pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: presence


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Help and Hope

Reading: Psalm 146:5-10

Psalm 146:5 – “The person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God – is truly happy!”

Psalm 146 celebrates God’s activity on behalf of those in need. The psalmist declares that those who seek help from God and who place their hope in God, they will be “truly happy.” When God is the one we turn to, hope in, trust… then our focus becomes our relationship with the God “who is faithful forever.” We can rejoice even in our trials and sufferings because we know that God will triumph over all these things one day.

In verses 6-8 the psalmist speaks of the Lord’s activity in specific ways. We could re-write these verses, substituting in ways that God has acted in our lives. We could name a time when God brought justice to a time when we were being mistreated. We could write of the time when the Lord freed us from a prison of our own making. Just as the psalmist rejoices in the ways that God feeds the hungry, opens blind eyes, lifts the lowly, and protects the vulnerable, we too can celebrate moments when God has done these very things (and more) for us.

Daily remembering that we are “the person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God,” we can daily draw upon the power and presence of our God. Drawing upon, leaning into, trusting in God, we can find and live out the happiness and contentment found in Psalm 146. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you reign forever, over all the earth! Your presence is constant, your love is neverending. Daily you desire to walk with each of us, from the least to the greatest. Open each of our hearts to receive you, to surrender to your will and ways, to be your hands, feet, and love in the world. Daily use each of us to draw all people into your help and hope. Amen.


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Jesus Offers, Invites

Reading: Matthew 11:2-6

Matthew 11:3 – “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

By the time Matthew’s gospel reaches chapter 11, Jesus has given the Sermon on the Mount, has healed many people, has calmed a literal storm, has gathered the twelve disciples, and has begun training them to carry on his ministry of healing and wholeness. During this time, John the Baptist’s ministry has diminished and he now finds himself in prison, having angered King Herod. Searching for hope, John sends his own disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” From his prison cell, it must not feel like the kingdom of God is what he’d hoped it would be.

Presenting evidence of what the kingdom of God looks like here on earth, Jesus mostly quotes from Isaiah 35 and 61, adding a few of his own words too. Jesus is reminding John of how the Old Testament prophets described the Messiah and his kingdom. Healing and wholeness, fullness of life, deep relationships and community, humble service – this is God’s plan for this created world. It is to be as Jesus taught, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The evidence that Jesus gives are both our inheritance and our marching orders. Jesus offers to open our eyes so we can see as he sees, just as he invites us to do the same for others. He walks with us when we cannot walk alone and he asks us to do the same with one another. Jesus cleanses us of our “diseases” and he speaks truth into our hard hearts. He brings life to what was once “dead” and he restores relationships. All of these, in turn, Jesus invites us to do for the world. As we find healing and wholeness through Jesus Christ, may we work to bring these to our world in need. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts and minds to receive all that you offer. Being filled with your love, guidance, presence, healing, and hope, turn us out into the world, pouring ourselves out for the healing and wholeness of all creation. Use us to manifest your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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So Welcome ____

Reading: Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:7 – “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

A leper, a tax collector, a prostitute, a demon-possessed man, a blind man, a foreigner, a crippled man, a criminal. A homeless person, a recovering alcoholic, a single mom, an ex-con, a transgender person, a refugee, an immigrant. Which list would be welcomed by Jesus into his presence? Which list would Jesus offer grace, love, mercy, welcome to? “Both” would be the answer for the Jesus that we see and read about in the gospels. Is it the same for you and for me?

In Romans 14 and 15 Paul is addressing how the church should welcome each other as Christ would. Since the beginning of the Christian movement the call has been to be like Jesus. Love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, welcome like Jesus, extend grace, mercy, hope, peace… like Jesus. Fighting this call is the whole “we’re God’s chosen people” thing. This implies “you are not” to many people. Now, Paul, he was once a Pharisee amongst Pharisees. Back then, he drew the in/out line thick and with permanent marker. Through his conversion experience Paul knows that Jesus removed the line. Jesus welcomed Paul. That line? Seeing through Jesus’ eyes, you can’t even tell that there ever was a line.

Our reading today begins with “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.” Pretty clear. But the church still sees the line. So Paul quotes from four Hebrew scriptures that show that the Gentiles (all people outside the old line) are included in God’s plan of salvation. All people. All people.

Go back to the two lists at the start of this devotional. Which one(s) made you pause? Now, insert that name into verse 7. For example ,”So welcome the immigrant in the same way…” Repeat this line again and again for any name that you paused at. Again and again. Do so until “the God of hope” fills you with “all peace and joy” through “the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand that Jesus welcomes one and all just like he once welcomed me. Whatever lines I’ve been taught, whatever in/out ideas I’ve derived – erase them, obliterate them. Fill me to overflowing with your hope, love, peace, and joy. Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit in my heart, guide me to welcome all people into your family. Amen.


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Practice, Practice, Practice

Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Philippians 4:9 – “Practice these things… The peace of God will be with you.”

Paul begins today’s reading with an encouragement to “Be glad!” The apostle is inviting the Philippian Christians to find joy in all of life. Paul, like us, has his ups and downs in his life and in his faith. He has endured more than most of us will ever come close to enduring. As he writes, Paul sits in prison, likely nearing his death. Even so, his focus, his perspective, his faith – they all find a joy and peace in Christ.

Paul offers us a guide to living with joy and peace in all circumstances. First, treat others gently. This brings to mind various expressions that all remind us that we never know what another person is going through. We should always offer grace. Second, pray. Instead of being anxious about this or that, take it to God in prayer. And take time to give thanks to God for the blessings and for the presence. In prayer and then in life, a peace beyond our circumstances will keep our hearts and minds safe in Jesus Christ.

In verse 8 Paul invites us to focus on the ways of God, on all that is “excellent… and admirable.” Focus on these things and we will find God in them. Paul also encourages us to pay attention to our own thoughts too. He encourages us to focus our thoughts on all that is “true… holy… just… pure… lovely… worthy of praise.” Focusing on these thoughts, we will be Christ to the world.

When we choose to live and practice our faith in these ways, then we will develop a Christ-centered heart and mind. The challenges, the difficult circumstances, they will still come. But when we “Practice these things… The peace of God will be with you.” May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us, strengthening and encouraging us in each step of faith. In all things, remind us of your love. In all ways, use us as examples of your love. Rooted and grounded in love, guide us to trust in you and lead us to hope in you. Deeply connected, fill us with a peace that leads to joy. Use us to offer these things to the world. Amen.


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Ready, Ready?

Reading: Luke 21:5-11

Luke 21:6 – “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another.”

As we begin two days in Luke 21, the scene is the temple in Jerusalem. Some people are talking about and admiring the brand new iPhone 17 Pros that were just issued to the Levite priests. Oops. That would be today. In Luke they were admiring the beauty of the temple. It was truly glorious. Speaking into this admiration, Jesus says, “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another.” This monument to God will be utterly destroyed.

To the Jews, the temple was more than a pretty building. Yes, it would bring great sorrow to see it destroyed. Imagine waking up tomorrow and driving to church, only to find a pile of smoldering ruins. The Jews believed that God literally dwelled in the temple, in the Holy of Holies. Their communal identity was tied to the temple. Stunned by this thought, the people ask Jesus, “When…?” Instead of telling them when, Jesus begins to address how – how to be ready for when this happens. There will first be false prophets. Don’t listen to them. Then there will be signs: wars, earthquakes, famine, epidemics. These too will be signs warning that the end is near.

In our day, we can be just like the people in Luke 21. We can look longingly at another’s stuff – cars, homes, jobs, phones, status, wealth… And we can easily worry when any of our things are threatened by a stock market dip, by a health scare, by potential unemployment, by a change in our benefits… It has been a long, long time since anyone believed that God resided in a building. And it has been a long, long time that the faithful have believed that all we have really belongs to God. Yet we can easily get caught up in longing for the things of this world.

We can choose to live differently. We can focus on the things of God, readying ourselves for that final day. Living with God’s Spirit dwelling within us, holding loosely to the things of this world, we are on our way to being ready, whenever we come to meet Jesus face to face.

Prayer: Lord God, instead of admiring and chasing after the things of this world, may we love and pursue you and your will and way. Draw us to the present yet eternal, to joy and peace, to hope and trust, to love and faith. Amen.


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Today? Yesterday? Last Thursday?

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-10

2nd Thessalonians 3:7 – “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As is often the case at the end of Paul’s letters, he closes 2nd Thessalonians with general exhortations. Today and tomorrow we focus on Paul’s words about living a disciplined faith and life. There are some do’s and don’ts and examples to follow.

Paul begins by telling these communities of faith to “stay away” from those choosing to live an undisciplined faith. In essence, Paul is advising these followers of Jesus to exclude those who are not contributing to the community. This is a simplistic example but imagine if this Sunday, as we were preparing to go into Fellowship Hall to enjoy some coffee, lemonade, and treats, if I clearly invited ONLY those who had brought treats in the past two years to join us.

Continuing, Paul writes, “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.” Paul reminds those in these churches of how he and his companions worked and pulled their own weight when they were among them. In a community where much was pooled for the common good, Paul was drawing a firm line. If you didn’t add to the pool, you shouldn’t dip into the pool.

Today’s words draw me to the vows we take at baptism and/or when we join the community of faith. As United Methodists we commit to support the church with our “prayers… presence… gifts… service… and witness.” I believe these should apply to all faith communities. So I ask, Did you pray for your community and its leaders today? And yesterday? Will you tomorrow? Who did you witness to yesterday and the day before? How and when were you present in a time of need or during a celebration? What gifts and service did you offer on Monday? And how about last Thursday?

Prayer: Lord God, you call us daily to an active and living faith. You invite us into community so that we can encourage and build up, so that we can give and receive. Open our spirits to both generosity and to humble service, O God. Lead us to pour ourselves out for you and for others, all for your glory. Amen.


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Wonderful Things

Reading: Psalm 98:1-3

Psalm 98:1a – “Sing to the Lord a new song because he has done wonderful things!”

Psalm 98 is a song of praise for God’s victory. These words of joy come from deep within the psalmist’s soul. His or her joy simply exudes from these words of praise. It pours forth especially from the first line: “Sing to the Lord a new song because he has done wonderful things!”

When have you felt this kind of joy in your life? When have you felt completely blessed to be in God’s presence? For me, great joy has come in moments both big and small, at times anticipated and at other times totally unexpected. From moments in worship when suddenly tears of joy are streaming down my face to times when holding a newborn child in my arms, these experiences fill my heart, reminding me that God is present in our lives.

The psalmist rejoices first in victories won by God’s “strong hand… his holy arm.” These might be great military victories or they might be triumphs over sin in our lives. I’d lean towards the second because the author next expresses joy in God making salvation and righteousness known to “all the nations.” Today’s portion of Psalm 98 closes with the psalmist celebrating God’s love for and faithfulness to God’s people. This has helped spread salvation to “every corner of the earth.” What joy the psalmist has!

What is the source, what fuels this joy? It comes from time in two ways. First, it comes from time spent with God: practicing a daily quiet time of prayer and study, investing in our relationship with God. Second, our joy builds each time we experience the hand of God touching our lives. These “touches” also deepen our relationship with God, opening our eyes to see joy, widening our hearts to be filled with joy.

Prayer: Lord God, your salvation and righteousness continue to pour forth into the world. Your love and joy pours out from your heart into our lives. We join the psalmist in celebrating the wonderful things you do in our lives and in the world. Hallelujah and amen!


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Present in the People

Reading: Haggai 1:15b-2:5

Haggai 2:5b – “My spirit stands in your midst. Don’t fear.”

Photo credit: Joel Muniz

Fear is an emotion we often feel. When in a dangerous situation, when enemies are all around, when stepping into the unknown – these are but a few of the things that cause fear to rise up in us. The prophet Haggai speaks to a small remnant that has returned from exile in Babylon who is dealing with these three fear-inducing situations. Zerubbabel, the governor, led the remnant back and started to rebuild the temple, but threats from the groups who inhabited the land during exile derailed the building project.

Chapter 1 of Haggai isn’t exactly encouraging. The prophet challenges the people. They are living in nicely built homes while God’s house lies in ruins. Their return has been difficult. For example, they’ve planted crops but are hungry. The harvest has been meager. Haggai informs them that this is because they’ve been neglecting God. This pronouncement induces more fear in the people. But it is a good fear – a healthy respect, a reverent awareness, a motivator.

As the people return to working on the temple, Haggai addresses them in chapter 2. After speaking into their present reality, he speaks words of encouragement, “Be strong,” three times. Through him God encourages them to work, because “I am with you.” Then, in verse 5, God says, “My spirit stands in your midst. Don’t fear.” These words of Haggai remind the people that God is present – building or no building. God is present in the people of God doing the work of God. The same will be true for us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, gathering to worship and to do other churchy things is wonderful. But you clearly call us beyond the walls of our churches. Like Jesus, who spent the vast majority of his time and energy ministering and teaching outside of the temple and synagogues, move us to be your hands and feet out there in the world. Amen.


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A Long Line

Reading: Ephesians 1:11-23

Ephesians 1:13 – “You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation.”

Photo credit: Anne Nygard

Paul first reminds us in today’s passage that we who believe have “received an inheritance in Christ.” Paul sees this outcome as a part of God’s plan for all people. If God were to have God’s way, all people would be disciples of Jesus Christ. That is God’s plan for all people as we are created in the womb. But we do have a choice in the outcome. Sometimes people choose to live by their own way and not God’s way.

For those who have chosen God’s way, choosing to follow Christ, we are called to bring God glory through the living out of our faith. We do this by living as Christ lived. In this living we take our place in a long line of disciples who have shared the faith with others. On this All Saints’ Day we recall those who have lived as Christ, teaching and modeling for us what living a life of faith looks and feels like. In turn, we teach it to and we model it for others – in our homes, in our church, in our workplace, in our community…

We can do so because we have “heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation.” Accepting this good news we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Paul describes this constant presence of the Spirit as a “down payment on our inheritance.” This is a foretaste of being in glory in eternity. The Spirit in us keeps us connected to God. Deposited in our hearts, we are empowered by God. Through this power at work in and through us, we can pass on the faith to others, to the next generation of saints. May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, today we pray for one another as Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus. Lord, give us “a spirit of wisdom” so that we can know you more and more. Open the “eyes of our heart” so that we can live out the hope that we find in Christ Jesus. Lead us to spiritually kneel before Christ, the head of all things. Amen.


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Worthy in His Power

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12

2nd Thessalonians 1:11 – “We are constantly praying for you for…”

Turning to our second part of this week’s passage from 2nd Thessalonians 1, we read Paul’s prayer for these model churches. For Paul, this is like the many prayers that we lift up each day. As an example, every morning I pray for my whole family, each by name. Paul’s prayers for these churches are like our prayers in another way: he prays for specific things.

Paul first prays that “our God will make you worthy of his calling.” In these faithful and enduring churches, each person has been called by God to follow Jesus. Without God’s call being felt in their hearts or heard in their spirits, they would still be wandering in the darkness of this world. Without this call they would be lost in their sin. All who come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ have received this call from God. At one point we each heard or felt the call and responded by committing to walk in a personal relationship with Jesus.

Next Paul prays that God will “accomplish every good desire and faithful work by his power.” Paul reminds the believers in these churches (and us today) that these things will be accomplished only by and through God’s power. It is not by our power that we move a mountain or comfort a grieving neighbor.

When we live lives that are worthy of the call of God, it is then that Christ is honored, as Paul prays. Note that Paul adds a second honoring: “you will be honored by him.” Christ living in us will honor our faithful walk, bringing us hope, joy, peace, strength, courage… May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we submit to your will and way, to your presence and power. In humility we ask that you would lead and guide us to live faithfully this day, seeking all that you desire for us and for our world. Bless our works towards this goal, empowering us to share the good news with those who don’t yet know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Amen.