pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: life


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Choosing Death or Life

Reading: Romans 6:20-23

Romans 6:22 – “But now that you have been set free from sin and become slaves to God, you have the consequences of a holy life, and the outcome is eternal life.”

Turning to the last verses of this week’s Epistle reading, Paul focuses on the outcomes of our choice to be a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. As “slaves of sin” the outcome of doing “things you are now ashamed of” was and is death. In one sense Paul is talking about the outcome at the end of this physical life on earth. A sinful life leads to death and eternal punishment. But there is also a present death that we experience when we choose to be a slave to sin. In this life, living only in sin, there is no true joy, no real peace, no lasting hope. All is temporary and transactional. To live this way is to live as if dead.

In verse 22 Paul contrasts a dead life to a life alive in Christ. In this verse he writes, “But now that you have been set free from sin and become slaves to God, you have the consequences of a holy life, and the outcome is eternal life.” From Paul’s perspective, being set free from sin did not mean that we would never sin again. In his understanding, this meant that we were free as children of God to choose how we will live. Because a part of us will be flesh until we step into eternal glory, we are never totally, 100% free from sin. No longer enslaved to sin, though, we can make our own choices. When we choose to live for God, we experience a “holy life.” This life knows joy, hope, peace, love, grace, community… Yes, one day consistently choosing God will lead to eternal life in glory. But in the here and now, we can choose to live in sin or to live for God. One brings death and one brings life. May we consistently and steadfastly choose God and life. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, while free will ultimately allows us to choose life or death, we do not make our choices in a vacuum. So we ask that the voice of the Holy Spirit would be loud and clear. We ask that the living Word would inform our decisions and actions. We ask that your love and grace would equip and empower us to choose you, again and again. Amen.


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Life in Christ

Reading: Romans 6:12-19

Romans 6:14 – “Sin will have no power over you, because you aren’t under Law but under grace.”

As we turn to Romans 6 today and tomorrow, we read Paul’s arguments about sin and the new life that we find in Christ Jesus. Today’s section begins with this advice: “Don’t let sin rule your body so that you do what it wants.” Here Paul is acknowledging a reality. Sin is always there, always trying to draw us in. Because of this, we must battle every day so that we are not used “as weapons to do wrong.” Instead, Paul encourages us to offer ourselves to God, as people “who have been brought back to life from death” so that we can be used “as weapons to do good” in the world.

Although sin and temptation are powerful, Paul reminds us, “Sin will have no power over you, because you aren’t under Law but under grace.” By the grace made available through Jesus Christ, we are no longer held captive to sin and the guilt and shame that keeps us entangled in our sin and its consequences. As Paul explores our freedom from sin found in Jesus Christ, he lays out the choice we make on a very regular basis. Do we offer ourselves as “slaves of sin,” setting our course towards death? Or do we offer ourselves as “slaves of righteousness,” which leads to holy living? Paul understands that for each of us who seek to follow Jesus, as it was for him, this is a choice made again and again, over and over, many times each day. Each time may we choose life in Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we face an almost steady stream of temptation. We’re encouraged to just do what feels good, to just sling that verbal barb, to just get more and more for self. We soon enough learn that, as Paul wrote, one sin often leads to another and another. Soon we are enslaved. Lord, we want to choose your will and way. We want to live as children of righteousness. We want to do and be good in this world. O Lord, help us. Only through and with the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us do we stand a chance. Lead and guide us, O God. Strengthen and encourage us. Thank you. Amen.


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Crosses of Love

Reading: Matthew 10:32-39

Matthew 10:38 – “Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me.”

In the second half of this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus is addressing our public witness. Verses 32-33 offer an invitation of sorts: reflect Jesus out into the world, be welcomed one day into heaven. If one chooses not to accept the invitation to reflect Jesus to the world, then one will be denied a place in heaven. Jesus is reminding us how important it is that our faith is evident in all that we say, do, and think – everywhere, all the time.

Verses 34-39 reveal the challenges, the cost, and the difficulty of living a life fully committed to following Jesus. Acknowledging the battle between the ways of the Lord and the ways of the world, we’re reminded that Jesus did not come just to bring peace. The full commitment to Jesus requires that we love Jesus more than anything – more than family, more than self. The second is being addressed when Jesus says, “Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me.” Our crosses are to be like the cross that Jesus died upon. He died for a purpose: to defeat the power of sin – all that holds us captive, all that keeps us from fully loving God and neighbor.

Today we celebrate a holiday. 161 years ago the last slaves in the US were freed. That unjust system was officially brought to an end. Many bore crosses of love in the fight to end slavery. People of faith led the way in this fight. Today there are many unjust systems that our faith calls us to fight against. The social justice issues of our day include racism, poverty, homelessness, unequal access to education and healthcare – just to name a few. The way of Jesus is centered on love – loving God and neighbor more than self. What cross of love are you feeling led to carry on behalf of those Jesus loves?

Prayer: Lord God, as we celebrate the steps taken many years ago to end an unjust, oppressive system, open our eyes and hearts to the unjust systems that are in practice today. Spark in us a love for the other that emboldens us to stand, to speak, to fight for and alongside the voiceless, the powerless, the suffering. Bearing that cross of love, may all come to experience life abundant in this world. Amen.


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More and More

Reading: Romans 6:1-5

Romans 6:4b – “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life.”

In today’s reading Paul argues that grace transforms our lives. Yes, it is grace that leads to the forgiveness of sins. Some in the Roman church, however, have argued that more sinning equals more grace, so sin away! In response to this idea, Paul writes, “Absolutely not!” In fact, Paul adds, it should be just the opposite because “All of us died to sin.” When we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we commit to live as he lived. This leads to a death to sinning. But the reality is that this is not a final death. Yes, as we walk with Christ, we mature in our faith. Yet the reality is always this: we sin less as we grow in Christ, but we are never sinless.

The process of dying to sin is an ongoing process. As we mature, we come to realize that this thing we’ve always done, well, it is in fact sin. It never felt like it before, but suddenly we realize that is. And then we must die to that thing, letting go of a part of ourselves. We then walk a little closer to Christ. The good news is that we can do this again and again. Paul emphasizes the ongoing nature of this process in verse 4, where he writes, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life.” Dying to sin, again and again, we will be raised to new life over and over.

There is a transformation, a healing, that occurs in our soul when we are forgiven and made new. As we are made more and more like Christ, we gradually learn to let go of the guilt and shame of our sin. We learn to trust God’s love and grace more and more. And as we repeat the process, sinning less, growing in Christ, we learn to love and extend grace to others more and more. Doing so, we better reflect Jesus’ light and love to the world, drawing others to the goodness of God. Day by day, may it be more and more so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for walking with us daily on this long and often slow journey of faith. Thank you for your patience and steadfastness that draws us back to the well of grace again and again. Each time we drink of it, O God, shape us more and more into the image of Christ. Use us day by day, Lord, to be light and love in and to the world. Amen.


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Joy and Laughter

Readings: Genesis 18:9-15 and Genesis 21:1-7

Genesis 21:1 – “The Lord was attentive to Sarah just as he said, and the Lord carried out what he had promised.”

Returning to Genesis 18, the strangers turn to Sarah. One declares that he will return in a year and that then Sarah will have a son. Listening from inside the tent, Sarah first thinks about how “very old” they are. She then thinks about the physical impossibility of it all: she is “no longer menstruating.” Sarah laughs to herself, maybe chuckling a “wouldn’t that be something to see” kind of laugh. She is not laughing at the stranger or even at the impossibility of it all. Sarah has certainly experienced the first kind of laughter – at her and her barrenness. This laughter was probably mixed with ridicule and scorn.

Turning to chapter 21, we read, “The Lord was attentive to Sarah just as he said, and the Lord carried out what he had promised.” God follows through on what God has promised – 25 years ago, a dozen years ago, just last year. Sarah becomes pregnant. Imagine her laughter at each step. Each day, as the baby grew, she probably touched her stomach and laughed. Then Sarah gave birth and held a miracle in her arms. Tears of joy mingled with smiles and more laughter. A son, a gift, in old age, he has to be named “Isaac” – the one who laughs, the one who brings laughter. All along the way, Sarah’s laughter has been shared with others. They too have been drawn into the miracle and gift of God.

This is our God – the one who is attentive to us, the one who brings joy and laughter to our lives. This is our God – the one who keeps promises and has and always will do the impossible. This is our God – the one who brings life when all feels dead, the one who opens doors when there seems to be no way, the one who brings healing to hopeless situations, the one who redeems and restores what is broken. And when these miracles happen in or near to our lives, may we too be filled with a joy that leads to laughter, bursting forth in praise for what the Lord has done.

Prayer: Lord God, when we’ve walked a long, hard road, be it 25 years and what feels like an endless week, remind us of your attentive presence and everlasting promises. Draw us into your love, extend your grace or healing or forgiveness. Fill us with a joy that comes from your work in our lives and in our world. May our joy and laughter and praise be contagious, drawing others into your love. Amen.


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What if?

Reading: Psalm 8:5-9

Psalm 8:5 – “You’ve made them [humanity] only slightly less than divine, crowning them with glory and grandeur.”

Yesterday as we read the first verses of Psalm 8, we were reminded of humanity’s smallness relative to God’s power and majesty. This realization is humbling, maybe even sobering. Then, in verse 5 we read, “You’ve made them only slightly less than divine, crowning them with glory and grandeur.” Reading these words can shatter that humility. In our competitive world, nobody really likes to be #2. Our fleshy part can take the reality that God is indeed almighty and all-powerful and… then say to ourselves, ‘Well, no one can be like God, so it’s almost like we’re #1!’ From that perspective, we’ll be utter failures with the role God gives us in the next verses in Psalm 8.

David writes of one of God’s biggest expectations of humanity in verses 6-8. Created in God’s image, “slightly” less than God, we’ve been tasked to “rule over your [God’s] handiwork” – that which was “very good.” Other translations use words like ‘dominion’ and ‘in charge of.’ In newer translations we begin to read words like ‘steward’ and ‘care for.’ These words better reflect the “created in God’s image” part of our story.

A few years ago, the WWJD bracelets… drew our minds and hearts to make Jesus’ life and example more a part of our daily life and decisions and actions. Those little “What Would Jesus Do?” silicone bands… caused us to pause before speaking, acting, or doing. What if we wrapped our care of creation – both the natural world and all of humanity – in WWGD thinking? What if?

Prayer: Lord God, yes, what if we treated the world and one another as you do? What if we loved it all as you love it all? The earth would not cry out. People would not be oppressed nor suffer violence. Nations would not wage war and quarrel. What if we ruled over this world as you would, O God? It is a beautiful and glorious thought. So Lord, use us, your children, to live and be in the world as you call us to live and be in the world. Amen.


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Whole Being Praise

Reading: Psalm 104:24-35

Psalm 104:33 – “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive.”

Our reading from Psalm 104 begins in the created world. The psalmist praises God for this earth that is “full of your creations.” From the dirt to the sea, from the valleys to the sky, God created our earth. In all of the earth’s beauty and diversity – from desert to rainforest, from rugged mountains to endless plains – God “made them all so widely” and filled these spaces with life abundant and diverse. The earth and all that are in and on it are amazing, like our God.

The psalmist then turns to these creatures that inhabit the earth. These “countless creatures” are another example of God’s creative nature at work. And we are reminded of God’s care and provision for all of creation. God gives food and each is filled. God gives life and breath. But when God “hides,” creation is terrified. In the end, the breath of life leaves and each returns to dust.

Without naming it, the psalmist is also describing humanity. We are scientifically one race yet are very diverse and unique. Seven billion of us are the same in almost endless ways, yet none are exactly alike. We can see great beauty in the canvas of humanity. And we also depend on God for life and blessing, given to us until we too return to dust.

In verse 31 the psalmist begins to praise God. He or she rejoices in creation – in all of it. The psalmist recognizes God’s power still at work. And they declare, “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive.” Lifting voice, may our whole being praise the Lord, creator and sustainer for all.

Prayer: Lord God, you remain present in creation and in us. Open our eyes to see you and your fingerprints – in the sunrise or sunset, in the infant and in the elder. Fill us with wonder and awe, praise and rejoicing. Use us to help those who don’t see and don’t have a relationship with you to recognize your presence in and through us and all of creation, drawing them closer to you. Amen.


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Only through Surrender

Reading: Acts 17:22-31

Acts 17:27-28 – “In fact, God isn’t far away from any of us. In God we live, move, and exist.”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Returning to Acts 17 today we focus on God’s presence with us. To get the people of Athens to understand this, Paul begins where they are at. After walking around the city, Paul noticed that they are very “religious.” There are idols to many, many gods. He even finds one “To an Unknown God.” The Athenians are covering all the bases, just in case they missed one. This is Paul’s opening. He tells the council and others gathered to listen, “What you worship as unknown, I now proclaim to you.” Paul then begins to tell them about God, creator of everything. God is the giver of “life, breath, and everything else.” Paul is working towards God’s omnipresence – God everywhere, all the time.

In verse 27 Paul proclaims that God created humanity with a natural desire to seek him, “perhaps even reach out to him and find him.” This thought resonated with many of the Athenians just as it does today. We all want to understand life and to find meaning and purpose in this life. Paul speaks to this, saying, “In fact, God isn’t far away from any of us. In God we live, move, and exist.” God is near to us. In God we find all that we need. As he continues, Paul touches on an important aspect of faith in God. One cannot chase after this god and that god, seeking this here and that there. This has been the call to worship the one true God since the days in the wilderness. In verse 30 Paul tells the audience that God “directs everyone everywhere to change their hearts and lives.” To be in relationship with God, to experience God’s presence in Spirit, one must be willing to surrender one’s life to the Lord. Only through surrender do we experience the fullness of God’s love and grace. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to seek your presence today. Lead us to reach out to you. Guide our hearts to rest in your heart. In your presence may we experience the fullness of life – not only breath and existence but also meaning and purpose rooted in humility and service. Here we surrender all of ourselves to all of you. Receive us and change our hearts and lives each day, shaping us more and more into the image of your son Jesus. Amen.


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Following Jesus

Reading: John 14:1-7

John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Credit: Rebecca Gelaney

As we close this week, we turn to John 14. In verses 1-7, Jesus again speaks of his upcoming death. This is not the first time the disciples have heard Jesus speak of his death and resurrection. Yet it is a subject that disturbs and worries them each time. I think we’d feel the same way. Death is a difficult and uncomfortable subject.

In verses 1-4 Jesus offers the disciples and us some comfort and hope. He begins with a reminder to trust in God and in Jesus himself. This will help with the worry and other troubles. Jesus then speaks of heaven as a place with “many rooms” and of returning so that “where I am you will be too.” In this hard and broken world, it is good to know that we have a wonderful place prepared for us. It is a place that we get to know a bit as we live out our faith here on earth.

Thomas wants more information. They don’t fully understand what Jesus is talking about. Sure, they understand death, but this “in three days” stuff? Into his questioning, Jesus tells them and us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is the way to build the kingdom here on earth so that we will one day be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. He is the truth that leads us as we discern the path to walk in this broken and hurting world. And Jesus is life – full and abundant now, glorious and eternal one day. Knowing Jesus, we know God. Following Jesus’ example, we draw closer and closer to God. Day by day, may this ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for sending Jesus, our example of your love and grace fully lived out. Although we often fall short, continue to call us to more. Redeem us and draw us closer and closer to your heart. And use us, O Lord. Use us to build your kingdom of love here on earth. Amen.


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Abundant Life

Reading: John 10:7-10

John 10:10b – “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

As we turn to the second half of this week’s John 10 passage, Jesus lays out why choosing to listen to his voice, to follow where he leads, and to enter his gate makes all the difference. In verse 8 Jesus reminds his readers that those who came before him were “thieves and outlaws.” The sheep didn’t listen to them because listening didn’t change their lives. In Jesus’ day, Israel was no better off than when Moses gave the Law. There was no power of forgiveness or grace in the cycles of sin and sacrifice present when living under the Law.

As the gate that gives real life, to enter Jesus’ way is to find a forgiveness and grace that removes the guilt and restores us to new life. Freed from the power of sin, we are able to “go out and find pasture.” We are able to live with joy and peace and hope. We are able to receive and to offer forgiveness, mending broken relationships. In these ways, we share our joy and peace and hope with others.

But the “thief” – the ones who live by the ways of this world – they come again and again to “steal, kill, and destroy.” They come to do whatever is needed to elevate self, to accumulate wealth, to exert power over others. This life also leads to a cycle – of wanting more and more. This endless chase leaves one with a life that feels empty, without hope, desperate.

Jesus offers the polar opposite. He proclaims, “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” There is no better life than one given to Christ, surrendered to his grace, dedicated to loving God and neighbor above self. Abundant life in Christ – there is no other way. May this be the life that we choose, each day, into eternity.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of the world can seem attractive: bright, shiny, new, full of pleasures. Your way can seem simple, basic, humble. Your example runs counter to the ways of power over and of glorifying self. Instead, your way seeks to lift others, to give away and share, to walk beside. Guide us to always choose your way of love, finding abundant life, sharing it with others. Amen.