pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


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Questions

Readings: Exodus 15:22-27, Exodus 16, Exodus 17, Exodus 18

Exodus 16:8 – “Who are we? Your complaints aren’t against us but against the LORD.”

Coming fresh off of the amazing rescue at the sea, today we become familiar with an oft-repeated pattern in the wilderness. The Hebrews are lacking in something so they argue/complain/grumble against Moses. Moses, often in frustration, turns to God and God provides food, water, protection… We often see a version of this played out in our lives, just without Moses as the middle man. We go straight to God with our grumbles, complaints, charges…

At Marah the water is bitter. God makes it sweet. Those hardships or challenges that become blessings? We experience these too, don’t we? Then, in the Sin Desert, hunger sets in. They long for the meat and bread of slavery. Ever look back in the good old days? God provides meat and bread. These come with instructions. These begin to establish the Sabbath. It was not possible in Egypt. As slaves of another they worked 7 days a week. We have a choice. Do we allow ourselves to be controlled by work…? Or do we honor God and ourselves in sabbath rest?

After preserving some manna for future generations, the Israelites travel on to Rephidim. No water. They accuse Moses (read: God) of bringing them out into the desert to die of thirst. Moses hits the rock at Horeb with his staff -> water comes out! Then Amalek comes to fight them. Joshua leads the troops into battle as Moses, Aaron, and Hur go up the mountain. The staff, now held aloft, continues to represent God’s presence. Aaron and Hur help Moses and God gives Israel victory. This leads into Jethro’s visit and suggestion. He sees Moses is too busy. He won’t last like this. Following his wise father-in-law’s advice, Moses appoints judges, sharing the load. God shared the load in battle. Moses shared the load with others. Which kind of sharing is harder for you? What did you learn today about sharing?

Prayer: Lord God, it is a little scary to see how little we’ve changed since Moses’ time. We get caught in nostalgia, we lose faith quickly, we question your love. Today I thank you so much for your enduring patience through the generations and for your great patience with me. Teach me to turn quicker to you and to hold onto your hand longer and more steadily. Amen.


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Promises Offered

Readings: Exodus 5, Exodus 6, Exodus 7:1-13

Exodus 7:3 – “I’ll make Pharaoh stubborn, and I’ll perform many of my signs and amazing acts.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

On our second day in Exodus and our 17th day in the Bible Year project we read of the groundwork necessary for the plagues and for Israel being set free. In chapter 5 God sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh for the first time. They request a few days off for the slaves so that they can go and worship the Lord. Pharaoh refuses, saying, “I don’t know this Lord.” He will soon! Pharaoh responds by increasing their workload. The Israelites will now have to gather their own straw – and still make the same number of bricks! Their oppression increases. We can experience something like this at times. We look to God yet the night seems to get darker.

The Israelite supervisors come to Moses and Aaron and ask why they’ve made the Hebrews a “stink” to Pharaoh. They are upset. Moses goes to God, saying, “You’ve done absolutely nothing.” God takes it in and again reiterates the promises offered: rescue, great power, the Promised Land. But the Hebrews won’t hear it. They are too exhausted. Moses is discouraged. Yet God continues to speak to Moses and Aaron. God remains sure and true, keeping to and understanding the plan that Moses and the Hebrews cannot yet see. This reality is something that we need to hold to at times as well: God is in charge and God knows the plan.

Next we get the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. This establishes them as Levites. This clan will be set aside by God to be the priests in the tabernacle and, later, in the temple. Chapter 7 begins with more reassurance: “I’ll make Pharaoh stubborn, and I’ll perform many of my signs and amazing acts.” These words prepare Moses and Aaron for what will unfold in the next six chapters. Moses and Aaron then go to Pharaoh to give a demonstration of God’s power. The “magic tricks” end with Aaron’s rod/snake eating all the others. Case closed. God has the power. Pharaoh remains stubborn. These themes continue tomorrow as God’s plan of rescue unfolds!

Prayer: Lord God, when we feel hard pressed, when the night seems to get darker, remind us again of your constant presence and of the plans that you have for our good. In the moment, reassure us and give us the strength to both continue the walk and to hold tight to your hand. Amen.


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God’s Guiding Presence

Readings: Genesis 31, Genesis 32, Genesis 33, Genesis 34, Genesis 35, Genesis 36

Genesis 32:28 – “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel, because you struggled with God and with men and won.”

Today’s readings begin with Jacob leaving Haran. God directs this move and watches over it. As Laban catches up to the escaping Jacob, God intervenes on his behalf. This leads to a “symmetrical covenant.” Laban and Jacob part ways peacefully and with God’s blessing. As his journey continues, Jacob prepares to and is prepared to meet Esau, the brother he stole from and deceived.

Jacob first sends messengers to Esau, who comes out to meet Jacob with 400 men. This terrifies Jacob. He splits all that he has into two camps. Then he prays a “reminder” prayer to God. He reminds both God and himself of the covenant promises made to Abraham and to Isaac and to himself. He then sends a very large gift of livestock to Esau, seeking to pacify him. That night Jacob wrestles with God. He is renamed “Israel” and he receives God’s blessing.

In the morning Jacob arranged his family strategically – servants then Leah then Rachel, each with their children. But then he goes in front to meet Esau. He bows low 7 times as Esau is approaching. Esau runs to greet him. It is an emotional and joyful reunion. Jacob sees the face of God in his brother’s grace.

In chapter 34 a terrible thing happens to Dinah – she is raped and humiliated by a local prince. Her brothers exact revenge, killing every male and looting everything in the town. They use deception to set it all up. They are Jacob’s sons. But now Jacob fears revenge too, so the family moves on. God protects them as they go. In the process God reiterates the name change as well as the covenant. Sadly, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. Isaac dies too and is buried with his ancestors by Jacob and Esau together. Our reading closes with Esau’s genealogy.

Reflecting on today’s six chapters I am struck by God’s presence guiding Jacob’s life. Many things happen that remind me that God is with us no matter what – when we are faithful, when we are less than faithful. God is steadfast and true.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your hand ever guiding Jacob. Thank you for your hand that desires to guide us. As you work in our lives, shape and form us as you did Jacob – more and more into one who knew and loved you. Amen.


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In All of Life

Reading: Psalm 98

Verse 1: “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and worship. The psalmist lifts up salvation and God’s righteousness and faithfulness as reasons to sing praises to the Lord. In our lives, we certainly can offer lots of praise and thanksgiving to God when we are experiencing these and other blessings in our lives. In the good days it is easy and natural to praise God and to lift our worship heavenward.

It is not always easy, though, to praise the Lord. When we experience unwanted change or loss, when we receive that sobering diagnosis, when we feel isolated or lonely – it can be hard to find joy and to have praise on our lips. Today I am reminded that worship or praise doesn’t always have to be loud or joyous or exuberant. It can be prayerful or quiet or meditative. It can be centered on our understanding that as a child of God, God loves us and has plans to prosper us and wants to bring good into our lives.

Yes, I am sure that God enjoys listening in on a good old hymn or a communal prayer. But our faith is also personal and intimate. A quiet moment, a heartfelt prayer, a stillness simply resting in God’s presence – these too are deeply pleasing to God. In and through all things, we know that God is in control. Praise and worship is sometimes simply reflecting this truth back to God. May our praise and worship reflect this in all of life.

Prayer: Lord God, in the days of sunshine and beauty, in the days of darkness and despair, in the days of intermittent clouds and the everyday of life – may I ever praise and worship your holy name. You are my constant in all of life. For that I can always rejoice. Amen.


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Heirs in Christ

Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

Verse 7: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are God’s child, God has made you also an heir.”

Paul connects into the story of Christmas as he writes, “When the time had fully come, God sent his Son.” When God’s timing said that now is the time, Jesus entered into the world. Paul reminds his audience that Jesus was born a Jew – “born under law” – who came to redeem his fellow Jews. I wonder if when Paul penned verses like these, if he thought of his former life as Saul and rejoiced in the redeeming work that Jesus had done in his own life. Paul writes of that which he knows firsthand.

Paul notes that when we are redeemed we “receive adoption to sonship.” This leads to each of us receiving the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which reminds us again and again of our family connection to God the Father. Another ‘right’ comes in verse 7: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are God’s child, God has made you also an heir.” Through our redemption we become brothers and sisters in Christ, heirs with and in Christ. To be a brother or sister is to be a part of the family. But to be an heir – what does that mean?

To be an heir means we receive an inheritance. Parts of our inheritance are things like salvation and eternal life. Parts are the peace, love, hope, joy, grace… that we receive and live in every day. And… we also inherit the living example of Jesus Christ. This part of our inheritance calls us to expand the family – to “make disciples of all peoples” is how Jesus put it. We are called to live as Jesus lived, bringing light and love into the world. We are called to do as Jesus did, standing with and caring for the hurting, the suffering, the outcasts. Living in these ways of Jesus, our lives will invite others to seek to be a part of this wonderful family of God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice over being a part of your family. We celebrate and offer thanksgiving for all that this means in our lives. Let us not be content here, Lord. Guide us out into the world, living as Christ’s brothers and sisters, so that others can be welcomed home. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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Recalling Faith and God

Reading- ‭Psalms ‭85:1‭-‬2‬ ‭- “LORD, you’ve been kind to your land; you’ve changed Jacob’s circumstances for the better. You’ve forgiven your people’s wrongdoing; you’ve covered all their sins.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Psalm 85 is a song of remembrance. Although we only read portions today and tomorrow, the whole song remembers both the good and the bad of Israel’s relationship with God. It recalls times of joy and times of sorrow. It thanks God for God’s presence and it begs God for God’s presence. In the general sense, then, it mirrors most of our lives of faith – the days when we are close to God and the days when we feel distant, the times of joy and the times of sorrow. These emotions and feelings are amplified in the holidays.

Like many Psalms and other books of the Bible, Psalm 85 reflects on the story of faith. Today’s two verses celebrate when God’s “favor” was shown, restoring the peoples’ lives. The restoration centers on the forgiveness of their sins. Sin is often what creates the separation and sorrow. God’s love and grace remedy this division. As a people of God and as persons of faith, it is important to remember that God always restores us – both in particular instances and in the continual mercy and grace that always abounds in our lives.

In the spirit of the Psalm, what stories of God’s presence do you recall? What special moments happened at this Christmas or at that family gathering? It is important to also reconnect to the moments when God has been tangibly present in Advent or Christmas Eve worship. Take some time to recall these God moments and the blessings of God for you and your family. And in doing so, be assured that God is with us now and will be with us in our future.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many ways that you have touched our lives and our faith. As we’ve recalled these moments, we now rejoice in your love for us and for our place in the family of God. We are grateful for our place and for the love and presence that will continue to walk with us each and every day. Thank you, Lord God. Amen.


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Our Eternal God

Reading: Mark 13:31 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan
https://bible.com/bible/2016/mrk.13.31.NRSV

Returning to Mark 13 today on the first Sunday of Advent, time remains a theme. Jesus reminds us today that very little in this life is permanent – “heaven and earth will pass away.” Passings or losses are part of our life. They are a reality of our finite human nature. Even this world, although eons and eons old, is in a steady state of decline. One day even our sun will give off its last warmth and light. This impermanence can give us feelings of instability and fear. If this 58 or 80 or 40 or even 100 years was all there was to life, then no matter how great our years and life, death would only bring deep sadness.

Set over and against this temporary life and world is our eternal God. Although even heaven as we think we know it will one day be no more, the one who created it and sustains it will go on and on and on. Although our substance will likely change, God and God’s words, those words of hope and promise and resurrection and eternity – “my words will never pass away.”

Our eternal God is present with us in the future of this life. The Holy Spirit walks with us daily, guiding us through the highs and lows and all else in between. Our God who was and is and always will be is with us, God’s beloved. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what hope and promise you bring to our finite and limited lives. What peace and love you bring to our hearts. What joy you bring to our souls. Thank you for your everlasting presence with us. Amen.