pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: pleasing


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Together with One Voice

Reading: Romans 15:4-6

Romans 15:4 – “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance.”

Photo credit: Fredrik Ohlander

As we enter Romans in chapter 15, Paul is in the process of elevating the community over the individual. For example, in chapter 12, Paul argues that individuals are given gifts by the Spirit for the benefit of the community (not for individual gain or glory.) In chapter 14 Paul emphasizes pleasing God and loving neighbors more than self. At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages patience with those who are less mature in faith. As Christ did, Paul invites those who are able to build up their neighbors.

Today in verse 4 we read, “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance.” Paul and his theology are deeply rooted in the Old Testament and in the Law in particular. But his understanding and application of the scriptures changed radically through his relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul saw and understood how Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. There is no better example of this than in the Sermon on the Mount, beginning in Matthew 5. Again and again Jesus unpacks the Law through his use of the sayings, “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” In each of these examples and in how he lived out his faith, Jesus was demonstrating what love of God and love of neighbor truly looked like. Paul looks at these examples and encourages the church to emulate Christ’s attitude in their lives.

The early church needed hope so that they could endure the trials and persecution of their day. We too need hope to faithfully love God and neighbor in the midst of a culture that elevates self above all else. Like the early church, may we find strength in the scriptures, in Christ, and in our community of faith, all to “glorify God… together with one voice.”

Prayer: Lord God, we pray for daily strength and encouragement, for hope and peace. Draw us deeper into your word, deeper in our relationship with Christ, and deeper into our communities of faith. In these things we find support, help, and the power to love you and to love neighbors as Christ first loved us. Lord, use our daily living to glorify your name and to build your church. Amen.


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A Life in Christ

Reading: Philippians 3-4

Philippians 4:13 – “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”

Chapter 3 begins with a focus on pursuing Christ. Paul first warns the believers in Philippi to be wary of those who do evil and who try to force circumcision upon them. He encourages them not to put confidence in the outer self but to do as he did: write off all the worldly titles and accolades. Lose them all, like Paul, “so that I [like Paul] might gain Christ and be found in him.” In Christ, Paul receives a righteousness that is not his own. It comes through faith in Christ alone.

Paul connects knowing Christ to bring conformed to his suffering and death. In this way, Paul hopes that he “may perhaps” attain the goal of resurrection. Paul pursues this goal – not because he is perfect but because Christ “grabbed hold of me.” Leaving all else behind, this goal has become Paul’s focus.“The upward call” of God in and through Jesus Christ is the goal that Paul pursues. This pursuit involves living a holy and blameless life, a life, like Paul’s, that is worthy of imitation.

In chapter 4 Paul encourages those in the church in Philippi to “stand firm” in the Lord. He urges unity within and gentleness in their interactions with all people. Rather than worry, bring your prayers to God. Then the peace “that exceeds all understanding” will fill their hearts and minds. He invites them to focus their thoughts on all that is “true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.” Living a life in Christ, Paul encourages, will bring contentment in any and all circumstances. This is because “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” Walking daily in Jesus Christ’s strength, may we “give off a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God.”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us, strengthen and empower us today in our pursuit of you. Help us to lay aside the things that matter to this world so that we can focus on your will and way. Show us how to turn all our worries and fears and doubts over to you in prayer, receiving instead your peace and love. Amen.


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In Every Way

Reading: Romans 11-13

Romans 12:1 – “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

In chapter 11 Paul addresses God’s people – both the Jews who still reject Jesus and the Gentiles who’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul argues that God has not rejected Israel. A remnant remains. They’ve not fallen permanently. In fact, Paul has intentionally been so public about his ministry because he hopes to “make my own people jealous and save some of them.” Paul also warns the saved Gentiles about bragging about their grafted in status. It is the root (God) that sustains them – not the other way around. In the end, Paul believes “Israel will be saved.”

In chapter 12 Paul begins to address behavior. In verse 1 he writes, “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.” Constantly give self up in surrender to God’s will and way (not to the world’s) and one will become “good and pleasing and mature.” As we do so we live more and more as one unified body, each playing a vital and necessary role. Paul lists prophesying, serving, teaching, and encouraging as some roles. He then elevates love, evangelism, hope, prayer, empathy, and equality as marks of faith. Paul warns against arrogance, revenge, and other evil actions. These are those “patterns of the world.”

Paul addresses our civic responsibilities at the start of chapter 13. Live well under the authority of the government because they have been “put in place by God.” Pay your taxes and don’t be in debt to anyone. And love really well. Paul reminds us that all the commands are summed up in the one to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Our reading closes with a great reminder. Salvation is closer now than ever. So, “Dress yourself with the Lord Jesus” – be like Christ in every way. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our place in your family. Encourage us to see the family as an ever-growing family, as one that seeks to graft in all people. As we walk in faith day by day, nurture us and guide us into a more and more mature faith. Above all, may we love without limit, helping others into the path of salvation and life. Amen.


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Faithful Love Forever

Readings: Psalms 131-136

‭Psalm 135:14 – “The LORD gives justice to his people and has compassion on those who serve him.”

We begin with Psalm 131, a song of humility. The psalmist isn’t proud or conceited, doesn’t stray from his or her lane. There is contentment in God’s presence. So, “Israel, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 132 speaks of why they can and should. God dwells in the temple and God made a covenant with David. The promise was to have a Davidic king on the throne forever – if they’re faithful. God’s presence provides food, salvation, and protection. The faithful one will shine.

Psalm 133 speaks of unity: “how good and pleasing it is.” Living in unity brings blessings and leads to eternal life, two gifts of God. Psalm 134 gives a pattern of response: lift your hands, bless the Lord! Praise the maker of heaven and earth! Psalms 135 and 136 develop this theme.

Psalms 135 and 136 are very similar. Both call for praising the Lord. Both recall acts that show God’s wonder, power, and might in nature and in Israel’s history. Psalm 135 reminds us that idols are “just gold and silver.” How we still need that reminder. Wealth, in whatever form we chase, is “just gold and silver.” Psalm 136 repeats the line, “God’s faithful love lasts forever,” 26 times. It is the repeated response to all that God has done and to all that God is. May it be our response as well!

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to walk humbly today with you and with all that we encounter. Guide us to live as light, as ones anointed in your love. Remind us too of all the ways that you have compassion on us, your children. And use us today to reveal your faithful love to all of creation. Amen.


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Holy and Perfect

Readings: Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30

Exodus 29:45 – “I will be at home among the Israelites, and I will be their God.”

Today’s readings are mostly about the priestly clothing and their ordination into service. Reading these verses led me to reflect on the changes that have occurred around some of our “priestly clothing.” In some denominations today the clergy wear a robe whenever they are “on duty.” In other denominations robes are rarely worn, even in worship. Changes are also reflected in the peoples’ attire too. “Sunday best” also represents a wide spectrum in many of our churches.

In Exodus 28 instructions are given for how to make the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. This uniform is to be worn whenever they are on duty. Instructions are given for the undergarment, the robe, the vest, the chest pendant, the flower ornament, and the turban. There is a strong connection to the twelve tribes of Israel and to the holy role that the priests will play in the life of Israel. We again see great attention to detail and we see meaning and purpose in all that God does.

In Exodus 29 and 30 we mostly read about the instructions for ordination. There is great ritual embedded in this process. This reflects the importance of the priest’s roles. We read about a daily sacrifice too – a “soothing smell,” a gift to the Lord. In our lives and in our faith we are to mirror this idea. We do so in our daily commitment to prayer, Bible study, and holy living. We read about the census and “temple tax.” We mirror this support too – in our gifts to God, both monetary and time/talents. On either side of this we read about the making of the incense altar, the washing basin, and the incense recipes. In even these small items we see detail, purpose, holiness.

In these three chapters we see a focus on being holy and perfect. This is for one purpose: “I will be at home among the Israelites, and I will be their God.” May all that we do and say and think also be ordered and ordained by God so that our heart too is a home for God.

Prayer: Lord God, today the detail of your plans amaze me. They reveal who you are and who Israel needed to be so that you could dwell among them and with them. You call us to live detailed, holy lives too. May it be so. Amen.


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The Work of Our Hands

Reading: Psalm 90:13-17

Verse 17: “Establish the work of our hands for us.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As the words of Moses continue on from verse 6, he petitions God for right living and for a heart of wisdom. Moses notes that whether we live to 70 or 80, our days “pass quickly.” It is with this quick review that we turn to today’s verses. Moses begins with a plea for compassion coupled with his plea for God to relent. Perhaps these words came after the incident with the golden calf (or some other sin). Moments when we are reminded of our sinful nature and of our mortality tend to lead to somber thoughts and to some good inner reflection.

Continuing, Moses asks for God’s “unfailing love” to satisfy them so that the people can be joyful. Moses then asks God to reveal God’s splendor so that they may be glad. He closes by asking for God’s favor to be upon Israel and then connects this thought to a request to “establish the work of our hands.” Taken all together, Moses is asking for God’s presence to fill them with gladness and joy so that they can live a life that is pleasing to God. Moses modeled this life for the people. Sure, he had his moments. In Deuteronomy we read that he could not enter the Promises Land because of one of these moments. We too have our moments. Yet we are still called to live out a life of joy and gladness – plus hope, love, peace, mercy, grace… – and to bless God and others through the work of our hands. So, what does this look like for us today?

I ask this because Moses lived in a time and situation that was very different from ours. To find a more relevant example, let us turn to Jesus. He lived in a world much like ours. Jesus lived among everyday people, loving and obeying God. This was reflected in how Jesus engaged and ministered to all sorts of folks, meeting them and loving on them right where they were. May this too be the work of our hands.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to model my daily living after Jesus’ example. Establish the work of my hands today. Make it work that is pleasing to you. Make it work that builds the kingdom of heaven here on earth. Fill me with gladness and joy each day. Fill me so that it overflows into the lives of all that I meet today. Amen.


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Aligned

Reading: Exodus 33:17-23

Verse 17: “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

Today we continue in the conversation between God and Moses that we began on Monday. Just a quick review – in verses 12-16 Moses seeks for God’s presence to be with him and with the Israelites. Today God responds, saying, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” There are two pieces that drive God’s positive response. First, God is pleased with Moses. Although far from perfect – like us – Moses has sought out and grown in his personal relationship with God. In this process, Moses has revealed himself to God. This is the second reason that God agrees to share God’s presence with Moses and with the people. Who and what Moses is and does is pleasing to God. It opens the door for God to be more present in his life.

Moses next asks for even more of this presence. Presumably Moses is in the “tent of meeting” talking to God. Moses wants more. He wants to see God’s glory. He is asking to see God live and in person. God responds positively again. God will allow Moses to see as much of God as is humanly possible. This response is first because Moses asked and, second, because Moses is pleasing to and known by God.

The first question that comes to mind today is this: Do I want to see God’s glory? And, if so, two more questions: Is my life pleasing to God? And, am I fully known by God? God is all-knowing. So the last question is more a question of whether or not I am revealing myself to God humbly and honestly?

Heart and will aligned with God, may we see God’s glory.

Prayer: Lord God, I say I want to know you and to be known by you. Lord, move me from these easy words to tangible action. Work in me, Holy Spirit, to bring me closer to God, to stand more fully in the divine and holy presence. There, empty me of myself and then fill me up with God’s glorious presence. From there, use me to reflect God’s glory out into the world. Amen.


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Pleasing to God

Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

Verse 14: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.”

As we turn to the second part of Psalm 19 we turn to the second way that our relationship with God is strengthened and deepened. In verses 7-14 David writes about “the Law of God.” For David this was the Torah – the first five books of our Bible. It was all they had at this point in history. We have many more books and because all of these are also the inspired word of God, the words of Psalm 19 apply to it all.

David describes God’s word as “perfect… trustworthy… right… radiant… pure… sure.” God is all of these things so God’s word must be as well! David writes of the “value” of God’s word: “more precious than gold… sweeter than honey.” And David shares the affects or impact of God’s word. It revives our soul and it gives light to our eyes. It gives joy to our heart and “in keeping them there is great reward.” All of this is true about living life according to God’s word! David loves God’s word. It brings so much life to him. The same is true for us and for our lives. Time in and with God’s word brings strength and depth to our faith.

The Psalm closes with some familiar words: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.” Most preachers offer these words at the start of the sermon. Yet these words aren’t just for Sunday morning. These words can be our prayer every morning. As we strengthen and deepen our relationship with God, our desire to live according to the word grows. As this desire grows, our passion for living a life that is pleasing to God also grows. What a journey! Lord, in your mercy, be our rock and our redeemer.

Prayer: Lord God, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a joy to my heart. It leads and guides me in the way that I should go. It defends me from evil. Through the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment make your word even more a part of my life. And, yes, may all I do and say be pleasing to you, O God! Amen.


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Transformed Not Conformed

Reading: Romans 12:1-2

Verse 2a: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Paul shifts gears as we turn to chapter 12. The last 4 verses of chapter 11 are a doxology. This closing prayer of praise to God wraps up the focus of the last few chapters and shifts our thinking to the “how” of living as a believer. Paul begins chapter 12 urging us to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Paul, as Jesus often did, is using an old word in a new way. To the Jews a sacrifice was the lamb or dove or grain or oil that was brought to the altar in the temple. Often blood was spilled and life was lost. In other sacrifices the offering was poured out or burnt upon the altar. There was a finality to each particular sacrifice.

Paul’s call is to be “living sacrifices.” This is an ongoing giving of self to God and to others. In Jesus’ language it is dying to self again and again in order to truly love God and neighbor. So, how do we place ourselves in a position to do this? We make the intentional choice to live according to God’s will and way. It’s not easy. The world is always tugging at us. For the daily battle, Paul offers this advice: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Winning this battle requires an intentional choice to say “NO” to the ways and norms of the world. Saying “no” to the world allows us to say “YES” to God’s transformation of our minds. This renewing of our mind is an ongoing process. Day by day it shapes us more and more into God’s image. It brings us closer and closer to understanding and then living out God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will.” May it be so for us all each day.

Prayer: Lord God, we need you so much in this battle to transform ourselves into who and what you call us to be. The voice of the world is so loud and so convincing at times. Elevate the voice of the Spirit over this constant buzz. Hearing the Spirit more clearly, lead us to be transformed more and more into the image and example of Christ. Amen.


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Pleasing Sacrifices

Reading: Hebrews 13:15-16

Verse 16: “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Today’s 2 verses in Hebrews 13 call us to dual actions with our mouth and with our hands and feet. First we are to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” This involves confessing Jesus as Lord to the world. It is sharing the good news of what Jesus has done for us so that others can see what Jesus can do for them. It is always being God’s light and love in a broken world so that others can find to healing and wholeness that we have found in Jesus Christ. This is the good fruit that comes from confessing our faith with our lips.

We also confess or witness to our faith by our actions. In verses 16 we are reminded, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” We need to be reminded because it can be easy to forget about the world out there. Faith can become this inner relationship we have with Jesus. It can be tempting to stay there in our faith. To do good, to share with others, to engage the outside world – that involves risk, it calls for trust, and it often demands a cost to us. But it also brings our faith down to a practical, applicable place. It puts skin and flesh to our faith. And it often asks us to suffer a bit for Christ and for his beloved brothers and sisters. This is a sacrifice that is pleasing to God.

Each day we are called to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives. Each day we are called to love others with a sacrificial love. No matter who God may place in our path today, may we be a sacrifice that is pleasing to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, use me today to help others to know you more. Whether by word or deed, put me to service in the kingdom. Amen.