pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


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Trustworthy and Good

Reading: Daniel 6:1-10

Daniel 6:5 – “We won’t find any fault in Daniel, unless we can find something to use against him from his religious practices.”

As our reading begins King Darius appoints three gifted men to rule over his kingdom. Daniel is one of the three who are in charge of 120 chief administrators spread throughout the kingdom. Daniel excels, soon riding above the other two. The king is ready to reorganize, making Daniel the one in charge. Jealousy and envy kick in the other two main officers. They want to maintain their power and status. But instead of working harder… they choose to try to take Daniel down. We see this kind of behavior practiced all the time in our world.

As these men begin to plot and scheme, they soon discover a problem. They can’t find any dirt on Daniel. All he does is trustworthy and good. So they turn to the thing that makes him different. They say to one another, “We won’t find any fault in Daniel, unless we can find something to use against him from his religious practices.” It’s not that Daniel’s religion is wrong or illicit or anything else bad. It’s just different. So these two men, along with the 120 administrators, go to the king and trick him into writing a law that makes Daniel’s faith practices illegal. We also see this done today. Someone or a group of someones is different than “us.” Maybe “they” work harder than we want to or maybe “they” don’t believe or live or act like “we” do. So “we” label “them” and try to find ways to be rid of or to oppress or to extradite “them” from our presence.

The law is signed by the king and Daniel knows it. Despite it now being illegal, Daniel goes to his upper room and prays, as he always did. What leads Daniel to choose to honor God over the king’s law? Daniel is trustworthy and good. His priorities match his commitment. God and his faith are the most important things in Daniel’s life. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do relate to this story – maybe too often from the wrong side. We can be quick to judge and label others, leading to mistreatment, marginalization, or worse. When we are tempted to do these evils, remind us what absolute faith and trust in you looks like. Guide us to keep you on the throne of our hearts, no matter what. Lead us to live lives that are trustworthy and good. Amen.


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Standing Our Ground

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13

Ephesians 6:12 – “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.”

In Ephesians 6 Paul picks up on an idea that is present in other parts of scripture. As he closes his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds them of this ongoing spiritual battle. While this idea is sprinkled throughout the New Testament, it is also there in the Old Testament, especially in Daniel and in a few other prophetic writings.

Paul encourages those in the church to “be strengthened by the Lord,” the only source of power in this battle. We are invited to put in the “armor” of God that our faith provides. In the verses that follow our reading, Paul names these gifts from God: truth, justice, faith, salvation, the good news, and the Holy Spirit. He then gives the battle plan: pray, pray, and then pray some more. Prayers connects us to God and to these gifts of God.

In verse 12 Paul writes, “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” This is so true. We’ve all felt the lure of temptation. We’ve all even been drawn into sin. The spiritual forces of evil whisper lies and half truths, remind us of our human desires, rile up jealousy and want, anger and spite, pride and judging… The enemy knows and uses all the tricks and is always on the prowl. Our only hope is in God. Our only chance to quiet these voices and to remain steadfast comes through calling on God to deploy these gifts at our disposal. This day and every day, may we stand our ground, standing on the rock, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we are weak but you are strong. Our defenses are leaky at best, but yours are solid and true. When temptation arises, O God, raise up in us just the right words, just the right antidote. By the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, guide us to ever stand for you as you stand with us. Amen.


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God’s Goodness and Faithfulness

Reading: Psalm 77:1-15

Psalm 77:6-7 – “I complain, and my spirit keeps searching: Will my Lord reject me forever? Will he never be pleased again?”

Today’s reading has two distinct portions. In verses 1-10 Asaph, the psalmist, pours our the complaint of a troubled heart. This is all lament. In verses 11-15 the focus shifts to a remembrance of God’s works in the past.

The Psalm begins with a crying out and searching for the Lord. The physical joins the spiritual as hands are outstretched, reaching out for God. Weariness caused by an inability to sleep adds to the lament. In verses 6-7 we read, “I complain, and my spirit keeps searching: Will my Lord reject me forever? Will he never be pleased again?” As he continues, Asaph wonders if God has forgotten the promises made to future generations.

We have all felt what Asaph is feeling. Some of us may be in the midst of trial and suffering right now. We can recall times when the illness just lingered in or when the oppression would not cease. We’ve longed for God to intervene and have wondered where God was as that season or situation drug on and on.

Beginning in verse 11 there is a shift. Asaph begins to recall who and what God has been in the past. He remembers wondrous works and demonstrations of God’s strength. He recalls when God redeemed Israel. Asaph is reminding himself of God’s might. This brings him hope. And he is also inviting God to act in these ways once again. He is reminding God of who God is. This too builds his faith.

In our times of hardship and trial – future or present – may we tune into who and what God is, inviting God to walk with us as we work our way back into God’s presence through prayer and the study of God’s word.

Prayer: Lord God, the times when we feel all alone will surely come. Those seasons are a part of everyone’s life at times. When we find ourselves there, Lord, send the whispers of the Holy Spirit straight to our hearts. Guide us to turn to scripture to remind ourselves of your goodness and faithfulness to all generations. Remind us too of the times you redeemed and restored us. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Humility and Love

Reading: 1st Kings 3:3-14

1st Kings 3:5b – “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.”

In our reading today God comes to Solomon in a dream. He has just become king, succeeding his father David. While David has set a great example for Solomon, all wasn’t perfect. The temple had not yet been built so people are sacrificing at local shrines. As we begin our reading we see that this is also Solomon’s practice. We also see that Solomon loved God and sought to walk according to the Law. Solomon goes to Gibeon and offers a very large sacrifice to God. Gibeon was the location of the Tabernacle. The ark of the covenant, however, was in David’s tent in Jerusalem.

That night God appears to Solomon in a dream. God says to Solomon, “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.” What an open-ended question! Before pressing on in our passage, we pause to ask ourselves: What would be my response to this question? Solomon’s response demonstrates both humility and his love of God. After thanking God for walking with David and for passing the kingship on to him, Solomon acknowledges his youth and inexperience. Accordingly he asks for “a discerning mind in order to govern your people” and for the ability “to discern good from evil.” Solomon also recognizes the impossibility of leading Israel without God’s help.

The Lord is pleased and grants Solomon’s requests. These requests were aligned with God’s will and plans for Solomon and for Israel. In addition, God grants Solomon wealth, fame, and the possibility of “a very long life.” This last part is contingent upon Solomon’s continued faithfulness to God.

Solomon sought to honor God with his request. His humility and Love of God drove his petition. May it be so with us as we lift our petitions to the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to walk in humility, recognizing our need for your direction on our lives. Lead us to see with honest and clear eyes and hearts, recognizing our own weaknesses. Fill us with your presence, empowering us to bring you the glory in all we say, do, and think. Amen.


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Be Faithful

Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Luke 18:7 – “Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?”

In today’s passage Jesus teaches about persistent prayer and staying encouraged. He uses the story of a widow who has suffered an injustice as the teaching tool. The widow has only herself. She is alone in her quest for justice. We too can feel this way at times.

The other character in the story is the unjust judge. This judge “neither feared God nor respected people.” Likely justice in his court came only after a nice bribe. The widow would be without this resource. Instead, she comes to him relentlessly, asking for justice. This is how we are to lift our needs and petitions to God.

Jesus then contrasts the unjust judge with our just God. The unjust judge finally decided to give the widow her justice because she keeps “bothering” him and is “embarrassing” him. Her persistence is the driving force. God is much different. In verse 7 Jesus points out, “Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?” God will not be slow to respond. God will grant justice quickly. (Word of caution: Jesus understands God’s time. It is not the same as our ‘slow’ and ‘quick.’ The lesson, after all, is about persistent prayer.)

Jesus closes with a question about finding faithfulness when he returns one day in glory. Will we be faithful to fighting for and persistently praying for justice? Or will we surrender to the unrelenting injustices of this world? You and I are the answers to these questions.

Prayer: Lord God, first, empower and strengthen our prayer life. Bring us always to our knees in your presence, persistently offering our petitions. Second, Lord, fill us with compassion and empathy for the marginalized, the oppressed, the abused, the downtrodden, and all others suffering injustice. May we ever pray for and stand in solidarity with such as these. Amen.


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Walking Closer

Reading: Psalm 51:1-13

Psalm 51:12 – “Return the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me with a willing spirit.”

In this Psalm David circles his need for forgiveness and cleansing. This need has been brought on by Nathan’s confrontation around David’s sins with Bathsheba. Many were his sins: lust, deceit, adultery, conspiracy, murder… It is the realization of and the weight of these sins that are driving the depth of David’s pleas for mercy…

We also circle our need for forgiveness and cleansing – often. Our sin is like David’s in that it separates us from God. Whether lust or gossip, deceit or a little white lie, adultery or pornography… all sin separates us from God. No matter the sin, to be made right with God, we too must seek mercy, compassion, cleansing, and forgiveness.

To receive these graces of God we must begin where David began: confession. He admits his sin and acknowledges that God is justified in seeing him as guilty, as unclean. David then longs to be cleansed and purified, to be made whole again. Then he can rejoice in God’s presence. David knows, as we do, that God alone is capable of this restoration and redemption.

David also pledges repentance. This is the necessary second step if being made right with God. Confession is not worth much at all if not accompanied by a commitment to walking in a new way. David longs to know God’s truth and wisdom. He wants to have a willing heart. In verse 12 David asks this if God: “Return the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me with a willing spirit.” From this place of contrition and commitment, David will help others to walk closer with God. May this be the path that we seek to walk daily.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to a time each day when we can reflect on our lives and the heart within. By the power of your Holy Spirit reveal our sins and failures. Guide us to a place of humble confession and genuine repentance. In that place, cleanse us and restore us, equip and encourage us to walk closer with you. Amen.


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Do We Pray… and Listen?

Reading: Matthew 26:36-44

Matthew 26:41 – “Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation.”

Today we enter a familiar scene: Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The cross looms large. He is moving steadily towards his death. The arrest follows this passage. Jesus feels a great need to pray. He knows that what lies ahead will be a cruel and physically punishing death. The human part of Jesus and the divine part reveal themselves in his prayers.We too find ourselves in this place, wrestling with the promises we know to be true set against the fears within and the lies of the world.

Most of the disciples remain at the entrance to the Garden, but Jesus takes Peter, James, and John a bit deeper in..Jesus shares his inner struggles with these three: “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying.” He then asks them to “keep alert with me.” Jesus is asking his friends to pray with him. Going a bit deeper into the Garden, the human side of Jesus prays that this task of dying be taken from him. Then, fully aware of God’s plan, the divine part prays, “Not what I want but what you want.” There is surrender to and worship of God in these words that are prayed three times.

Returning to Peter, James, and John he finds them asleep. Waking them he offers them encouragement, saying, “Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation.” Jesus knows the trials coming for them and the rest of the disciples. He’s been modeling how to face these trials, but they’ve been sleeping. Soon they too will have to decide between God’s will and their own will. We face these same trials. Do we walk in faith and trust or do we allow fear, worry, doubt… to guide us? Do we pray and receive guidance and strength from the Spirit, or do we listen to another voice?

Prayer: Lord God, how often we hear more than one voice. The voice of your Spirit is always there but so is our own voice. The noise of the world clamors often too. In moments of trial and temptation, in times of struggle and hardship, whisper your promises and your love into our hearts. May that whisper garner all of our attention. May the voice that always rings true show us the way to surrender to your will and ways. Amen.


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Praying and Sharing

Reading: Ephesians 6:18-20

Ephesians 6:18b – “Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.”

Today’s verses follow Paul’s famous “Armor of God” passage. In this passage Paul writes about God’s protection against the “tricks of the devil.” This battle is won by holding fast to truth, justice, faith, and salvation. One holds fast by and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As our verses for today begin, it is the same Holy Spirit that guides and empowers our prayers. Just as the Spirit is God’s constant presence in the hearts of believers, so too are our prayers to be offered “all the time.” For Paul, we are to live a life of prayer, both for ourselves and for one another. For Paul, praying should be as natural and regular as breathing. As the verse continues, Paul encourages us to “Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.” Here he is connecting back to his previous thoughts on the battle with the “spiritual powers of evil.” It is a battle that impacts all believers so we are to pray for one another. Always.

Paul models the life of prayers, asking for prayers for himself. As he sits in chains, he desires to continue spreading the good news – this “secret plan” or mystery that invites all people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Even in his difficult circumstances Paul wants to make the gospel known to as many people as possible. So he asks the Ephesians to pray for him to have “the confidence to say what I have to say.” Although we cannot pray this for Paul, we certainly can pray this for all who seek to share Jesus with others today. May this be both our prayer and our action.

Prayer: Lord God, as the battle is constant, help us to lift our prayers constantly. Whisper, nudge, and otherwise remind us of the need for and of the power of prayer. Place prayer ever in our hearts and on our lips. Open our eyes to the opportunities to share our faith today. Fill us with a holy confidence to step forward in faith. Amen.


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Praying Through

Reading: 1st Kings 18:41-46

1st Kings 18:43c – “Seven times Elijah said, ‘Do it again.'”

Today’s reading follows last week’s reading about the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. As our reading ended last week, the people of God declared that God was the “real Lord.” In our reading today Elijah demonstrates faith and trust in God once again. As the passage begins, Elijah tells Ahab to celebrate “because I hear the sound of a rainstorm coming.” It has not rained in Israel for three years.

Elijah then climbs to the top of the mountain. He kneels, bows low, and prays to God. He asks his servant to go and look to the sea. This is where rain almost always comes from in Israel. The servant returns and says, “I don’t see anything.” Elijah continues to pray for rain. At the end of verse 43 we read, “Seven times Elijah said, ‘Do it again.'” This time the servant sees a small cloud forming. God has answered Elijah’s prayers. The prophet circled the promise, knelt, and prayed. He prayed through, praying until he received God’s response.

Elijah demonstrates tenacity and perseverance. Imagine, though, if he had quit praying after a few prayers. The rain that ended the three year drought would not have come. This makes me wonder: When have I given up on a prayer just before the answer was to come? While God can certainly answer a prayer 400 years later like God did at Jericho, we are called to pray through until God does answer. When we are ready to give up, may we remember both Elijah’s persistence and God’s faithfulness, leading us to pray through.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the example of Elijah. He claimed the promise you made three years before and he prayed through until the rain came. Strengthen and encourage us to pray with such faith and trust, with such persistence and grit. Help us to pray through to you, the God who loves to keep promises. Amen.


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Almost Ready

Reading: Numbers 11:1-15

Numbers 11:10b – “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.”

Have you ever been around a complainer? Even on the best of days they find something to grumble about. Now, imagine being around (and trying to lead!) a group of about a million complainers. Welcome to Moses’ reality as he led the Israelites in the wilderness.

Our passage begins with the people complaining intensely. This angers God and fire falls from heaven, burning the “edges of camp.” This is like a warning shot. Moses prays for the people and God’s anger subsides. Next the “riffraff” crave meat and they apparently stir up the whole camp. The people long for the food they had in Egypt. Now all they eat is manna, God’s gift from heaven. Soon there is complaining at all of their tents. Everyone longs for meat.

As Moses (and God) hear this crying out, “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.” But Moses does not pray for the people now. Moses is done. We’re familiar with how Moses feels. We’ve all avoided complainers. Moses questions why God is treating him this way. He questions his ability to bear the “burden” of leading these people. Moses even reminds God that God is really the parent of these people. At his wits’ end, Moses tells God, “If you’re going to treat me like this, just kill me.”

God has Moses close to where Moses needs to be. He is bearing the end of self. Moses is almost ready once again to fully depend on God. God will respond to Moses’ pleas and to the peoples’ complaining, bringing provision, love, and care.

Prayer: Lord God, we feel for Moses and we feel for you. Getting honest, though, we must admit that we too complain and grumble. At times we must try you. Lord, build up in us the ability to encourage those who complain. And, Lord, build up in us our gratitude for you and for your provision, love, and care. From this place of gratefulness, we can truly thank you for who and what you are, O great God of love and care. Amen.