pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Lord


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Love and Relationship

Reading: Exodus 20:1-4 and 7-10

Verse 2: “I am the Lord your God.”

Our Old Testament reading for this week contains the Ten Commandments. This list of “rules” seeks to define the relationship of God with the people and to define our relationships with one another. At their core they are about how we love God and one another. After all, love is at the core of our relationships. Today we look at the commandments that apply to our relationship with God. Later in the week we’ll look at the commandments that deal with our relationships with each other.

The Ten Commandments begin with “I am the Lord your God.” “I AM” was the name that God gave Moses many years ago to use when he first went to free the Israelites from slavery. Ever since then, I AM has been their guide, protector, healer, provider… In the wilderness the people depended on I AM. (This should be the case with us too!) The relationship is further defined as God prohibits idols and other gods. It is to be an exclusive relationship. I AM is the Lord their God. There is no need for anything else. The same is true for us. Yet we pursue so much else – the latest this, that position or title, that ideal vacation… We try and create our own joy, peace, contentment… instead of turning to the true source of all of this: I AM.

Verses 7-10 are about keeping perspective as we seek to live in right relationship with our holy God. Honoring God’s name is important. It shows that we value our relationship. To dishonor or misuse God’s name reveals a lack of commitment to the relationship. And, lastly, we are called to honor the Sabbath. To build our love for God and to strengthen our relationship with God, we must spend dedicated and intentional time with God. And we must rest – rest from the business and grind of life. This renews us for the work of relationship and love. In all we say and do, may our lives reflect the truth of verse 2: “I am the Lord your God.”

Prayer: Lord God, I love you and desire a deep and intimate relationship with you. I want you to be my all in all. You are absolutely committed and totally willing. My flesh is weak and my heart falters at times. Day by day help me to grow in my love of you, thereby deepening my love for humanity. Amen.


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Pour Out Water, O God

Reading: Psalm 78:1-4 and 12-16

Verse 15: “He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as abundant as the seas.”

Psalm 78 is one of many songs that the Israelites would sing at major festivals to remember the acts of God on their behalf. It begins with a declaration in verses 1-4. Asaph declares that they will tell the stories, that they will “tell the next generation.” As the people of God, we continue in this practice. Tomorrow, the Bible that we will read and learn and worship from is the same story of faith that it has been for 2,000 years. We too stand in a long line of many witnesses who have told the next generation of God’s love and power.

However, our faith is not solely based on events that happened long ago. We are also very much a people of the here and now. Yes it is important to remember how God has been faithful. It is also very important to remember that God is faithful and that God will be faithful.

Today verse 15 stood out to me: “He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as abundant as the seas.” It drew me to consider how it applies to my life today. Feeling like we are in the desert or wilderness is a regular part of life. Having a “rock” in the road of life happens. Stepping forward and seeking God’s presence and guidance is an act of faith. Here we draw upon our past experiences with God’s acts in our lives. With that strength we can call upon God to pour out waters upon us and in our lives. What is your rock? How can you draw upon our God who is faithful and cares for you?

Prayer: Lord God, that rock can seem so big. It can cause me to get stuck. Yet that rock is a tiny pebble to you. In the desert you brought forth the water of life from a rock. Nothing is impossible with you. Lead me to step forward today, knowing that you are faithful, trusting in your love for me. Amen.


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Humility and Obedience

Reading: Philippians 2:5-13

Verse 8: “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!”

Our Epistle reading carries the title “Imitating Christ’s Humility” in my Bible. In verse 5 we are invited to have the same attitude as Jesus Christ. Then, in verses 6-11, Paul quotes an early Christian hymn that wonderfully describes Jesus’ humility and obedience. It begins with the reminder that Jesus laid aside infinite power and glory to become “nothing” as he took on “the very nature of a servant.” Jesus became human. Moving on we read, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” Though excruciatingly painful, Jesus took the nails for you and for me. It was God’s solution to our arrogance and disobedience. Jesus lived out God’s plan for his life. Our call is to live with this same attitude.

Because Jesus was humble and obedient, God “exalted him to the highest place.” Jesus rose to resume his place at God’s right hand. In response to Jesus returning to this rightful place of power and glory, every knee should bow at his name and every tongue should confess, declaring that “Jesus is Lord!” That is the correct and just response. But because of our arrogance and disobedience, many choose not to make this declaration. This is a sad but real choice that many people make.

Paul encourages us to make a better choice. In verse 12 he urges us to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Faith is an ongoing process that involves a holy and revenant attitude towards Jesus as Lord. When in humility and obedience we choose to live this way, we experience God’s work in our lives and we live according to God’s “good purposes.” God has a plan for our lives too. Like Christ, may we choose to surrender our life to God’s good plan.

Prayer: Lord God, give me the courage to live counter-culturally. Give me the strength to choose humility and obedience in a world that preaches the opposite. And give me the power to live out your plans, revealing to the world that Jesus is indeed Lord of all. Amen.


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Which Son?

Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

Verse 28: “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons…”

As we continue in Matthew 21, Jesus tells a parable that addresses yesterday’s question from the chief priests. They wanted to know where Jesus got his authority from. Jesus trapped them with his question about John the Baptist’s authority. They refused to answer the question aloud, revealing that they were their own authority, not God.

Jesus asks them another question: “What do you think?” He then lays out a scenario in which the first son initially refuses the father’s request but later honors it. The second son does just the opposite. When asked which son obeyed, the chief priests quickly identify the first son. Jesus then unpacks this little parable, informing the chief priests that “the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”

The tax collectors and prostitutes initially said no to God the Father. But when they heard John the Baptist’s message, they repented and entered a right relationship with God. The chief priests and other religious leaders at first said “yes” to God but are now far from actually living as God wants them to live. They are now like the second son.

The question for us today is this: Are we the first son or the second son? We’ve declared ourselves Christians. Are we obediently following Christ, seeking to faithfully live out his example? Or are we really still our own authority?

Prayer: Lord God, I want to be like the first son. I really do. I want to put my sin and disobedience behind me. But self, the lure of power and control, the sin of pride – they are always right there, vying for authority. Lord, strengthen me for each day. By the power of your Holy Spirit living inside of me, raise up my faith and empower me to choose you over all else. Guide me to walk faithfully in all of my steps. Amen.


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Authority

Reading: Matthew 21:23-27

Verse 23: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Jesus’ ministry is nearing its climax. The Palm Sunday celebration happened just the day before. Jesus has just turned tables over in the temple, accusing them of turning it into a “den of robbers.” The tension between Jesus and the religious authorities is skyrocketing. As he is teaching in the temple courts they approach him and ask, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”

They are the religious authorities. They are the ones in charge. They are the keepers of the Law. Have you ever had a boss or a supervisor who was like this? Yes, they had the title and maybe even the office but they lacked real power and authority. Real decisions and real leadership came from someplace else. The religious leaders sense that Jesus has both in volumes. He demonstrates this with the simple question that he asks.

Turning the question to John the Baptist’s authority, Jesus exposes the religious leaders lack of faith. They have tons of religion, yes. They can quote scripture and they follow all the rules, but they have little faith and almost no personal relationship with God. That’s the things John had and it’s the thing that all of the prophets had. Just as it was with John and with all of the other past prophets, so it is with Jesus. They didn’t understand that power comes from a personal relationship with God. They didn’t get that this is what leads and guides, fuels and drives a life lived for and with the Lord. This is the source of Jesus’ authority. May it be so for you and for me as we seek to live out the love of God in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, grow our relationship day by day, deepening our connection and my sense of your will and way. May I know you more personally and more intimately, just as you know me. Fill me with your Spirit’s presentation and power. Use me as your servant today. Amen.


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Accountability

Reading: Romans 14:1-12

Verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?”

Photo credit: Ditto Bowo

Our Epistle reading begins with the directive to accept others without passing judgment. I’m not sure if the first or second is harder to adhere to. Maybe both are an equal struggle as they are so closely related. This seemed to be the case for the church in Rome. It remains a big struggle in many of our churches today.

In what Paul terms “disputable matters” these Christians are struggling to allow for understandings and practices that are different from their own. The Gentile Christians thought their faith was “stronger” because they didn’t have to follow all of these rules to maintain their relationship with Jesus. Thus, they viewed the Jewish Christians as “weak.” The Jews, for example, only ate vegetables as a way to keep the Jewish food purity laws concerning meat. It was hard to find meat that they were sure was kosher in that pagan culture of Rome. The Gentile believers saw this as a weakness of faith because they themselves could eat anything and still be right with God.

Paul reminds all of those in the church that “none of us lives to himself [or herself] alone.” Instead, he insists, “we belong to the Lord” – both in life and in death. With these truths in mind, Paul then asks these two pointed questions: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?” He reminds us that if Jesus submitted to the point of death on a cross, then we should submit to unity in spite of minor differences in understanding and practice. He closes with a sober reminder: one day we will all come before the judgment seat. May our accounting of how we treated our brothers and sisters in Christ bring glory to God.

Prayer: Lord God, it’s so easy to slip into judging and looking down on others. It’s an area of weakness for me. Jesus set the example – engaging others as equal, worthy, beloved, valued. Build up my inner being and remove my weakness so that I can better live like Jesus. Amen.


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God’s Dominion

Reading: Psalm 114

Verse 7: “Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord.”

Psalm 114 speaks of the deep and intimate relationship that God has with the chosen people. The psalmist writes of three of God’s nights act on behalf of the people. Remembering how God parted the sea, turned back the Jordan, and brought water from a rock in the desert reminds Israel of both God’s power and might AND of God’s provision for them. In response the psalmist calls out to the world, saying, “Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord.” The invitation is to recognize that God is not just their God, but is the God over all of creation.

At times in our lives God will act or intervene or guide in powerful and awesome ways. Think back over your life. When have you felt God’s presence or guidance? When has God encouraged or strengthened or even carried you? And when have you been a part of something that God has done? Was it in your church or at an event or on a mission trip? These God moments remind us of God’s power and might, of God’s love and care. They remind us that God is the Lord of our life.

In verse 2 the psalmist writes, “Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel God’s dominion.” This is the writer’s way of saying that God was present to the chosen people. As we fast forward in the big story of God’s people, we have now entered that family through our relationship with Jesus Christ. God is our sanctuary, our lives are God’s dominion. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you remind us again and again of your love for us. You touch our lives in so many ways – some big and powerful, some small and almost beyond noticing. You are always there, always watching over, always providing, always ready to respond or act. Thank you for your great love. Amen.


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God Is Faithful and Good

Reading: Exodus 14:19-31

Verse 31b: “The people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.”

We begin this week with a familiar Old Testament story – the parting of the sea. It is a wonderful reminder of how the Lord can make a way when we see no way forward. Because we face challenges in our lives, we can relate to and connect to this situation and to God’s response to the Israelites’ crisis.

The Israelites find themselves up against an immovable and insurmountable barrier. The Egyptian army is in hot pursuit. Because of the 10 plagues, Pharaoh had freed the Israelite slaves. But he later changed his mind. The Israelites say to Moses (and to God), “It would have been better to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert.” If I were God, I’d have been tempted to say, “So be it.” But here’s what God says: “Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” This context is so important to the passage today.

In verses 19-31, God acts in powerful and awesome ways. First, God adds a layer of protection – a buffer between Israel and the pursuing army. It gives them a moment to recollect themselves. Who has come alongside you in a crisis or time of need? Second, God provides a way. How has God shown you a way forward when you thought there was no way? Lastly, God removes their fear. When has God moved you past a barrier or obstacle, allowing you to go forward in faith and trust?

God was faithful to the covenant and was good for the promise just made. In response, “the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” Reconsider your answers to the questions in the previous paragraph. Is this also your response to God?

Prayer: Lord God, you have parted the waters; you have carried me through. You have given strength when mine has failed; you have provided hope in the midst of despair. Thank you for your love and care and provision. You are the Lord of all creation and you are my king. Amen.


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What Are Your Moments?

Reading: Exodus 12:1-14

Verse 14: “For the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord — a lasting ordinance.”

a handful of many…

This week’s Old Testament reading is one of the core stories of the Jewish faith. The Passover is an event celebrated and remembered each year – much like Easter and Christmas for the Christian church. As we would not ever make a decision to skip one of these key events of the Christian faith, so too are the Israelites committed to this “lasting ordinance” of God. Ever since the day that the Lord passed over their homes, sparing the firstborn from death, the Jewish people have celebrated and remembered this event, this act of God.

To mark, to remember, to celebrate – these are part of our faith story. Whether Passover or Christmas or Easter or holy communion, people of faith are strengthened and encouraged when we remember what the Lord has done for us. While these are corporate remembrances, I believe that it is at least as important for us to personally remember the stories of what God has done for us.

For me there’s that time in the Promise Keeper’s prayer room, that time in the church balcony, that time on that mission trip… These are some of the key moments in my life when God drew near, when God acted in my life. What are your moments, your encounters?

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember the core events of our faith journeys and to regularly celebrate these divine encounters. By remembering we are strengthened and built up in our faith and in our relationship with you. By offering our thanks to you, we are humbly bowing before you in praise and adoration. To God be the glory! Amen.


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What Can Anyone Give?

Reading: Matthew 16:24-28

Verse 26: “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Today’s passage begins with Jesus offering a challenge and an invitation. He states that if one wants to follow him (that’s what happens after we profess him as our Lord and Savior), that one must do two things. First, one must deny self. Second, one must take up their own cross. In the reality of faith, I believe these are often repeated events and practices.

Professing Jesus as Lord is step 1 of denying self. In this confession we are declaring that Jesus is our top priority, that he is the #1, that he occupies the throne of our heart. The flip side is that we are none of these things. This is the beginning of denying self. Making the declaration is the easy part. It is often made in a moment of passion for Christ. We are “on fire.” The much harder and ongoing challenge is keeping the profession as we enter the world. These daily steps are the hardest. The ways, norms, and practices of the world often clash with our faith, causing us to evaluate our choices and decisions one by one in the light of faith.

In the same way, taking up our cross is not a once-in-a-lifetime act. It is not exactly the same as when Jesus took up the actual cross. It is the same in that taking up our cross involves sacrifice and it is on behalf of others. And, oh yes, there is usually also some suffering involved. As with denying self, there is a cost to this act too. One can take up the cross in many ways. Some efforts provide the arc of our faith journey. Think of a missionary in China or of Mother Teresa in India. For most of us, though, they are shorter term. Strung together they reveal the arc of our story of faith. We might stand against an injustice being done. This ends when justice prevails. We might befriend someone who is an outsider or outcast. This ends when our love leads others to love and include this person. We might commit to walking with someone experiencing addiction. This ends with long-term sobriety or recovery. Some of these can be lengthy but not forever.

Taken together these become our journey of faith. Casually speaking, these practices become our lifestyle. Lived out, we experience losing this earthly life and all of its attachments. In turn we gain true life – a life focused ultimately on the gift of eternal life, both for us and for all others. It is a day by day, moment by moment focus. Jesus asks, “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Nothing but a day by day, moment by moment walk of faith. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you ask for all of me to be given, to be poured out for you. From the outside it seemed like such an ask. But now on the inside, it feels like the only possible choice, understanding what you did and do for me. Use me this day and every day in loving service to you and to my neighbors. Amen.