pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


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All Is Not Lost

Reading: Psalm 95:8-11

Psalm 95:8-9 – “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.”

Continuing in Psalm 95 today, God speaks. Yesterday’s verses ended with these words from the psalmist:“If only you would listen to his [God’s] voice right now!” If only we’d always remember that God holds us and all of creation in the divine presence. If only our lives were a reflection of the joy and salvation that can be ours when we walk in a right relationship with the Lord our God.

In verses 8-9 we read, “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.” While Meribah and Massah are likely unfamiliar places to us, they represent times when Israel questioned, grumbled against, and complained to God. We can name many places and times when we have done just these things. We often allow our selfish and sinful nature to harden our hearts. Even though we, as did the Israelites, see God’s “acts,” we quickly forget God’s love, care, protection, provision… The sheep of God’s pasture continue to wander into other fields.

We read about how God “despised” this generation with “twisted hearts.” We read, “They will never enter my place of rest.” When we live with a twisted heart, whether temporarily or for a season or for almost our whole lives, we displease God because we are not listening to God’s voice. When we’ve focused our hearts and lives on the things of this world, we’ve certainly experienced a lack of rest – and peace, joy, contentment… When our thoughts and actions anger God, all is not lost. God is gracious and merciful, loving and forgiving. Humbly kneeling before our maker, we can swiftly return to our place in God’s pasture. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we can wander. Oh how our hearts can turn inward, away from all that you offer. Forgive us, Lord. Redeem and restore us. Thank you for your hand that always guides us back to you and for your love that always heals our brokenness. Amen.


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Keep, Rest, Trust

Reading: Psalm 95:1-7

Psalm 95:4-5 – “The earth’s depths are in his [God’s] hands… the mountain heights… the sea… the dry ground.”

Psalm 95 is a call to worship God with heart and voice. We are encouraged to “sing out loud… make a joyful shout… to the rock of our salvation.” On days when it is sunny and bright, on days when we feel good, it is pretty easy to worship the Lord our God. On these days we readily sense God’s goodness and presence in our lives and in our world. Verses 4-5 speak of God’s presence in our world: “The earth’s depths are in his [God’s] hands… the mountain heights… the sea… the dry ground.” The extension of this list is found in Genesis 1. The creatures of air and sea, the plants and animals – all created by and held in God’s hands.

The psalmist then takes the next step, completing the Genesis creation story: “He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture… the sheep of his hands.” We are included in God’s creative works. This too is a reason to sing out with joyful shouts. In communion with God and in community with one another we find love, relationship, belonging, purpose, meaning… Yes, thanks be to the Lord our God, our shepherd, our maker.

There are times, days, and seasons when we need to remember these verses, when we need to remember that God has the whole world in God’s hands – including you and me. When war rages, when oppression is great even in the streets of our land, when leaders seem more focused on personal gain than on the common good, when a loss feels crippling, when mother nature deals a devastating blow – God is still present, God still holds us all in the divine hands of our maker, God still deserves our praise and worship. In these times, days, and seasons, may we is keep the faith, resting in God’s goodness, trusting in God’s love and promises and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us at all times and in all situations. In the highs and lows, in the joys and sorrows, be near to us. In our minds, yes, we know you are all-powerful and ever-present. So when our hearts falter or doubt or question, remind us again. And again. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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This Truth

Reading: Exodus 17:5-7

Exodus 17:6 – “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.”

Today we continue in Exodus 17. We read about God’s response to the people complaining, arguing with Moses, testing God, and asking for water. God shows none of the frustration that we could hear in Moses’ words yesterday. Taking some of the elders and the staff that parted the sea, Moses moved out. God instructs, “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.” Moses follows the instructions and water is provided.

Reading this story, we often think the miracle is water coming out of a dry rock in the middle of the desert. But there is a bigger miracle. God stands on the rock for Moses and the elders to see. No going up the mountain. No entering into the clouds. Right there, in plain sight. The visible presence of God is a reminder of the power behind the water… and the manna… and the bitter water becoming palatable… and… For us to see God in this way, simply being present, it would blow our doors off.

During Lent we are invited to be extra aware of God’s presence with us. Some do this through fasting. Some do this by reading a Lenten book or devotional. Some do this by volunteering once a week. We are also invited to be aware of God’s presence in the ordinary. Not every moment is a standing-on-the-rock moment. This awareness might come in the answering of a prayer, in the opening of a door, in the words spoken by a friend…

To notice God’s presence, to see God’s hand at work – these work to lessen our self-importance, our need to be in control, our desire to manipulate God. As we practice seeing and sensing God’s presence, we come to understand that God is always with us. God’s goodness is ever present. Understanding this truth, we know the answer to the Israelites’ question, “Is God really with us or not?”

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we get caught up in our own troubles, worrier, wants… In these moments we become less able to sense or see your presence in our lives. When we slip down into this place, lift us up, pull us out, stand our feet upon your rock, Jesus Christ. In ways both big and small, open our eyes and hearts to your constant presence, love, and care. Amen.


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Turn to the Lord

Reading: Exodus 17:1-4

Exodus 17:3 – “But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'”

Moses is the leader of the people of God, the conduit of God’s presence with the people. He is the one who went before Pharaoh again and again, bringing plague after plague to gain their freedom from slavery in Egypt. Moses led them out of Egypt and parted the sea when Pharaoh’s army was closing in on them. Through Moses, the bitter water became good. Moses went to God twice and the manna and then the quail satisfied the people’s hungers. As their journey in the wilderness brings them to Rephidim, there was no water for them or their livestock. To whom might they turn to provide water for this multitude in the middle of the desert?

Moses’ response is interesting. He retorts, “Why are you arguing with me? Why are you testing the Lord?” Think back to when your children were young or maybe to a time with a little brother or sister came to you if you’re still young. Can you remember the times when they came to you when they were hungry or thirsty or when they wanted something? They came to us because they trusted us. They knew that we loved them and would help them.

Like we too have experienced in scenarios with children, the people persisted. In verse 3 we read, But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'” So great was their need, so desperate their situation, they would not give up. The people trusted in God’s love and care. They turned to the only one who could bring water in the desert. God was their only hope and Moses was the conduit. During our water-in-the-desert or hope-in-despair or comfort-in-sorrow or guidance-in-the-wilderness or peace-in-the-storm moments, may we too turn to the Lord our God, the one who is always present, the one who loves us completely, the one who will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love, care, and provision in the past. Because of this, we trust you to watch over us, to lead and guide us. But when we forget and complain or doubt or feel like worry is about to win the day, gently remind us of your constant presence and abiding love. Guide us to turn to you once again. You are our only hope. Amen.


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Stepping Out

Reading: Genesis 12:1-2

Genesis 12:1 – “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.”

Moving someplace new can be exciting, but is often scary and disorienting. Sometimes when someone else moves, it can raise our anxiety and fears. Several years ago, our son and daughter-in-law decided to move to “a city” after finishing college. No, they didn’t have jobs. As they considered Seattle, Atlanta, and Fort Worth, we were greatly relieved when they chose Fort Worth. Alex’s Dad lived there. Family would be nearby. Phew.

Turning to Genesis 12:1-4 today and tomorrow, we can imagine that Abram and Sarai and even Terah, Abram’s father, felt some of what we felt and more. In verse 1 God says to Abram, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.” God is asking Abram to leave everything he knows: homeland, security, family, support, place of worship, guidance. This in and of itself is a BIG ask. Add in the kicker – “for the land that I WILL show you” – and it requires radical obedience for Abram to pack up and go. As John Wesley wrote, Abram was wrestling with “whether he could trust God further than he saw God.” How true!

This challenging invitation does come with some promises from God. God will make Abram into a great nation and will bless him. Childless yet at age 75, to step into these promises also required great faith and trust – and a willingness to enter into a place of vulnerability. While God could call us to do what Abram was called to do, our callings and invitations are relatively “smaller.” Yet whether it is to step into a new role or career or to reach out to reconcile that broken relationship or whatever God asks if us, the divine call asks for faith, trust, obedience, and often for vulnerability. As God calls, may we too step out in faith, believing in what we cannot yet see.

Prayer: Lord God, your Spirit calls and invites us to step out frequently, if not daily, asking us to go where you need us to go. Sometimes it is to stretch or grow our own faith and trust. Other times it is to share our faith and your love, grace, provision, presence… with others. In all cases, strengthen and encourage us to faithfully obey you as we walk in faith. Amen.


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Ever with Us

Reading: Matthew 4:8-11

Matthew 4:9 – “I’ll give you all of these if you bow down and worship me.”

We return today to where we began the week: Matthew 4. On Monday we spent time with Satan’s first two temptations of Jesus. Today we turn to the third temptation in the wilderness. The devil brings Jesus to a very high mountain and shows him “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” Their glory would be their power, their riches, their fame. Showing Jesus all that the world has to offer, Satan says, “I’ll give you all of these if you bow down and worship me.” While it is hard for us to imagine ourselves actually bowing down and worshipping Satan, the truth is that we do this in many ways. Every time I allow jealousy over what someone else has to lead me to act in ways to attain that thing, I’m worshipping the prince of this world. When I allow angry thoughts to fester, eventually bursting forth as angry words, I’m giving in to the ways of the world. If I ponder doing something unethical or unjust to gain that job or that promotion or recognition, I’ve begun to walk the devil’s path.

These natural human emotions – greed, envy, lust, want – they are centered on self. All of these emotions seek to elevate self over others. While we face these things on a regular basis, we are most susceptible when we are weak, tired, feeling unloved… Satan came to Jesus at his weakest point: forty days alone, without food in the wilderness, sleeping under the stars, with rock-for-a-pillow accomodations. Yet even in these difficult emotional and physical conditions, Jesus called on God again and again, finding the strength and power he needed to “worship… and serve him [God] only.” Yes, in the end God became fully present, angels caring for Jesus. But in reality, God was present all along, giving Jesus the words to speak to defeat temptation again and again. The same will be true for us. When we need God, God will be right there. God is ever with us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your constant and abiding presence. In our wilderness moments, remind us of that presence. When we’re tempted to push through, to fight it out, to go it alone – gently touch our heart. When we’re teetering on giving in, on going the way of the world, mercifully guide us back to the power and strength that we find in you. Keep us wholly yours. Amen.


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Walking the Walk

Reading: Psalm 32:8-11

Psalm 32:10 – “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.”

Continuing in Psalm 32 today, God speaks in verses 8 and 9. These words assume that the confession and repentance spoken of in the previous verses has occurred. To those with a clean heart, God promises to “instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go.” God is talking about helping us to walk the walk of faith, to journey faithfully moving forward. To help in that process, God will “advise you” and God will “keep my eye on you.” Some of this occurs as we study the word and as we worship. Some happens as the Holy Spirit leads and guides, corrects and convicts. Our efforts are supported, strengthened, and encouraged by God’s indwelling presence.

Being honest with David and with us, God says, “Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule.” These animals are led by bit and bridle. To be forced to walk the walk of faith – that is not the way of love. As reinforcement David declares, “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.” We’ve all felt the pain caused by sin, whether it was our sin or the sin of another. And we have all felt the joy and gladness when our heart has been made right with God or when a broken human relationship has been reconciled. We have all felt the hope and peace of God’s love surrounding us. These are moments and experiences that we must witness to the world. With a humble servant’s heart, may our lives “sing out in joy!” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, our will is weak but you are strong. Our walk becomes unsteady and misguided at times. You are always steadfast and true. Our obedience wavers and sometimes even fails. Your love always calls us back and your grace and mercy guide us back into right relationship with you and with one another. As we walk the walk of faith, lead us into a closer and closer connection to your will and way, to your heart and your love. Amen.


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Completely Loved

Reading: Matthew 4:1-7

Matthew 4:3 – “Since you are God’s Son…”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

As we stand on the edge of Lent, we begin to lean into the themes of this season. We begin and end the week in Matthew 4, with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Today we spend time with the first two temptations. Each of the two begin with the same phrase: “Since you are God’s Son…” The tempter is very well aware of who Jesus is. The devil seeks to test Jesus’ own sense of identity in these first two temptations. This is often where Satan attacks you and me in our moments of weakness.

After fasting for forty days, Jesus is “starving.” We can often find ourselves wrestling with hunters and wants, although not often physical. Satan invites Jesus to command stones to become bread. ‘Satisfy your hunger,’ Satan says. Jesus has the power to do this. Jesus instead centers himself on the word of God – that which truly satisfies every hunger. In moments when we really want that new phone or outfit or… may we too remember that our true identity comes not from the world but from the word of God.

Satan then takes Jesus to the top of the temple and invites him to test God’s love and care for him by throwing himself down. Jesus again quotes scripture, saying, “It is written, Don’t test the Lord your God.” The devil is testing Jesus’ sense of his belovedness. Satan invites Jesus to test the depth of God’s love. We can fall into this temptation. In a dark valley, we can question if God really, really loves us. In a season of unanswered prayer, we can question if God really cares. In these moments of trial and weakness, may we too remember the truth that even Satan knows: you are God’s son or daughter. You are completely loved. May it ever be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when the voices of discontent or doubt begin to rise up, may the voice of your Holy Spirit be clearer and stronger. When we’re tempted to chase after happiness or status outside of our relationship with you, whisper into our hearts the truths about our true purpose and about our place of belonging. And when we question your love in our times of trial or suffering, draw us into your abiding presence, ground us in your unconditional love for each and every one of us, your sons and daughters. Lord, we need you. Amen.


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7th Day Practices

Reading: Exodus 24:15-18

Exodus 24:16b – “On the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from the cloud.”

Photo credit: Carolina Jacomin

As we draw near to the day of the Lord, we return to where we began the week, in Exodus 24. God’s “glorious presence” covers the mountain for six days. From down below, the presence of God looks like a “blazing fire.” Perhaps this was above the clouds. Maybe it looked like a lightning storm can when it is moving within the clouds in the sky. Moses spends these six days waiting for God.

In the last part of verse 16 we read, “On the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from the cloud.” On the seventh day God speaks. Moses is then in communion with God for forty days and forty nights. In addition to receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses will receive instructions on the worship of God – on everything from how to build and equip the tabernacle to how to keep and honor the Sabbath.

For Israel, the Sabbath was and is a day set aside to worship the Lord and to rest. For Christians, this seventh day practice falls on Sunday. It is the day we set aside to commune with God, to worship God, and to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit. As we gather tomorrow in worship, may the Lord our God call out to each of us, giving us the words of life. And as we fellowship and spend time in renewing rest, may the Lord our God prepare us to walk as light and love in the world until we gather again on the next day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us into your presence. Help us to hear your call and to respond. Open our ears and hearts to all that you have for us. Guide us to understand your will and way for our lives and for our world. Pour out your blessings on our worship, on our renewal, on our fellowship,and on our daily living. Amen.