pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


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Choose Good

Reading: Romans 12:14-21

Romans 12:18 – “If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.”

Wrapping up our Epistle reading for this week, Paul has some tough words for us. He first asks us to bless those who harass us, to laugh with those who are laughing, and to cry with those who are crying. The invitation is to be present to one another in all of life. The “all” idea continues: “consider everyone as equals” and hang out with people “who have no status.” Don’t just try and see people as all the same. Demonstrate it with your daily life. While these actions are challenging, they are all choices that we can make.

Verses 17 and 18 up the degree of difficulty. In verse 17 Paul proclaims, “Don’t pay anyone back for their evil actions.” It can be so tempting to try and get even. If we manage to not do this, we can be tempted to hold a grudge, nursing that hurt. You know, the lesser of two evils kind of thing, we can tell ourselves. But even holding a grudge is an evil action. It lessens a relationship. It places someone outside of “all.” In a world that certainly champions “justice” – as long as it is our understanding of justice – we have to work hard at following Paul’s proclamation.

In verse 18 we read, “If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.” We might read those first eight words as an out. Until we remember that in Paul’s world, all things are possible with God. And, we are not called to rely on our own ability but upon God’s power and presence. So we are left with this: “live at peace with all people.” Paul is back to that inclusive thing: all people. Not just those who are like us or who love us. Also those who harass us, those who take evil actions against us, and those who need a good dose of justice. When we live at peace with all people, then we “defeat evil with good.” May it be so day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be easy to get lost in the weeds of revenge and anger, to get caught up in the ways of the world. There we lose sight of unconditional love and the beauty of grace. We lose sight of those bright “flowers” that are right there and life becomes hard and filled with discontent. When our vision lessens, and all we see are the weeds, Lord raise our eyes up to you. Fill us up with your love, mercy, and grace. Be ever present to us, O God. Amen.


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Moses’ Truths -> Our Truths

Reading: Exodus 3:4-15

Exodus 3:10 – “So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

As we continue in Exodus 3, God sees that Moses has noticed the burning bush. “Moses! Moses!” comes from the bush. Moses engages, “I’m here.” A conversation has begun. God establishes the presence of holiness – “take off your sandals” – and of relationship. God is the God of Moses’ father and is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

After introductions, God gets to the matter at hand. God has heard the cries of God’s people. God has seen the oppression and injustice. God feels the Israelites’ pain. Moses can relate to all of this. After all, this is what led him to kill that Egyptian many years ago. It is why he is hiding out in Midian. God promises a return to the Promised Land, to the Israelites’ home. Then the sudden bombshell: “So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” Moses reacts as we would. Say what? Who, me? Are you sure?

Getting to the most important detail, God says, “I’ll be with you.” It is not by Moses’ power that the people will be freed. No, it is by God’s power alone. “I AM” will be with Moses as he responds to God’s call upon his life. That is all that matters.

So… What is God’s call upon your life? Into what ministry, into whose life, into what situation? While we seldom have “burning bush” moments, God definitely calls, most often through the nudges and whispers of the Holy Spirit. And Moses’ truths are our truths. It is God’s plan. God will go with us. God will equip us for the mission ahead. God’s power will do the heavy lifting. With these truths in mind, may we be willing to hear and accept God’s call upon our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, first, remind us of your faithfulness in the scriptures and in our lives. You call, you show up, you remain present. You equip and lead and guide. Second, help us to trust in these truths and in the things we’ve experienced ourselves. Lastly, lead us into your call, using us to free people from all that entangles them. Amen.


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Faithful, True, Steadfast, Loving

Reading: Psalm 124:6-8

Psalm 124:8 – “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

Earlier this week we read the first part of Psalm 124. For a refresher, it began with “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…” On our walks of faith, this is something we too experience. If God was not with me, the grief would’ve overwhelmed me. If God was not with me, the temptation would’ve been too great. If God _____… We can all fill in the rest of that sentence again and again. We can do so because God is faithful and true and steadfast and loving. The natural outflow of this kind of remembering is to praise and worship God, to offer our thanksgiving to the Lord.

Turning to today’s verses, that is what the psalmist does! In verse 6 we read, “Bless the Lord because…” In the Psalm, Israel did escape the enemy. They slipped out of the trap. If God wasn’t there that day, how things would be so very different. The same idea is true for us. Pause for a moment and think of a few hard times when God was there for you. Where would you be if God wasn’t there for you?

The Psalm closes with a great statement of faith: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Yes! God is our help. Without God, life would be unbearable – filled with sin, sorrow, and suffering. We do not have to live in these places, though. God is faithful and true and steadfast and loving. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we are so grateful for your abiding and constant presence. In life there is good and evil, health and illness, want and plenty… You are present in it all. We are especially thankful for your presence, love, and care in the hard moments, when we are most likely to become less than you intend us to be. O God, walk with us daily. Amen.


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The Promises

Reading: Psalm 124:1-5

Psalm 124:1 – “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…”

Psalm 124 is a song of praise for God’s deliverance. The song is a call for the community of faith to thank God for saving them when all was on the brink of being lost. The psalmist described the “enemy” using imagery of water. In the ancient world, the “waters” were the place of chaos, of the unknown, of creatures huge and dangerous. One tried to stay close to land. Water is also hard to control. Think of floods or of that spilled glass of water. It goes here and there, wherever it wants, seemingly with a mind of its own. Once loosed, it cannot be controlled or easily contained.

While the psalmist is likely writing about a specific event, about a time when a vast army was about to overwhelm Israel, the feelings of anxiety or worry or dread are emotions that many of us feel in our day to day lives. Because of our connected world, struggles and issues big and small, local and global, communal and individual are ever before us. A bit too much attention to these and we can feel anxiety… beginning to rise up within us. In addition, we all have our own battles and trials in this life. These are both very common human experiences.

The psalmist repeats a line twice at the start of the Psalm. In a functional sense, it is a liturgical instruction. In the practical sense, it is a great reminder – twice! “If the Lord hadn’t been for us…” But God was for Israel. Again. God delivered Israel. Again. The reminder applies to us yet today. God is for us. Again and again. God will deliver us. Over and over. The promises remain true. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, anxiety, worry, dread… They can rise up so quickly in our heart and mind. Sometimes it comes from without, sometimes from within. In all cases, O God, whisper into our hearts, slow our minds. Remind us of your presence. Center us there with you. Touch us with your powerful love and constant care. Strengthen us for the day ahead. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Faith Over Fear

Reading: Exodus 1:8-14

Exodus 1:13 – “The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. They made their lives miserable.”

Today’s passage of power is one where fear guides the new Pharaoh’s thoughts and actions. This is not an uncommon reaction. Fear often distorts our perception of reality and leads us to think and do things we would not do otherwise. In today’s passage, this is the case with the new king. There is no personal connection to Joseph or to the Israelites. Therefore they have no value or worth as a people. This allows Pharaoh to treat them as things or as property: “The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. They made their lives miserable.” While we do not literally enslave people we fear, we as a society can treat those that we see as “less than” in similar ways, making life miserable. Even though their life became miserable, God remained with the Israelites. The same is true for people groups today who are negatively impacted by our fears.

As the story of God’s people continues to unfold, fear and its cousins – anger, doubt, worry, anxiety… – continue to impact their story. Moses’ anger leads to murder. Fear leads him to flee. Jumping forward, Saul’s fear of David leads to attempted murder. Fast forward again. The Pharisees’ fear of Jesus leads to his death. These are but a few of the Biblical stories where fear alters perception and leads to people using power over others in evil and harmful ways.

Fear is not an uncommon visitor to our lives. Our own fears affect us and others’ fears can impact us. Fear can come from an unexpected diagnosis or from another unwanted change. Fear can rise up from misunderstandings and stereotypes. Fear can rise up when we feel threatened or in danger. Faith is the antidote to fear. Faith allows us to hear God’s voice in the unknown. Faith leads us to see the true reality and to trust it to God. Faith keeps us in the present moment, grounded in love and hope. We have the power to choose. May we choose faith over fear.

Prayer: Lord God, faith is a choice. When fear rises, our human nature wants to jump to fight or flight. Instead, Lord, bring us to a place of trust and faith, to a place of peace and presence. From there, walk us through the hard moment. Guide us to lean into your love for us. Amen.


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Stepping Out

Reading: Matthew 14:28-33

Matthew 14:28 – “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”

Reading the rest of the “Walking on the Water” story today, we see Peter being brave and faithful. He calls out to Jesus, steps out of the boat, and walks on water. The Old Testament describes God doing this. Jesus is now doing it. And now Peter does it. What a brave and faithful heart he has to call out and to step out. For a few steps, Peter was doing what Jesus was doing.

There are times in our lives when we sense or see Jesus’ presence or call. We desire to step out of our comfort zone and into the ministry opportunity before us. Once in a while perhaps we’re actually brave and faithful enough to step out in faith. Maybe it is to extend on offer of reconciliation in that broken relationship. Maybe it is to serve in a new role in your church or in a service organization.

As Peter is walking, yes, he notices the wind and likely the waves it is generating. He gets frightened and he begins to sink. Crying out to Jesus, Peter is rescued. Have you ever done this? Ever started to do something brave for God, then had second thoughts, doubts, fears? Maybe you only got out of the house or just started to dial the phone and fear rose up. Yet it was a few steps. It was a start in the right direction.

When Peter first saw Jesus, he said, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” Step one is a willingness. It requires a bravery and a desire to faithfully serve God and others. Each time we step out, our faith strengthens and deepens. Soon enough, we’ll take a few more steps – more than the last time. Trusting in the Lord, may we continue to step out in faith, learning to walk where Jesus walked.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to the opportunities that you bring our way. Open our hearts to a deeper and bolder faith. Fill us with confidence, knowing that as we step out, you are there with us – ready to walk with us or to rescue us so that we can step out again. Amen.


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I AM Is with Us

Reading: Matthew 14:22-27

Matthew 14:27 – “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Turning to our gospel lesson, Jesus has just fed 5,000 men plus women and children. His focus returns to why he originally came to this deserted place: to grieve the beheading of John the Baptist. And perhaps to wrestle with his coming fate as his hour too draws near. Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in a boat and then dismisses the crowd. Finally alone, he ascends the mountain to pray. Jesus spends the night in prayer.

The disciples spent the night battling a storm. Maybe there was some praying going on in the boat too. We read that very early in the morning, Jesus came to the disciples, walking in the water. In the storm, the waves, the early morning light, the disciples think Jesus is a ghost. Only God walks on the waters. They are “terrified.” Responding to their fear, Jesus shouts out, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Do not fear – the power and presence of God almighty is here with you. Take courage – you are not alone. I AM is with you.

In times of sorrow and grief, in moments of fear and doubt, in situations where we are unsure or paralyzed, may we do as the human Jesus did: pray to God. Get alone if necessary and enter into a time of honest conversation with God. And in the storms of life, in the long hours of struggle, in the days of oppression or addiction or abuse, may we trust in what the disciples came to know: I AM is with us. God is always here. God’s power and presence are always with us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, draw us into your sure and strong presence. In times when we feel powerless, pour out your power. In moments when we feel alone, pour out your abiding Spirit. Lead us and guide us, protect us, and provide a way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Songs of Praise

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 16-22

Psalm 105:5 – “Remember the wondrous works he [God] has done, all his marvelous works, and the justice he declared.”

Our Psalm for this week remembers God’s mighty acts on behalf of Israel from the time of Abraham and the covenant through the time when the Israelites resettled in Canaan (or the Promised Land.) Verses 1-6 are a call to praise and worship God for these mighty acts of God. The psalmist invites us to give thanks and to praise God, to pursue God’s presence, and to “Remember the wondrous works he [God] has done, all his marvelous works, and the justice he declared.” In the frequent remembering, one builds up faith, trust, and hope in the Lord. We’re also reminded that we too are “the offspring of Abraham… God’s chosen ones.” So these stories are our stories too.

Verses 16-22 focus in on the story of Joseph. These verses begin with God calling for a famine. In order to ready God’s people, God “sent a man ahead of them.” The sending was difficult. Betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sent off in shackles. Yet God remained at work, through each twist and turn, until “the King made Joseph master of his house and ruler over everything he owned.” It was then, driven by the famine, that his brothers bowed before him, bringing Joseph’s long-ago dream into reality. As Israel would later read these words again and again, they would be led over and over to praise God for these wondrous and marvelous acts of justice and love.

We too can read these words and offer our praise to God. And there are many other stories in the Bible that we can read that lead us to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. But we also have stories within us – stories of God’s rescue and redemption, of God’s forgiveness and grace, of God’s love and peace, of God’s healing and comfort… Sometimes these are the songs of praise that others need to hear. Sometimes they are the songs we need to remember in our difficult moments. So each day may we sing our songs of God’s mighty and marvelous acts in our lives!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many ways that you touch our lives. Some are the headliners – the wondrous and mighty acts that we cannot miss. But most are the small and regular touches, ones that could go unnoticed if we’re not looking for them. Open our eyes and hearts to these acts too, O God. These are the fuel for our daily, faithful walk with you. Thank you. Amen.


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Filled with God’s Presence

Reading: Psalm 17:3-7 and 15

Psalm 17:15 – “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.”

Returning to Psalm 17 today, David declares his faithfulness. God has examined him and found David’s lips to be without sin. He is living a devout life. David’s feet walk in God’s ways, “firmly on your paths.” As we come before God, whether with our daily petitions or with heartfelt cries for justice and protection, we too are to come before God as people who are right with God.

David’s situation is difficult. He cries out to his faithful God and needs God to respond “now.” David needs to experience God’s love in “amazing ways.” As he seeks refuge from his attackers, David takes refuge in God alone, trusting solely in God’s “strong hand.” There is a deep faith in God. The rescue that has come again and again will surely come through once more. Now would be good, Lord!

When we’ve experienced injustice (or violence or oppression or slander or…) we too must trust our lives to God. And, yes, if we’re honest, we too would like God to listen, see, and respond yesterday. So we can relate to how David feels. But he does not stay there. In verse 15 we read, “But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.” Whatever the outcome and whenever it happens, David will walk in righteousness. He will choose to have clean lips and to walk in God’s ways. He will do and say what is right. And because of this, each day he will be filled with God’s presence. Each day he will behold the face of God. Living this way, the things of this world will still happen at times. But God will be with us in the middle of all things. God will see us through. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in difficult times we want you to swoop in and rescue us. No one likes to suffer. Yet, sometimes we must – when it is according to your plans. Because then there is a purpose. Help us to trust into you, O Lord, especially when it is hard. Walk with us through the hard things. Be with us always. Amen.

https://bible.com/bible/37/psa.17.15.CEB


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Abiding Presence, Ongoing Work

Reading: Genesis 32:25-31

Genesis 32:31 – “The sun rose as Jacob passed Peniel, limping because of his thigh.”

Photo credit: Timo Volz

Continuing in Genesis 32 today, the “man” cannot defeat Jacob, who refuses to quit. Even after God injures Jacob’s hip, he wrestles on. Jacob must sense some purpose in this encounter. So as dawn nears and God again asks Jacob to let go, he responds, “I won’t let go until you bless me.” God blesses Jacob with a new name, symbolizing the change within. All of his life, Jacob has struggled with God. After this personal encounter, seeing God “face-to-face,” Jacob has been “saved.” Saved from selfishness and pride, Jacob can see and live beyond himself. As our passage closes, we read, “The sun rose as Jacob passed Peniel, limping because of his thigh.”

The band I AM THEY wrote a song called “Scars.” The first two verses read, “Waking up to a new sunrise, Looking back from the other side, I can see now with open eyes… Darkest water and deepest pain, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, ‘Cause my brokenness brought me to You, And these wounds are a story You’ll use.” These words remind us that, like Jacob, God works in and through our struggles. Sometimes there is deep pain and hurt. But afterwards, looking back, we can see how God changed us, transformed us. For Jacob, his limp was a tangible reminder, yes of the wrestling, but more so of the transformation. Our scars, whether physical or emotional or spiritual, remind us too of God’s abiding presence and ongoing work in our lives. As the lyrics of the chorus thank God for the scars and the reminders of who God is, may we also rejoice in God’s deliverance, victory, and transformation through the struggles.

Prayer: Lord God, while we’d never choose the struggle while in the middle of it, we can look back and see your plan, your purpose, at work. We can also see how we were changed and how we grew in our relationship with you. Thank you for your faithfulness, especially as we are often less than we should be in the struggle. And thank you for never leaving us there when we need you most. Amen.