights that only God was to have. God will set these trees apart, intending to keep humanity from them.

Prayer: Lord God, we are intended to walk in a close, personal relationship with you. That was and is your plan. Lord, enable us to choose love and obedience daily so that we can experience your presence in our lives daily. Guide us to be faithful stewards to all of your creation. Lead us to treat all of your creation as we wish to be treated by you. Amen.


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Equipped

Reading: Romans 15:14-20

Romans 15:14 – “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.”

Photo credit: Shane

At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages the people in the church in Rome to be patient with and to build up one another. He encourages them to have the attitude of Christ and to welcome others as Jesus did. Paul wants to see their hope and joy overflow into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we turn to verse 14, Paul is reminding the church that it is not just the pastor’s job to grow the church and the faith of those in the church and wider community.

In verse 14 we read, “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.” They have been shaped and formed into people that are equipped to minister to one another and to the world. They are ready to shape and form one another and any new disciples. He is reminding them “of what you already knew.” If they are to call themselves “Christians” then they need to model Christ. They too are to witness to their faith in God just as Jesus did. Paul has also set for them an example of what good ministry looks like. Bringing others to faith and growing their faith has happened “by what I’ve said and what I’ve done.” Paul has both encouraged and challenged the church, both built them up and called them out. And now the Roman church has been equipped to do the same. These words apply to us as well. As followers of Jesus Christ we have been equipped to help others know Jesus and to help one another grow in our faith.

Modeling Jesus with our words and actions is easy sometimes. Sharing joy and hope and love is not hard. The challenge comes when we are called to speak or act in situations where injustice or sin or some other wrong is taking place. To lift God’s will and way to the forefront and to challenge others to walk in this way can be hard and it can be costly. To fail to speak or to act will cause harm. Trusting in God, in the example of Jesus, and in the guidance of the Spirit, may we choose sacrifice and service to others.

Prayer: Lord God, there are times when it is easy to be a faithful witness in word or in deed. Encourage us to do so! And we also find ourselves in times and places when the Holy Spirit calls us to hold others accountable to who and what you call us all to be. Encourage and empower us to love you and neighbor even when it is hard and risky. All to your glory! Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Mark 2:1-12

Mark 2:2 – “So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

In Mark 2 we find a story that is not directly about prayer but can speak to us about prayer. We’re early in Mark’s gospel. According to what’s written, Jesus has healed people and is beginning to draw a crowd. Of those who packed out the house in today’s reading, how many do you think prayed on their way there?

The story first focuses in on four people who have brought their paralyzed friend to be seen by Jesus. Surely all five prayed in the way to see Jesus. So great was their perseverance, so strong their love for their friend, they tore open the roof to get their friend before Jesus. And Jesus’ initial words? “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Likely not what these five were praying for. Great for the man, but…

Jesus then perceives the thoughts of the legal experts. He calls them out. What prayers do you think they quickly muttered? They certainly were not praying to be put in their place by Jesus. Yet they are. Their thoughts opened the door for God to work good in many ways. It is at this point that the man is healed, answering the prayers of the group of five. In this moment, the crowd is amazed and praises God.

While many prayers went unanswered this day, God was still very much at work in the lives of all of these people. We hold hope for the legal experts. Maybe this humbling experience led to growth in their faith too. God’s desire was and is to draw all people to a saving knowledge of God. So may we continue to pray faithfully, trusting in God to work good in our lives and in our world.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder to ever seek your presence, to linger in that space, expecting good from you. Help us to ever be open to what you are doing, especially when it is beyond our limited vision or understanding. Draw us closer to you, moment by moment, encounter by encounter. Amen.


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For All People

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-4

1st Timothy 2:1 – “First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

As we begin 1st Timothy 2, Paul encourages Timothy (and us) to offer prayers for everyone – “for all people.” Paul assumes that Timothy will pray for the regulars: family, friends, people he knows who need specific prayers. This is likely familiar territory. Maybe you, like me, have a standard list of people and situations that you pray for every day plus a few that are in your prayer list for a time or a season.

Paul next singles out praying for “kings and everyone who is in authority.” Why would Paul do this? Well, look no further than our current reality. In Timothy’s day it was the Roman authorities and the Jewish religious leaders who were persecuting the church. What prayers might Timothy lift for those in authority? What prayers might help lift that are in alignment with God’s will and heart? May our godly thoughts on these questions guide our prayers for our leaders.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul gives Timothy (and us) the “why.” Paul reminds us that it is “right” and that it “pleases” God when we offer prayers for all people, especially for those that are hard for us to pray for. It is our charge. First and foremost, it should be so because God desires for “all people to be saved” and to come to “a knowledge of the truth” – to understand and know God’s will and heart for themselves. Second, to pray hard prayers, that changes and empowers our hearts too. As our prayers become better aligned with God’s desires, our world will better reflect God’s kingdom here on earth. May our prayers work towards this goal and hope.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts wide, enabling us to pray as you call us to pray. And, Lord, open wide the hearts of our leaders, filling them with what fills your heart: mercy, grace, compassion, love. Guide all of our leaders to be leaders for and of all people, working for the good of all people. Amen.


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God Is… Patient

Reading: 2nd Peter 3

2nd Peter 3:9 – “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.”

Chapter 3 begins with a reiteration of the encouragement to recall what the prophets and apostles have taught. Peter then tells them that scoffers will come, jeering, living in sin, questioning the second coming of the Lord. Peter writes, “they fail to notice…” This is another way of reminding his audience of these truths. The word that created the world now “holds in reserve” the ungodly for the coming Judgment Day. Yes, Peter agrees, the wait feels long. But don’t forget, God’s time is not our time – “a single day is like a thousand years…”

Peter continues this thought as he tells them that God isn’t slow, he’s patient: “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.” As Christ said, the day will come like a thief – suddenly, unexpected. On that day, “all will be exposed.” So… be ready every moment by living holy and godly lives always. Wait for the new heaven and earth, making every effort to be found in Christ – at peace, pure and faultless. And as you wait, the apostle urges, be on guard against temptations as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

In Peter’s day, when suffering was real and when voices and cultures spoke against a faithful walk of faith, holding onto and trusting into God’s promises was essential. Times have not changed. We live in a post-Christian world that teeters on anti-Christian at times. May we be on guard, striving to live holy and righteous lives, eagerly awaiting the day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, your word and promises endure forever. Empower us to hold to these truths, especially when the world challenges our faith and our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Strengthen us for this journey, O Lord. Amen.


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Hear Well

Reading: 2nd Peter 1-2

2nd Peter 1:4 – “He has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immortality that sinful craving produces.”

2nd Peter continues the call to live the Christian life and it also addresses the false teachers that are beginning to negatively impact the believers. In chapter 1 Peter reiterates the fact that the Lord has given all the need, writing, “He has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immortality that sinful craving produces.” Therefore, Peter implores them to add “moral excellence… knowledge… self-control… endurance… godliness… affection for others… love” to their faith. Growing in these traits will keep them from becoming “inactive and unfruitful.”

Peter promises to keep reminding them of these things while he’s yet alive. He then shifts to personal witness and prophetic testimony to assure their faith. Peter witnessed the transfiguration and heard God’s voice, bringing Jesus glory and honor. The prophets – led by God’s Holy Spirit – offer a “most reliable” word. Peter instructs the believers that they will “do well” to pay attention to these two things.

Chapter 2 addresses the false prophets (or teachers) that have come into the faith communities. They offer “destructive opinions” and they deny Christ. They are drawing many believers away with their “unrestrained immortality.” Peter pauses to remind his readers about the disobedient angels, the flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. He also reminds them of Lot – the godly man rescued by God. Peter then returns to these “reckless and brash people” who are like “irrational animals.” These false teachers are ever on the lookout for opportunities to sin. They promise freedom but make others “slaves of immortality.” As chapter 2 closes Peter laments the faithful who’ve turned away. He says it’d be better if they never knew “the way of righteousness.” May we too hear well the warning in these words.

Prayer: Lord God, there is no shortage of false teachers or seductive temptations in our world today. They can still quickly lead to destruction. Remind us again and again of your promises. Surround us with your holy presence. Strengthen and encourage our walk through the witness of your word. Keep our feet on the path that leads to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.


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Rooted and Built Up

Reading: Colossians 1-2

Colossians 2:7 – “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.”

Colossians, as a whole, presents a beautiful picture of Christ as the fullness of God, as the agent of creation and redemption, and as the one who empowers the church to faithful living. In the face of rival, more worldly teaching, Paul presents a Christ fully capable of changing and transforming hearts and lives into a new, holy, and blameless way of living.

Colossians begins with thanksgiving and a prayer. Paul offers thanks for their faith in Christ and for their love of all of God’s people – both outcomes of Epaphras’ teaching. The message of hope has been growing and producing fruit in all of their good works. Paul prays that they will be strengthened and will grow in their knowledge of God’s will. He prays that they will endure hardships with patience so that they “can take part in the inheritance” – eternal life.

A hymn about Christ’s work comes next, in verses 15-20. This hymn celebrates Christ as the creator of all things and as the glue that holds all things together. Christ is the one who reconciles all to God – including those in the Colosse church. Paul encourages them to stay rooted in their faith. He warns against this “philosophy and foolish deception,” these human rules. Paul encourages them to live in and with Christ: “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.” Being baptized into Christ’s death, Paul says, now live alive in Christ. Stay connected to Christ, Paul implores. May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us in our walk of faith. Open our hearts and minds to the fullness of Jesus Christ. Help us to truly be reconciled to you, living as light and love in this world. Guard us from the false teachings of the world and of the evil one. Root us deeply in Christ. Establish our faith on the rock. Empower us to faithful living through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


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One in Christ

Reading: Philippians 1-2

Philippians 2:3 – “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As is his custom, Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with thanksgiving and prayer. He is “full of joy” because of the ministry in Philippi. Paul is sure that God will complete the work begun by these “partners in God’s grace.” Paul prays for their love and for their knowledge of Christ to grow. Then they will truly “filled with the fruit of righteousness.”

Paul then acknowledges that his hardships and imprisonment have actually advanced the gospel. Those in Rome are learning about Christ and others have become bolder in their proclamation of the gospel. Paul then expressed a longing to be with Christ. Yet, for their sake, he recognizes that it is more important for him to “stay in the world.” He can help them to joyfully grow in the faith. He challenges those in the church in Philippi to “live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” This will require them to stand firm, both in the face of hardship and suffering.

In chapter 2 Paul invites the church to imitate Christ. He invites them to be unified with Christ and with one another. He encourages them, saying, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Paul then unpacks what this all looks like. Jesus “emptied himself” and he humbled himself by “becoming obedient to death.” Because of Jesus’ living faith, at his name one day all will bow and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, Paul says, be blameless and pure, trusting in God’s power to live out their own faith, shining “like stars” in this “crooked and corrupt” world. All of this is possible when they “hold onto the word of life,” Jesus Christ. May it be so for us this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, encourage our walk of faith and fill us with all joy. Lead and guide us to yield the fruit of righteousness as we share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. Make us one in Christ, one body created to humbly serve in love. Amen.


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To the Test

Reading: Daniel 1-3

Daniel 2:47 – “No doubt about it: your God is God of gods, Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

As the book of Daniel begins, Babylon’s king attacks Jerusalem. Although the city does not fall, God hands over Judah’s king. In addition, they took into exile some men who were good-looking, skilled, intelligent, and capable. These men were to be trained as officials in Babylon’s government. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The last three will be known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel will also receive a Babylonian name, but he will be known as “Daniel” throughout the book.

The first test comes around food. In training they are to eat the king’s food and to drink his wine. This would defile them. Daniel works out a test period, eating and drinking only vegetables and water. In the end they are healthier. God also blessed them with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. When have you been in a position to eat or drink something that would “defile” you? What insights or strength do you gain from their example?

The second test comes around a dream. In a rage, the king declares that the sages must not only interpret his dream, but they must also tell him the dream. No one can do the impossible. All sages are to be executed, including the four. Daniel secures a brief respite and gathers his friends. They seek help from God. God responds to their trust and faith, allowing Daniel to tell and interpret the dream, doing the impossible. The king is very impressed, declaring, “No doubt about it: your God is God of gods, Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries.” When has your trust or faith in God helped another to see God’s power and might at work?

The third test comes around idolatry. King Nebuchadnezzar builds a 90 foot statue and orders everybody to worship it. He has forgotten what he just said about God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse – initially and then when before the king. They boldly declare their allegiance to God alone. Thrown into the fiery furnace, they not only survive but emerge totally unaffected by the flames. This time the king offers words of praise to God. God is working on his heart. How can you stand apart from or even against the things this world idolizes, leading others to praise God?

Prayer: Lord God, our faith is often put to the test. We must decide daily if we will choose to honor you, to trust you, to stand up to be counted as yours. Give us the strength to face these challenges that call us to risk for you. Help us to walk in your will and according to your ways, bringing you praise, honor, and glory. Amen.


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Effort Matters

Reading: Ecclesiastes 9-12

‭Ecclesiastes 10:10 – “If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

As we conclude Ecclesiastes today we begin with the remainder that the deeds of the righteous and wise are in God’s hands. Even so, death awaits us all. Chapter 12 alludes to our general decline as we age. The sun and light grow dark, people become afraid, and then “the human goes to the eternal abode.” The Teacher recognizes that there is a finality to this life.

But during our lives, the advice is to eat joyfully, to drink happily, to have oil for our heads, and to enjoy our “dearly loved spouse.” Even though all of our days are pointless, it is our part to play. So whenever we can, we should do these things with “all your might.”

The Teacher also recognizes that much is out of our control. The swift don’t always win the race. “Accidents can happen to anyone,” says the sage. When tragedy suddenly befalls us, we are like “fish caught in a net.”

Even so, we are encouraged to take pleasure in all of our years. Yes, there will be dark days. Yes, one day we’ll be called into account by God. And, yes, our deeds matter. The lazy – the cloud and wind watchers – won’t sow or harvest. Effort matters. In 10:10 we read, “If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force.” Seek wisdom and knowledge and skill. Life will be better. Maybe, says the Teacher.

Ecclesiastes closes with a reminder to worship God and to obey the commands. It is what everyone must do, because, remember, judgment is coming. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in the grand scope of life, lead us day by day to enjoy life and all it has to offer. Put joy into the work of our hands and obedience into our hearts of faith. Amen.