pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: need


by Leave a comment

Stepping Beyond Easy Love

Reading: Romans 12:9-16

Romans 12:13 – “Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome the strangers into your home.”

In Romans 12:9-16 Paul calls us to love. He emphasizes loving without pretending. Other translations say “love without hypocrisy.” Paul is calling for genuine, sincere love, not fake or false love. Some of the time we can be tempted to love in ways that are superficial. We might, for example, say that we’ll pray for someone but be unwilling to take the obvious step that would be the answer to the prayer.

Paul connects this “pretend” love to cursing those who harass us and to thinking we’re better than or smarter than others. Genuine love would work against us being two-faced and against being arrogant. We are called to “hate” these evils and to “hold on to what is good.” Paul also lays out what it looks like to hold onto the good.

We are to love and honor one another. We are to be enthusiastic as we serve one another. We are to meet each other’s needs. We are to welcome in the strangers. (What a call to be the church both inside and outside the walls of the building!) We are to rejoice with the joyful, and we are to cry with those in sorrow. We are to bless others. We are to consider everyone as equals. We are to associate with those “who have no status.”

Much of what Paul writes in today’s passage parallels Jesus’ challenging words from yesterday in Luke 6. In essence both tell us to love those who are hard to love. There is also the same counter-cultural element to Paul’s words today. Love the stranger, love those without status or voice. There is risk in this call. Genuine love often involves risk.

Prayer: Lord God, as we’ve been reminded, sometimes it is easy to love. It is good and right to genuinely love our family, our friends, our church. Yet you call us to so much more. Encourage us to step beyond these familiar and safe circles of love. Guide us out into the unknown waters of the stranger. Lead us to stand on the uneven and rocky ground of the marginalized. Remind us, Lord, that in these places, we stand with you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Great Commands

Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 and 7:9-12

Matthew 7:12 – “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.”

Photo credit: Shane

In Matthew 22 the Pharisees get together and decide to test or trap Jesus. Their religious rivals, the Sadducees, have just been left speechless after their attempt to trap Jesus in his words. The Pharisees send one forward to test Jesus with a question: What’s the greatest commandment? The Law has 613 (or 623) commands. Which is the most important one Jesus?

Quoting from the Law, Jesus identifies the Deuteronomy law to love God with all that you are. He quickly adds one from Leviticus: “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” For a devout Jew these are the two core commands. These two verses form the heart of a prayer offered each and every day, both morning and night. While the concept of loving God and neighbor is easy to understand, the actual execution of these commands can be very hard. To date, I believe that Jesus is the only one with a 100% success rate.

Jesus offers some practical application tips in chapter 7, verses 9-12. Here he uses parenting as the analogy. If your child asks for bread or fish because they are hungry, who would give them a rock or a snake instead? Well, no good parent would. Jesus then reminds us that the one who loves us as children will do the same and even more. He then generalizes this teaching on loving well to others, adding, “Treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you.” Give that person in need not just bread but some water too. Give that stranger not just a fish but a place to stay too. Just as the Lord our God is good and loving and generous, Jesus says, you do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, the call is clear: love well, love deeply, love genuinely. You have modeled this and your son Jesus modeled it. We have no excuses. We can’t play dumb. Yet we sure can struggle to love you with all that we are and to love others as we love ourselves. Lord, encourage and empower us today to love as you call us to love. When we waver, strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you, God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

At the Center

Reading: Genesis 2:4b-25

Genesis 2:7 – “The Lord formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils.”

Today we read the second creation story. In this narrative, humanity is the centerpiece of the story. After forming the earth and sky, God “formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils.” There is an intimacy to this act. It is not God speaking humanity into being, but God, much like a potter, shaping and forming the human body. God’s very “hands” were at work. Once the physical form is complete, God breathes life into the form. The very “breath” of God gives life to humanity.

God’s next act is to plant a garden, to create a place for this man to live. God provided trees with fruit and a river to irrigate this garden that man was to farm and care for. So that man was not alone, God next forms animals and birds. The man (not the creator) names these creatures. But there is not a “perfect helper” found for the man. So God provides this too. From the rib of the man God fashions a woman. These two beings form a team, a couple.

In this creation story all is done for humanity’s benefit, for their good, to meet their needs. Here we see God’s love for us, for all created in God’s image. God’s expectations of humanity? To love God in return and to care for this creation. As the story continues tomorrow, we see what a challenge this can be.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for today’s insight into the “why” of creation. You did all this to provide an ideal place for us to live. I feel a deep gratitude for your love and care for humanity that is at the center of your creation process. I am humbled to be your greatest love, along with my brothers and sisters in faith. Lord, help us to love you and your creation in the same way. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Faithful Activity

Reading: James 1-2

James 2:14 – “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?”

Today we begin the book of James. James advocates an active, world-engaging, lived out faith. To live this way, while “scattered” to the world, is indeed a great challenge. These words from James that we read today and tomorrow very much apply to our lives and world right now. As “resident aliens” it is easier to write a check than it is to show up. It eases one’s conscience to say, “It’s the pastor’s job.” Yes, a time comes in life when it is not possible to physically show up. And, yes, some “jobs” are the pastor’s. But to shelter one’s faith from the world and vice versa, well, better read and study James.

Chapter 1 from James deals with standing firm in our faith. James begins by encouraging us to think of moments of testing as “occasions for joy.” These moments produce endurance, which yields a mature faith. In times of trial, we are invited to turn to God for wisdom. Trusting in God, we will receive. This is because God is good and faithful. Such a God will not tempt us. No, James says, that comes from within ourselves. God only gives good things. The pinnacle of this is the word of God. The word has the power to make us slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen. It gives us power over our tongues. (More on that in chapter 3.)

In chapter 2 James encourages us to show faith, not favoritism. Favoritism is “evil-minded.” It is judgmental. It denies mercy. Instead, James advises, put your faith into action, like Abraham and Rahab. James asks, “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?” That is a great question. Yes, belief in God is good. But, we are reminded, “Even the demons believe this.” To wish well for a brother or sister who is naked or hungry without actually meeting their needs? James: “Faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.”

Prayer: Lord God, it is so much easier to just fly under the radar, to just think someone else will do it. It is so much harder to stand firm, to stand up, to show up. Faith isn’t supposed to be easy or convenient, is it God? Empower, equip, and encourage us, O Lord, to be doers of the word and not merely hearers. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Gracious and Generous

Reading: Luke 15-16

Luke 15:19 – “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.”

We begin with three parables about “lost” things. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin follow the same pattern: a thing is lost, a careful search is made, the thing is found, and a celebration follows. A similar celebration happens in heaven when a sinner changes heart and life.

The third parable centers on a lost son. The truly lost one is not the one in the early parts of the parable. The younger son is initially lost but realizes it and “comes to his senses.” He decided on these words: “I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” People can feel this way with God. We can feel this way. Yet in the father’s persona we see a God who runs to us with unconditional love. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done (or left undone) – God loves us and will offer grace always. We’re always welcomed back into the family of God. Sometimes we are called upon to help others understand this too.

The older son is truly lost. He sees himself as a servant and not as a son. His is a joyless yet dutiful existence. That is why anger rises so quickly. Even though the father reminds him of his inherited place in the family, he cannot move past his anger. The story leaves us hanging. What will the oldest son do? Will he too “come to his senses” or will he remain furious?

Chapter 16 holds two parables that deal with wealth. In the first story a manager cleverly uses money to benefit others in the present and to insure his own future. We are called to do the same. Wealth is just a tool to employ in the building of the kingdom. The second story reinforces this point. The rich man did the opposite, hoarding his wealth, ignoring the man in need right under his nose. His future does not end well. He did not listen to the Law and the prophets. We have these as well as the “one who rises from the dead.” May we hear Jesus’ call to be both gracious and generous, doing all we can to redeem the lost.

Prayer: Lord God, when we’re “lost” ourselves, help us to “come to our senses” again and again. And help us to walk alongside those who feel undeserving of your grace and forgiveness, enabling them to see their place in the family. And, Lord, when we struggle, thinking another undeserving of your or our grace, remind us of your great love that redeemed a sinner like us. May we gratefully receive and generously give of your love, grace, and forgiveness. Amen.


by Leave a comment

“No” to Self!

Reading: Luke 8:40-9

Luke 9:23 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”

Today’s reading begins with two stories where faith results in healing. Jairus comes to Jesus seeking healing for his daughter and a woman discreetly comes to Jesus for healing. Both believe that Jesus can bring healing. In spite of circumstances stacked against them, both experience healing because they continued to believe.

Jesus sends out the 12 to heal and proclaim the good news. After a successful outing, Jesus encounters a large crowd. After a long day teaching and healing, the disciples suggest sending the crowd to find food and lodging. Jesus suggests the disciples feed the crowd. Their response: But we don’t have enough. Fish and loaves are not what is lacking. With five fish and two loaves, Jesus feeds the huge crowd. In the end all eat their fill and the disciples each hold a basket full of leftovers. Jesus has faith to spare!

There are two sections about following Jesus in today’s readings. After Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus explains that this means dying and being raised. He will be an unexpected kind of Messiah. Because of this, Jesus defines what it takes to follow this way: “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” At the end of today’s readings we see that many cannot meet these expectations. Followers must be willing to lose their lives to take on Christ’s.

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where he is transfigured. They see Jesus in his divine glory. God’s words add to their understanding that he is truly the Son of God. They descend and Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon. He then confronts the disciples lack of understanding about following him. They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus states, “Whoever is least among you is the greatest.” It’s all about elevating others above self. This requires a follower of Jesus to say “no” to self again and again and again…

Prayer: Lord God, while the world and our culture tells us that self is all that matters, you say the opposite. Everything, everyone, all else is to be placed before our own needs and wants. In that place, we are trusting in you alone for all that we truly need. Grant us the faith and the courage to make this choice every day. Amen.


by Leave a comment

As Long As You…

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 14, 2nd Chronicles 15, 2nd Chronicles 16

2nd Chronicles 15:2 – “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…”

Photo credit: Marcel Eberle

Asa’s reign fills chapters 14-16. Asa is a good king who seeks to walk in God’s ways and to lead Judah to do the same. Good, however, is not perfect. Following Abijah’s kingship and his sound defeat of Israel, Asa experiences 10 years of peace to begin his reign. He removes all of the foreign altars, shrines, pillars, and poles. He builds fortified cities to strengthen Judah.

After 10 years the Cushites come against Judah. They outnumber Judah almost 2:1. Asa turns to God, asking God to help the weak. He declares their reliance on God. The Lord strikes the Cushites and Judah wins a great victory. Judah collects a great amount of loot and plunder.

It is at this high point that the prophet Azariah comes. He begins by saying, “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…” We know what comes after that “but…” Azariah closes this word from God with an encouragement to be brave, to not lose heart. This word leads Asa to remove all idols. All Judah gathers, joyfully and wholeheartedly entering into a covenant with God. They declare that those who refuse to seek God will be out to death.

In Asa’s 35th year Israel attacks. Asa seeks an alliance with Aram instead of seeking God. Aram attacks Israel, ending that threat. But Hanani the seer comes with bad news. Because Asa did not seek God, war will now be the norm. In anger Asa throws Hanani in jail and takes his anger out on “some other people.” What a far cry this is from repentance.

Asa’s reign ends with continued disobedience. Good but not perfect – just like us. In illness Asa seeks help from doctors instead of from God. In our times of need, where do we turn other than the Lord?

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to be faithful and obedient, help us to remove the shrines and idols that we set up in our lives. Give us the bravery and the faith to remove these other gods. Fill us with your Holy Spirit power so that we can confidently rely on you alone. Strengthen and encourage us in our times of need. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Rested and Ready

Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

Verse 6: “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Today’s parable comes in a section that Matthew has put together addressing the kingdom of heaven. In today’s teaching Jesus talks about the time of his return and of what is required of us. This day the parable rests upon the connected ideas of rest and preparation. The interconnected nature of preparation and rest brings me back to a study and retreat that a men’s group did on “margin.” If we are to be able to say “yes” when God calls, then we need to build space into our lives so that we have the capacity to respond. We learned that in order to have time to do these unplanned but important things, we have to guard against busyness and against filling every single moment of every day with items that we place on our calendars.

In our parable today ten bridesmaids (or virgins, depending on your translation) await the coming of the bridegroom. Five come prepared and five do not. The bridegroom is delayed and the night grows long. Rest becomes necessary. At midnight a cry is heard: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Those who were prepared spring into action, trimming their lamps, readying themselves to escort the bridegroom to the wedding feast. They enter the great feast with the bridegroom. The five who were unprepared (but rested) miss out. When they come late to the party the bridegroom refuses them entry, saying, “I don’t know you.” They did not journey with him.

In Jesus’ teaching both rest and preparation are essential. Rest (or margin) provides us the energy (and space) to be ready and able to respond to the call when the kingdom of God draws near. Preparation is essential because it is what fuels and drives our ability to respond as Christ in the world. Whenever the call comes, may we be ready and prepared – both physically and spiritually.

Prayer: Lord God, prepare me, day by day, to have a heart that senses your call and to have a heart willing and able to respond to that need, to that ministry opportunity, to that person in distress. And grant me moments of holy rest so that I have all I need, built up in reserve, so that I can respond faithfully and with all the necessary effort and energy. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Holy Ground

Reading: Exodus 3:1-9

Verse 5: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Moses is living in a foreign land. He is an exile. Something is stirring in Moses so he travels with his flock to a place known for God’s presence. Moses is definitely not the first person to go to Mount Horeb. At times perhaps this has happened to you. Maybe that unease drove you to delve into the Bible. Maybe that unsettling circumstance brought you to a place of prayer – perhaps the sanctuary or chapel at your church. Or maybe it was a special place at the beach, in the woods…

When he arrives, Moses is alert, seeking, and probably a bit anxious. How and where will God show up? What will be the outcome of this encounter? It feels like Moses expects God to show up. In those times and places that I have earnestly sought God, the presence has come. Has that been your experience too?

God uses a burning bush to draw Moses closer. It is burning but not being consumed. God calls out to Moses. Here is his response: “Here I am.” There is purpose in these words – I came seeking you, you showed up, here I am. I love God’s first instruction: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Yes, Moses, God is here to meet you. But God is still God. This is holy ground.

God speaks to Moses about connection: “I am the God of your father…” God speaks about relationship: “I have indeed seen the misery… heard them crying.” And then God speaks of mission: “So now go. I am sending you…” And if we read on a bit further, as Moses questions and frets, we meet the God who goes with us: “I will be with you.”

As we seek God, may we seek the God who met Moses. As we enter that holy or sacred place, may we expect God to meet us there, to connect with us personally, to understand the need, and to go with us as we are sent out to minister to others. May it be so.

Prayer: God, may we enter these sacred and holy places and spaces confident of your arrival. As we seek you out, may you be found. Give us the courage and strength not only to seek you, but to leave these encounters with willing hands and hearts. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Ever by Our Side

Reading: Psalm 23

Verse 1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

We return to Psalm 23 today. This is something we do again and again. These words are powerful. We recite these words at many funerals – a reminder that God is always with us. We recite these words in our minds when we are not sure of the next step to take in life – a reminder to ourselves that the Good Shepherd will guide and protect. We pray these words in our hearts – reminding ourselves that the Lord will be our still waters in moments of anxiousness or doubt. We offer these words as a plea – an assurance that the guardian of our soul will meet our every need. And we offer these words as a prayer of thanksgiving, remembering again and again how God is with us in all of life. With these words we rejoice in the Lord.

Today I invite you to an exercise. It won’t take too long. Take a little time to pray your way through the Psalm. Reopen your Bible or click on the link above. Pray through one phrase at a time. Not one verse – that is too much. Begin with “The Lord is my shepherd.” Offer words to God around this phrase. It may be words of praise. It may be a request. It may be gratitude or realization. Allow the Spirit to lead you. Then go on to “I lack nothing.” Take your time. Be with the Lord a while…

What a powerful reminder this exercise was for me. God is with me in so many ways. God brings so much to my daily walk and to my life. The Lord is ever by our side. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this time today with this amazing Psalm. Draw me back to these words again and again – not only in moments of need but also in times of joy and thanksgiving. You are present in all of life, in every moment. Thank you, Lord. Amen.