pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: protection


by Leave a comment

Restore Us!

Reading: Psalm 80:1-7

Psalm 80:7 – “Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!”

Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration after a national tragedy. The prayer begins with Asaph calling out to the “shepherd of Israel.” The psalmist uses this familiar shepherd-sheep metaphor to bring up images of protection and provision, of guidance and direction. In verse 2 we read, “Wake up your power! Save us!” This is a plea for God to once again be Israel’s shepherd and king. The need is reiterated in the next verse where Asaph seeks the restoration of Israel through God’s presence with them.

Verses 4-6 contain a familiar refrain. The psalmist asks the questions that we ask during tragedies and prolonged periods of trial and suffering. “How long…?” The tears have flowed and flowed. The neighbors continue to act as enemies. Why us, O God? When will this end, Lord God? We ask these questions, we cry these tears, we feel this anger and maybe even rage. All point to our deep need for God’s power and presence.

Verse 7 cries out again, “Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!” This cry invites not only God but also the heavenly beings at God’s disposal to respond, to save, to rescue and restore Israel. God’s face shining is a revelation of God’s presence with the people. It is a reminder of light to guide the way, of love to dry the tears, of grace to heal the anger and rage. Yes, O God, may your face shine upon us!

Prayer: Lord God, when tragedy strikes, when unexpected loss occurs, when painful relationships linger on, draw near to us. Guide us, comfort us, ease our pain, soothe our anger. Walk with us in the valley, lifting us and encouraging us with your presence and power. Restore us, O God! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Walking the “Holy Way”

Reading: Isaiah 35:8-10

Isaiah 35:8-9 – “A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way… Only the redeemed will walk on it.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Today we continue in Isaiah’s vision. In its original context the prophet was speaking of the exiles return to the promised land. Isaiah’s oracle spoke of God’s redemption of Israel and of their safe journey through the wilderness. As the exiles return home, this “way” will be free of predators and enemies. No one will get lost along the way. Those ransomed from exile in Babylon will enter Jerusalem “with singing, with everlasting joy.” The grief and groaning of past suffering will “flee away.” For a people familiar with the long, difficult, costly journey out of exile in Egypt, these words of guidance and protection and blessing brought great hope to Israel.

In the now-and-not-yet spirit of Advent we next look at these words of Isaiah as a messianic text. During his ministry, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6.) With these words in mind we reconsider verses 8 and 9 from Isaiah 35: “A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way… Only the redeemed will walk on it.” Jesus walked and taught in holiness and righteousness. He called his disciples to walk in his footsteps, following his example of holiness and righteousness. Jesus offered forgiveness of sins to those who repented and committed to walk in his ways and truth. Redeemed from our sins, we strive to daily walk and live Jesus Christ’s “Holy Way.”

Looking forward with hope, the trust that the faithful will one day enter “Zion,” the new Jerusalem in God’s coming new kingdom. In that day the ransomed will sing praises to the Lord. Everlasting joy and peace will be upon us. The grief, groaning, tears, and suffering of this present life will be no more in our eternal home. What great hope! Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice and thank you for rescuing and redeeming your people long ago, bringing them home to their inheritance. We rejoice and thank you for rescuing and redeeming us from our sins and failures each day, empowering us by your Holy Spirit to walk in Christ’s way. And we rejoice and thank you for our coming final rescue and redemption, when we will joyfully stand in your eternal light and love. You are a most awesome God. Glory be to you, O Lord! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Trusting in God

Reading: Psalm 140:1-8

Psalm 140:4 – “Protect me from the power of the wicked, Lord!”

Psalm 150 is a plea to God for protection. Evil and violent people are plotting against David, eager to see him fall. As the Psalm opens, David asks God to rescue him, to guard him. These evil people are scheming against and trying to pick fights with David. At times we cross paths with people like this. Maybe it is a grouchy neighbor or a power-hungry boss or an unethical coworker. When their people and their evil ways turn against us, we too look to God for rescue and protection.

The evil-doers tongues are sharp as snakes’ and there is poison on their lips. Their lies and gossip and other forms of malice are making life hard for David. Words have great power. At times we too experience this. People seeking to do harm or angling for personal gain will quickly and easily say what they think will best achieve their desired outcome. These words can be hard to dispel or counter. In verse 4 David cries out as we can cry out: “Protect me from the power of the wicked, Lord!”

In verse 6 David declares God to be his God. This reminder is likely more for David than God. He needs God to be his God, to listen, to be his “saving help.” David implore God to foil the plans of the wicked. There are moments when these are our prayers too. Another’s evil words have created conflict or tension or division. We feel helpless and need God’s power, strength, guidance. In these moments, may we cry out to God, trusting in the Lord our God. Our God is mighty to save.

Prayer: Lord God, people and life can be cruel at times. We can find ourselves in what feels like a battle. In those moments, guide us to trust in you and in your power rather than in our imagined power or perceived ability. When tempted to fight back or to retaliate, lead us to turn to and to trust in you alone. Amen.


by Leave a comment

God of Truth

Reading: Psalm 52:1-5

Psalm 52:3 – “You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right.”

Psalm 52 is from David. These words he writes tell of a time when a powerful man spoke lies against him. It was during a time when King Saul was struggling – mentally and to hold onto the kingship. Doeg the Edomite saw an opportunity to better his own situation. David was caught in the cross hairs. In life we may find ourselves here. At the very least we see this kind of behavior at work in the world.

In verse 1 we learn that Doeg is powerful. And evil. The words he speaks are meant to bring destruction to David. Doeg’s tongue causes deception. In verse 3 we read, “You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right.” Through lies and deceit Doeg seeks favor with Saul at David’s expense. His words create chaos and problems for David. Maybe in our lives and certainly in our world, spoken words hold power. When someone chooses to use lies for dishonest gain it can have very negative impacts on us or on those we know.Finding himself in a messy situation, instead of retaliating or seeking revenge, David trusts in God. He believes that his good God will deal with this evil. Choosing faith and righteousness, David relies on the God of Truth, the one who will “uproot” evil from “the land of the living.” God is in control. God is with David. God will be with us in the trials of this life. Thanks be to God.Prayer: Lord God, when evil, false accusations, lies… assail us and our reputations, remind us of your love and your all-powerful protection. Even though life can be messy, when we trust in you, we can be assured that good will triumph over evil, truth over lies. Empower us to trust you always. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Protected and Safe

Reading: Psalm 27:1-5

Psalm 27:1b – “The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?”

In Psalm 27:1-5 we find a song of confidence in the Lord. As a whole, though, the Psalm is a hopeful prayer offered in the midst of a time of suffering in David’s life. It is optimism and trust in the midst of a storm. These words speak of a security found in the protection of the Lord. The hope, trust, and assurance are not found simply in the moment of need but are built in the daily walk of faith, a walk taken regularly and steadfastly on the good days, on the hard days, and on all the days in between.

In verse 1 David declares that God is his light and salvation, his fortress of protection. Because of this belief David can ask, ‘Who or what should I wear?’ The answers are ‘no one’ and ‘nothing.’ Those evil doers? They will be the ones who stumble and fall. That ‘army’ that comes against me? I will trust in the Lord. My friend, God is our light and salvation, our fortress. We can trust in our God.

David expresses the one thing he asks God for, the one thing that he seeks in verse 4. It is “to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life.” David us not talking about actually living in the temple. He is talking about walking and talking daily with the Lord, about being in a constant relationship and, therefore, always in God’s presence. In this ‘place,’ God will shelter David and will shelter us. In the presence of God, David is kept safe. So too will we be kept safe. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, give us the dedication and the stamina to walk with you each and every day. When it’s easier to skip time with you, whisper words of love into our hearts. Bless each time that we give to you so that we are drawn more and more to enter that space once again. Thank you for your unfailing and sure love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Choices

Reading: Jeremiah 17:12-14

Jeremiah 17:14 – “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.”

Jeremiah lived and shared God’s word during a turbulent time in Judah. The northern kingdom has fallen to Babylon and he would witness the fall of Judah during his ministry. Jeremiah speaks words that are hard to hear – the sin of the leaders and the people are great. At the start of chapter 17 the prophet writes, “Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron pen… on the tablets of their heart.” Their faith situation is grave. Judah’s fall is close at hand.

Turning to our passage for today, Jeremiah recognizes that God still sits enthroned in the sanctuary. This echoes yesterday’s reality that God was, is, and always will be. He recognizes God as “the hope of Israel.” While all of this is true concerning God, free will is at play. Very few people remain faithful. Jeremiah acknowledges that those who forsake or turn away from God “will suffer disgrace” or will be “written off.” Choices.

In spite of this present reality, Jeremiah also makes a choice. In verses 14 he speaks his heart: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.” Jeremiah, in spite of all the sin and evil around him remains fully committed to God. This is a choice that we must make at times. In personal situations, in our relationships, in the world that we live in today, will we choose to be faithful and totally committed to the Lord our God? Or will we walk the easier, safer road?

Prayer: Lord God, in the moments where we are tempted by sin, drawn to the desires of the flesh, and/or pondering just letting evil win, speak into our hearts. We, like Jeremiah, desire to walk faithfully with you. Remind us of your love and care, of your protection and provision, especially in these moments of decision. Empower us through the Spirit that dwells within. Thank you, O Lord our God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Love and Care, Provision and Protection

Reading: Numbers 11:16-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!”

After hearing the complaints and grumblings, God first deals with Moses. In response to Moses feeling overwhelmed, God has him call 70 elders and God places some of the Spirit that is upon Moses on these men. They will help Moses bear the burden of leadership. God also allows the Spirit to fall upon two who were called but weren’t at the tent of meeting. Joshua asks Moses about stopping these men from prophesying. Moses, instead of being jealous, is generous. His reply to Joshua: “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!” Yes indeed! Imagine if all of God’s people were filled with the Holy Spirit!

God next turns to the peoples’ complaints and grumblings. God addresses their physical grumbling first. God, through Moses, invites the people to make themselves holy – because it is about to rain down quail. Moses does question this promise of God at first. He cannot wrap his mind around what God is promising. Some of the time we can struggle with this too. It is God’s turn to be generous. With great grace God simply asks Moses, “Is the Lord’s power too weak?” Well, no. Not ever. Reminded of who and what God is, Moses shared the promise with the people.

God also reminds the people of who and what God is. They don’t just receive quail like they received manna. It is not just enough for the day ahead. It is quail upon quail upon quail upon… This is God’s way of demonstrating God’s power and strength. Addressing their spiritual grumbling next, God deals with those who questioned God and God’s plans. Those called ‘riffraff’ were buried that day. This too is part of God’s love and care for God’s people. Provision and protection are part of loving and caring for the family of God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is important to remember from time to time all of who and what you are. Thank you, God, for being a loving God, first and foremost. Thank you for being a God who cares for and provides for us. And, also God, thank you for being a God who protects us, sometimes even from ourselves or those who draw us away from our faith and trust in you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Bring Your Kingdom

Reading: Luke 11:1-13

Luke 11:9 – “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Today’s passage holds three connected teachings on prayer. The first gives us a model for prayer. The second teaches us to be persistent in our prayers. The third reflects on the goodness of God’s answers to our prayers.

Our passage begins with a disciple asking Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus models a prayer life that is worth emulating. The disciple wants to have what Jesus receives when he prays: joy, peace, strength, hope. The prayer Jesus teaches is a simple prayer. It begins with praise to God and quickly moves to seeking God’s will. Notice the focus: God. It then shifts to needs: our need for daily provision and our need for forgiveness – both given and received. The prayer model closes with a plea for protection from the world, our source of temptation.

Verses 5-10 tell the story of a friend in need. Hospitality was and is highly valued in Judaism. In the story a man cannot offer hospitality. He turns to his neighbor, who initially refuses to help. But because of his friend’s persistence around doing a good and right thing, the friends give his what is needed. Connecting to the idea of prayer, Jesus says, “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Our reading closes by unpacking what verse 9 means in terms of God’s answers to our prayers. Jesus tells us that our heavenly Father, who is good, will surely give good gifts to his children. Running through the bread example and this portion is the meaning of “bring your kingdom.” In the translation that we know better it is worded “your will be done.” This good and right alignment will most often yield a fish or an egg instead of a snake or scorpion. And when our prayers yield what we see as a snake or scorpion at first – may we keep the faith in our good God who works all things towards good for those who love God.

Prayer: Lord God, prayer is at the center of our relationship with you. It is the place where we can openly and honestly express all that is on our hearts and minds – our needs, emotions, struggles, joys, praises. Help us to focus on the ways that our lives bring your kingdom into this world. Empower us to walk and live in faith. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Not Even My Life

Reading: Acts 18-20

Acts 20:24 – “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.”

Moving on to Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, two believers forced out of Rome when Emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews. In Corinth, Paul teaches first in the synagogue on each Sabbath. Once Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul preaches daily. This leads to Jewish opposition which leads Paul to teaching only the Gentiles. Many come to believe in Jesus Christ. In a vision God encourages Paul to keep speaking, assuring him of God’s protection. This is evident as the Jews unite and drag Paul before Governor Gallio. He summarily dismisses them.

Paul leaves Corinth and works his way to Ephesus, preaching along the way. Apollos has been successfully teaching about Jesus in Ephesus. He meets Priscilla and Aquila, who teach him more about Jesus. They send him on to Achaia with their blessing. When Paul arrives he educates the new believers about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which they receive. Paul teaches first in the synagogue, until opposition arises. He shifts again to the Gentiles, teaching for two years in a lecture hall. The power of God at work is evident in amazing ways – towels and aprons touched by Paul bring healing to people.

We also read of a “great disturbance” stirred up by Demetrius. Paul’s work is threatening their livelihood and their god Artemis. Demetrius’ words lead to a riot. Paul is warned against going to speak – by city officials. The city manager goes and calms and then dismisses the crowd. Paul’s influence is wide.

Paul and seven others then make their way to Traos. Here he resuscitates a young man who falls asleep and then falls out of a third story window during Paul’s preaching. Moving on to Ephesus, Paul gathers the church elders. Reminding them of his faithful example, he encourages them to continue the ministry. He warns them of “savage wolves” and to “Stay alert!” He also speaks of prison and troubles that await him. As words of both encouragement and example, Paul declares, “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.” Entrusting the Ephesian church to this same grace, Paul leaves these that he will not see again, heading for Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul continues his mission and ministry, place by place, person by person. He remains faithful to the mission of sharing the good news of your grace. Troubles come and your Holy Spirit guides his through. Lord, fill us with this same Spirit. Lead and guide us to walk in faith each day. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Healings and Wholeness

Reading: Acts 3:1-5:16

Acts 4:11-12 – “This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! Salvation can be found in no one else.”

Peter and John head to the temple to pray at “the established prayer time.” On the way in they encounter a crippled beggar. Getting his full attention, Peter offers what he has, telling the man, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!” The man enters the temple with them, “walking, leaping, and praising God.” Filled with wonder, the people rush to Peter and John. They tell the people that it is not they who healed the man, but it is the one they handed over and rejected – Jesus. Belief in his name healed the man. Peter then encourages them to “change your hearts and lives,” repenting so that “your sins may be wiped away.”

The healing brings opposition. The Jewish leaders seize and imprison Peter and John. Even so, many choose to believe in Jesus, growing the community to 5,000. The leaders question the apostles, wanting to know by what power they healed the man. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares that the crippled man standing before them was healed in the name of Jesus. Continuing, he states, “This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! Salvation can be found in no one else.” The leaders are surprised by Peter’s confidence and they know the people are amazed by this sign. They instruct Peter and John to stop speaking and teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and John tell them they’ll obey God and not man. They can’t stop!

Sharing what happened at the temple, the community prays for protection and for confidence, for healings and signs – all in the name of Jesus. The community becomes united, growing to have one heart and mind. People share everything. No one is in need. The story of Ananias and Sapphira comes as a warning. Their dishonesty costs them their lives. One cannot lie to God. Large numbers continue to be added to the church. Healings and wholeness abound as God answers their prayers. God is at work in the faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, what power is available through faith in Jesus Christ! The faith that Jesus said could move mountains was present in the early church, drawing many to faith in Jesus, the source of salvation. Lord, enable us to claim this power and to offer healing and wholeness through you. Our world is in need. Use us as your disciples to bring your love to our broken world. Amen.