pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


by Leave a comment

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.


by Leave a comment

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


by Leave a comment

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.


by Leave a comment

A Sacred Encounter

Reading: Genesis 32:22-24

Genesis 32:24 – “But Jacob stayed apart by himself, and a man wrestled with him until dawn broke.”

Photo credit: Mitchel Lensink

As we begin, some context from the start of chapter 32. Jacob is returning home. He is doing as God directed. As he gets close he hears that Esau is approaching with 400 soldiers. Esau is the one who had his birth rite stolen by Jacob. When Jacob fled, Esau was threatening murder. In fear and terror Jacob comes up with a plan. If Esau can’t be bought off, maybe some will escape while the rest are captured or killed or… Then Jacob prays for safety, even as he tries to barter with God. He then adds a level of security for himself. As we turn to our reading for today, we see that Jacob places all that is his – wives, children, servants, livestock – across the Jabbok River and retreats back across – alone.

Alone – just where he needs to be right now to encounter God. In verse 24 we read, “But Jacob stayed apart by himself, and a man wrestled with him until dawn broke.” This is much more than a physical struggle. Likely in response to Jacob’s prayers, wheeling and dealing, and scheming, God has come to wrestle with Jacob spiritually. In the wrestling, God confronts Jacob’s fears, lack of faith and trust, and his prideful, sinful ways. In the end, after transformation, Jacob refuses to let go of God. The physical and spiritual have come together. Once blessed, renamed “Israel,” he will face the day knowing that God is with him.

When we find time and space to be alone with God, to lay our fears, doubts, and worries before God, we too will find that God is ready to wrestle with us. God will meet us at our point of need and will help us to wrestle through, transforming us and our faith. Making time and space for a sacred encounter, we can count on our faithful God to show up and to work in us. May we trust in our faithful, loving God.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us into times and places where we can encounter your presence. Still our racing, often fearful, minds and hearts so that we can receive what you have to say and give. With open hearts and minds, transform us, bringing us to a place of deeper faith and greater trust. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Kingdom of Heaven

Reading: Matthew 13:31-33

Matthew 13:31a and 33a – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… is like yeast.”

Beginning our gospel reading today we find two parables that tell us about the kingdom of heaven. Tomorrow we will read three more parables that speak of the kingdom of heaven. I think, in general, when most people hear the phrase, “kingdom of heaven,” they think of a place in the clouds with angels and streets of gold. While some version of this might be the kingdom of heaven some day, today and tomorrow, Jesus is speaking of the kingdom of heaven here on earth – right here and right now.

In verses 31-33 Jesus speaks of two very small things that have large impacts. The teacher says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… is like yeast.” The smallest seed becomes a large plant, giving rest and a home to the birds. Yeast, a tiny organism, works its way through a whole bushel of flour, causing it to rise so that it can feed many people.

The kingdom of heaven is found today in our small acts of faithful witness. It is found in that visit to a sick friend, in the meal brought to a struggling family, in the money used to pay a single parent’s water bill. The kingdom of heaven is found in the time given to help at VBS and in the monthly donation to a child in a far away country. It is found in the way you walk through a hard situation with peace and in the way you handle another’s anger or insults with grace. The kingdom of heaven is found everywhere that Jesus’ light and love are made real. Be the kingdom of heaven today.

Prayer: Lord God, instill in us a sensitivity to the kingdom-building opportunities that you bring our way. Make us willing servants, ready to give generously of our time, talents, resources, prayers, and presence. Open our eyes to see how small acts of faith hold tremendous power – the power to change lives and to change our world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Benefits

Reading: Romans 8:12-17

Romans 8:14 – “All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.”

In Romans 8:11, Paul reminded us that all who are led by the Spirit will one day be raised as Jesus Christ was raised – to eternal life. Turning to this week’s passage from Romans 8, Paul begins verse 12 with “So then…” Since the Spirit lives in us and promises us resurrection, Paul declares that we have an obligation. So then, that obligation is to live a certain way. It is not the way of selfishness and sin. This way of life leads to death, not to life. The way that leads to life is the way of the Spirit.

In verse 14 Paul states, “All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.” To be a son or daughter is to have a place in the family of God. To have a place brings benefits, if you will. The primary one is God’s unconditional love. This no-matter-what love is what pours out grace when we fall short and it is the mercy that carries our sin far away, making us pure and holy in God’s sight. This love keeps God close to us at all times. God’s ear is attentive to our desires and God’s heart is attuned to our needs. And, oh yes, there is eternal life one day. For the God who loves us beyond our understanding, we offer our praise and worship today!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for taking us into your family. Thank you for a love that we cannot understand, but dwell fully in. And thank you for your Spirit’s guidance, presence, and direction. Amen.


by Leave a comment

To Be So Bold

Reading: Psalm 139:23-24

Psalm 139:23 – “Examine me God! Look at my heart! Put me to the test. Know my anxious thoughts.”

Yesterday in Psalm 139, David acknowledged that God surrounded him always. There was never a time that David could escape from God’s presence. God was always with him. As we jump to today’s verses, it is almost as if David is challenging God. It is important to note that this comes after several verses where David has questioned why God has not killed off his enemies. At times I play this game too. God – look how faithful I am… Why don’t you deal with so and so?

In verse 23, David writes, “Examine me God! Look at my heart! Put me to the test. Know my anxious thoughts.” If I were to be so bold as to say these words to God, I’d bet there had been some pretty serious self-examination, followed quickly by some profuse confession and repentance. Then again, to be honest, I’d be surprised if the humility created by such an intimate and personal experience would allow me to be so bold with God.

To lay oneself bare before God, to invite God to examine and test and know me in a most personal way, this would certainly affirm my commitment to God. To go through this process periodically – maybe even daily – it is healthy and life-giving. May this be a regular practice for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, oh to be so bold as to invite such examination and evaluation. To have the faith to offer these words! Move me in this direction, O God, closer to honesty, closer to transparency, closer to authentic relationship. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Faith in Difficulty

Readings: Psalm 119:109 and Genesis 25:19-26

Genesis 25:23a – “Two nations are in your womb; two different people will emerge from your body.”

In today’s verse from Psalm 119, the psalmist expresses a commitment to God’s will and way, even when life is unsure and feels unsafe. This is not always an easy thing to do. Too often we can try to take matters into our own hands. We then only turn to God when we have failed and/or made matters worse.

Turning to Genesis 25, we are reminded that Isaac and Rebekah were married. We recall that this marriage had God’s fingerprints all over it. The relationship felt blessed. But Rebekah is barren. Soon, Isaac begins praying to God about this concerning situation. This is a departure from his parents’approach. Sarah and Abraham took matters into their own hands, producing Ishmael. Because Isaac remains faithful to God during this difficult time, God is moved by his prayers and Rebekah becomes pregnant – 20 years into Isaac’s praying.

Rebekah’s pregnancy is not easy. There is violence within her womb. This is a foretaste of the unrest and conflict that will overshadow Jacob and Esau’s relationship. They are not the first brothers like this, nor will they be the last. Before them were Cain and Abel, then Isaac and Ishmael. Jacob emerged from the womb gripping Esau’s heel. He is already at odds with the customs of firstborn privilege. Tomorrow we will see how this plays out further, creating two nations.

Prayer: Lord God, at times things in this life can be challenging. Life can be hard and we can want a way out. In these moments, Lord, turn us towards you and not towards self. Remind us of the psalmist’s trust and of Isaac’s faithfulness. With these examples, may we seek your guidance, your plans, and your power and presence. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Receiving Christ

Reading: Matthew 10:40-42

Matthew 10:40 – “Those who receive you are also receiving me, and those who receive me are receiving the one who sent me.”

Turning to this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus is preparing his disciples to be sent out into the world. All of chapter 10 is a teaching lesson, preparing and equipping the twelve to go out to preach the good news and to heal the sick. As this too is our mission, chapter 10 is always good review material! Jesus closes this teaching with some words about “rewards.” Leading into this, he tells them, “Those who receive you are also receiving me, and those who receive me are receiving the one who sent me.” There is a connection here. It is the same for us when we share the good news and someone turns to Christ as Lord and Savior. If someone receives us and the good news of what Jesus has done in our lives, they also receive Jesus and, in turn, they receive God into their life.

In verses 41 and 42 Jesus speaks of rewards: receive a prophet (or righteous person) and receive their rewards. The primary reward is a relationship with the Lord our God. To be intimately connected, to be indwelled with the Spirit’s presence, this is the primary reward. This leads to many secondary rewards. To walk daily with the Lord brings love, joy, hope, peace, grace, patience, forgiveness, self-control… These are what we receive when we seek to daily live a holy life. This is what Paul was writing about in Romans 6 this week. As we seek to reflect Christ and his love to the world, may the Spirit open doors and hearts for the glory of the Lord to be revealed!

Prayer: Lord God, use us today to be sharers of the good news. Fill us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and send us out into the world to shine Jesus’ light and love. As others hear our good news stories, open their hearts to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Ever Present

Reading: Matthew 10:24-31

Matthew 10:27 – “What I say to you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, announce from the rooftops.”

Closing the week with the first half of our gospel passage from Matthew 10, we hear more on the call to discipleship. The passage begins with a humble call for disciples to be like their teacher. Our implication here is to be like Jesus. All that we do and say and think should be aligned with and reflect the example and teachings of Jesus.

Starting in verse 24, Jesus encourages us to be bold in our faith. If we walk in faith, we can trust that all will be brought into the light. What is hidden and secret will be revealed. Therefore, with trust in him and with confidence in our faithful God, Jesus declares, “What I say to you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, announce from the rooftops.” To help us live out this invitation, Jesus points to the long game. Those who can kill the body? No need to worry about them. Eternity awaits. But, yes, “be afraid of the one who can kill body and soul.” Be aware of and cautious of Satan. The evil one is always lurking. Be alert and stand firm.

Jesus reminds us that God is right there too. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without God’s knowledge. Therefore, the Lord says, “Don’t be afraid.” We are much more important to God. Our worth to God is immeasurable. God is intimately aware of our needs. God is ever present. As we seek to be like Jesus, may we ever remember that God is always with us.

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk as disciples of Christ, fill us with your presence. Remind us again and again that you are with us and within us. By the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, lead us to boldly proclaim our faith in both word and action. Amen.