pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: respect


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Present in the People

Reading: Haggai 1:15b-2:5

Haggai 2:5b – “My spirit stands in your midst. Don’t fear.”

Photo credit: Joel Muniz

Fear is an emotion we often feel. When in a dangerous situation, when enemies are all around, when stepping into the unknown – these are but a few of the things that cause fear to rise up in us. The prophet Haggai speaks to a small remnant that has returned from exile in Babylon who is dealing with these three fear-inducing situations. Zerubbabel, the governor, led the remnant back and started to rebuild the temple, but threats from the groups who inhabited the land during exile derailed the building project.

Chapter 1 of Haggai isn’t exactly encouraging. The prophet challenges the people. They are living in nicely built homes while God’s house lies in ruins. Their return has been difficult. For example, they’ve planted crops but are hungry. The harvest has been meager. Haggai informs them that this is because they’ve been neglecting God. This pronouncement induces more fear in the people. But it is a good fear – a healthy respect, a reverent awareness, a motivator.

As the people return to working on the temple, Haggai addresses them in chapter 2. After speaking into their present reality, he speaks words of encouragement, “Be strong,” three times. Through him God encourages them to work, because “I am with you.” Then, in verse 5, God says, “My spirit stands in your midst. Don’t fear.” These words of Haggai remind the people that God is present – building or no building. God is present in the people of God doing the work of God. The same will be true for us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, gathering to worship and to do other churchy things is wonderful. But you clearly call us beyond the walls of our churches. Like Jesus, who spent the vast majority of his time and energy ministering and teaching outside of the temple and synagogues, move us to be your hands and feet out there in the world. Amen.


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Humble and Grateful Hearts

Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-10

Deuteronomy 8:2 – “Remember the long road on which the Lord your God led you during these forty years, so he could humble you, testing you to find out what was in your heart.”

Photo credit: Ben White

God, through Moses, is preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. This preparation, of course, began a long time ago. It began with the revelation of God’s power as God brought ten plagues against Egypt. The last, most powerful plague led to their freedom. Almost immediately they began to grumble and complain, against Moses and against God. Other miracle followed as God responded to their cries. Along the way, again through Moses, God taught the people how to live in right relationship with God and with one another. The ten commandments and other commands would become known collectively as “the Law.”

This was not an easy road, not a one-day crash course. In verse 2 we read, “Remember the long road on which the Lord your God led you during these forty years, so he could humble you, testing you to find out what was in your heart.” 40 years – long enough for the entire generation that left Egypt to die off. This process was meant to humble God’s people – a most necessary ingredient to live in right relationship with God and with one another. Moses then encourages the people to work at these relationships, keeping God’s commands by “walking in his way and by fearing him.” Honor and obey, revere and respect God and it will go well for you. The same is true for us today.

For the Israelites, these forty years have prepared them to enter the Promised Land with humble and grateful hearts. This land of abundance, a place “without any shortage,” will be a place where God’s people bless the Lord. The idea of abundance remains true. While true abundance comes in non-tangible ways, the Lord our God will provide all that we need too – when we walk with humble and grateful hearts in live in right relationship with God and with one another. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in our seasons of humbling and refining, walk with us. In the times we wander in the wilderness, walk with us. In the moments of teaching and learning your will and way, walk with us. Shape and form us too, O Lord, to be your people. We ask all of this with humble and grateful hearts. Amen.


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Peaceful Fruit

Reading: Hebrews 12:7-15

Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline is fun while it lasts… however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

In Hebrews 12 the author encourages the believers to run the race of faith with discipline. The author calls the church to first remember Jesus and the example he set. Using Proverbs 3:12 he or she reminds the believers that “the Lord disciplines whomever he loves.” With all of this in mind, we read, “Bear hardship for the sake of discipline.” When we experience hardship, our faith is refined and it is strengthened too.

The author then reminds the believers of how their earthly parents disciplined them “as it seemed best to them.” While not “fun” and while perhaps painful at the time, in the end we respect our parents for loving us enough to discipline and correct us. Through this process we grow and mature. The writer then asks, “How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live?”

As we are disciplined – as we experience hardships, trials, and suffering – we are sharing in God’s holiness. In the end, because God is with us, “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” With this encouragement, the author invites the believers to be strengthened and to “make straight paths.” Doing so they will pursue peace and holiness as they witness to God’s saving grace. Living this way counters the “root of bitterness” that weakens the faith. Living this way, we too can keep our eyes focused on Jesus, “faith’s pioneer and perfecter.”

Prayer: Lord God, in the moments of trial and testing, remind us of the outcome when we start faithful to you: we grow in these times in ways that build our endurance and our commitment. Surround us with the Holy Spirit’s presence, encouraging us and guiding us as we seek to walk the path that leads to peace and joy. Amen.


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The Good Fight

Reading: 1st Timothy 4-6

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.”

In chapters 4-6 Paul addresses spiritual leadership, caring for the family of God, and holy living. These three are very much interconnected and one supports the other. For example, holy living is essential for good leadership and it drives how we care for one another. Likewise, good leadership empowers holy living and caring well for each other.

Chapter 4 begins with the recognition that some will turn away from the faith. They will be deceived. Paul encourages young Timothy to be a “good servant of Jesus Christ.” He implores him to “train in holy living.” Paul invites Timothy to “set an example” for the believers through his own speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and sexual purity. He also asks Timothy to keep working on his own faith growth and development. All of this gives Timothy solid ground to stand upon as he leads the family of God.

Paul turns to caring for the family next. He encourages Timothy to show respect to the older men and women and to treat the younger ones as brothers and sisters. Paul directs Timothy to care for the older widows who are truly in need, who have been faithful, and who are alone. If a widow has family, they are to care for her. Timothy is instructed to publicly deal with sinners, without bias or favoritism. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who are creating jealousy and conflict as they try to profit from the believers. Paul declares that this love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. Instead, Paul encourages these men to “do good… to be generous… to share with others.” This will store up a foundation for the future, allowing them to “take hold of what truly is life.”

Paul then returns to holy living. He encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love… Paul implores young Timothy, “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.” Paul tells him to do this “without fault or failure” until the Lord appears. May it be so for you and me too!

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly hear and put into practice these guidelines for holy living. Lead us daily to pursue faith, righteousness, holiness, and a servant’s heart. In turn, guide us to use these to lead well when given opportunity and to care well for our brothers and sisters in Christ always. Empower us to fight the good fight of faith today and every day. Amen.


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The Armor of Love

Reading: Ephesians 5-6

Ephesians 5:8 – “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light.”

As we close out Ephesians today, Paul continues to explain how to live as followers of Jesus Christ. He begins by encouraging us to “imitate God” by “following the example of Christ.” Paul reminds us next of what this is not. It is not sexual immortality or greed or obscene language. These are not kingdom-worthy behaviors. Paul tells them, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light.” Here Paul uses darkness and light as states of being, not as adjectives that describe something that changes with the time of day. This sharp contrast is intentional. This is why Paul encouraged us to “test everything” to see if it is pleasing to God. More recently the idea to test everything was carried on WWJD bracelets…

Paul encourages us to be filled with the Spirit as we worship and praise God, as we offer our thanksgiving to God, as we submit to one another “out of respect for Christ.” Paul is continuing his “follow the example” thoughts here. He calls on us to love one another just as Christ loves us. In this way we will build up one another and the church, bringing each into a deeper holiness and into a stronger faith. Paul also applies these ideas to parents and children then to slaves and masters, a reality given up long ago. Today we could apply the latter to business owners and employees.

Ephesians closes with a well-known passage about the armor of God. He first acknowledges the spiritual battle that is always going on. He uses a Roman soldier’s armor as the analogy but underneath it all are the core tenants of our belief: truth, justice, the good news, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit. These allow us to stand and to win the battle. With this “armor” may we too hang in there and pray for one another.

Prayer: Lord God, it comes down to love. To follow the example of Christ is to love you with all that we are and to love others as Christ loves us. To love, therefore, means to do no harm. To love means to give all of self to you and to others. To love means to do and be good. May it be so. 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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Paths Diverge Sharply

Readings: Proverbs 3

‭Proverbs 3:34-35 – “He mocks mockers, but he shows favor to the humble. The wise gain respect, but fools receive shame.”

Today’s reading first invites us to hold onto loyalty and faithfulness, to bind them on our necks, to write them on “the tablet of your heart.” In later years the Jews would write scriptures on pieces of paper and would place these in small boxes that they strapped to their forearms and foreheads. They knew that wisdom came through a relationship with God that was founded on God’s word. These phylactery boxes were visible reminders of God, much like the crosses and tattoos many Christians wear today.

Solomon reminds us, the sons and daughters, that wisdom brings happiness, long life, wealth, and honor. With wisdom, our work and our sleep is pleasant and peaceful. We are encouraged to hold onto sound judgment and discretion. Wisdom gives us the ability to think through things, to make good decisions. Wisdom also builds up in us humility as we learn more and more about trusting in God and not in self. These practices will bring “life” to our “whole being” – heart, mind, body, and soul.

In verses 27-35 we find some warnings followed by the outcomes of choosing evil or of choosing wisdom and of walking in a relationship with the Lord. The warnings: don’t harm your neighbor, don’t accuse for no reason, don’t envy violent people. Those who choose these paths are cursed, detestable, mocked, and shamed. Those who choose the path of wisdom are close friends with God, are blessed, shown favor, and gain respect. The best choice is clear. The two paths diverge sharply. “My son, [my daughter,] don’t forget my instruction.”

Prayer: Lord God, your ways are good, just, right. Your heart is full of love, grace, compassion, mercy. You give provision for those in need, peace for those who are troubled. Lord, fill us with your wisdom so that we too can be these things lived out in the world today. Amen.


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Seek Wisdom Like Silver

Readings: Proverbs 1 and 2

‭Proverbs 2:10-11 – “Wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will fill you with delight. Discretion will guard you; understanding will protect you.”

As we delve into Proverbs we begin with the “why.” The purpose of Proverbs is to teach us wisdom and discipline. The advice contained herein can make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable. Ultimately wisdom leads to the fear of the Lord. This isn’t a fear of spiders or heights. It is a holy reverence for God, a deep respect and awareness of God’s might.

Lady wisdom begins speaking in 1:20. She is a personification of God’s wisdom, an old-school version of the Holy Spirit perhaps. Lady wisdom calls out to the naive, to the mockers, to the fools. But they reject and ignore her. They will not receive her spirit. So she’ll laugh at them when disaster and distress and oppression come. Tis, after all, “the fruit of their way.” But those who do listen and who do obey, they “will dwell securely.”

In chapter 2 Solomon speaks to his son. This could be to an actual son, it might just be to all “sons.” Solomon’s wisdom along with lady wisdom’s – these are to be sought like silver. This is because if one lives with integrity, God will bless you with “ability.” If one is blameless, God will be your shield. In verses 10-11 we read, “Wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will fill you with delight. Discretion will guard you; understanding will protect you.” Wisdom will rescue one from evil. It will rescue one from the “mysterious woman” too – the woman who has forgotten her covenants with God and with her husband. Her path leads to death. Those who walk with integrity, they will “dwell in the land.”

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your wisdom upon us. Open our hearts and minds as we delve into your word. Guide us to store away those nuggets that will lead us to walk your path. Guard us from evil. Keep the tempter far away. Amen!


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Serve the Lord

Reading: Joshua 24:1-3a and 14-15

Verse 14a: “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Having crossed the Jordan and entered into the Promised Land, Joshua gathers the leaders and the people together. They present themselves before God. It is time to decide how to move forward. As Joshua begins to speak he reminds them of their roots: of how God took Abraham and brought him to Canaan and of how God made them into a great nation. It is good to remember our roots, our foundations. Whether through a day like All-Saints’ Day or through a family gathering, whether through Sunday worship or a coffee house conversation, it is important to remember who and whose we are. That is what Joshua is doing with the Israelites. This conversation continues in verses 4-13.

Joshua reminds Israel of who and whose they have been so that he can call them to who and whose they should be moving forward. Telling stories and remembering the past is often how we decide our next steps as we consider our lives and our faith journey. It is at this point that Joshua issues this challenge: “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.” Revere and respect the Lord. Be faithful to God alone. As he continues, Joshua challenges them to “throw away” the gods that they’ve added along the way. The call to ‘throw away’ these false gods underscores how useless they are. At the core of this challenge, in essence, is a call back to one God and to loving God with all of one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. “One” and “all” are the key conditions here.

This challenge, this call – it is as relevant today as it was the day Joshua spoke it. It is easy to pick up false gods as we journey through life. Early on we’re taught that success, competition, beauty… are things to seek. Soon enough we’re taught that wealth, status, power… are things to seek. Pride, ego, lust, jealousy… come along with these things we chase. These false gods present a challenge to having one God and they become barriers to loving God with all that we are. Against these gods we must take a stand. In the last verse of today’s passage Joshua declares, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, oh how many gods the world lifts up over you! The world values so much that runs counter to or becomes a barrier to fully loving you with all that we are. Turn my heart, my mind, my will, and my desires to you alone, O God. There I will have all that I need. Amen.


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Back to Verse 2!

Reading: Exodus 20:12-17

Verse 12…: “Honor your father and your mother… you shall not… you shall not… you shall not…”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

We began the week with the first part of the Ten Commandments. These first four related to our relationship with God and centered on the declaration, “I AM the Lord your God.” This same declaration arcs over today’s 6 commandments. These deal with our relationships with others.

Verse 12 calls us to “honor your father and your mother.” This 5th commandment is a bridge of sorts. On the surface it calls us to honor, respect, and treat our parent(s) well. This relationship begins with our total dependence on them and this changes as we mature and become more and more independent. The temptation here is to leave them behind, to quit relying on them, or to see them as equals (or less than that during our teen years). This commandment is a bridge because this can be how our relationship with God plays out too. Initially we yearn for God and we have a longing to know God more and more. Quite often, though, that fire cools and we don’t think that we need God as much. We pull out God now and then – as needed.

The remaining 5 commandments all begin with the words “you shall not…” These words come with an implication. They say that we are prone to these things. This is the humanity in all of us. Self rises up and can do so to unhealthy or dangerous levels, leading to murder, adultery… This is why it is so necessary to return again and again to verse 2: “I AM the Lord your God.” This return keeps our relationship with God in the right perspective. This key relationship affects all of our other relationships. When we live daily with the Lord as our God, then we honor not only our fathers and our mothers, but we also honor all of our brothers and sisters too. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, draw me first and foremost to you and to your will and ways. From this connection of love, send me out into the world. Guide me to interact with, treat, and see others as I would treat, see, and interact with you. Amen.