pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: provision


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This Truth

Reading: Exodus 17:5-7

Exodus 17:6 – “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.”

Today we continue in Exodus 17. We read about God’s response to the people complaining, arguing with Moses, testing God, and asking for water. God shows none of the frustration that we could hear in Moses’ words yesterday. Taking some of the elders and the staff that parted the sea, Moses moved out. God instructs, “I’ll be standing in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it.” Moses follows the instructions and water is provided.

Reading this story, we often think the miracle is water coming out of a dry rock in the middle of the desert. But there is a bigger miracle. God stands on the rock for Moses and the elders to see. No going up the mountain. No entering into the clouds. Right there, in plain sight. The visible presence of God is a reminder of the power behind the water… and the manna… and the bitter water becoming palatable… and… For us to see God in this way, simply being present, it would blow our doors off.

During Lent we are invited to be extra aware of God’s presence with us. Some do this through fasting. Some do this by reading a Lenten book or devotional. Some do this by volunteering once a week. We are also invited to be aware of God’s presence in the ordinary. Not every moment is a standing-on-the-rock moment. This awareness might come in the answering of a prayer, in the opening of a door, in the words spoken by a friend…

To notice God’s presence, to see God’s hand at work – these work to lessen our self-importance, our need to be in control, our desire to manipulate God. As we practice seeing and sensing God’s presence, we come to understand that God is always with us. God’s goodness is ever present. Understanding this truth, we know the answer to the Israelites’ question, “Is God really with us or not?”

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we get caught up in our own troubles, worrier, wants… In these moments we become less able to sense or see your presence in our lives. When we slip down into this place, lift us up, pull us out, stand our feet upon your rock, Jesus Christ. In ways both big and small, open our eyes and hearts to your constant presence, love, and care. Amen.


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Turn to the Lord

Reading: Exodus 17:1-4

Exodus 17:3 – “But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'”

Moses is the leader of the people of God, the conduit of God’s presence with the people. He is the one who went before Pharaoh again and again, bringing plague after plague to gain their freedom from slavery in Egypt. Moses led them out of Egypt and parted the sea when Pharaoh’s army was closing in on them. Through Moses, the bitter water became good. Moses went to God twice and the manna and then the quail satisfied the people’s hungers. As their journey in the wilderness brings them to Rephidim, there was no water for them or their livestock. To whom might they turn to provide water for this multitude in the middle of the desert?

Moses’ response is interesting. He retorts, “Why are you arguing with me? Why are you testing the Lord?” Think back to when your children were young or maybe to a time with a little brother or sister came to you if you’re still young. Can you remember the times when they came to you when they were hungry or thirsty or when they wanted something? They came to us because they trusted us. They knew that we loved them and would help them.

Like we too have experienced in scenarios with children, the people persisted. In verse 3 we read, But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'” So great was their need, so desperate their situation, they would not give up. The people trusted in God’s love and care. They turned to the only one who could bring water in the desert. God was their only hope and Moses was the conduit. During our water-in-the-desert or hope-in-despair or comfort-in-sorrow or guidance-in-the-wilderness or peace-in-the-storm moments, may we too turn to the Lord our God, the one who is always present, the one who loves us completely, the one who will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love, care, and provision in the past. Because of this, we trust you to watch over us, to lead and guide us. But when we forget and complain or doubt or feel like worry is about to win the day, gently remind us of your constant presence and abiding love. Guide us to turn to you once again. You are our only hope. Amen.


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Stepping Out

Reading: Genesis 12:1-2

Genesis 12:1 – “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.”

Moving someplace new can be exciting, but is often scary and disorienting. Sometimes when someone else moves, it can raise our anxiety and fears. Several years ago, our son and daughter-in-law decided to move to “a city” after finishing college. No, they didn’t have jobs. As they considered Seattle, Atlanta, and Fort Worth, we were greatly relieved when they chose Fort Worth. Alex’s Dad lived there. Family would be nearby. Phew.

Turning to Genesis 12:1-4 today and tomorrow, we can imagine that Abram and Sarai and even Terah, Abram’s father, felt some of what we felt and more. In verse 1 God says to Abram, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.” God is asking Abram to leave everything he knows: homeland, security, family, support, place of worship, guidance. This in and of itself is a BIG ask. Add in the kicker – “for the land that I WILL show you” – and it requires radical obedience for Abram to pack up and go. As John Wesley wrote, Abram was wrestling with “whether he could trust God further than he saw God.” How true!

This challenging invitation does come with some promises from God. God will make Abram into a great nation and will bless him. Childless yet at age 75, to step into these promises also required great faith and trust – and a willingness to enter into a place of vulnerability. While God could call us to do what Abram was called to do, our callings and invitations are relatively “smaller.” Yet whether it is to step into a new role or career or to reach out to reconcile that broken relationship or whatever God asks if us, the divine call asks for faith, trust, obedience, and often for vulnerability. As God calls, may we too step out in faith, believing in what we cannot yet see.

Prayer: Lord God, your Spirit calls and invites us to step out frequently, if not daily, asking us to go where you need us to go. Sometimes it is to stretch or grow our own faith and trust. Other times it is to share our faith and your love, grace, provision, presence… with others. In all cases, strengthen and encourage us to faithfully obey you as we walk in faith. Amen.


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The Questions of Lent

Readings: Genesis 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:1-7

Genesis 3:1b – “Did God really say that you shouldn’t eat from any tree in the garden?”

Our passage today begins with God giving Adam a purpose: to farm and take care of the garden. In this place of great abundance, Adam is given all that he needs. Of all the abundance, he is denied just one thing: “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” This scene made me wonder, how many “one thing” moments have I had? I quickly run out of fingers as I recall times when I’ve had all I needed yet chased after or at least really longed for that one thing I didn’t have. Almost always this was from a place or greed or lust or insecurity… How about you? How many moments can you recall?

As we turn to chapter 3, the serpent enters the picture. Viewed as Satan since the time of the earliest Jewish writers, the evil one says to Eve, “Did God really say that you shouldn’t eat from any tree in the garden?” Satan begins by planting a seed of doubt. Can you hear the emphasis on the word “really?” The seed is watered with half-truths until it grows into desire. Eve takes and eats the fruit that looks beautiful and delicious. Adam partakes too. Eyes opened, they see as Satan saw them. They felt vulnerable and naked and ashamed and they try to cover all this up. This scene feels too familiar.

The season of Lent is about looking within and honestly assessing that which must die within us so that we can live for Christ instead of for self. What looks beautiful and delicious that brings ugliness and bitterness instead? What do I long for or lust after that will never truly satisfy? These are the questions of Lent. In turn, what honest questions do you need to ask yourself?

Prayer: Lord God, Adam and Eve’s story is my story. It is the story of humanity, of us all. There is always a part of us that desires that which harms us or lessens us or leaves us empty. When Satan whispers into our ears or hearts, remind us that you are all we need. Your love, your care, your provision – all we need and more. Strengthen and encourage us to trust in these truths. Turn us to your Spirit when temptation rises. Guide us to place our whole self in your hands. Amen.


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Worship and Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 147:12-20

Psalm 147:12 – “Worship the Lord, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!”

Photo credit: Jeremy Perkins

This week’s Psalm is a song of praise for God’s sustaining care and power. Verses 12-20 focus on God’s care specifically for Israel. In the opening verse of our reading, the psalmist issues an invitation: “Worship the Lord, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!” It is a charge to praise and worship God for all that God does and is for the faithful. It is a charge that goes out to you and to me too.

God’s protection and blessing are the focus of verses 13 and 14. Peace and security, safety and provision come to God’s people. These are the loving actions of God. The peoples’ role? Our role? Praise and worship the Lord. This response is easy when life is good, when all is well. But the charge does not change in hard times. God’s presence, protection, and blessing are ours even in the hardest of times.

God’s command over the created world is the focus of verses 15-18. God speaks and the snow, frost, and hail come. Another word brings the warm winds and the water again flows. The reminder of God’s power over creation is a reminder that God is in control of our lives too. In good, sunny times, God is with us. In cold, dreary times, God is with us. For God’s presence in all of life, we worship and praise the Lord.

Our Psalm closes with a reminder of what makes Israel and us unique as the people of God. God’s word, God’s will and way, they are with us in a physical form. In each day of life, the scriptures remind us of God’s love and care for us and for our world. The written word of God also holds the promises of God, anchors for us in all of life. For God’s presence in the word, we worship and praise God this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, we praise and worship you for your constant and steadfast presence with us. In all ways and at all times you guide and lead, care for and provide, comfort and encourage, convict and forgive… Your love for us knows no bounds. Thank you, God! All praise and worship is yours! Amen.


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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.


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God’s Intended Creation

Reading: Psalm 65:9-13

Psalm 65:13 – “The meadowlands are covered in flocks, the valleys decked out in grain.”

Psalm 65 is a song of praise for God’s works. The portion that we read today celebrates God’s provision to the people of the earth. In verses 9-10 the psalmist rejoices over how God brings abundance to the earth through the “rain showers” that enrich the earth and provide grain for the people. From what was chaos in Genesis 1, God has ordered and shaped creation in ways that express God’s love to all of God’s children.

Moving into verses 11-12 we see that it is God’s goodness that creates this overflowing abundance. God provides because God is good. God’s goodness is so graciously given that even the desert is “dressed in pure joy.” This goodness and blessing extends even more to the valleys and meadowlands tended by God’s people. Of these we read, “The meadowlands are covered in flocks, the valleys decked out in grain.” This provision yields a joy that expresses itself in songs of praise to God.

As I read these verses, I think that all of creation and all of humanity should be greatly blessed with all that we need. This is clearly God’s intent for the world that God designed and created. The hard reality, though, is that there is a great wrench that “we” have thrown into God’s plan. Greed and selfishness and the desire for power have twisted God’s plan and design. A very small few are greatly blessed in all ways. And while a good chunk in the middle are doing okay, a too-large group struggles daily for food, shelter, and security. How can we, as the people of God, move our world closer to what it was created to be?

Prayer: Lord God, likely as we read this we sit in the middle group – comfortable enough in life that it can feel okay to ignore those other groups. But, Lord, you call us to more. Awaken in us your spirit of generous abundance for all of creation. Move us to be people who speak and act in ways that bring about your intended world. Amen.


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Our Response?

Reading: Joel 2:23-27

Joel 2:26 – “You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God.”

The book of Joel begins with a lament over the destruction of Israel and the causes of this great devastation. The invading armies are like locust – they strip the land bare and leave suffering in their wake. In response, Joel calls for fasting and repentance, both as means to draw close to God once again. Midway through chapter 2 God promises to respond to the changed hearts of the once again faithful people.

As we turn to verse 23, through Joel, God invites the “children of God” to rejoice and be glad. God promises to send rain upon the land, “a sign of righteousness.” This abundant rainfall will lead to an abundant harvest. The grain, grapes, and olives will fill threshing floors and storage vats. In stark contrast to the years of suffering and hunger, God says, “You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God.” The peoples’ shame will be no more and they will know “that I am the Lord your God.” God’s love and provision will be clearly evident.

For those who haven’t faced hunger as a way of life, think of recent images in Gaza, in slums outside major urban areas, in poverty-stricken third world nations. Many in our world and even in our nation lack food security. Recent policy changes will likely put more people into this situation. In these places of suffering and hunger, as it was for the people of Joel’s day, shame is often present. Living today in a land of great abundance, we must ask ourselves why hunger is such an overwhelming issue for so many people. It should not be so. As the people of God, what is our response to this injustice?

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes and hearts to the food needs around us. Whether it is people living in “food deserts” or people wrestling with the decision to buy gas to get to work or to buy food to put on the table, raise up your people to respond. Move us out into the world, filled with compassion, bringing our abundance along with us. Lead us to care well for those created in your image, so that they too might “praise the name of the Lord.” Amen.


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No Wind Chasing!

Reading: Ecclesiastes 6:1-9

Ecclesiastes 6:9 – “It’s better to enjoy what’s at hand than to have an insatiable appetite. This too is pointless, just chasing wind.”

The book of Ecclesiastes is addressed to prosperous people who think that material possessions will bring lasting satisfaction. The writer frequently reminds readers that “nothing under the sun” is permanent. Wisdom, wealth, power? Ha! Just a puff of wind.

Turning to chapter 6 today, the author addresses our “appetites” for the things of this world. Verse 1 begins with “I saw a tragedy…” Still working from the blessings-curses framework evident in Job yesterday, the author notes that God does indeed give some people “wealth, riches, and glory.” Such as these – “they lack nothing.” Yet, these folks do not enjoy the blessings. Instead, they pass away and others – “a stranger” – enjoys these worldly blessings.

Next, the Teacher writes of those with children, also considered a great blessing in this culture. Yes, someone can have 100 children and long life. But if they are not content with “life’s good things” – family and good health in this case – then “a stillborn child… is better off than they are.” The author argues that this child has more peace than one who lives 2,000 years but does not enjoy life’s good things.

In this life, whether rich or poor, the writer observes that “the appetite is never full.” All people are drawn to the things of this world. In verse 9 we read, “It’s better to enjoy what’s at hand than to have an insatiable appetite. This too is pointless, just chasing wind.” Be content. Enjoy life as it is. Don’t strive for more and more. As my friend Peggy once said, bloom where you are planted. And… don’t chase after the wind!

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to chase after you with all that we are. Lead us to trust in you for our provision, for our “daily bread.” Relying upon you alone, fill us with contentment and peace, with joy and happiness. Amen.


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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.