pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Pure and Upright

Reading: Proverbs 19 and 20

‭Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you might grow wise in the future.”

To choose to ignore wisdom is to choose to be a fool. Folly first of all corrupts the heart against God. That can lead a foolish son to be a “disaster to his father” and a “contentious wife” to feel like a “constant dripping.” Fools jump right into fights and they mock justice. Fools and liars will not escape. They will perish. Therefore the sage says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you might grow wise in the future.” Here one finds true life, contentment, and peace.

We seek and we enjoy these gifts. That is some of the reason that we plan. This is good to do but we are also reminded “the Lord’s purpose will succeed.” This is why we must never stop listening to wisdom and why we must never refuse discipline. When we do stop, we wander. The walk of faith is long and slow and steady. Advice for our walk comes from “the deep waters of the heart.” It requires long, slow, and steady care. With understanding we can draw from these waters, gaining wisdom and finding true life.

Listening closely and drawing deeply from wisdom allows us to apply it to our lives and to our living. Doing so we learn to restrain our anger and to walk away from senseless fights and to ignore an offense. We come to value wise speech as “the most precious jewel.” We grow to be gracious to the poor. We wait upon the Lord’s salvation. We learn to walk with integrity and honor. We, like our children, are known by our words and by our conduct. May we be pure and Upright, bringing glory and splendor to God.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that all of who and what we are really matters. Guide us to walk as you call us to walk, clinging to wisdom and understanding and discipline, walking in your way. Keep our ears and hearts open to your guidance and your correction. Use our deeds and words to make your will and way known. Amen.


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Humbly Walk

Reading: Proverbs 16

‭Proverbs 15:3 – “The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on evil and good people.”

In verses 28 we read that a righteous heart thinks before answering while the wicked heart blurts out evil. Our words really matter. The sage also shared that the sensitive answers turn back wrath while offensive words stir up anger. Similarly, patient people calm strife while hotheads stir up conflict. Our words affect others. Let our words be carefully considered.

When our words are wholesome, they bring others life. When we speak with wisdom we spread knowledge. But with unwholesome speech there is no knowledge. This kind of speech breaks the spirit – and the heart. Our words affect others. Let us speak words of truth and love, hope and wisdom.

If we are wise and careful with our words then we reveal a close walk with God. God loves those who pursue righteousness and whose words are pure (in alignment with God’s will and way.) God detests those who lay evil plans and who walk the path of wickedness. Speaking of the consequences the sage writes, “God snatched the arrogant one’s house” while watching over and preserving the widow’s home… May our actions and words be pure.

The sages also touch on the “why” concerning the pursuit of righteousness. We’re reminded that having “a little” while fearing the Lord is better than “great reward” with turmoil. We’re reminded that to “eat greens” surrounded by love is far better than “a plump calf” surrounded by hate. There is much to be said for peace, contentment, simple joys. Today’s readings closes with this gem: “The fear of the Lord is wise instruction, and humility comes with respect.” May we humbly Walk before the Lord who is worthy of our respect and of our love and of our obedience. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, as our words really matter, guide our words. Help us to speak words that build up, that encourage, that spread love and life and faith. Fill our hearts, Lord, with your presence, for there we find joy, hope, love, contentment, and peace. Yes, God, may it be so. Amen.


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Clean Hands, Pure Heart

Readings: Psalms 21-24

‭Psalm 22:19 – “But you, LORD! Don’t be far away! You are my strength! Come quick and help me!”

What a range we have in today’s four Psalms. Psalm 21 celebrates God’s protection of the king. Psalm 22 begins as a desperate plea for help and turns into praise. Psalm 23 is all about trusting in God’s care. Psalm 24 celebrates God’s control over all things.

Psalm 21 begins with thanksgiving for all that God has done to establish the king. There is a two-way street: the king will not stumble because he trusts the Lord. The psalmist returns to thanksgiving in verses 8-12. This thanks is for God’s protection against enemies. There are parallels with Psalm 23 abounding here in this Psalm. Praise be to God!

Turning to Psalm 22 the immediate question is, “Where are you, God?!” The psalmist cries out day and night. Although faithful since birth, the author is now “poured out like water.” These words and others in these four Psalms echo the scene of Jesus on the cross. The cry to the Lord is renewed in verse 19: “But you, LORD! Don’t be far away! You are my strength! Come quick and help me!” This cry, however, is quickly followed by words of praise and proclamation. It is as if the psalmist of verse 4 (“Our ancestors trusted you”) has reconnected to the Lord our God. Psalm 23 speaks deeply of this trust and connection. This Psalm reminds us of the thoroughly sufficiency of God’s care for us in all of life.

Psalm 24 takes the themes and ideas of Psalm 23 and makes them corporate. All is God’s. The God who walks with us “through the darkest valley” is also the God who is strong and powerful in battle. Psalm 24 reminds us that “only one with clean hands and a pure heart” can ascend to the mountain of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, how glorious, how mighty, how majestic, how powerful are you, O God. And yet you hear our cries in the night and our pleas by day. All-powerful yet personally intimate. You hold our hand in the valleys. Your hand anoints us with the oil of blessing. You are the king of glory! You are our God. Amen.


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True and Perfect

Readings: Psalms 17-20

‭Psalm 18:30 – “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

There is a familiarity of themes and of some verses/phrases in today’s readings. Psalm 17 and 18 touch on the theme of obedience/blessing and disobedience/consequences. In Psalm 17, for David, a right heart and a sinless mouth means that God should “tilt your ears towards me now.” He seeks refuge in God from those who speak arrogantly, who want to “put me in the dirt.”

Psalm 18 begins with some wonderful descriptors of God: strength, solid rock, fortress, rescuer, refuge, shield, salvation, place of safety. These are words that we too can claim. David cries out for help and God responds in power and might – thunder and lightning, hail and coals. God’s power is both majestic and frightening. Verses 20-24 remind me of Job. God rewards because David is righteous. God restores because David’s hands are clean. Verse 30 is a great summary verse: “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Psalm 19 continues the praise of God that ends Psalm 18. The heavens declare God’s glory. The law is perfect, faithful, right, pure, correct, and true. It brings wisdom and gladness and light. One is given “great reward” by keeping the law. In verses 12 and 13 David seeks forgiveness for accidental wrongs. Psalm 19 closes with familiar words: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart…”

In our last Psalm for today the focus shifts to the other. The prayer is for God to answer “you” when in trouble and for God to fulfill the desires of “your” heart. This is a prayer that we can pray over others. Who might you pray verses 1-5 over today?

Prayer: Lord God, your way is true and perfect. Your will guides us to light, love, hope, peace. We are faulty and imperfect. On our own, O God, we’d be helplessly lost. Surely those cords of death would entangle us. But we are not alone. You are right there beside us. You are our strength and our shield, our rock and our defender, our God. Thank you. Amen.


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Pleasing to God

Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

Verse 14: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.”

As we turn to the second part of Psalm 19 we turn to the second way that our relationship with God is strengthened and deepened. In verses 7-14 David writes about “the Law of God.” For David this was the Torah – the first five books of our Bible. It was all they had at this point in history. We have many more books and because all of these are also the inspired word of God, the words of Psalm 19 apply to it all.

David describes God’s word as “perfect… trustworthy… right… radiant… pure… sure.” God is all of these things so God’s word must be as well! David writes of the “value” of God’s word: “more precious than gold… sweeter than honey.” And David shares the affects or impact of God’s word. It revives our soul and it gives light to our eyes. It gives joy to our heart and “in keeping them there is great reward.” All of this is true about living life according to God’s word! David loves God’s word. It brings so much life to him. The same is true for us and for our lives. Time in and with God’s word brings strength and depth to our faith.

The Psalm closes with some familiar words: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.” Most preachers offer these words at the start of the sermon. Yet these words aren’t just for Sunday morning. These words can be our prayer every morning. As we strengthen and deepen our relationship with God, our desire to live according to the word grows. As this desire grows, our passion for living a life that is pleasing to God also grows. What a journey! Lord, in your mercy, be our rock and our redeemer.

Prayer: Lord God, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a joy to my heart. It leads and guides me in the way that I should go. It defends me from evil. Through the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment make your word even more a part of my life. And, yes, may all I do and say be pleasing to you, O God! Amen.


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Choose His Yoke

Reading: Matthew 11:25-30

Verse 25: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

Our passage for today begins with a prayer for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Faith requires a simple, childlike faith. It does not need intelligence or power or wealth or anything else of this world. No, it is God’s “good pleasure” to reveal the kingdom of heaven to those who are pure of heart. This heart, one free from the clutter and temptations of this world, this heart is the heart to whom Jesus will choose to reveal God.

Then Jesus issues an invitation to such as these. It aligns with the words of his prayer: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” To those tired out by chasing and chasing after the things of this world, to those bowed low because they’ve tried and tried to do life on their own – come to Jesus and find rest. Jesus invites all to take on his yoke, to lean on him, to learn from him, to grow to become humble and gentle – both with ourselves and with others.

Contrary to what you or others may think, Jesus’ yoke is “easy” and his burden is “light.” The yoke of the religious leaders of his day was heavy and burdensome. The yoke of the world today is heavy and burdensome. Jesus’ yoke is easy and light, but not because it is in and of itself. It is easy and light because Jesus carries most of the weight. He hears our burdens, he shoulders our load. He invited us to walk alongside him. There we find rest for our souls, for our bodies, and for our spirits. Doing so we choose to live in and for God’s kingdom of love. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when I try once again to go it on my own, the load again becomes heavy and hard to bear solo. Then I feel the burden of trying to do it all myself. Humble me so that I gladly and willingly take on your yoke. There I do find rest for my soul and I find strength for the day. Thank you for the invitation and for the gentle reminder. Amen.


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Day by Day

Reading: 1st Peter 1:17-23

Verse 23: “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

Photo credit: Javardh

This week’s Epistle reading is a call to be “holy.” God alone is holy – perfect, pure, just, good, righteous… Last week Peter reminded us that although we receive an inheritance that is imperishable and unfading, our journey of faith is one that will take us again and again through the refining process. Each time we are refined we become holier, more righteous, more just… but we will never be holy, perfect, pure… as God is holy, perfect, pure…

Our passage today begins by calling us to live in “reverent fear.” Because we call on a just God, the call is to live lives that honor God, that demonstrate our awareness of God’s holiness, perfection, justice… Peter then returns to the idea of the imperishable. He reminds us that we were not redeemed with gold or silver but with the “precious blood of Christ.” Although he was human for 30ish years, Jesus is eternal, imperishable, forever. Because Christ is these things, so too is our forgiveness and our salvation. Once we have been “born again” we are living in and under the “living and enduring word of God.” It is through the word of God, the working of the Holy Spirit, and our obedience to this call to holy living that we grow into Christ more and more and more.

The refining, the growing and maturing, the struggles, the highs, the trials – these are all at work on our journey of faith. Together they continue to make us into who God created us to be. This is the story of our faith. Day by day may we open ourselves to the living and enduring word of God, to the workings of the Holy Spirit, and to the path that God invites us to walk each day.

Prayer: Lord God, you invite us on a powerful, amazing, transforming journey. You are ever at work to make us holy, to form us into who you created us to be. May we be willing and faithful participants in this process. Amen.


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As I Have…

Reading: John 13:1-17 and 31-35

Verse 34: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Today is Maundy or command Thursday. That’s what the Latin word mandatum translates to: command. Today’s “new command” is really an extension or an elevation of a very old command. Deuteronomy 19:18 comes at the end of a long list about how to treat and not treat our neighbors. It summarizes this teaching with these words: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” While practical and logical, these words did need amended. We don’t always love ourselves very well.

Jesus is an excellent teacher. He first demonstrates what he is going to talk about. He first takes off his outer clothing. This would’ve certainly focused the disciples’ attention as they wondered what in the world is going on. With their full attention Jesus begins to wash their feet. One by one, kneeling at their feet, Jesus begins to make his way through the 12. Part way through he deals with Peter’s objections and Jesus hints at a betrayal. He finishes up the task and asks, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” Yes, the Lord and teacher has knelt and served. Jesus wraps up the teaching moment with these words: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

Jumping to verse 34 we read the new command: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Jesus has demonstrated humble service. “As I have loved you” is the key part of this command to love. Jesus’ love is perfect and unconditional. It is pure and selfless. It is a love that never falters, never wavers. It is a love totally worth striving for. Giving our all for. “By this all men [and women] will know that you are my disciples.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when my limited, selfish love begins to falter, fill me with your unlimited, pure love. When I want to make my love conditional, attaching strings to it, remind me of the gift so freely and abundantly given to me. Over and over, again and again, whisper these words: “As I have loved you.” Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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Walking Closer

Reading: Psalm 51:1-17

Verse 3: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”

As we begin to lean into Ash Wednesday we first turn to this powerful Psalm. These words are the heartfelt confession of King David. Adultery and murder are the two “big” transgressions at the heart of these words, but they are far from the only sins committed. It can be easy to dismiss the lessons of this Psalm as we think, ‘I’ve never committed murder or adultery.’ If that’s the case, please take a second and read Matthew 5:21-30.

To me the beauty of this Psalm is that it is equal parts confession, trust in God, and a desire to live in such a way that not only David but others can become closer to God. David begins where most of us should begin – asking God for mercy and for cleansing. In verses 3 we learn why this is the place to begin: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” Like all of us, David recognizes that he has been sinful since birth. That is just part of the human condition. Beginning in verse 6 David expresses a desire to be better: “teach me wisdom… cleanse me… wash me… blot out my iniquity… create in me a pure heart… renew a steadfast Spirit within me…” David knows that he falls woefully short of who he could be. And he humbly turns to the only one that can change him: God.

Tomorrow evening many of these words will be spoken. The ashes and songs and words will remind us of our shortcomings and of our humanity. The cross made in our forehead or hand will remind us of the only one who can change our hearts. With the same trust and humility as David, may we surrender self to God and commit to walking closer to who God created us to be.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, my sin is ever before me. The words, the thoughts, sometimes the actions – they reveal the depths of humanity within me. Lord, hear my confession and repentance. Cleanse me again and again of my transgressions. Lead and guide me to live my faith more consistently, more honestly, more humbly. Amen.


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Here Am I

Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8

Verse 8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?'”

Photo credit: Daniel Hooper

Imagine being in Isaiah’s place as chapter 6 opens! He has a vision or experience of heaven. He sees God on the throne, “high and exalted.” There are magnificent creatures, called “seraphs,” hovering above the throne. These beings with 6 wings sang in powerful voices, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with God’s glory.” Their song shakes the doorposts and thresholds of heaven. What an amazing and powerful experience!

Suddenly, right in the middle of this splendor and might, Isaiah has a realization. He does not really “fit” in this perfect place. Discomfort riding, he blurts out, “Woe is me! I am ruined! I am a man of unclean lips.” Have you ever felt really out of place before? As the realization sunk in perhaps you too thought, “Oh no…” Isaiah also extends this thought to the people that God has sent him to. They are “a people of unclean lips.” Double trouble!

Yet God, our God of compassion and mercy and grace, recognizes Isaiah’s distress. One of the seraphs takes a live coal and touches Isaiah’s lips – those unclean lips – and says, “Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” He is made right, able to stand holy and pure before God in that moment. It is like the moment when we’ve confessed and repented and take in the juice and the bread. Then too we stand for a moment perfect in God’s site.

Into this moment God asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” God needs a servant. God needs someone to minister to these people of unclean lips. This same needs exists today. Isaiah responds to God’s plea, saying, “Here am I. Send me.” May our response be the same.

Prayer: Lord God, use me today to draw someone closer to you. By the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, send me to the one in need. There, give me the words that they need to hear. Amen.