pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: love


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Love and Care, Provision and Protection

Reading: Numbers 11:16-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!”

After hearing the complaints and grumblings, God first deals with Moses. In response to Moses feeling overwhelmed, God has him call 70 elders and God places some of the Spirit that is upon Moses on these men. They will help Moses bear the burden of leadership. God also allows the Spirit to fall upon two who were called but weren’t at the tent of meeting. Joshua asks Moses about stopping these men from prophesying. Moses, instead of being jealous, is generous. His reply to Joshua: “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!” Yes indeed! Imagine if all of God’s people were filled with the Holy Spirit!

God next turns to the peoples’ complaints and grumblings. God addresses their physical grumbling first. God, through Moses, invites the people to make themselves holy – because it is about to rain down quail. Moses does question this promise of God at first. He cannot wrap his mind around what God is promising. Some of the time we can struggle with this too. It is God’s turn to be generous. With great grace God simply asks Moses, “Is the Lord’s power too weak?” Well, no. Not ever. Reminded of who and what God is, Moses shared the promise with the people.

God also reminds the people of who and what God is. They don’t just receive quail like they received manna. It is not just enough for the day ahead. It is quail upon quail upon quail upon… This is God’s way of demonstrating God’s power and strength. Addressing their spiritual grumbling next, God deals with those who questioned God and God’s plans. Those called ‘riffraff’ were buried that day. This too is part of God’s love and care for God’s people. Provision and protection are part of loving and caring for the family of God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is important to remember from time to time all of who and what you are. Thank you, God, for being a loving God, first and foremost. Thank you for being a God who cares for and provides for us. And, also God, thank you for being a God who protects us, sometimes even from ourselves or those who draw us away from our faith and trust in you. Amen.


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Almost Ready

Reading: Numbers 11:1-15

Numbers 11:10b – “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.”

Have you ever been around a complainer? Even on the best of days they find something to grumble about. Now, imagine being around (and trying to lead!) a group of about a million complainers. Welcome to Moses’ reality as he led the Israelites in the wilderness.

Our passage begins with the people complaining intensely. This angers God and fire falls from heaven, burning the “edges of camp.” This is like a warning shot. Moses prays for the people and God’s anger subsides. Next the “riffraff” crave meat and they apparently stir up the whole camp. The people long for the food they had in Egypt. Now all they eat is manna, God’s gift from heaven. Soon there is complaining at all of their tents. Everyone longs for meat.

As Moses (and God) hear this crying out, “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.” But Moses does not pray for the people now. Moses is done. We’re familiar with how Moses feels. We’ve all avoided complainers. Moses questions why God is treating him this way. He questions his ability to bear the “burden” of leading these people. Moses even reminds God that God is really the parent of these people. At his wits’ end, Moses tells God, “If you’re going to treat me like this, just kill me.”

God has Moses close to where Moses needs to be. He is bearing the end of self. Moses is almost ready once again to fully depend on God. God will respond to Moses’ pleas and to the peoples’ complaining, bringing provision, love, and care.

Prayer: Lord God, we feel for Moses and we feel for you. Getting honest, though, we must admit that we too complain and grumble. At times we must try you. Lord, build up in us the ability to encourage those who complain. And, Lord, build up in us our gratitude for you and for your provision, love, and care. From this place of gratefulness, we can truly thank you for who and what you are, O great God of love and care. Amen.


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More Then Enough

Reading: 2nd Kings 2:38-44

2nd Kings 4:43c – “This is what the Lord says, ‘Eat and there will be leftovers.'”

Today we read about God again being faithful, about God again keeping a promise. These two feeding miracles demonstrate God at work in partnership with a faithful believer. As we consider our big prayers and our God opportunities this week, may we trust in this same God who loves and cares for us.

A severe famine has struck the land. In our story Elisha returns to Gilgal, one of three centers where prophets gathered. As the leading prophet in Israel, he also oversaw the centers at Bethel and Jericho. Elisha gives instructions to make stew. Another prophet gathers what he can find, which includes some inedible gourds. In response and in alignment with God’s nudge to feed these prophets, Elisha calls for flour to be added, miraculously making the stew edible.

At this point a man arrives with some bread and grain, likely a first fruits or thank offering. Instead of keeping this for himself, Elisha is moved to use this gift to feed his fellow prophets. The giver questions how this meager offering could feed 100 men. Elisha shares the “how” with him, saying, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Eat and there will be leftovers.'” God has moved Elisha to share his bread. God will see that there is more than enough. Healthy stew is augmented by bread, sent from God.

Over the next few days may we be sensitive to the ways that God nudges us. It might be to share food or it might be to share some other resource. Instead of being selfish or keeping it “for a rainy day” or worrying about our own needs, may we trust the nudge from our God of more than enough.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to be responsive to and generous with that person that you place in our lives. Break our tendencies to hold onto and to store up and up and up. Bend our heart towards your heart of abundant generosity. Use us to be your love and care. Amen.


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Standing on Promises

Reading: Acts 28:1-10

Acts 28:5 – “Paul shook the snake into the fire and suffered no harm.”

Photo credit: Markus Spiske

Entering Paul’s story at the end of Acts, he is on his way to Rome. This will be his last physical missionary workplace. Over the next two years, as he awaits trial before Caesar, Paul will write letters, have faith conversations, and witness to God’s power and love. On the way to Rome, Paul is shipwrecked, along with 275 others. Today’s passage picks up this story.

The rain from the storm continues. The inhabitants of the island of Malta welcome them and build a fire. Paul, in typical fashion, joins in the work, gathering dry sticks for the fire. As he puts them in the fire, a poisonous snake bites him. The locals assume he’ll die but Paul isn’t bothered at all, just as he wasn’t when the ship was falling apart. Why?! An angel of the Lord has assured Paul, saying, “You must stand before Caesar” (Acts 27:24.) Trusting God’s word, Paul does not fear shipwreck or venom. He’s standing on this promise.

As the story continues, a wealthy man provides lodging. Once there, Paul heals Publius’ sick father. Word gets out and, soon enough, Paul heals all the sick people on the island. Here too Paul is standing on God’s promises. In Acts 9:15 Paul is identified as the one “chosen to carry my name to Gentiles, kings…” Paul heals these Gentiles in Jesus’ name, bringing glory to God, carrying the name and power of Jesus to the island of Malta.

God will call and equip each of us too, just as God did with Paul. The call is a promise; equipping is the proof. As we are given opportunities to share our faith and Jesus with others, may we too claim our call as we stand on God’s promises to us.

Prayer: Lord God, as you call into our hearts, inviting us to witness to our faith, encourage and empower us to stand in your promises and our call to share you with the world. Go with us in the Spirit, giving us the holy confidence to draw others into your love. Amen.


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Willing to Risk

Reading – 1st Kings 18:1-15

1st Kings 18:15 – “As surely as the Lord of heavenly forces lives, the one I serve, I will appear before Ahab today.”

Today we begin thr story of Elijah versus the prophets of Baal. It was three years ago that Elijah said to Ahab, “There will be neither dew or rain unless I say so” (1st Kings 17:1.) Elijah then fled for fear of his life. Ahab was a wicked king. He worshiped Baal and did great evil in Israel. As the drought worsened, Ahab searched and searched for Elijah. But God kept Elijah safe during this time.

At the start of chapter 18 God summons Elijah to go to Ahab. As evidence of the severity of the drought, Ahab and Obadiah are out looking for water. During this search, Obadiah and Elijah meet. Obadiah is a faithful but secret follower of God. He has hidden and cared for 100 prophets of God, keeping them safe from Jezebel, Ahab’s wife. Imagine how hard this must have been during a severe drought. And how risky!

Elijah asks Obadiah to tell Ahab that the prophet is here to meet Ahab. This thought strikes fear into Obadiah. He has two fears. First, Ahab will kill him at the mention of Elijah’s name. Second, God will once again whisk Elijah away, resulting in Obadiah’s death. But Elijah says to him, “As surely as the Lord of heavenly forces lives, the one I serve, I will appear before Ahab today.” Obadiah has Elijah’s word but still must decide what to do. More on that tomorrow.

When we are in a similar situation, asked to invite an evil and cruel person to a faith encounter, are we willing to risk their reaction? Are we will to risk self so that another might experience the power of God?

Prayer: Lord God, in our world we do not have to look far to find people who are opposed to you and to our faith in you. When your Spirit moves us to invite them to church or to an event, when your Spirit nudges us to share a word of hope or encouragement from your Word, when the Spirit invites us to love on them in your name – give us courage, fill us with strength, empower us to live out our faith boldly. Amen.


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Still Our God

Reading: Joshua 6:1-16

Joshua 6:2 – “Look. I have given Jericho and its king into your power, along with its mighty warriors.”

God says, God does. God promises, God follows through. God is steadfast and true, unchanging and trustworthy. God loves and protects, leads and guides, forgives and reconciled. This is who and what God is. Always has been, always will be.

In chapter 6 God declares to Joshua: “Look. I have given Jericho and its king into your power, along with its mighty warriors.” If we pause right here human nature would question this. They are inside a double wall, inside what looks impregnable. “Have given?” Yes, for God this is already a done deal. The instructions for victory follow: silently march around the city once a day for six days. Have priests blowing trumpets and priests carrying the ark at the center of the procession. On day seven, march around seven times, blast the trumpets, then lift a shout. Those huge walls will collapse and Jericho will be yours! How much would your human nature question these battle plans? Mine would and does.

How often have you been stressed or grieved or overwhelmed and needed the peace that God promises? At first there is doubt and maybe questioning. But you bow your head in prayer, calling on the promise, and that peace that passes understanding fills your heart. How often have you been unsure of the next step or even of the direction to take? Again, you bow in prayer, calling on the guidance that God promises, and the choice becomes clear or a door opens (or closes.) How often have you been trapped in sin or wracked with guilt and needed the forgiveness and reconciliation that Jesus promises? Once again, you bow your head, trusting in what you don’t deserve, and you feel it washed away, making you new again. These are but a few of the Jericho’s that we face. The God who brought the walls down for Israel because they were faithful? This God is still our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful that you are who and what you’ve always been. You are for us and you have good plans for us. You love us. In our moments of fear or doubt or whatever need, help us to lean into your promises and into your character, surrendering our Jericho to you once again. In that moment, be our God. Thank you. Amen.


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Wait… Trust…

Reading: Habakkuk 2:2-3

Habakkuk 2:3c – “If it delays, wait for it; for it is surely coming; it will not be late.”

Photo credit: Ben White

Today we hear the beginning of Habakkuk’s answer from God. In this case he has asked God how long will evil (Babylon) triumph over good (God’s people.) Habakkuk takes up his place on the fortress wall, waiting for God to respond. He commits to keeping watch, to waiting. At times our prayer life must take this posture. We must pray faithfully, asking our honest questions, offering our humble petitions. And then we too must wait and watch for God’s response.

In our reading for today, God begins by instructing the prophet to write these words down on a tablet, preserving these words. God then tells him that God’s word is for an “appointed time.” He’s told that God’s word will not deceive. And then, at the end of verses 3, God says, “If it delays, wait for it; for it is surely coming; it will not be late.” In these words God reminds Habakkuk and us of important truths and realities.

First, we are to remain steadfast in our faith. If God doesn’t answer our prayer that day or at least soon in our time frame, be patient and trust God. Pray through the doubt, questions, worry… Second, God will answer. There is no question, God’s answer is “surely coming.” And… it comes in God’s time. “It will not be late” reminds us that God’s answer will come at the absolute right and best time.

We can struggle with waiting patiently, especially when we’re asking the “how long?” questions or when the suffering is deep. We are called to trust in God and to remain faithful to believing that God’s plans are best. This is essential because when we get too bound up in “when” God will answer our prayers, then we sometimes miss the “how.” If God’s answer isn’t just what we thought it should be, in our preoccupation we miss God’s answer. Patience, trust, faith. May these practices be the guides in our prayer life

Prayer: Lord God, in our me-first world, help us to keep a God-first faith. In our quick, get it now world, guide us to a steadfast trust in you and your eternal ways. In our selfish, ego driven world, remind us that you hold it all – including us – in your hands. In our my way or the highway world, open our eyes to see the breadth of your love and care, not just for us but for all of your creation. Amen.


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To Know God More

Reading: Acts 10:1-8

Acts 10:4 – “Your prayers and your compassionate acts are like a memorial to God.”

At the end of the gospels Jesus breathes his Holy Spirit on the disciples. The Spirit’s indwelling presence gives them the power and the courage to spread the good news. As Acts begins we see the Spirit at work as the church grows in spite of persecution from the Jews. Soon the Holy Spirit falls on anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, empowering them to become faithful witnesses for Christ. This Holy Spirit presence gives new life to the church. The role of prayer was elevated and God frequently responded.

In Acts 10 we meet Cornelius. He is a Roman citizen and centurion who believes in God. He is a Gentile, though, not a Jew. He believes in, worships, and prays to God but is not under the Law or Torah. Cornelius regularly gives to the needy. In verse four an angel says to him, Your prayers and your compassionate acts are like a memorial to God.” In response to hearing his devout prayers, God initiates a connection with Peter, an original disciple of Jesus and one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. This is a huge turning point in Acts and in the evolution of the church.

As the story unfolds, God’s answers to Cornelius’ prayers are revealed. His faith soars as he and his household receive the Holy Spirit and are then baptized in the name of Jesus. Cornelius prayed to grow closer to God, to know God more. You don’t get much better start than to receive the Holy Spirit into your heart!

Prayer: Lord God, we pray as Cornelius must’ve prayer: Lord, draw us closer to you, deeper into relationship with you. Stir that Holy Spirit in our hearts, remind us of our baptism and first love, Jesus Christ. Stir the Spirit to new life within our hearts. Reignite our passion and our commitment to be sharers of our faith. Amen.


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The Moment of Connection

Reading: Matthew 19:29-34

Matthew 19:32 – “What do you want me to do for you?”

The scene is Jericho. This is the place that the walls came tumbling down almost 400 years ago. It was Israel’s entry point into and first victory in the Promised Land. The presence of the Lord was there as Joshua led the army around the city and the Lord’s presence is there as two blind men cry out.

As our passage opens, Jesus, the disciples, and a large crowd are leaving Jericho. From here Jesus will turn towards Jerusalem, entering the city for the final week leading up to the cross. In Matthew’s gospel this healing is followed by Jesus’ triumphal entry we celebrate as Palm Sunday. Is this Jericho crowd the same crowd that will cheer and shout “Hosanna…” as Jesus rides into Jerusalem?

Knowing all that lay ahead Jesus must’ve had a lot on his mind and heart. Imagine how you would be if you knew you had one week to live and you had much to accomplish in that week. As Jesus… is passing by, two blind men shout out, “Show us mercy, Lord, Son of David!” The crowd tries to hush them, but they just shout louder. Jesus hears them. He “stopped in his tracks.” We cannot miss this detail. All else becomes totally unimportant to Jesus. Focusing on these two blind men, Jesus asks them, “What do you want me to do for you?” They want to see. Jesus restores their sight. They follow Jesus.

May we do as Jesus did. May we notice the cry of the one in need, ignoring the noise of the crowd. May we stop and turn our whole focus to the one God places in our path. May we clarify what they say they need. And then may we work to meet their need, either personally or through connecting them to those who can meet their need.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this example of empathy, presence, and compassion. Enable and empower us to do as Jesus did. Lord, stop us in our tracks when we hear the cry for help. Guide us to be Christ’s presence in the moment of connection. Use us then to meet the need, however we can. In all things, may you be glorified and lifted up. Amen.


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God’s Promises

Reading: Numbers 13:25-33

Numbers 13:30 – “Now Caleb calmed the people before Moses and said, ‘We must go up and take possession of it, because we are more than able to do it.'”

This week, as we weave our way to the Jericho story and the fulfillment of some of God’s promises, we begin where most of us falter in our trust in said promises. In the story of God’s people, they have arrived on the edge of the Promised Land. In 13:1 God says to Moses, “Send out men to explore the land of Canaan, which I’m giving to the Israelites.” A leader from each of the twelve tribes is sent to explore the land which God promised to their ancestor, Abraham.

The twelve men return after exploring Canaan for forty days. Their report begins by stating that the land “actually is full of milk and honey.” This phrase is used often to describe the Promised Land – in Exodus 3 and 33, in Deuteronomy 6 and 26… It is a phrase that implies blessing and abundance. If this is actually true, then what of the promise given to Abraham and reiterated to Isaac, Jacob…?

The “but” comes next. There are powerful people living in huge fortified cities. And there are giants. The explorers mostly see challenge. Fear and doubt and mistrust rise up. Joshua and Caleb, though, see promise. It is Caleb who speaks up in faith, saying, “We must go up and take possession of it, because we are more than able to do it.” This is trusting in God’s promises. Fear, however, is greater this day. The men who felt like “grasshoppers” next to these giants convince the people that God’s promises cannot be trusted. There are giants there! They will return to wandering the desert until this generation dies off. Only Caleb and Joshua will one day enter the Promised Land.

Prayer: Lord God, in our hearts we know that your promises are true. You are always faithful and steadfast in your love for us, your people. Lord, in those moments when the world pushes up against our faith, in the times when fear and doubt rise, whisper into our hearts and minds. In your Spirit power, guide us to step forward unafraid, trusting in you alone. Amen.