pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: pride


by Leave a comment

The Lord Gives Light

Reading: Proverbs 27-29

‭Proverbs 28:13 – “Those who hide their sins won’t succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.”

The value, weight, and power of our words is a major focus today. To brag, that’s dangerous because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Pride lays people low, but humility gains honor. A good word holds power as iron sharpens iron. Bruises (correction) from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy (flattery.) Correcting someone (in love) brings favor. Flattery is just “a net for their feet.”

Good and wise words have little effect on fools. Even grinding them in the mortar won’t drive out their foolishness. The simpleton sees and rushes towards evil and receives punishment. The wise see evil and hide from it. Fools are stubborn. The warning: after many corrections they will suddenly be broken. The wise? “Those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.”

There are certainly outcomes to our choices. One can be wealthy and walk a crooked path. Or one can be poor and walk in innocence. Fools trust their own understanding and suffer. Walk in wisdom and be safe. Work the land and have plenty to eat. Spend your energy on “worthless pursuits” and have plenty of poverty.

Lastly, the sage touches on care for the poor. If we give to the poor we will lack nothing. But if we turn a blind eye, then we will be “greatly cursed.” The righteous know the rights of the poor because they listen to God’s Instruction. The fools do not understand. They won’t listen. Yet the sage also reminds us that the poor and the oppressor have this in common: “The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.” Wisdom calls out to all of humanity. Will we have eyes to see and ears to hear?

Prayer: Lord God, guide us in our walk as we choose between wise and foolish, between good and evil, between you and the world. Fill our hearts with your instruction, with your wisdom. Steer us clear of the crooked path and the lies of folly. Pour words of healing and truth into our hearts. Guard us against speaking words that harm or oppress. May your light and love flow from each of us, flooding this world with your presence. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Act Differently

Reading: Proverbs 25 and 26

‭Proverbs 26:21 – “Like adding charcoal to embers or wood to fire, quarrelsome people kindle strife.”

Removing the dross from the silver is like removing the evil from the royal court – a beautiful vessel is the result. Removing arrogance and pride not only avoids some embarrassment, it could lead to honor and recognition. Removing fuel from the fire and gossip from conversations both cool the situation. Removing the selfish and evil from our lives yields good outcomes.

Much is said about a lying tongue. False testimony is like a club or sword to the victim. A lying tongue crushes and brings destruction to those affected. The sage compares smooth lips and an evil heart to silver coating on clay – both can look or sound good from a distance but it is oh so fragile underneath.

Fools are slow to learn. They repeat their mistakes often so they are like “a dog jwho returns to their vomit.” Neither makes much sense but both happen. Those without self-control are like a breached city – no walls or filters. So just as a whip is used to control a horse so too must a rod be used on a fool’s back.

The wise act differently. Their words calm strife and build up. These words are like “golden apples in a silver setting.” Instead of making fun of or ignoring their enemies when they’re hungry or thirsty, a wise person gives them food and drink. The wise understand that compassion is much more powerful than hate or anger. So too may our words and actions bring healing and wholeness, peace and hope.

Prayer: Lord God, while it seems so, so clear that wisdom and humility are the much better choices, we can be selfish, we can speak hurtful words, we can gossip and tear down, we can play the fool. So, Lord, help us. Send the Holy Spirit to whisper in our ear when we venture down the wrong path. May the Spirit shout if need be. May the nudge become a shove too if we’re not quite seeing how we’ve gone down the wrong path. Help us, Lord, to be love and healing to our broken world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Path of Righteousness

Reading: Proverbs 16

‭Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Today’s reading contains mostly examples of how to live in alignment with God’s will and way. Verses 1 and 9 summarize this idea well. In these verses we are reminded that although we plan our path using our hearts, it is God who answers our plans and who secures our plans/path. The sage reminds us that God “tests our motives” too. Are our plans and the desires of our hearts pure? Are they aligned with God’s heart?

Many of today’s verses speak to answering this question. If we commit our work (and our lives) to God, then our plans will succeed. If we see and work towards God’s purposes, if we walk the right and good road, then God will be glorified. If we seek wisdom, then we will have insightful speech and can offer enhanced teaching. Verse 31 reminds us that we’re long-term projects: “Gray hair is a crown of glory.” Eventually this is found “on the path of righteousness.”

There’s a bit of practical advice in today’s verses. Honest scales and balances are God’s way. Integrity and honesty matter in God’s world. Therefore, “better a little with righteousness than great profits without justice.”

And there are warnings today too. It is important to remember the outcomes of wicked or evil choices. The Lord “detests” arrogance and pride, evil deeds, and slanderous and gossipy speech. All of these behaviors run against God’s will and way and against God’s plans and purposes for our world and for our lives. Yet these sins are ever before us, tempting us to walk the world’s path. With God’s strength and presence, may we instead choose to walk the path of righteousness. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, it is so easy, so tempting, so alluring to simply choose the way and path of the world. So, God, pour out your Spirit’s wisdom and power, enabling us to choose your path of righteousness. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Decisions, Words, Conduct

Readings: Proverbs 10 and 11

‭Proverbs 11:18 – “The wicked earn false wages, but those who sow righteousness receive a true reward.”

Today we begin the middle section of Proverbs. For 13 days we will work our way through chapter 30. These 21 chapters are filled with two-part lines that almost always contrast the good or wise choice with the evil or foolish choice. Although not grouped together in the text, one can find themes within our readings.

One theme today centers on finances. What we do with our money reveals much about our faith. Laziness leads to poverty while hard work leads to riches. We are to give generously though. Stinginess will lead to growing needy. While there is solid earthly advice here, there are also heavenly implications. Riches won’t help on the day of wrath. But righteousness will rescue us. Our decisions matter.

Another theme focuses on how our behavior or choices affect our relationships and our community. When we are hateful, we stir up conflict. When we choose love, offenses are lessened. Virtuous living blessed the community but words of evil destroy it. Along these lines, slander betrays trust whereas keeping confidences builds up the community. Our words matter.

A third theme today touches on the eternal. The wages of the righteous are life and the earnings of the wicked are death. Wisdom leads to humility but pride leads to shame. Walking God’s path is a refuge for the innocent but ruin for those who do evil. If one brings trouble to their family they’ll inherit the wind. But the fruit of righteousness is the “tree of life.” That’s found in heaven. Our conduct matters.

Prayer: Lord God, as we navigate this life, we do so in relationship and in community. Our decisions, our words, our conduct – they all affect our relationship with you and our relationships with each other. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead and guide us to live faithful, righteous lives, building up the community and the kingdom here on earth. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Rejoice! Celebrate!

Readings: Psalms 90-95

‭Psalm 91:2 – “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today we begin Book 4! We begin with a Psalm attributed to Moses. The Psalm considers the fleeting nature of life. God sweeps humans away “like a dream.” We finish up our years “with a whimper.” So the author invites us to “number our days.” Doing so we learn to live with a “wise heart.” Doing so, life has meaning and purpose.

Psalm 91 petitions God for divine protection. It feels like a counter to Psalm 90. In verse 2 we read, “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'” The Psalm speaks of God’s protection and saving in times of sickness and trial. It proclaims that if even 1,000 fall dead, we will be ok. This is because God will “order his messengers to help you… to protect you.” While we can feel the psalmist’s trust, we must remember that this is a possibility and not necessarily a promise. The faithful are not immune from the happenings of life.

Psalms 92 and 93 compliment each other. Psalm 92 is a song of thanksgiving for victory. The wicked are like grass – they perish quickly. The righteous are like trees. They will bear fruit in old age. Psalm 93 recognizes God as the one who won’t be shaken, as the one mightier than the flood. Holiness “decorates” God’s house.

Psalm 94 is addressed to the “avenging God.” The arrogant brag and afflict widows, immigrants, and orphans. The God who hears and sees will repay the evil. This God helps the righteous, steadying slipping feet and comforting the anxious. This God is our fortress and our rock of refuge.

This leads us to Psalm 95, a call to worship God. It begins, “Let’s raise a joyful shout.” The “people of his pasture” are called to worship, to bow down, to kneel before the Lord.  A warning against hardening one’s heart closes the Psalm. It is good to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. It counters our prideful nature and our tendency to turn inward.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we pray as the psalmists pray: steady us, comfort us, forgive us, protect us. At other times we too rejoice in your goodness and love. We celebrate your faithfulness and your justice. Today may our lives sing of your glory, power, and might. Amen.


by 1 Comment

God’s Faithfulness

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 10, 2nd Chronicles 11, 2nd Chronicles 12, 2nd Chronicles 13

2nd Chronicles 12:12 – “Total destruction was avoided. There were, after all, some good things still in Judah.”

Leaving behind the ideal kings David and Solomon – at least according to the chronicler – we turn today to the reigns of Rehoboam and Abijah. Jeroboam of Israel is also a minor part of the story. Rehoboam’s reign begins poorly. He allows the pride of youth to lead him to a bad decision and God’s people are split into two nations. Jeroboam rules over ten tribes in the northern kingdom. Rehoboam rules over two in the southern kingdom of Judah. In comparison, Rehoboam is a good king. Through Shemaiah the prophet, war is avoided. Rehoboam strengthens his defenses. The Levites flee the idolatry of the northern kingdom and support Rehoboam.

But Rehoboam was not faithful to God. So God sends Egypt to bring divine punishment. But God sends Shemaiah and Rehoboam and Israel’s elders submit to God. God relents – somewhat. Egypt attacks and is victorious, hauling away the treasures of the temple and the palace. We find a silver lining in verse 12:12 – “Total destruction was avoided. There were, after all, some good things still in Judah.” Warfare with Jeroboam marks the rest of Rehoboam’s monarchy.

Abijah becomes the next king of Judah. Jeroboam and 800,000 soldiers march out against Abijah and 400,000 soldiers. Abijah first calls out Israel’s unfaithfulness and reminds them of Judah’s faithfulness. He claims that God is on Judah’s side. This proves to be true as Judah wins a stunning victory, killing 500,000 soldiers from Israel. This blow weakens Jeroboam, who soon dies, struck down by the Lord.

In today’s readings we see a truth that flows throughout the scriptures: God is merciful to those who are faithful or who turn back to God with changed hearts. When we falter or doubt or sin – which we will more surely do – may we remember God’s faithfulness, turning once again to the one who is always merciful and loving.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of your great love and mercy. Draw us back to you again and again when we turn from you over and over. God, you are so good and so faithful. Thank you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Unrest Around Every Corner

Readings: 2nd Samuel 20, 2nd Samuel 21, 2nd Samuel 22, 2nd Samuel 23, 2nd Samuel 24

2nd Samuel 22:31 – “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Trouble begins our reading and makes frequent appearances throughout. Sheba tries to lead Israel away from David. Only one clan joins his revolt. In the pursuit, Joab kills Amasa, eliminating a rival. In the end, Sheba is beheaded by the people of Abel. Next a famine falls upon the land. It is connected to Saul’s treachery against the Gibeonites. David inquires of the Lord, who sends him to them. The price to fix this wrong is set at seven sons of Saul. They are offered up by the Gibeonites as the blood price for Saul’s sin. Rizpah, the mother of two of the seven, mourns day and night for months, keeping guard over their bodies. This moves David. He reburied Saul and Jonathan in the ancestral grave of Saul’s family.

War and battles with the Philistines continues to be the norm. After a close call David is told he will never go into battle again. This is one hint that chapters 21-24 were written or at least take place before Absalom’s rebellion. David offers a Psalm of praise in chapter 22. God is his rock, fortress, rescuer, salvation. God hears his cries. God rewards David’s righteousness and integrity. God shows faithful love to God’s anointed. He then offers some “last words” about covenant and dynasty.

Then there is a list of David’s warriors along with some of their feats. Then 2nd Samuel closes with another sin and its consequences. A census is ordered. Joab questions this. David overrules him. Pride is at play in David’s heart. After the census David feels guilty and he repents. The prophet Gad is sent to David with three choices of consequences. David chooses the plague, trusting God’s mercy over what human hands might do. After 70,000 die, David cries out and God relents. Gad instructs David to buy a threshing floor at the place the plague stopped. He does so, building an altar and offering sacrifices. The plague ends. Yet unrest lies just around the next corner as we turn to 1st Kings tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, unrest and turmoil and violence continue to be the norm. This feels like our world today. Yet here and there your love and goodness poke through – in a mother’s love, in your mercy, in David’s faithfulness. In the midst of the trials and sufferings of our world, remind us again and again of your love, mercy, and goodness. And, Lord, use us as conduits of these things in our world too, reminding others of your presence here with us. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Imperfect But Usable

Readings: Joshua 6, Joshua 7, Joshua 8

Joshua 6:38 – “Don’t be angry with me… Please let me make just one more test.”

Today’s chapters focus on Gideon. In Gideon we see faithfulness to God right alongside his battles with doubt, fear, anger, and pride. We experience these things in our walks of faith. Like Gideon, we want to obey God, but often stumble over our own will and ways. More than anything, though, in these chapters we see that God can use Gideon’s flaws to ultimately work out God’s plans for Israel. God can and will do the same for you and for me.

The people have sinned and God allows the Midianites to cruelly oppress Israel. They cry out. God sends a prophet who reminds them, “You have not obeyed me.” Then God’s messenger calls Gideon. He is reluctant. He has excuses. He tries God’s patience. At one point Gideon says to God, “Don’t be angry with me… Please let me make just one more test.” God works through all of his tests. Satisfied for now, Gideon calls for an army. Yet fear persists. God allows him to overhear a dream which restored his courage. God then tests Gideon, whittling his army of 32,000 down to 300. Credit must go to God. Pride rises up in Gideon as he gives the battle cry: “For God and for Gideon.” Following a wild plan of God, similar to Jericho, victory is won. God’s plan is complete. Yet Gideon chooses to pursue the enemy kings.

In Gideon’s pursuit he asks the people of Succoth and Penuel for bread. They deny Gideon and his army any bread. He threatens them. Soon he captures these two enemy kings and executes them – revenge for killing Israelites. He returns to Succoth and Penuel, exacting violent revenge here too. Pride and anger rule in his heart. Yet when asked later to be Israel’s ruler, he states, “The Lord rules over you.” Apparently he is not part of this “you” though as he collects gold earrings and makes a priestly vest. This trap leads straight to idolatry and the continuing downward spiral of Israel. More on that tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to learn both from the good and the bad that we see in Gideon. Help us to be faithful and to follow your plans. Help us to see, though, when it becomes about us and our plans. Keep us from the perils of sin. Guide us to walk in your ways. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Total, Complete, Unfailing Love

Readings: Deuteronomy 5, Deuteronomy 6, Deuteronomy 7, Deuteronomy 8

Deuteronomy 6:5 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.”

Our readings today begin with Moses’ call to remember what God said on Mount Horeb. He then reviews this by reiterating the Ten Commandments. Moses is doing so because he will spend most of the next 20 chapters unpacking these ten rules to live by. From here Moses moves to “the great commandment” in chapter 6. In verse 5 we read it: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.” In many ways this sums up the first four of the 10 Commandments. Moses goes on to show just how all-encompassing this command is to be for faithful living. Tell your children, talk about it all the time, write it on the places that you’ll see often – make this the central tenet of your faith and your life.

This is then followed up with a warning against arrogance. All the cities and houses, all the wells and orchards – you didn’t do this. God gave it to you. A similar warning comes in chapter 8 too. God must have known we’d struggle with pride, ego, vanity… Love God, not self.

Moses/God commands the Israelites to teach their children their communal history and then to teach them the Law. Begin with the why and then move to the how to live faithfully in response to God’s love and care and provision. We shift next to how to deal with foreign worship. First, don’t enter into covenants with and don’t intermarry with the Canaanites. Destroy their idols, altars, poles, and sacred stones. The Lord is the only true God. Remember and live this and God will bless them in every way possible. In every way.

Chapter 8 is a reminder chapter, a why chapter. Remember God gave you manna and taught you that you don’t live by physical bread alone. Remember that God trooped you through the desert for 40 years and that your clothes didn’t wear out. Remember all that has happened to you as you stand on the edge of the Promised Land. This remembering will allow Israel to move forward in obedience and faithfulness. May we too remember often what the Lord our God has done for us. And may it lead us forward in obedience and faithfulness.

Prayer: Lord God, what rich and deep and powerful reminders today of your total and complete and unfailing love and care for your people. At times you are the shield about us and at times you are the love that enfolds us. What an awesome God we love and serve. All the power and glory are yours! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Center Stage

Readings: Genesis 9:18-39, Genesis 10, Genesis 11

Genesis 11:4 – “Come, let’s build for ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves.”

Continuing in chapter 9 today we see that sin hasn’t left the world with the flood. Noah grows grapes and makes wine. He gets drunk then naked. Ham sees his father naked and instead of covering him up, he tells Shem and Japheth about it. They do the right thing and later receive Noah’s blessings. Ham, by contrast, is cursed because he did not honor his father.

Chapter 10 details the most of the descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. They are listed a variety of ways – names, families, languages, lands, nations. This creates a kind of early ethnic map of the ancient world. Shem’s genealogy is found again in chapter 11. But it diverges in verse 18 as it follows Peleg’s branch of the family tree. This branch ends with Abram and family in the land of Haran. Sarai and her barrenness is also mentioned. This is a sharp contrast to the long list of children and descendants found in chapters 10-11.

In the middle of these genealogical lists we find the story of the Tower of Babel. In this story we see that the human tendency towards pride and arrogance survived the flood. At Shinar the people begin to scheme, saying to one another, “Come, let’s build for ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves.” They want to build a tower that reaches to heaven. It could be to connect with God or it could be to be like God. It’s likely the second as they also desire to be famous, to be recognized for their skill. As a means to counter this pride and sin, God confuses or jumbles their languages and then dispersing this prideful bunch all over the earth.

When we try to take center stage for ourselves, how does this affect our relationship with God and with one another? How does God normally respond?

Prayer: Lord God, in my thoughts, my words, my actions, may I honor you and bring all the glory to you. When I’m tempted to bring the focus to me, remind my heart of you, my audience of one. Amen.