pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Faithful, Joyful Living

Reading: Psalm 100

Psalm 100:1 – “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth!”

Joy in the Lord flows throughout Psalm 100. Unlike happiness that comes and goes, joy is a state of being. It is a state of being that becomes our “norm” as we spend more and more time walking with the Lord. It is from this state of being that the psalmist declares, “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth!” This declaration invites all of creation to praise God. This invitation is not limited to the psalmist’s community of faith. It is quite the opposite. All people and all of creation are the work of God’s hands. All are invited. This concept is also echoed in verse 3. We are all the “sheep” of God’s pasture.

The Psalm is filled with action. It calls us to a living faith. We’re invited to serve God with celebration, to offer shouts of joy, to thank God often, and to bless God’s name. This open invitation to active, faithful living and worship creates a place of welcome and community. This kind of living breaks down walls and barriers. Joyful worship draws others in.

Faithful living and joy as our state of being are not rooted in ourselves. We find the source in the last verse. We can be faithful and we can be joyful because of who and what God is. We are made in the image of God – the one who is good, who is loyal in love, who is always and forever faithful. God is our source of joy. God gives us the power to be faithful. God is with us. We are God’s. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we celebrate our place in your pasture. We are your family and you are our God. What joy! From our place of belonging, help us to extend invitation to others. From our place in community, guide us to make all feel included. All for your praise and glory! Amen!


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Rooted in Belief

Reading: John 6:25-35

John 6:29 – “Jesus replied, ‘This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.'”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In today’s gospel reading Jesus redirects the peoples’ focus. The day before, this crowd had been part of the miracle known as “the feeding of the 5,000.” They have followed the disciples to Capernaum, hoping to find Jesus there, hoping for more bread. He quickly points out that they missed the work of the divine within the feeding miracle. All they “saw” was the food. Jesus tells them to quit working for that temporal “food” and instead to seek “the food that endures for eternal life.”

We too need to hear these words of Jesus because we often strive after temporal things. Even in our lives of faith, our striving can become like checking boxes. Yup, went to church on Sunday. Read my Bible this week. Check. Prayed for my neighbor in need. Check that one too! Hearing the call to the eternal, the crowd asks Jesus what we can ask: “What must we do?” Jesus’ response is a redirect. It’s not about doing at all. Jesus says to the crowd and to us: “This is what God requires, that you believe in him who God sent.” Faith starts with belief in Jesus and it grows from this foundational place.

Even though Jesus’ direction seems clear to us, the crowd again asks, “What sign will you do…” A million miracles in themselves will not lead to faith. The choice for faith, again, begins with belief in Jesus as the one who is “the bread of life,” the one who satisfies our eternal hungers and thirsts. In time, yes, faith through belief will lead to experiencing God’s power and presence in ways that feel miraculous and will lead to service in the kingdom of God. But faith must always be rooted in our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we can do easily get caught up in striving after things, in checking boxes to assure ourselves of our progress. Help us to understand that it is not in the doing that “things” happen. Instead, lead us to trust that you alone are the one “doing” the work, even when we are serving you and others. Grounded in our belief in you alone, may our faith in you witness to your powerful presence in our lives and in the world. Amen.


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A Simple Walk

Reading: Luke 17:5-10

Luke 17:10 – “When you have done everything required of you, you should say, ‘We servants deserve no special praise. We have only done our duty.'”

In the opening verses of chapter 17 Jesus calls the disciples to live in a community of faith that both holds one another accountable and forgives a repentant brother or sister in Christ again and again and again and… Hearing this call to really love well, the disciples think themselves incapable of being this faithful. In response to this feeling, they say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” In verses 6-10 Jesus gives two responses to their request. In both responses the bottom line is clear. The disciples have enough faith – they just need to act on the faith that they already have. The same can often be said for most of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith, like the roots of a tree, are our “unseen” foundation. Claiming faith in Jesus establishes those roots in our hearts. As we live out our call to be light and love in the world, our roots develop and grow stronger. Growth that is visible begins to emerge in small ways – helping a neighbor, standing against an injustice, feeding the hungry. While the idea of doing these kinds of things may feel outside of our comfort zones at first, Jesus tells us that if we just had “faith the size of a mustard seed” and if we put that faith to work, then we could do all these things and so much more. If we would trust the power of the faith that is already in our hearts, then we will experience God moving in and through us.

The small, incremental acts of faith are what lead to a greater and greater application of our faith. The path Jesus calls us to walk, though, is quite simple at its core: love God, love neighbor. This is everything required of us. It is our duty, it is our call, it is our means to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need of love and hope and peace.

Prayer: Lord God, at the dawn one can sense that the sun is about to poke through. It is simply what happens every time. At the moment of opportunity, when we are in a place to love well, may our faith poke through. Lead and guide and empower us daily, Lord, so that as we grow in our faith, loving well is simply what happens all the time. Amen.


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The Source of Life

Reading: Romans 11:17-23

Romans 11:18 – “If you do brag, be careful: it’s not you that sustains the root, but it’s the root that sustains you.”

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Paul is writing to Gentile Christians. There was a great struggle in the early church around their place in the family of God. It was believed that the Messiah would first come to all Israel. Once the Jews accepted the Messiah, then the outside world would stream to Israel, coming to faith in the Christ. When most Jews rejected Jesus, alive and then resurrected, the church began to spread into the Gentile world.

In today’s text the branches broken off represent the Jews who rejected Jesus, choosing to not connect to the “root.” The branches grafted in are the Gentile Christians. Paul warns the believers in Rome not to brag about this role reversal. It can be tempting to feel superior or even to act arrogantly when you have supplanted the ones who were chosen first by God. This can happen when the outsiders become the insiders.

Paul seeks to counter this human tendency, writing, “If you do brag, be careful: it’s not you that sustains the root, but it’s the root that sustains you.” This reality check reminds the early church that Christ remains the source of life, his Spirit giving them the power to remain faithful. Paul warns that they too can be cut off if they get this relationship backwards. All of this remains true for us today. Therefore, through the kindness of God, may we daily walk humbly with Jesus, our source of life.

Prayer: Lord God, when we are tempted to feel special or to brag about our place in the family of God, remind us that faith is a gift. When we are tempted to judge those who have not yet chosen Jesus as Lord, remind us that we were once there too. With gratitude and joy, lead us to live faithfully and to witness generously, drawing others to the source of life. Amen.


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Fill Us, O Lord

Reading: Colossians 2:6-12

Colossians 2:11 – “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.”

Paul begins our encouragement for today by imploring the believers to “live… in the same way you received him.” Harkening back to the day they came to faith, Paul implores the believers to keep up the same fire, the same zeal. Paul encourages them to remain rooted in Jesus and to build up their faith, establishing themselves in Christ. This process, Paul writes, will lead to an overflow of thanksgiving and joy. These are good reminders for us too.

Next Paul invites them to be wary about falling back into our being drawn into the ways of the world. Potential dangers include new philosophies and false teachings that are counter to Christ’s teachings. Perhaps if even greater danger is conforming back to their old ways, back to the selfish and sinful ways of the world.

Paul reminds the believers that they have been “filled” with Christ. He reminds them that “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands… stripping away the old self dominated by sin.” The physical act of circumcision that sets the Jews apart from the world has become a spiritual act that sets the Christian apart from the world. The old self was “buried” in the waters of baptism. The new self emerged and was “raised up” through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Now the power of God resides in Spirit in the believers.

So what must we do to walk daily with and in the Lord? It goes back to the opening verses. Seek to live “in Christ” – to live as Christ lived, following his example. Pour into your faith – build it up, deepen your roots in Christ. Allow the joy of faith to fill your heart to overflowing – share your faith. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open wide our hearts today and fill us with your love. Open wide our minds today and fill us with your Spirit. Open wide our hands today and fill us with your strength. Then, in all things, use these things, allowing them to flow out of us and into the world, bringing you all the glory and praise. Amen.


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Worthy is the Lamb

Reading: Revelation 3-5

Revelation 5:5 – “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.”

Chapter 3 concludes the messages to the seven churches. The church in Sardis looks good on the surface but is really dead. They need to remember what they first learned, changing hearts and lives. If so, their names will be declared in heaven. The church in Philadelphia has little power but they have stood strong. They will be pillars in heaven, names written there. And Laodicea… neither hot nor cold, just lukewarm. This church is perhaps most relevant today. Jesus is about to “spit them out.” They are “miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, naked.” Yet Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If they hear and open the door, he will come in and be with them. If they emerge victorious, they will sit with Jesus on his throne in heaven.

Chapters 4 and 5 shift to heaven as John enters his second Spirit-led trance. At the center God sits on the throne. 24 elders on thrones surround God. There are seven torches and four living creatures before the throne of God. The creatures have six wings and are covered all over with eyes. They never rest but praise God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” The elders join in the praise, declaring God to be the one worthy of glory, honor, and power.

John then noticed that there is a scroll in the hand of God. He weeps because no one is worthy to open it. Then an elder says, “Don’t weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has emerged victorious so that he can open the scroll.” The Lamb, Jesus Christ, comes and takes the scroll. The elders, the living creatures, millions of angels, and all of creation praises and worships the Lamb, the one who was slain. What a glorious day it will be!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reality check as we began today. Draw us out of the comfy middle ground. Empower us to stand boldly for you. And thank you for the peak into heaven, for the reminder of your majesty and power, for the reminder of who and what the Christ child will be and become. All praise and honor and glory are yours! Amen.


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The Long Walk of Faith

Reading: 2nd Timothy 3-4

2nd Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

As I read Paul’s words to Timothy today, they seem very relevant to our current time. Many are selfish and love money, power, status. They “collect” or tune into only those who tell them what they want to hear. Many slander others, being critical and conceited. Others are reckless and seek only pleasure. When it suits them, “they will look religious.” But does the relevance end here? In verse 9 we read, “They won’t get very far. Their foolishness will become obvious.” While absolutely true in God’s kingdom, is it so here on earth?

Paul then presents his example, standing in sharp contrast to this earthly example. He invites Timothy and us to pay attention to his “teaching, conduct, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, and endurance.” He makes us all aware of the cost of discipleship: “Anyone who wants to lead a holy life will be harassed.” Because of this reality, Paul encourages Timothy and us to stay rooted in the scriptures – what we’ve learned and been taught. Scripture is useful for “teaching… showing mistakes… correcting… training character.” Scripture equips the faithful to “do everything that is good.” What a sharp contrast to the way of the world!

In chapter 4 Paul commissions Timothy. This commission applies to us too. Paul charges Timothy with preaching the word always – whether convenient or inconvenient – and with correcting, confronting, and encouraging with patience and instruction. Paul encourages self-control, an essential for the long walk of faith. Giving his own example, Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Paul knows heaven awaits. Yet he walks forward, trusting that the God who has stood by him will continue to do so until he wears that “champion’s wreath.” May this too be our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, the walk is not always easy or smooth. It can be tempting to just look religious instead of being truly faithful. The outside voices can be loud and the coming suffering is scary. In those moments, remind us of your truths and promises in scripture and help us to feel your Spirit presence in our hearts. With these, lead and guide us to “preach the word” always, using words when needed. 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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Rooted and Built Up

Reading: Colossians 1-2

Colossians 2:7 – “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.”

Colossians, as a whole, presents a beautiful picture of Christ as the fullness of God, as the agent of creation and redemption, and as the one who empowers the church to faithful living. In the face of rival, more worldly teaching, Paul presents a Christ fully capable of changing and transforming hearts and lives into a new, holy, and blameless way of living.

Colossians begins with thanksgiving and a prayer. Paul offers thanks for their faith in Christ and for their love of all of God’s people – both outcomes of Epaphras’ teaching. The message of hope has been growing and producing fruit in all of their good works. Paul prays that they will be strengthened and will grow in their knowledge of God’s will. He prays that they will endure hardships with patience so that they “can take part in the inheritance” – eternal life.

A hymn about Christ’s work comes next, in verses 15-20. This hymn celebrates Christ as the creator of all things and as the glue that holds all things together. Christ is the one who reconciles all to God – including those in the Colosse church. Paul encourages them to stay rooted in their faith. He warns against this “philosophy and foolish deception,” these human rules. Paul encourages them to live in and with Christ: “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.” Being baptized into Christ’s death, Paul says, now live alive in Christ. Stay connected to Christ, Paul implores. May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us in our walk of faith. Open our hearts and minds to the fullness of Jesus Christ. Help us to truly be reconciled to you, living as light and love in this world. Guard us from the false teachings of the world and of the evil one. Root us deeply in Christ. Establish our faith on the rock. Empower us to faithful living through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


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In Every Way

Reading: Romans 11-13

Romans 12:1 – “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

In chapter 11 Paul addresses God’s people – both the Jews who still reject Jesus and the Gentiles who’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul argues that God has not rejected Israel. A remnant remains. They’ve not fallen permanently. In fact, Paul has intentionally been so public about his ministry because he hopes to “make my own people jealous and save some of them.” Paul also warns the saved Gentiles about bragging about their grafted in status. It is the root (God) that sustains them – not the other way around. In the end, Paul believes “Israel will be saved.”

In chapter 12 Paul begins to address behavior. In verse 1 he writes, “I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.” Constantly give self up in surrender to God’s will and way (not to the world’s) and one will become “good and pleasing and mature.” As we do so we live more and more as one unified body, each playing a vital and necessary role. Paul lists prophesying, serving, teaching, and encouraging as some roles. He then elevates love, evangelism, hope, prayer, empathy, and equality as marks of faith. Paul warns against arrogance, revenge, and other evil actions. These are those “patterns of the world.”

Paul addresses our civic responsibilities at the start of chapter 13. Live well under the authority of the government because they have been “put in place by God.” Pay your taxes and don’t be in debt to anyone. And love really well. Paul reminds us that all the commands are summed up in the one to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Our reading closes with a great reminder. Salvation is closer now than ever. So, “Dress yourself with the Lord Jesus” – be like Christ in every way. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our place in your family. Encourage us to see the family as an ever-growing family, as one that seeks to graft in all people. As we walk in faith day by day, nurture us and guide us into a more and more mature faith. Above all, may we love without limit, helping others into the path of salvation and life. Amen.