pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: rejoice


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God at Work

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 37-45

Verses 5 and 45: “Remember the wonders God has done… that they might keep God’s precepts and observe God’s laws.”

Our passage from Psalm 105 can be quickly summed up in these words from verses 5 and 45. It is about remembering and praising God for all that God has done. In turn, this leads us and strengthens us in our walk of faith. In the Psalm are examples of all that God has done. We too could and should make such a list that details our faith journey.

The psalmist fills the opening verses with responses to God’s work in the lives of the Israelites: “give thanks… make known… sing… tell… glory… rejoice… look… seek.” Each is done or offered with an attitude of gratitude and with thanksgiving filling the heart. These are all ways that we too can offer our praise and thanksgiving to God.

Verses 37-45 (and the rest of the Psalm) are all about remembering the specific actions of God on behalf of the people of God. In our verses today the psalmist celebrates the actions of God during the exodus from slavery. God showed up and showed out again and again. The challenge today is to reflect on your faith life and then to write down a handful of times that God showed up and showed out in your life. It can be a simple list that you write down and then lift up in prayer. It can be on a timeline that you praise your way through. It can be a poem or a song that you put together, read or sung as an act of prayer and praise. Taking the time to be intentional about remembering and thanking God reinforces our faith and it strengthens us to “keep God’s precepts and observe God’s laws.” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, fill my heart with gratitude as I remember all that you have done in my life. Each step, each stage – a drawing in deeper into our relationship. Each moment, each season – a place of learning and growth in my faith. Please continue to work in my life, O Lord. And in turn may I serve you in this world. Amen.


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If the Lord Had Not…

Reading: Psalm 124

Verse 1: “If the Lord had not been on our side…”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Scholars believe that David wrote this Psalm in the wake of Israel’s defeat of the Philistines. David had just become king and the enemy gathered the troops to test this new leader. David turned to God for direction. God led Israel’s army to victory. David knew that God had been with them and gave God all the credit for the victory.

In the early stages of faith, this is Satan’s trick too: attack before the new Christian is really established in his or her faith. The evil one attacks us when we are yet immature in those areas that were our weaknesses before we gave ourselves to Christ. Maybe you’re there now. If so, take courage in David’s story. Turn to God and seek direction and strength. On the other hand, if you’ve walked faithfully for a while now, you’ve experienced these attacks and assaults. I ask you: what new believer can you walk beside, modeling how to trust in the Lord?

The Psalm begins with this great line: “If the Lord had not been on our side…” David references attacks and anger and floods and raging waters. While these represent the army gathered against them, they are also metaphors for the trials and tribulations that we face. David recognizes that without God the outcome would’ve likely been different. Is it not the same with our battles within and without? May we trust in God as David did, eventually rejoicing with David as we too declare: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Prayer: Dear God, again and again you see us through. Again and again you keep the waters at bay, you calm the raging waters, you make a way when there seems to be no way. You do not leave us or forsake us ever. Draw us to you again and again – every time the enemy comes near, every time life throws something hard our way. Thank you for your unending love and for your constant presence. We love you Lord! Amen.


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God Moments

Reading: Genesis 28:10-17

Verse 16: “When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.’”

Jacob leaves Beersheba and begins his journey towards Haran, where he is to find a wife from amongst his own people, just as Abraham had done for Isaac. ‘Journey’ is probably not the right word. ‘Flight’ or ‘escape’ would be a better description. We remember that Jacob was sent on this mission to allow Esau’s anger to subside. Jacob had earlier stolen the birthright and now has stolen the blessing too. He needed to get out of town and to get out fast.

As Jacob went, he probably went along quickly, frequently checking over his shoulder. He was like one escaping from the scene of a crime. Traveling until it is dark, Jacob lays down for what was likely to be an uneasy rest. Is that voices and footsteps that I hear?! During his sleep, though, it is God who comes in a dream. Jacob sees God and receives blessings and promises from God. God will multiply his family and will give him these lands. God will be with Jacob, wherever he goes. He awakens and declares, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” God has been with him all along – ever since he left Beersheba, ever since he was born to Isaac and Rebekah.

While God is also ever present to you and to me, have you ever had a moment like Jacob did, when you suddenly realized that God was right there? Maybe it was in a hospital room or maybe it was at church camp. Maybe it was during a difficult trial when you were trying to do it on your own or maybe it was one morning in worship. God is always with us yet also blesses us with these God moments – times when God feels especially close to us. For these moments, we rejoice as Jacob did, declaring, thanks be to God!!

Prayer: Lord God, for those moments, often unexpected, when you have drawn close to me, thank you! These are touchstone moments – experiences I can return to again and again to celebrate your goodness and love. What gifts! Thank you, Lord Jesus! Amen.


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Choose Life

Reading: Romans 6:15-23

Verse 22: “Now that you have been set free from sin… the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

As we continue today in Romans 6, Paul uses the term “slave” often. Paul is using this term to emphasize one’s total commitment and belonging to someone or something. In our passage, one is either a slave to sin or a slave to God. For each of these choices, there is an outcome. If you belong to sin, the outcome is death. If you belong to God, the outcome is righteousness. Paul rejoices that the Christians in Rome have obeyed the teachings of Christ, becoming slaves of righteousness. The rejoicing continues today. As Jesus taught, the angels in heaven rejoice when someone who was lost is found, when someone without Christ becomes saved.

In verses 19-21 Paul speaks of the weakness of our human nature and of the “benefit” of living in sin. He summarizes by stating: “These things lead to death!” He ends this section by contrasting this to living as ones belonging to God: “Now that you have been set free from sin… the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” What a contrast! Instead of death we find holiness and eternal life. Living a holy life bears witness to the world. It reveals the love and grace of God available to all people. Living a holy life brings an assurance of eternity lived within the love and light of the Lord. Freed from sin, we live as disciples of Jesus Christ, loving God and loving neighbor with all of our being. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, what a stark contrast: life or death? It seems such a simple choice. Yet the flesh is weak and the power of sin is strong. Lord, how I need you. Only with you can I choose life. Only with you can I be holy. Be present in my heart, O God, leading me to walk in the way that leads to life. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Holy Spirit. Amen.


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The Path of Life

Reading: Psalm 16:7-11

Verse 8: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Our passage today begins as yesterday’s began, with praise to the Lord. David celebrates God’s presence in his life just as Peter did. In verse 8 David writes, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Here he expresses that faith is a choice. David chooses to receive counsel and instruction from God day after day. He chooses to keep God front and center – “always before me.” Because David chooses God again and again, his faith is assured and strong. He trusts that God will always be there for him.

David rejoices again in the next verses. His “heart is glad” and he knows God’s protection is his: “my body also will rest secure.” For David, his faith is holistic – mind, body, and soul. David’s faith involves all of his life, both in the present and in the future. Mirroring the inheritance that we read about yesterday, David rejoices that the Lord has “made known the path of life” and filled him “with joy in your presence” now and “with eternal pleasures” that are sure to come one day. His faith is not just holistic, it is total and complete. David practices a faith that rests on the Lord’s presence here and now and it trusts into God’s eternal promises for his future.

The God that David connected to, walked daily with, and trusted with all of his being is the same God that seeks to be in the same relationship with you and with me and with all people. Setting the Lord ever before us, we will not be shaken. May we choose the path of life, rejoicing daily in the living hope that comes through faith in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, draw me to you morning by morning, keeping me ever before you. Fill me daily with your presence, growing my faith and trust day by day. Turn me to you in all circumstances, for there I can stand secure and strong. Amen.


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Rejoice and Be Glad

Reading: Matthew 5:10-12

Verse 11: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

The closing verses of the Beatitudes bring home the reality that the practice of our faith can bring challenge and trial to our life. The demands that Christ places upon us to be love and grace and mercy lived out in the world – these practices will create tension and even angry responses at times. When our faith leads us to take a stand against an injustice or oppression or other evil actions of the world, the one(s) causing these evils will react against our presence and the words of truth that we speak. The reaction often takes the form of some type of persecution.

In verses 10 and 11 Jesus tells us “blessed are” you when we are persecuted. He unpacks what we may experience in verses 11: “when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” When we shine the light of truth into the darkness of the world, that darkness tries to snuff out the light. Darkness cannot stand being in the light. Darkness will try anything to avoid being in that light. Jesus tells us to “rejoice and be glad” when the darkness strikes against us. He can say this because he knows the same truth that we do: “great is your reward in heaven.” Living faithfully may we rejoice in this promise always.

Prayer: Lord God, give me the strength and courage to live faithfully at all times, especially in those situations that may bring challenge and hardship. I know you are with me at all times – good, bad, and in between. Use me to stand and speak for those without the power or ability to do so for themselves. Amen.


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Sing, and Pray!

Reading: Psalm 96

Verses 10 and 11: “Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns” … Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.”

Photo credit: Jack Sharp

Psalm 96 is all about singing a song to God, the creator of all things. We are invited to proclaim salvation to all the world. We are encouraged to sing of God’s splendor and majesty, of God’s strength and glory. The psalmist invites us to “bring an offering and come into God’s courts.” Go to church or the temple or synagogue or sanctuary and bring God a thank offering. Go and worship the splendor and glory of the Lord!

We are not invited to sing a solo or even to sing just with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In verse 10 we read, “Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” Share the good news and invite all people to join in the worship! “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.” As our voices come together and praise the Lord, the sea, the fields, the trees – all of creation – will join in the mighty chorus. This vision is part of the Advent. Yes, a part of Advent is the celebration of the birth of Christ. But a part is also to look forward to the second Advent, to the time when the new heaven and earth are established. It is then that this mighty chorus will praise God.

While this vision and these thoughts bring many of us joy and hope and peace and a feeling of being loved, some people are struggling right now. Yesterday we had a Blue Christmas service, ministering to those experiencing grief and loss during the holidays. Several from our community of faith are in the hospital or have family there. It is -16° here and the wind is howling. Suffering is not just emotional but also physical for some. As we sing praises to God, let us also lift a lament for our brothers and sisters who are having a difficult time now. May we cover one another in prayer.

Prayer: Lord God, today I think of those without home and of those whose jobs place them out in the weather. Be a shield about them, lead them to shelter. And my heart is heavy for those battling illness today. Be with them Lord Jesus, be close by their side. Amen.


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Names

Reading: Matthew 1:21-25

Verses 21 and 23: “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins… they will call him Immanuel.”

Continuing on in Joseph’s dream, we learn of the names that will be given to the one conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel first says that Mary will give birth and then tells Joseph, “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This name will be his earthly name. Under this name, Jesus will minister to the people, saving many from their sins. At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus will give his life for the sin of the world, saving us all from our sins. Jesus is the Savior of the world.

Two verses later we learn of another name: “Immanuel.” This name means “God with us.” In the incarnation, Jesus was literally God living with the people. Setting aside the glory of heaven, God took on flesh and came as a helpless baby. In ministry, Jesus revealed what God’s love looks like when lived out here on earth. In this way Jesus brought heaven to earth, showing us what it looks like to live daily with God. Towards the end of his ministry Jesus promised his followers a gift. He told them that after he left he would send the Holy Spirit, his living presence, to dwell in their hearts – literally, “God with us.”

In this Advent season we rejoice in Jesus’ first coming and we look forward to the second Advent, when he comes again. We celebrate the coming of the Savior and we praise God for the gift of the Spirit within us. And may we, like Jesus, live in ways that encourage and invite others to experience God’s saving grace and holy presence in their lives. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in this season of Advent, use me to share your love and presence with others. May my joy overflow and may your love be seen and felt in all I do and say. Amen.


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Living Abundantly

Reading: Joel 2:23-27

Verse 27: “Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other.”

Photo credit: Zac Harris

When was the last time that you really messed up? When was the last time that a poor decision or a sinful action created separation or distance between you and God or another that you love? If you are like me, you don’t have to think very far back to come up with a time that you were selfish or spiteful or sinful in some other way. Thinking back reminds us: we don’t want to go there again. That is verse 25 in today’s passage. Amidst the good news of how God will restore Israel is a reminder of why that’s necessary. “The years the locusts have eaten” reminds Israel of the time spent in exile, separated from God. We too can have seasons or even years when life is difficult because we have chosen to live outside of relationship with God.

Most of the verses in today’s reading – before and after verse 25 – speak of the abundant life that God offers. In verses 23-24 Joel speaks of the abundant rains that God will bless the people and the land with – rains that will yield grain and wine and oil. This will lead the people to praise God, to rejoice in the wonders that God has worked among them. Israel can be glad and can rejoice when life is good, when they are blessed with abundant provision. Just as we at times mess up and experience hardship in life and in our relationship with God and/or with others we love, so too have we experienced living abundantly within God’s love and provision. We too have lived verse 27: “Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, my walk is not always hand in hand with you. Sometimes I let go and head off on my own path. This often leads to a time in the wilderness, filled with locusts and worse. When I begin to venture away, call me back quickly, restore me to abundant life. Amen.


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Rejoice with Me!

Reading: Luke 15:1-10

Verse 9: “And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my list coin'”.

Today we return to the parables of the lost sheep and coin recorded in Luke 15. In both stories someone goes to great lengths to find that which was lost. These great efforts are given because the lost must be found. A great joy is shared when the lost are found and there is also a celebration in heaven over the one that is found. These two parables and the one that follows in Luke 15 are beautiful illustrations of how God seeks, searched, woos, and finds the lost, finishing it all off with a grand celebration.

Once upon a time there was such a party in heaven for you and for me. On the day that we committed to die to self, to repent of our sins, and to follow Jesus Christ as the Lord of our lives, all of heaven celebrated extravagantly. The funny thing, though, is that we don’t get found just once. We wander over and over. We get lost in our sin again and again. God keeps seeking, searching, wooing… Confession and repentance are constant and ongoing. We are flawed creatures. Yet every time a sinner repents, a celebration is raised in heaven. Fire up the band!

These two parables and the awesome image of joyous celebration were told in response to some grumbling about who Jesus was associating with. Where do we fit in the story? Are we the grumbler or are we the joyous partier? If we tend to stay in the perimeter, judging or avoiding those who are ‘lost,’ then we are the Pharisees… If we are willing and seek to get our hands dirty, so to speak, to engage the sinners, wanderers, and others who are lost, then we experience the joy and celebrations that Jesus speaks of today. The joy and the celebrations are here and now and are one day in heaven when Jesus says to us, “Rejoice with me!”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be one who engages all with a no-matter-what love. All are creations of your mighty hand. All are beloved fully by your gigantic love. Help me to mirror this so that everyone I meet will hear the invitation that you give to all. Amen.