pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: mind


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Practice, Practice, Practice

Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Philippians 4:9 – “Practice these things… The peace of God will be with you.”

Paul begins today’s reading with an encouragement to “Be glad!” The apostle is inviting the Philippian Christians to find joy in all of life. Paul, like us, has his ups and downs in his life and in his faith. He has endured more than most of us will ever come close to enduring. As he writes, Paul sits in prison, likely nearing his death. Even so, his focus, his perspective, his faith – they all find a joy and peace in Christ.

Paul offers us a guide to living with joy and peace in all circumstances. First, treat others gently. This brings to mind various expressions that all remind us that we never know what another person is going through. We should always offer grace. Second, pray. Instead of being anxious about this or that, take it to God in prayer. And take time to give thanks to God for the blessings and for the presence. In prayer and then in life, a peace beyond our circumstances will keep our hearts and minds safe in Jesus Christ.

In verse 8 Paul invites us to focus on the ways of God, on all that is “excellent… and admirable.” Focus on these things and we will find God in them. Paul also encourages us to pay attention to our own thoughts too. He encourages us to focus our thoughts on all that is “true… holy… just… pure… lovely… worthy of praise.” Focusing on these thoughts, we will be Christ to the world.

When we choose to live and practice our faith in these ways, then we will develop a Christ-centered heart and mind. The challenges, the difficult circumstances, they will still come. But when we “Practice these things… The peace of God will be with you.” May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us, strengthening and encouraging us in each step of faith. In all things, remind us of your love. In all ways, use us as examples of your love. Rooted and grounded in love, guide us to trust in you and lead us to hope in you. Deeply connected, fill us with a peace that leads to joy. Use us to offer these things to the world. Amen.


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The Most Important Thing

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-7

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

Paul writes to Timothy to instruct him on how to build faithful congregations. These words are based on years and years of experience. This letter includes instructions on personal and communal living, on what and how to preach, and on how to guide a congregation to reveal Christ’s love to the world. In chapter 2 Paul hones in on the most important thing: prayer.

In verse 1 we read, “First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.” Before you do anything else, pray. For Jesus, for Paul, and for for us, prayer is the foundation and life-blood of our faith. This simple practice is essential. For Paul, these basic conversations with God should include all people. This includes family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ, the person you met at the market, leaders… To pray for others is to lift them and their needs to God. In this way, prayer is an act of humility.

For me, almost every day begins with a cup of coffee, sitting quietly on the couch, slowly praying through a long list of names. This is how I choose to begin my day because it focuses my heart and mind for the day ahead. This quiet work aligns me with God so that my words and actions might better reflect God’s love for all people.

Paul encouraged Timothy to model and teach prayer to his congregations. Paul knew from experience that praying congregations were faithful congregations. In and through prayer they found and we will find the power and the strength to live as God’s people in the world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to be faithful first in our prayers. Whether early in the morning or late at night or somewhere in between, through your Holy Spirit ground us in your will and way as we spend quiet moments with you. Open our hearts and minds to hear your voice and to feel your direction for our lives and for our ministries. Amen.


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Live Out These Words

Reading: Matthew 6:9-11

Matthew 6:11 – “Give us the bread we need for today.”

Today’s reading brings us a portion of “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is just three short verses but, as it was with much of what Jesus said, there is a lot to these words. There are three requests of God in these verses. And there are actions and responses required of us.

Verse 9 reads, in part, “uphold the holiness of your name.” Jesus is asking God to keep God’s holiness ever on our hearts and minds. To uphold this requires much of us. First and foremost we recall the charge to be holy as God is holy. Moment by moment we are charged with being like Christ was in the world: holy, yes, but also compassionate, forgiving, generous, empathetic, present.

Verse 10 asks God to “bring in your kingdom.” This asks God to make earth like heaven, to have God’s will done here on earth. This, of course, requires our cooperation and help. It calls us to love and care for “the least of these” and to stand against injustice, oppression, violence… These evils have no place in God’s kingdom – in heaven or here on earth.

Lastly, “Give us the bread we need for today.” This asks God to provide our daily bread – our physical sustenance – and to provide for our other needs too. This is a charge to trust in God. It is not a prayer for God to help us get what we think we need or to empower us so that we can be self-sufficient. No, it is a prayer of surrender, leaning into God’s care and trusting that this will be more than sufficient.

In all ways may we strive to live out these words.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us today to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, hearing your voice, feeling your nudges. Lead us to be in the world as Christ was in the world – loving others more than self, serving humbly and gently. Deepen our trust and faith in you as we experience your power working in us and through us, transforming us and your world. Amen.


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Humility and Love

Reading: 1st Kings 3:3-14

1st Kings 3:5b – “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.”

In our reading today God comes to Solomon in a dream. He has just become king, succeeding his father David. While David has set a great example for Solomon, all wasn’t perfect. The temple had not yet been built so people are sacrificing at local shrines. As we begin our reading we see that this is also Solomon’s practice. We also see that Solomon loved God and sought to walk according to the Law. Solomon goes to Gibeon and offers a very large sacrifice to God. Gibeon was the location of the Tabernacle. The ark of the covenant, however, was in David’s tent in Jerusalem.

That night God appears to Solomon in a dream. God says to Solomon, “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.” What an open-ended question! Before pressing on in our passage, we pause to ask ourselves: What would be my response to this question? Solomon’s response demonstrates both humility and his love of God. After thanking God for walking with David and for passing the kingship on to him, Solomon acknowledges his youth and inexperience. Accordingly he asks for “a discerning mind in order to govern your people” and for the ability “to discern good from evil.” Solomon also recognizes the impossibility of leading Israel without God’s help.

The Lord is pleased and grants Solomon’s requests. These requests were aligned with God’s will and plans for Solomon and for Israel. In addition, God grants Solomon wealth, fame, and the possibility of “a very long life.” This last part is contingent upon Solomon’s continued faithfulness to God.

Solomon sought to honor God with his request. His humility and Love of God drove his petition. May it be so with us as we lift our petitions to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to walk in humility, recognizing our need for your direction on our lives. Lead us to see with honest and clear eyes and hearts, recognizing our own weaknesses. Fill us with your presence, empowering us to bring you the glory in all we say, do, and think. 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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Healings and Wholeness

Reading: Acts 3:1-5:16

Acts 4:11-12 – “This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! Salvation can be found in no one else.”

Peter and John head to the temple to pray at “the established prayer time.” On the way in they encounter a crippled beggar. Getting his full attention, Peter offers what he has, telling the man, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!” The man enters the temple with them, “walking, leaping, and praising God.” Filled with wonder, the people rush to Peter and John. They tell the people that it is not they who healed the man, but it is the one they handed over and rejected – Jesus. Belief in his name healed the man. Peter then encourages them to “change your hearts and lives,” repenting so that “your sins may be wiped away.”

The healing brings opposition. The Jewish leaders seize and imprison Peter and John. Even so, many choose to believe in Jesus, growing the community to 5,000. The leaders question the apostles, wanting to know by what power they healed the man. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares that the crippled man standing before them was healed in the name of Jesus. Continuing, he states, “This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! Salvation can be found in no one else.” The leaders are surprised by Peter’s confidence and they know the people are amazed by this sign. They instruct Peter and John to stop speaking and teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and John tell them they’ll obey God and not man. They can’t stop!

Sharing what happened at the temple, the community prays for protection and for confidence, for healings and signs – all in the name of Jesus. The community becomes united, growing to have one heart and mind. People share everything. No one is in need. The story of Ananias and Sapphira comes as a warning. Their dishonesty costs them their lives. One cannot lie to God. Large numbers continue to be added to the church. Healings and wholeness abound as God answers their prayers. God is at work in the faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, what power is available through faith in Jesus Christ! The faith that Jesus said could move mountains was present in the early church, drawing many to faith in Jesus, the source of salvation. Lord, enable us to claim this power and to offer healing and wholeness through you. Our world is in need. Use us as your disciples to bring your love to our broken world. Amen.


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The Spirit Gives Life

Reading: John 6:22-7:10

John 6:51 – “Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of this world is my flesh.”

After feeding the 5,000, the crowd realizes that Jesus is “missing.” They follow the disciples by boat to Capernaum and find Jesus already there. They ask how he got there. Ignoring their question he implies they are looking for more bread. Jesus encourages them to work for “food that endures for eternal life” – the food that he will give. The crowd wants to know what to do to receive this bread. Just believe in the one sent by God. The crowd, though, wants a sign, something like the manna. Their hearts and minds are stuck in the concrete and tangible. Jesus tries to get them to understand the spiritual.

Jesus first reminds them that it was not Moses who gave the manna. He says that in the same way God has once again sent bread from heaven. The crowd desires this bread. To them Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” Eat and never be hungry. Believe and have eternal life. Their ancestors are manna and died. Eat from Jesus and never die. He declares, “Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of this world is my flesh.”

The crowd is lost. How can one literally eat his flesh and drink his blood? Jesus says this is necessary to remain in him and for him to remain in them. They are stuck in the literal. They grumble. This is a hard teaching. Jesus reminds them that the Spirit gives true life. He’s inviting them to think spiritually. The flesh cannot do this. God must enable people to believe in and to receive Jesus. Many cannot hear what Jesus is saying. Many turn away and no longer follow him.

Jesus asks the 12 if they want to leave too. Peter asks, “Where would we go?” Peter declares that Jesus holds the words of eternal life and is the one sent by God. The 12 believe. Jesus’ brothers struggle. They want him to go to Judea, to “show yourself to the world.” Jesus tells this his time has not come yet. Or has it come?…

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too get stuck, get hung up on something, fail to understand. Here we too can struggle with belief. In these moments, Lord, may the Holy Spirit lead and guide us, opening our hearts and minds to your will, your way, your plan, your purposes. You are truly the word of life. Thank you. Amen.


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God Alone Can Rescue

Reading: Daniel 4-7

Daniel 6:26 – “All people must fear and revere Daniel’s God because: He is the living God. God stands firm forever.”

Photo credit: Stormseeker

The “story” portion of Daniel continues today. Tomorrow’s reading turns to Daniel’s dreams and visions. Chapter 4 begins with Nebuchadnezzar telling of God’s grace, mercy, and restoration. He has a dream where a very tall tree ruled over all, caring well for everyone. That was Nebuchadnezzar. Yeah! But then the tree was cut down and destroyed, leaving only a stump bound with iron and bronze. He lost his mind for seven years, living amongst the wild animals. Finally, he humbles himself, as Daniel has asked him to do, and God restores him fully. The king worships God, declaring that God’s works are true, that God’s paths are just, and that God’s power will humble the prideful.

Chapter 5 shifts to the next king, Belshazzar. At a big party he calls for and drinks from the goblets taken from the temple. A hand appears and writes on the wall. Fear seizes all. Despite a big reward, no one can read or interpret the words. The queen enters and remembers Daniel. He is summoned and first reminds the king how God humbled Nebuchadnezzar. It is a warning that’s ignored. Daniel then interprets the writing: “Mene, mene, tekel, parsin.” Your days are numbered, you haven’t measured up, your kingdom will be divided. That night Belshazzar is killed. Darius the Mede becomes king.

Darius establishes a new governmental system. 120 regional officials will report to three main officers. Daniel is one of these three at first. Soon Darius is considering making him #1. This spawns jealousy which spawns a plot. The 122 leaders trick Darius into signing a decree that people can only pray to him. Daniel prays to God, “just like he always did.” On the way into the pit, Darius says, “Your God… will rescue you.” After a sleepless night, Darius discovers that God has done just that. He then issues a decree stating, “All people must fear and revere Daniel’s God because: He is the living God. God stands firm forever.” The proof, he says, is that God rescued Daniel. When we must decide between God and career or status or some other thing, may we trust in our God who rescues and saves.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone can rescue. You alone can save. There are many things, God, that can rise up in our selfish hearts, drawing us away from you. When they begin to have voice, when they start to pull at us, remind us of your better plan for our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit guide us to stand for and in your promise to rescue and save. Amen.


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The Good Path

Readings: Proverbs 4 and 5

‭Proverbs 4:23 – “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.”

Today’s two chapters focus first on loving wisdom and then on avoiding the “mysterious woman.” The author encourages his sons to “let your hearts hold my words.” If one holds onto wisdom then she will guard one’s life. She will protect those who love her. Following these words of wisdom will lead to a long, good life. Therefore we are to love and guard and protect wisdom. The wicked, though, they “eat the bread of evil” and they “drink the wine of violence.” These destructive appetites must be fed. They lead to “deep darkness.” But the way of the righteous is light that gets “brighter and brighter.”

In 4:23 we read, “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” In ancient thought the mind was the center of emotions, thought, reason. We are to guard these. This keeps us focused “straight ahead.” It keeps us walking on paths that are secure. The way of the wicked would be crooked and filled with obstacles that would make one stumble.

Chapter 5 focuses on the “mysterious woman.” Although her words “drip honey” and can be enticing and alluring, in fact they are “bitter as gall.” To get involved with this woman is to lose one’s strength, wealth, and reputation. This path leads to “bitter ruin.” The good path involves “drinking from your own cistern.” This is keeping true and faithful to your spouse. We are called to rejoice in this relationship. If we do not we are warned that we will be “caught… in the ropes of our own sin.” In Romans 6 Paul speaks of these “wages of sin.” They lead to death. May we choose instead the good path of life.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of temptation and evil is wide. It leads to sin and death. Guard our hearts and minds, O Lord. Lead us, your sons and daughters, to choose you and your ways. These lead to life. Guide us to your path, O God. Amen.