pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: power


by Leave a comment

The Long Walk of Faith

Reading: 2nd Timothy 3-4

2nd Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

As I read Paul’s words to Timothy today, they seem very relevant to our current time. Many are selfish and love money, power, status. They “collect” or tune into only those who tell them what they want to hear. Many slander others, being critical and conceited. Others are reckless and seek only pleasure. When it suits them, “they will look religious.” But does the relevance end here? In verse 9 we read, “They won’t get very far. Their foolishness will become obvious.” While absolutely true in God’s kingdom, is it so here on earth?

Paul then presents his example, standing in sharp contrast to this earthly example. He invites Timothy and us to pay attention to his “teaching, conduct, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, and endurance.” He makes us all aware of the cost of discipleship: “Anyone who wants to lead a holy life will be harassed.” Because of this reality, Paul encourages Timothy and us to stay rooted in the scriptures – what we’ve learned and been taught. Scripture is useful for “teaching… showing mistakes… correcting… training character.” Scripture equips the faithful to “do everything that is good.” What a sharp contrast to the way of the world!

In chapter 4 Paul commissions Timothy. This commission applies to us too. Paul charges Timothy with preaching the word always – whether convenient or inconvenient – and with correcting, confronting, and encouraging with patience and instruction. Paul encourages self-control, an essential for the long walk of faith. Giving his own example, Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Paul knows heaven awaits. Yet he walks forward, trusting that the God who has stood by him will continue to do so until he wears that “champion’s wreath.” May this too be our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, the walk is not always easy or smooth. It can be tempting to just look religious instead of being truly faithful. The outside voices can be loud and the coming suffering is scary. In those moments, remind us of your truths and promises in scripture and help us to feel your Spirit presence in our hearts. With these, lead and guide us to “preach the word” always, using words when needed. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Strengthened and Encouraged

Reading: 2nd Timothy 1-2

2nd Timothy 1:7 – “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

2nd Timothy is a letter written to a young but gifted pastor, defining his role and character as a faithful minister of the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul begins by reminding Timothy of the origins of his faith. It was planted in him by his grandma Lois and his mother Eunice. He then reminds Timothy of the “gift” that he has been given by God. Paul implores Timothy to “revive” that gift. To help him do so, Paul writes, “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

Timothy must be having a challenging time. Paul next encourages Timothy, telling him not to be ashamed. Paul invites him to “share the suffering,” trusting in God’s power, purpose, and grace. The apostle turn shares his experience – appointed a teacher, suffered, not ashamed, convinced that God is “powerful enough to protect” what God placed in Paul. He is telling Timothy that he is not alone in his trials. So, Paul says, hold onto the good teachings that he has received and protect it by trusting in the Holy Spirit.

Paul also encourages Timothy to draw strength from Christ’s grace and to pass on the teachings of Christ to other capable teachers. Paul implores him to be a “good soldier of Jesus Christ” and to accept suffering as part of the rules of the game of ministry. Paul then offers some guidance on dealing with opponents, likely the source of some of Timothy’s suffering: present yourself as “tried-and-true,” don’t argue with them, and correct them with gentleness. Closing this section, Paul reminds Timothy to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace alongside others who “confess the Lord with clean hearts.” In this fellowship Timothy will be strengthened and encouraged. As people with clean hearts may we too strengthen and encourage one another in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, in moments when we might feel timid or even ashamed of our faith, sweep in with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to speak boldly and powerfully, yet gently and kindly. Let love guide our words and actions. Use us to draw others to a saving faith in you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

God’s Plan, Our Role

Reading: Ephesians 3-4

Ephesians 4:1 – “Therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, I encourage you to live as a people worthy of the call you received from God.”

In today’s reading Paul shares God’s plan for the church and then unpacks how followers are to be a part of that plan. In chapter 3 Paul shares that it has been God’s plan all along to include “every ethnic group” in the body of Christ. Paul declares that this “secret plan” has always been to include the “Gentiles” – a term often used by Jews to describe ALL non-Jews. This plan was accomplished through Jesus, who gives every believer “bold and confident access to God through faith” in Jesus. Paul then prays for the church, asking God to strengthen them through the Spirit and to reveal the power and enormity of God’s love. In these ways the believers “will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.”

In chapter 4 Paul unpacks what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. With chapter 3 in mind, he begins, “Therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, I encourage you to live as a people worthy of the call you received from God.” Paul calls the church to be people of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. He reminds them of what unites them: there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.” Paul also reminds them that each was gifted to be a part of “the working and building up the body of Christ.” Each has a role to play. We each have a role to play in this task.

Paul then calls the believers to a mature faith, away from living like the Gentiles (now meaning all those outside the faith) and into living as a “new creation” in Christ. Paul invites them to “clothe yourself” in the image of God. He is connecting here to their baptism, where they literally de-robed and then rerobed, symbolically taking off their old self and clothing anew in Christ. Paul closes the chapter with the call to be “kind, compassionate, and forgiving,” modeling what Christ did for them. This too is our role. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in your love that reaches out to all people. We celebrate your grace that has no limits. Fill us with your presence this day and employ each of us for the building up of the body of Jesus Christ. Amen.


by Leave a comment

My Grace: Enough

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 11-13

2nd Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.”

As we begin the last three chapters in 2nd Corinthians, Paul confronts the “super apostles” that have been attacking Paul’s reputation and work. He begins with his concern: he promised the church to Christ. They are struggling with their commitment. They’ve gotten off track because they so easily accepted a different version of the Christian faith. We too can end up here, even without anyone’s help.

Paul then resorts to their game: bragging about human credentials. He is all that they are: Hebrew, Israelite, descendant of Abraham, minister of Christ. And he has worked harder and endured much more: imprisonment, beatings, a stoning, lashings, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst… AND! The stress over all these churches he’s planted and is now working with.

In chapter 12 Paul writes about a “man” who had a vision and heard words directly from God. This same man is now experiencing “a thorn in my body” that God will not take away. God’s response to Paul’s pleading? “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” This thorn keeps Paul from being conceited. It keeps him humble. That’s where we experience God’s power and strength too.

Paul then begins to prepare the church in Corinth for a third visit. He warns them: shape up because “I won’t spare anyone.” He invites the church to examine and test themselves. He prays that they will be made “complete.” Paul closes with blessings of love and peace, with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and with fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord God, as we close 2nd Corinthians it feels like such a struggle for the church and for those within the church. So many voices, so many messages, so many temptations. Wait, Lord. Is Paul writing to us? In that reality, O God, strengthen and encourage us today to walk humbly in your grace, for there we find all that we need. Amen.


by Leave a comment

New Creations

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4-7

2nd Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!”

In today’s reading Paul first reviews their conduct and the “results.” He and his fellow apostles received their commission just as they received God’s mercy – from Christ. They have publicly proclaimed the gospel, preaching Jesus as Lord, living as “slaves” for Jesus’ sake. Paul then acknowledges that this “treasure” is in “clay pots” – fragile themselves so that God’s power can be revealed. Hard pressed in many ways, they are being handed over to life.

Along these lines, Paul recognizes that as this “tent” is torn down, the soul has a place to go, “eternal and in heaven.” Yes, he says, we groan now under the weight of this earthly life. Yet, living by faith and not by sight, Paul and companions continue to live for the “one who died for them.” Paul then declares, “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” Just as God reconciled the world to himself through Christ, Paul invites the Corinthians (and us) to be reconciled to God. He begs them and us to receive God’s grace.

In chapter 6 Paul revisits the hardships of his ministry. Through it all they have served with the Holy Spirit through God’s power, offering love and truth. He invites the Corinthians to open their hearts once again to their ministry. Paul invites them to cleanse themselves from all that contaminates. Paul also expresses the encouragement he received from Titus’ visit to Corinth. He knows that his last letter hurt them, but rejoices that it produced changed hearts and lives.

We too can experience moments of conviction that can lead to change. Whether through the Holy Spirit or another believer, truth and love can lead us to changed hearts and lives. May we receive, allowing the Spirit to make us new creations in Christ, transformed a bit more into his image.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us, these fragile clay pots, into ministry for you today. Guide us and use us to reveal your power as we proclaim your love and healing to the broken and lost. May our lives be spent for the building of your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Foundation: Jesus Christ

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1-3

1st Corinthians 1:18 – “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.”

Paul writes this letter to the church in Corinth to address problems and misunderstandings in the church. Paul begins by giving thanks for their knowledge of Christ and for the spiritual gifts evident in the church. He reminds them that they are in partnership with Jesus Christ.

Paul then turns to the first issue: division in the church. Little subgroups are following different voices: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. He reminds the church that they were baptized and came to faith in Jesus Christ. To forget this would empty the cross of its meaning and its message. In 1:18 Paul writes, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.” The idea of Christ crucified is “a scandal to Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles” (to the world.) To believers, though, it is salvation.

Paul then lifts up God’s wisdom, which was disclosed in Christ’s crucifixion. God chose and chooses “what the world considers low-class and low-life” to reduce what is important to the world to “nothing.” God did this so that faith would depend not on “human wisdom” but on “the power of God.”

God’s wisdom and power are revealed through the Spirit. Once a believer receives the Spirit they can interpret and understand “spiritual things.” But this is a learning and growing process. These Corinthian believers are yet “babies in Christ.” They are still “drinking milk” instead of eating “solid food.” For Paul, this is evident because of the division and infighting in the church. Paul points them to their true foundation: Jesus Christ. He reminds them, “You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” May this be our foundational truth as well.

Prayer: Lord God, open our minds and hearts to your wisdom and to your will and way. By the power of the Holy Spirit, give us guidance and direction as well as understanding. In all things, may all that we are belong to you alone. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Trust Always

Reading: Acts 21-23

Acts 21:13 – “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Paul’s journey to Jerusalem (and eventually to Rome) begins in our reading for today. Working his way towards Jerusalem, Paul encounters a prophet, Agabus, in Caesarea. He prophesies that Paul will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles (the Romans.) In response, Paul declares, “I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.” His resolve is set. In this, Paul reminds me of Jesus as he “set his face like flint” as he made the final trip to Jerusalem. His trust is in God. Paul is absolutely focused on his one mission: to witness to all about Jesus his Lord.

Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul gives a detailed report of God’s activity amongst the Gentiles. James and the elders warn him of the rumors about Paul rejecting Moses and the Law. While undergoing a purification ritual to demonstrate his devotion to Judaism, Paul is seized, accused, and drug out of the temple. The commotion draws the attention of a nearby Roman commander, who rescues Paul. Unable to ascertain the cause of the unrest, Paul is taken to military headquarters, where he asks to address the people.

Permission granted, Paul gives his history – born a Jew, taught as a Pharisee, harasser of the followers of Jesus. He tells of his Damascus Road experience and his conversion. As he tells of the Jews rejection and being sent to the Gentiles, the crowd erupts in anger. To learn the truth, the commander orders Paul “questioned under the whip.” It is then that Paul reveals he is a Roman citizen by birth. The commander orders an assembly of the Jewish leaders.

Paul wisely divides the Pharisees and Sadducees along theological lines. After being removed from this dangerous situation, Jesus tells Paul that he will ultimately testify in Rome. A treasonous plot is foiled and Paul is brought to Governor Felix. Learning that Paul is from Cilicia, he will hear Paul’s case. This trial will unfold tomorrow as the Jewish leaders arrive in Caesarea.

Prayer: Lord God, no matter the crowd, no matter the threat, no matter the audience, Paul trusts always in you. Filled with your presence and power, Paul always trusts into your plans and into your purposes for his life. Lord, fill us with that same power and presence, making us ever ready to trust in you with all that we are and with all that we have. May it be so – all for the glory of your kingdom! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Believe

Reading: John 11 and 12

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Lazarus is the focus of most of chapter 11. He falls ill and Mary and Martha send for Jesus. He stays where he is at. Only when Lazarus has died does Jesus head for Bethany. Many Jews come to mourn. As Jesus nears, Martha hears and goes out to meet him. She says as Mary will later say, “Lord, if you had been here…” They believe that Jesus could have healed their brother. While true, there is a greater plan at work. Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” To believe in Jesus leads to eternal life. We will all die in the physical sense as our body passes into death. After weeping with Mary and Martha, Jesus calls for the stone to be removed. This is a test of their faith. Do they believe that Jesus’ power can reach beyond the stone of death?

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Many come to believe. But typical of the division in John, others go to the Pharisees with the news. They fear that a miracle like this will lead to a loss of control, which will lead the Romans to take action. The religious leaders know that Jesus would not play their game. So they decide that Jesus must die. Jesus withdraws to a secluded place for a time.

As the Passover nears, Jesus goes to Bethany. At a dinner at Lazarus’ house, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. A greedy Judas protests. The next day Jesus enters Jerusalem. A great crowd celebrates his humble entry. The Pharisees lament, “Look! The whole world is following him!” This kingship is different. Jesus speaks of a single seed falling and dying. Only then can it “bear much fruit.” Jesus reminds the people that he came to be light in darkness and that he came not to judge but to save.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to believe when we have not seen. The signs – we can read about them and trust that they happened. Your words is true. Lord, touch us and our lives with your presence and with your Spirit. May we feel the light and life within us, leading us to believe. May we walk daily with your Holy Spirit. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Ripe for Harvest

Reading: John 4

John 4:35 – “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

As Jesus travels from Judea to Galilee, he passes through Samaria. Stopping at a well to rest, he encounters a Samaritan woman. Jesus shocks her by asking for a drink. Eventually he offers her “living water” – a water that satisfies and that “bubbles up to eternal life.” She desires this water. Jesus reveals that he is a prophet and then as the Messiah. The woman goes back to town and says to all, “Come and see… Could this man be the Christ?” Many do come and see and others encounter Jesus as he stays and teaches for two days. Many believe that Jesus “is truly the Savior of the world.”

In the moments when the woman is in town, Jesus tells the disciples that he is “fed by doing the will of the one who sent me.” Turning to their call to be sent, he invites them to “Open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest.” Jesus encourages them to “gather fruit for eternal life.” The disciples will see and experience this at the well and in the town of Sychar.

Chapter 4 closes with Jesus traveling to Cana. Along the way he meets a man who asks Jesus to heal his dying son. In faith this man has sought out Jesus. Jesus says, “Go home. Your son lives.” On the way back home the man meets his servants, who tell him the son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke the words. The man and his entire household come to believe in Jesus.

In each encounter people experience Jesus’ power to change hearts and lives. Many come to believe. Jesus still has the power to change hearts and lives. May this power be revealed in and through you and me. With eyes wide open, may we faithfully enter the harvest field.

Prayer: Lord God, with a word you change hearts and lives. Through the Spirit, plant your words in our hearts. Place your words of life upon our tongues. Use us each day to draw others to you, changer of hearts and lives. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Building Blocks

Reading: Luke 19

Luke 19:37 – “The whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice.”

Photo credit: Markus Spiske

“Zacchaues intercepts Jesus” is how my Bible’s notes describe this first encounter in our reading. Jesus sees him in the tree and invites himself to Zacchaues’ house for dinner. Perhaps in response to the crowd’s grumbling, Zacchaues announces that he will give half his wealth to the poor and will repay four times over anyone he’s cheated. He’ll do this that very day. The notes suggest that Zacchaues is defending himself by presenting his customary practices of generosity.

This story is followed by one about faithful service. Two servants put the master’s wealth to good use. Instead of working hard, another hides what he was given to use. His wealth is taken and given to the one with much. Jesus continues on to Jerusalem.

Jesus enters the city on a colt, his disciples loudly rejoicing and praising Jesus and the peace that he offers. This parade is a counter display to Herod’s annual Passover parade, when he enters the city on a mighty warhorse with an entourage of soldiers. Jesus enters humbly, from the opposite direction, demonstrating the kingship and peace of God. The Pharisees worry about this challenge to Roman authority. Jesus responds that if the crowd were silent, “the stones would cry out.”

Jesus then laments that these stones will be torn apart. Because the Jews refuse his kingdom of peace, they will revolt, only to be completely crushed. Jesus weeps over this. He proceeds to the temple, where he chases out those turning a huge profit instead of meeting the people’s needs. The religious leaders seek a way to kill Jesus while the people are enthralled with his daily teaching in the temple. What a contrast in these two groups.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the examples today of generosity and hard work. Both are building blocks of your kingdom. Lead us to use the blessings you’ve given us to build well. Remind us daily of your peace as we build. Remind us daily of who we serve. Amen.