pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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So Welcome ____

Reading: Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:7 – “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

A leper, a tax collector, a prostitute, a demon-possessed man, a blind man, a foreigner, a crippled man, a criminal. A homeless person, a recovering alcoholic, a single mom, an ex-con, a transgender person, a refugee, an immigrant. Which list would be welcomed by Jesus into his presence? Which list would Jesus offer grace, love, mercy, welcome to? “Both” would be the answer for the Jesus that we see and read about in the gospels. Is it the same for you and for me?

In Romans 14 and 15 Paul is addressing how the church should welcome each other as Christ would. Since the beginning of the Christian movement the call has been to be like Jesus. Love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, welcome like Jesus, extend grace, mercy, hope, peace… like Jesus. Fighting this call is the whole “we’re God’s chosen people” thing. This implies “you are not” to many people. Now, Paul, he was once a Pharisee amongst Pharisees. Back then, he drew the in/out line thick and with permanent marker. Through his conversion experience Paul knows that Jesus removed the line. Jesus welcomed Paul. That line? Seeing through Jesus’ eyes, you can’t even tell that there ever was a line.

Our reading today begins with “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.” Pretty clear. But the church still sees the line. So Paul quotes from four Hebrew scriptures that show that the Gentiles (all people outside the old line) are included in God’s plan of salvation. All people. All people.

Go back to the two lists at the start of this devotional. Which one(s) made you pause? Now, insert that name into verse 7. For example ,”So welcome the immigrant in the same way…” Repeat this line again and again for any name that you paused at. Again and again. Do so until “the God of hope” fills you with “all peace and joy” through “the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand that Jesus welcomes one and all just like he once welcomed me. Whatever lines I’ve been taught, whatever in/out ideas I’ve derived – erase them, obliterate them. Fill me to overflowing with your hope, love, peace, and joy. Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit in my heart, guide me to welcome all people into your family. Amen.


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Glory, Mystery

Reading: Haggai 2:6-9

Haggai 2:7b – “I will fill this house with glory.”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

As we continue in Haggai 2 today, the focus shifts. The encouragement of the people in their work on the temple shifts to focus on what God will do. The words in verses 6-9 speak of the present and of the future. They speak of the here and of the there. These words are promises from God. And they can be every day truths.

We begin with “in just a little while.” These words could mean later today or tomorrow or 2,000 years from now. We know that God’s time is not our time. We also know that God’s timing is perfect. In God’s time, God will make the “heavens… earth… land… sea quake.” Connecting back to words and images from the Genesis 1 narrative, we’re reminded that God controls all of creation. In the next verse we are included: “all the nations.” This shaking will lead to action, in both the created world and in us.

God declares that ‘soon’ “the wealth of the nations will come” to God’s house. In the near future, the empire of Persia will financially support the rebuilding and glorification of the temple. But is has been said that the greatest resource of any nation is its people. Here we edge into eternity or maybe a great revival, when all people will kneel and all tongues will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Keeping on this track, silver and gold can be material possessions but this could refer to much more. Gentile and Jew? Lost and saved?

The second temple will be a glorious structure. There will be “prosperity” at times. In these times, yes, God will “fill this house with glory.” There will also be times of corruption and greed. Jesus will overturn some tables one day. And what if prosperity isn’t financial at all?

Prayer: Lord God, we know that your love is unconditional, that your mercy is endless, that your grace is ever overflowing. We know that you created and are over all things, us included. But there is so much that we don’t know. There is much mystery. And that is good. Today we ask, O God, that you would help us to step into that mystery, to imagine your possibilities, to trust you into the unknown. We know that you are in all these things. And you are in us. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Our Sure Foundation

Reading: Isaiah 28:14-17

Isaiah 28:17 – “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.”

The prophet Isaiah spoke to the southern kingdom of Judah. Today’s passage comes from “First Isaiah” (chapters 1-39) where the prophet reminds Judah of God’s sovereignty and holiness. Isaiah also reminds Judah of the consequences of relying on self and on the things and powers of this world.

In the opening verses Isaiah calls out Judah’s leaders, the “scoffers” who do not think that God is mighty enough to protect them from looming Assyria. Instead of turning to and trusting in God, they have made an alliance with Egypt, with “death.” Judah’s leaders have told themselves that the flood won’t reach them, that their hiding place will keep them safe. No, Isaiah says, these will be swept away. The flood of Assyria will overflow the land. The “rushing flood… you will be annihilated by it.”

God has another plan – one of restoration and redemption. Through Isaiah, God declares, “I’m laying in Zion a stone… a valuable cornerstone… a sure foundation.” The invitation is to trust in the stone, in Jesus Christ. In a time to come, upon this solid foundation, faith will center again on the way of the Lord: “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” This call to Holy living remains our call today. May it be justice that flows like a flood across the land. May it be righteousness that wells us within us, flowing out to bring healing and wholeness to our land.

Prayer: Lord God, when we too decide that we can handle it, when we tell ourselves that our power or wealth or another earthly thing will save us, remind us of what and what you are: all-powerful, ever present, always seeking our good. Humble us; drive away our arrogance and self-assurance. Raise up in us a longing for justice and a craving for righteousness. In all things, draw us again and again to stand upon Jesus Christ, our sure foundation, our true cornerstone. Amen.


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Fill Us, O Lord

Reading: Colossians 2:6-12

Colossians 2:11 – “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.”

Paul begins our encouragement for today by imploring the believers to “live… in the same way you received him.” Harkening back to the day they came to faith, Paul implores the believers to keep up the same fire, the same zeal. Paul encourages them to remain rooted in Jesus and to build up their faith, establishing themselves in Christ. This process, Paul writes, will lead to an overflow of thanksgiving and joy. These are good reminders for us too.

Next Paul invites them to be wary about falling back into our being drawn into the ways of the world. Potential dangers include new philosophies and false teachings that are counter to Christ’s teachings. Perhaps if even greater danger is conforming back to their old ways, back to the selfish and sinful ways of the world.

Paul reminds the believers that they have been “filled” with Christ. He reminds them that “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.” The physical act of circumcision that sets the Jews apart from the world has become a spiritual act that sets the Christian apart from the world. The old self was “buried” in the waters of baptism. The new self emerged and was “raised up” through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Now the power of God resides in Spirit in the believers.

So what must we do to walk daily with and in the Lord? It goes back to the opening verses. Seek to live “in Christ” – to live as Christ lived, following his example. Pour into your faith – build it up, deepen your roots in Christ. Allow the joy of faith to fill your heart to overflowing – share your faith. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open wide our hearts today and fill us with your love. Open wide our minds today and fill us with your Spirit. Open wide our hands today and fill us with your strength. Then, in all things, use these things, allowing them to flow out of us and into the world, bringing you all the glory and praise. Amen.


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Glorify and Magnify

Reading: ‭Luke‬ ‭1:46‭-‬55‬

Verses 46-47: “Mary said, ‘With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.'”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Mary is at Elizabeth’s house as she offers these words, called ‘Mary’s Song’ or the ‘Magnificat.’ She has stepped into her role, called by God to bear Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of the world. Elizabeth’s response and the Holy Spirit’s response have confirmed all that has happened and together they inspire these words. They begin with this: “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.” These are words that exclaim, ‘What a great thing God has done and I’m so HAPPY to be a part of it!’ Mary overflows with love and praise.

After recognizing the blessed and special role that she has been chosen to play, Mary praises the one who both called her and fills her. These words foreshadow Jesus’ ministry. This makes perfect sense as Jesus will be God in the flesh. The proud are scattered and the lowly are lifted. The hungry are filled and the rich are sent away empty. Those who think that they know it all and/or have it all find it difficult to receive from God. Humility and grace are necessary to receive. To those who know their need, the Lord fills them abundantly.

In this Advent season, what is our attitude? Do we seek to be filled by God? Or are we filling ourselves? Do we offer food to the hungry and lift the downtrodden? Or are we only concerned with our own belly and our own spirits? Like Mary, may we choose to glorify and magnify the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to think of others first this holiday season. Keep my focus outward instead of inward. May abundant love and spirit flow from my soul! Amen.


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Our Shepherd

Reading: Psalm 23

Verse 6: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

“The Lord is my shepherd…” These are such familiar words. We know them and the words that follow mostly by heart. These verses bring comfort, peace, strength, assurance. These words are right up there with “Our father who art in heaven…” The image of a shepherd evokes thoughts of care and guidance, of direction and provision. All of this is found in the 23rd Psalm.

“I shall not be in want.” This is such a summary statement. It speaks of God’s all-inclusive, all-encompassing care for us. In a world that promises to satisfy our wants, we soon enough find out that all the world offers is shallow and temporary. God alone provides what we really need deep down – green pastures, still waters, the restoration of our soul, guidance in this life. These feel maybe a bit mundane or basic yet they are essential to our lives. In the good seasons of life, it can be easy to forget the source or to become ungrateful for all of these simple blessings that God provides.

“Even though I walk…” This verse reminds us of our deep need for God. In the valley – whether because of grief or loss or because our enemies seem all around us – God is with us, the rod drawing us close, the staff protecting us from all that assails us. This comfort and protection are both also all-inclusive and all-encompassing. So too are the blessings that follow in the Psalm. The table, the anointing, the cup – they all overflow. God is so good. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always shepherding your people. From the wilderness experience to the quiet whisper on the mountaintop and in many other ways, you lead and guide, you provide, you restore, you rescue. In the incarnation you gave voice to who and what you are in a new expression. You led and taught, you reconciled, you set for us an example to follow. And in the Spirit you continue the conversation, the provision, the guidance, the love and care. Thank you God for shepherding your people, for shepherding me. Amen.


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Choose Hope

Reading: Romans 15:13

Verse 13a: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in God.”

Photo credit: Ronak Valobobhai

The overarching title and theme of chapter 14 and the portion of chapter 15 that we’re reading this week is “The Weak and the Strong.” Chapter 14 is mostly about not judging or condemning those with weak (or less mature) faith. It is a reminder that we are all works in progress, that we all fall short now and again (and again.) Transitioning to one of the main things that gives us strength in our faith, Paul focuses on hope.

In our verse for today Paul begins by identifying God as “the God of hope.” We could, of course, choose other adjectives. God is the God of love, of grace, of forgiveness… Today, though, we focus with Paul on hope. In many ways it is often where we must begin if we are to experience love or grace or forgiveness… – or joy or peace, as Paul indicates today. I think we often begin with hope because hope is a choice. For example, if I am feeling led to reach out to someone in need, most would say that this is driven by love or compassion or empathy. True. But hope must lead the way first. If there is not a hope of making a positive impact, then I won’t risk the action even when I’m feeling led to do so.

In the second half of verse 13 Paul gives the “why” to his blessing of hope: “so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Hope, my friend, is not just for our benefit. Choosing hope, trusting in God, living in partnership with the Holy Spirit – it is a choice for the other. When we choose to live with hope, then God does indeed fill us with joy and peace – and a whole lot more! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord, you indeed are the God of hope. In the incarnation you led with hope. There was never ever anyone that you thought outside your love. That is living with hope. Help me to be filled with such hope – so filled that it overflows! Amen.


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Overflowing Joy

Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17

Verse 12: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord… that he appointed me to his service.”

As Paul opens his first letter to Timothy, he shares his call story. In verse 12 he writes, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord… that he appointed me to his service.” Paul overflows with joy that God called him into service to Jesus Christ. Paul’s past was one that opposed the way of Jesus. That’s what he’s referring to in the next few verses. Leaving behind that life, Paul gave up much to follow Jesus. In his ‘old life’ he was a Pharisee. His zealous faith led to him being esteemed by his fellow Pharisees. He was looked up to by society. The Jews held the religious leaders in the highest regard. His lifestyle would have been quite comfortable. And then at the call of Christ, Paul gave all this up to be an itinerant preacher of the gospel. He gave all of this up to endure ridicule, abuse, beatings, and imprisonment. And he overflows with joy that God called him to serve Jesus as Lord.

All who come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior hear his call. Responding to the call to ‘follow me,’ we dedicate our lives to serving God and others. Our calls will vary. Some are called to vocational ministry; some are called to minister through their vocations. We are also all given gifts or talents to use for the glory of God. The sweet spot where our call to minister aligns with our talents – that is where God fills us with joy. Yes, there may be, no, there will be challenges, hardships, and costs to following the way of Christ. More importantly, though, we will come to overflow with joy as we live God and neighbor more than self. This day and every day, may we know this overflowing joy.

Prayer: Lord God, it is such a blessing to serve you and others. You called me back to the path of faithful living and it changed my life forever. Use me each day as you will, however best builds the kingdom. Amen.


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Modeling Our Belief

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 3: 9-13

Verse 12: “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.”

Photo credit: Christopher Beloch

Our passage today speaks again of love. Paul begins by thanking God for the joy found in the church in Thessalonica. Paul longs to be with them and to continue to encourage them in their faith. Paul asks that God would “clear the way” for him and his companions to return. Even though Paul fled under duress and even though the church is still being persecuted, Paul still longs to return to his brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is into this reality that Paul writes verse twelve. Now more than ever must the love of God be made known. Here he writes, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.” To make love known, it is first God who supplies the love and the power to increase that love. God is the source; God is the one that makes it grow. Second, faith begins with love for one another. Living out their faith in a hostile world required a deep bond between the believers. They could comfort and encourage and support and strengthen one another. Third, their faith was modeled in how they loved the world around them – those in need, those who were searching, and even those who persecuted them. Love for the other was their primary public witness to their faith and to God’s love for all of creation.

The church modeled love. Loving God, loving one another, and loving the world around them, the early church modeled their belief, their faith. As followers of Jesus Christ they were strengthened, made more blameless and more holy, readied ever more for the day of the Lord. May we too model this belief, growing day by day in our faith. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today may I love you with my whole heart. In my life may that love overflow into the lives of all I meet – into all the world! Amen.


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Rooted in Love

Reading: Ephesians 3: 14-21

Verses 17-18: “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love… grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”.

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Chapter 3 of Ephesians opens with Paul declaring himself a “prisoner” of Jesus Christ for the sake of the Gentiles. Those he once saw as so far outside of God’s love have been brought near. Paul is now the primary missionary to the Gentiles. What an amazing turnaround! Our passage today is a prayer for the Ephesians. It begins with Paul on his knees.

Ephesus was a city much like the cities and towns that we live in. The culture of Paul’s day valued wealth and status and power. Life was centered around getting more and more. The world in which these early believers lived and the audience with whom they were sharing the good news was not much different from our own contexts. Paul first prays for the Holy Spirit’s power to fill them and to strengthen their inner being. Paul asks God to make them sure of who they are in Christ Jesus.

Paul then prays, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love… grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”. Perhaps thinking of the parable of the sower found in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8, Paul prays for deep roots of faith. When trouble or persecution or the cares of the world rise up, Paul prays that they will remain rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. He prays for them to understand the vastness and limitless nature of God’s love. Knowing this, they will be filled with the “measure of the all the fullness of God”. They will be filled with his love. Being filled, they will then overflow into the world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: God of love, fill me, fill me, fill me. Pour out your love upon me. Fill me so full that your love washes away all that keeps me from being fully yours. Amen.