pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Choose Grace and Generosity

Readings: Psalm 119:110 and Genesis 25:27-34

Genesis 25:30 – “I’m starving! Let me devour some of this red stuff.”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

Continuing in Genesis 25 today, Jacob and Esau have grown up. They have become their own people. Esau loves the outdoors. Jacob loves the indoors. Esau is more loved by their father. Jacob is more loved by their mother. One day the outdoorsman comes in absolutely famished. The indoorsman is boiling some lentil stew and baking some bread. Esau says to his brother Jacob, I’m starving! Let me devour some of this red stuff.” One is in need. The other has the power to meet that need. This sets up a potential power dynamic.

There are times when many of us find ourselves in a place where we have power over others. It might be the norm in some of our work environments. Or it might be because of a momentary situation, like it was for Jacob and Esau. In both of these situations, we have a decision to make: How will we use our power? Will we run roughshod over others, living by a “my way or the highway” attitude? Will we exploit or otherwise take advantage of the one in need that crosses our path?

In Genesis 25, Jacob uses his brother’s need to his own advantage. Esau’s starvation leads to a willingness to give up something in the future. When we cross paths with people in great need, will we prey on their desperation or will we simply meet a need, no strings attached? Will we step into the trap laid by the evil within us or will we follow our faith as guided by the Spirit? For most folks in places of power, there is more than enough. May we choose grace and generosity each time.

Prayer: Lord God, grace, love, forgiveness, other blessings – you give freely. We too have much to give – these things plus our resources, our time, our energy, our talents… Work in our hearts, O God, guiding us to give as you give, freely and unconditionally. Amen.


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Always Seeking to Deliver

Reading: Romans 7:15-25

Romans 7:21 – “So I find that, as a rule, when I want to do what is good, evil is right there with me.”

At the end of chapter 7, Paul describes his own struggle to do and be good in the world. He often does the things he hates to do. In his mind, he knows God’s Law is just and good and right. If it were up to his mind, he’d do all the good stuff: worship God, love neighbor, meet the needs of the poor… But he just can’t quite…

In verse 21 Paul writes, “So I find that, as a rule, when I want to do what is good, evil is right there with me.” Have you found this to be true in your life? That fleshy part of you – that part that just wants pleasure, that part that easily turns to pride and judging, that part always seeking to elevate self to the throne – that fleshy part is always pulling you away from holy, God-pleasing living. Paul chooses the word “war.” And in those moments when he feels like he is totally losing the “war” – it is then that Paul feels like a “miserable human being.” Ever felt this way? Ever allowed sin to win and you instantly see how it hurt someone you love?

Paul correctly realizes two things in verses 24 and 25. First, on his own, his fate is “dead corpse.” Ouch. Second, and most importantly, he realizes that Jesus Christ is his deliverer. Jesus is always with us too, always fighting for us in Spirit, always seeking to deliver us from temptation and sin. Through Jesus Christ, we will have the victory over sin and death. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, the power of evil is strong and pervasive. It runs rampant in our world. All sorts of messaging, people, and situations draw us to sin. We need you Lord. Desperately. Be the constant voice too, calling us to good and holy living. Empower and equip us, O God, to live by your will and ways. Amen.


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Rest, Peace, Hope

Reading: Matthew 11:27-30

Matthew 11:29 – “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.”

Finishing out our gospel reading for this week, Jesus first claims authority over all things. He declares, “My Father has handed all things over to me.” God has empowered Jesus to be over all things, to have power over all of creation. Jesus then invites you and me to be a part of his kingdom, part of this creation, saying, “Come to me…” Come and experience my power. Come and experience my love. Come and live under my authority. Come and find rest, hope, peace.

In the rest of verse 28 Jesus names two of humanity’s realities. Many people are “struggling hard and carrying heavy burdens.” For many people, they struggle through a paycheck-to-paycheck existence, making choices between necessities. Others struggle through addictions and others struggle against injustice and others with abuse or violence. Many people are carrying heavy burdens – financial, emotional, relational, physical. For some of these folks, the burdens are their own to try to carry. For others, they carry burdens for those they love. These realities, especially in combination, can make us feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and/or defeated.

To these folks and really to us all, Jesus says, “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.” Jesus invites us all to give our lives to him, to enter into a relationship, to know his love. He invites us to really get to know him, to study his words and his way of life. In exchange, Jesus gives us rest. Walking in Jesus’ way of love, we grow to trust our burdens and struggles to him. He walks with us, lifting some of the struggle, some of the burden – enough so that we can find some rest. Jesus gently and humbly leads us, bringing renewal, life, rest, hope, and peace. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, how we need you! This life, even on a good day, can be hard and difficult. Add in limited finances or challenges with health or other factors, and life can feel heavy and hopeless. If this is our reality, Lord, help us to choose you and the peace, hope, and rest that you offer. If this is not our reality, use us to reveal Jesus’ love and way to others as we seek to walk alongside people in need of rest, hope, and peace. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Jehovah Jireh

Reading: Genesis 22:9-14

Genesis 22:9b – “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…”

Abraham, Isaac, the wood, the knife, and the fire arrive atop the mountain as we continue in Genesis 22. In the rest of verse 9 we read of Abraham’s resolute faith and steadfast obedience: “Abraham built an altar… arranged the wood… tied up his son Isaac… laid him on the altar…” I wonder, was he so faithful and so resolute that all of his emotions were on mute? How else could Abraham will himself through these steps of readying the sacrifice?

As Abraham raises the knife to shed blood and take life, a messenger calls out to him, “Abraham? Abraham?” Was the messenger pulling Abraham back into the reality of this scene? Pausing the action, the messenger acknowledges Abraham’s reverence for God, demonstrated through his willingness to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Looking up, Abraham sees a ram, ready to be taken and offered as the sacrifice. Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides – “sees to it,” as Abraham told Isaac earlier.

Flashing forward in Israel’s history, to a moment when the plagues have reached their climax in Egypt, again God provided a way. This time the blood of the lamb marked their houses. And, again, the hand of death passed over the firstborn. The Israelites were faithful and obedient to God and God provided. In our walks of faith, the God who provides will be with us as well. Jehovah Jireh will give us the words to say, the actions to take, the resources to meet needs, the strength to stand… Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these reminders of your faithfulness to us, your children. As we walk with you, you show us the way, you lead and guide, you equip and resource us – all to bear your light and love, your hope and peace to a world in need. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Steady and Consistent

Reading: Psalm 86:1-10 and 16-17

Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you – you! My God!”

Psalm 86 is attributed to David and is a “servant’s prayer for protection.” David mixes together a range of emotions and of faith. At times he affirms God’s certain response and at other times David reminds God (and himself?) that he is indeed faithful to God. Sometimes it feels like David is trying to motivate God to act on his behalf because is suffering and sometimes because David’s enemies need to be put to shame! When I am troubled and pray to God, my emotions and my faith can range far and wide too. Maybe you’ve experienced this as well.

Verse 2 is a great example of this range of faith and emotion. Here we read, “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you – you! My God!” David petitions God’s guarding and saving while reminding God how faithful and trusting he is in God. I can slip into the same “How can you let this happen God – don’t you know how…?” prayer. In the end, these thoughts and prayers really come down to our questioning the status of our relationship with God. This questioning is most present when I’ve been neglecting my daily time with God.

In seasons of my life I’ve treated God like a vending machine. I’ve come to God when I need or want something, but when life is good or even just okay, I’ve let my relationship slide. I’ve come to realize that when I think I need to remind God how faithful and trusting I am, it’s really me that needs reminding that I haven’t been these things lately. This realization often draws me back to the God who has been present all along, just waiting for me to do the same. Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to walk a more steady and consistent faith. Even though the day always begins with you now, I can still drift away during the everyday of life. In moments when other things begin to creep in, lessening my connection to you, touch my heart and draw me close. Thank you, God, for your faithfulness. Amen.


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A Place at the Table

Reading: Matthew 9:11-13

Matthew 9:13 – “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'”

Today we turn back to Matthew’s gospel, revisiting the call of Matthew the tax collector. We recall that tax collectors were thought to be sinners because of their connection to the Romans. Added to this fact, many used this connection to take advantage of their fellow Jews, collecting more than was required, adding to their “sins.” After Jesus ends up at the table in Matthew’s house, surrounded by more tax collectors and other “known sinners,” the Pharisees ask Jesus’ disciples – not Jesus – “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” In many ways, the Pharisees were gate keepers, determining who could enter the circle, deciding who could remain in the circle. Their understanding, interpretation, and application of a myriad of laws guided these determinations and decisions.

What do you think led them to ask this question? And on a related line of thinking, what makes us accept some into our circles while rejecting others? There is a huge part inside of us that desperately wants to belong, to fit in, to matter. There is also this part inside of us that wants to determine and guard who else can enter our circles. I think both were at play as the Pharisees asked this question of Jesus.

On the surface level, Jesus was making space at the table based on need: these “sinners” needed healing. But the deeper question is this: Who was Jesus identifying as the sinners – the tax collectors… or the Pharisees? Each in their own way needed Jesus’ healing. This makes me wonder, how often do we forget our circle “rules” and invite someone different in that causes looks or even questions from others in our circles? Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'” Go and reveal God’s love and grace to the world. That is what invites others to the table. Don’t try to require or force sacrifices they’re not ready to make yet. Obedience to God comes through love and faith, not through authority and power over. We were not asked to follow Jesus once we were perfect or even once we checked certain boxes. May we extend that love and grace to others too.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider the call to love others into a place at the table and then into a relationship with you, remind us of how we got there. We’re all sinners saved by grace. None of us deserved a place at your table, yet here we are. First, thank you. Second, may our response of thanksgiving be to open wide the doors of invitation to all people. Then might they come to know your love and grace too. Amen.

PS – On a related side note/rabbit hole… Do you think Jesus invited himself to Matthew’s table, or was he invited by Matthew?


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Four Directives

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 13:11-13

2nd Corinthians 13:11 – “Finally… Put things in order, respond to my encouragement, be in harmony with each other, and live in peace.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Today we read from the very end of Paul’s second letter to the believers in Corinth. It is a very personal letter, revealing his deep connection to and love for these people. Paul’s life was lived tenuously – there seemed to always be folks ready to stone or otherwise harm Paul. This was because of his deep faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, expressed in Paul’s daily living and in his words and letters. Reading the last lines of this letter, one can sense all of this in Paul’s words.

In verse 11 Paul gives four directives. In many ways, this is a summary of the letter to the Corinthian church. Here we read, “Finally… Put things in order, respond to my encouragement, be in harmony with each other, and live in peace.” Put things in order – in both your worship and in your personal lives of faith. Align both with the will and way of God as revealed in and through Jesus Christ. Respond to my encouragement – stand firm, hold fast, be true to your identity and inheritance in Jesus. In all you do and say, be like Jesus to the world.

Be in harmony – live and act and move and be in the church and in the world as one body, gifted and united by God’s Spirit. Honor and uplift one another’s gifting. Recognize that all are needed and that all are necessary for each of you and for the church to be all that God created you to be. Live in peace – both within the church and in the world. Be bold in your faith, minister to those in need, define your life in love, be people of forgiveness and reconciliation, and trust in and rely on the one who is always with you, especially in the trials and storms of life. Do all of this, and then you will know God’s peace.

These words from Paul still speak to us today. As followers of Jesus Christ and as members of the body of Christ, may we too live into these four directives of Paul. Filled with the Holy Spirit, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us to you. Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, lead and guide us to order our lives after the example of Jesus Christ. Whisper words of encouragement into our hearts in times of trial and weakness. Fill us with a spirit of love and grace, enabling us to live and love as Christ did and does. In all these ways, use us as grace and love lived out in our churches and in our world. Amen.


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Every Moment of Every Day

Reading: Psalm 23:5-6

Psalm 23:6 – “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

As we return to Psalm 23 today we do so with the key thought once again front and center: “You are with me.” As this week’s Disciplines devotional writer Magrey deVega notes, these four words are literally the center of the psalm. There are 26 words before this phrase and 26 after it. The psalm begins with rest and God’s provision, guidance, and protection. It then enters dark valley. It is here that we are often most aware of God’s intimate presence and deep love. Climbing out of that place, we turn to verses 5 and 6.

In verse 5 we see the depth and scope of God’s love. A table is set right amongst enemies. So complete is God’s protection, there is no fear even when surrounded. Blessings come too, even there, as the head is anointed and the cup overflows. Signs of God’s love assure us even in moments of threat or danger or fear. In this situation, like in the valley, the psalmist realizes, “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.” God isn’t there just when we call on God. No, God is always there. Yes, our awareness of this can rise and fall with our own perceived need, but when we reflect back on our relationship with God, we too see God’s steadfast and constant presence in our lives. From this place of assurance, we know as David knew: “I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.” Every moment of every day, God is with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, as I sit and look out the window upon the hedge and woods beyond, you are there. As I look around the cottage, you are here. Wherever and whenever I go, you will be there too. Thank you, Lord, for your abiding and loving presence in the highs and lows and in everything in between. You are an awesome, awesome God. Amen.


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Always There

Reading: Psalm 23:1-4

Psalm 23:1 and 4 – “The Lord is my shepherd… you are with me.”

Today and tomorrow we turn to the most well-known Psalm. David’s words are similar to the Lord’s Prayer in this way: someone starts saying the words and it is easy to join in. In verses 1-3 David writes about God as shepherd. He begins with a declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd.” When I read these words, it is the word “is” that gets the emphasis. What follows happens because God IS our shepherd. We don’t lack anything that we need. We find rest and we find nurture beside still waters and in grassy meadows. God keeps us alive and guides us along the “proper paths” – all to glorify and bring honor to God. Within the shepherd metaphor is an implication: when we listen to and when we follow the shepherd and his voice, it is then that we dwell most intimately in God’s presence. This idea connects to the past two day’s focus: the daily practice of our spiritual disciplines. Study, prayer, fellowship, and worship atune us to God’s voice and align us with God’s will and way.

In verse 4 there is a shift. The “he” of verses 1-3 becomes “you” and “your.” David shifts from telling about God and starts talking to God. He shifts from the every day of life to the moment of need. When David finds himself in the “darkest valley” there is no fear. In the moment when it is easiest and most likely to feel fear, David declares that there is no fear because “you are with me.” David trusts God. He believes that God’s “rod” and God’s “staff” will protect him. The rod, the offensive tool, will protect us against attacks from without. The staff, the defensive tool, will defend us from attacks from within, when we are the ones who have or are tempted to wander into darkness. In all ways, God is with us and will protect us. O Lord, thank you.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being with us in the day to day of life, providing our daily bread and our moments of rest. Thank you for your word that guides and for your Spirit that directs and convicts and restores. And thank you, O God, for your presence in the hard moments of life – no matter what. However we find ourselves in the dark valley, you are always there. Yes, Lord, thank you. Amen.


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Like a Shepherd with Sheep

Reading: Psalm 23:1-3

Psalm 23:3 – “He [God] guides me in proper paths, for the sake of his good name.”

Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust in God’s love and care. This very well-known passage brings comfort in times of grief or doubt. It offers reassurance in times of worry and stress. It reminds us of God’s good plans and provision in times of need. We begin today with the first few verses, which lean into the metaphor of God as our shepherd.

Verse 1 reminds us that because God is a good shepherd, we lack nothing. This is NOT to say that God gives us everything we want. It is to say that God provides what we need. There is a wide gulf between want and need. We struggle with this difference when greed, envy, selfishness, and more raise their ugly heads. We very much need God’s power and presence to lead us through these inner battles.

In struggles such as these, our God guides us to times and places where we find rest, peace, and stillness. Here we encounter God’s presence. In these moments we are renewed and encouraged. We are prepared and equipped to move forward. Perhaps most importantly, in these moments we are assured that God’s love, care, provision, and protection go with us as a shepherd with sheep.

We read, “He [God] guides me in proper paths, for the sake of his good name” in verse 3. To walk in “proper paths” is to walk with the will and way of God guiding our steps, our words, our actions, our decisions… Walking this way, we witness to God’s presence in our lives. Doing so, we invite others to walk alongside the good shepherd too. In all ways, may our lives bring glory to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, life is not always easy. It gets harder, though, when we try and go it alone. Break our taught reliance on self. Lead and guide us to trust in you. Give us feet willing to walk the path that you set out for us. Walking this path, use us as light and love, drawing others into a relationship with you. Amen.