pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: salvation


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You Are My God!

Reading: Psalm 118:1-2 and 19-29

Psalm 118:28 – “You are my God – I will give thanks to you! You are my God – I will lift you up high!”

We turn to Psalm 118 today. It is a psalm about a person who comes to the temple to gives thanks to God for deliverance – even in the face of current distress and trouble. At times we pray this way, thanking God for past deliverance, hoping it comes again during our current trial. The psalm begins and ends with a declaration of praise for God’s goodness and faithful love. Like the psalmist, we too give thanks for these blessings from God.

Turning to verses 19 and 20, we hear a request to enter the temple, to come into God’s presence. For the psalmist, the presence deepens in verse 27, where he or she is invited to come to the altar. Thanks is given in verse 21 for the author’s presence in the temple. Verses 22-27 are thought to be the choir’s response to the psalmist. These verses celebrate God’s rescue and salvation. Verses 22-29 are often connected to Jesus in the New Testament: the cornerstone rejected, the blessedness of the one who comes in the name of God, the one who is present to us.

The gift of being in God’s presence is a gift that we enjoy and celebrate too. This presence is strongest and most assured when we open our hearts and lives to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides us to walk in God’s will and way. It brings us to the altar of forgiveness when we fail. It keeps us on the narrow way when the world calls us to the wide way that leads to death. Following the path of God, with this presence within, we find life abundant now and are assured of it in the life to come. Because of these blessings, we can join the psalmist as we too declare, “You are my God – I will give thanks to you! You are my God – I will lift you up high!”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the open door into your presence. In our times of distress, you are there with us, bringing peace, assurance, guidance. In the times of worship and praise, you are there within us, drawing us closer, refining and teaching us, filling us with joy and love, lifting us high. Thank you for being our God. Amen.


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Some Kind of Love

Reading: Romans 5:6-11

Romans 5:8 – “God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

Turning to the second half of our Romans 5 passage for this week, we are first reminded that “Christ died for ungodly people.” Paul is talking about himself, about me, about you. He reinforces what this means by musing about someone maybe dying for a good person. But for an ungodly one? Certainly not. Yet, “God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” That is some kind of love.

God’s love reached out and continues to reach out to us all of the time. When we’re at our best, God loves us. When we’re at our worst, God loves us. When we’re weak and when we’re strong, God loves us. This love – this steady, unwavering love – is a love that shed the only son’s blood for our sake. Through Jesus’ blood we can be reconciled and saved. Our sins are already covered, our life in eternity already ransomed. Because of God’s actions, we simply are recipients of grace, mercy, forgiveness, peace, joy, and salvation. This is some kind of love.

God is the one who initiated, sustains, and continues to offer reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Even when we were and while we are “enemies,” God sought and seeks to reconcile us, restoring our relationship with the Lord our God. We fall short, we sin, we separate. God lifts us up, forgives us, and restores us. This gracious, abundant, generous love – it is some kind of love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for loving us no matter what. We tend to be far more selective in how, when, and with whom we love. Break this human tendency and create in us a heart like your heart. Through the power of your love at work in our lives, O God, lead us to love all people with your kind of love – gracious, abundant, generous, steady, unwavering. Amen.


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New Life – Now and Then

Reading: John 3:4-17

John 3:5 – “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter the kingdom of God.”

As we continue today in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, we go deeper. Nicodemus scoffs at being born again: “it’s impossible.” What if Nicodemus understands Jesus’ spiritual reference, but doesn’t think he can actually give up his status and power to follow Jesus? He’s worked so hard to get to his place on top of society. And he’s old – how can he change? How can this devout keeper of the Law become child-like in his faith, guided about here and there by the Holy Spirit, like a child being led by a loving parent?

Jesus offers him this assurance: “Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter the kingdom of God.” Born of water might just be our human birth – “flesh is flesh.” To be born of the Spirit is to be born anew from above. Later the church would link baptism to these words of Jesus. Baptism was symbolic of dying to the old self as one was immersed in the waters, washed clean. Emerging from the waters, the new self received the Holy Spirit into their new, in-Christ heart. While today many of us are baptized as infants, in reality we all come to the point where we must decide to die to self and to the world in order to follow Jesus. For some, this surrender comes as a teen or young adult. For others, like Nicodemus, it comes later in life.

Connecting to Nicodemus’ Jewish roots, Jesus tells him that the Messiah will one day be raised up like Moses raised the golden snake – both in order to save people from death. Connecting to the new life then and now that Jesus offers to all who believe in him, he tells Nicodemus, “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” In that moment, Jesus is inviting Nicodemus to accept the salvation that Jesus offers. The offer is always open to us all. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it can be scary to put our hand in your hand, trusting you to lead and guide as the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. Where you lead, like the wind, we do not know. But we do know that it is away from a love of this world, into a love for you and for neighbor that calls us to surrender our life again and again. As we walk this new life, our hearts become full of love and peace, grace and mercy, joy and forgiveness – full to overflowing. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Deeper Work

Readings: 2nd Corinthians 5:20-21 and 2nd Corinthians 6:1-10

2nd Corinthians 6:1 – “We are also begging you not to receive the grace of God in vain!”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Our reading today begins with Paul begging the Corinthians to “be reconciled to God!” This too is our ongoing call, especially as we begin the season of Lent today. Throughout Lent we are invited to look within, to reflect on the condition of our soul, and to make the needed changes so that we are ready to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Paul touches on the source of our salvation, the one who took on sin for us so that we could be “the righteousness of God.”

Through God’s grace we can be forgiven and made new again. Paul begs the Corinthians “not to receive the grace of God in vain!” To do so would be to receive forgiveness and then to not follow through on our pledge of repentance. Paul reminds us that keeping true to our faith isn’t always easy. Paul lists many trials and sufferings he and his fellow believers endured. We can experience some of these too when we choose faith over the ways of the world. Yet with the same purity, hard work, genuine love, and Holy Spirit power, we too can endure and faithfully witness to the grace and love of God.

Our passage closes with many word pairs: fake and real, pain and happy, poor and rich… The first word is a surface level thing and the second word holds a deeper truth. We find this relationship to be true when we engage in the spiritual practice of fasting that becomes more prevelent in Lent. Going without and feeling that “hunger” is the surface level thing that we endure. The change that the Spirit works in us as we grow closer to Christ is the deeper truth at work in us. In the same way, confessing our sin is the surface level action. Working out our repentance and changing our hearts and lives is the deeper work of God going on within us. This Lent, may we be willing to go deeper, doing the hard work of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, prepare our hearts to go deeper this Lent. Give us the strength and courage to look deep within ourselves and to bring our full self before you. In grace and love, purify and refine us. Loosen our grips on that which pulls us away from you. Strengthen our hold on faith, hope, trust, and love. Amen.


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We Cry Out

Reading: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Psalm 27:7 – “Lord, listen to my voice when I cry out – have mercy and answer me.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

These ancient words of David are words we can relate to yet today. Just as David faced evil and people who were against him, today we face these same things. Sadly, this is one of the constants in our world. The desire for power over others and the drive to accumulate more and more has always led to the suffering of others. In verse 1 we are reminded of another constant. God has been and always will be a light in the darkness, salvation in the brokenness, and a fortress in the battle against evil.

In this world of division and violence and oppression we are called to be Christ’s light. This is not always an easy task. Just yesterday the Bishop of the episcopal area in which I serve held a Zoom call to discuss the division, violence, and oppression unfolding in Minneapolis and to talk about our Christian response. The church should be as David describes the temple in verses 4-6. It should be a place of shelter and safety, a rock upon which people can stand. But this is not just about the building. The body of Christ must be these things to the world in the reality of life.

A story was shared yesterday of an elderly man who came to the United States long ago, fleeing the violence of his homeland. He became a citizen and a part of society. This elderly man was pulled out of the shower, taken out into the street in shorts and crocs, with a throw over his shoulders, in sub-zero temperatures, to be questioned. Yes, it feels as if “an enemy encamps against” us. Like David and like many others, we cry out for justice. We cry out for peace. We cry out, “Lord, listen to my voice when I cry out – have mercy and answer me.” Lord, we need you now. O God who saves, be with us now.

Prayer: Lord God, we do cry out – some in our hearts, some in our spirits, some with pen and paper, some in the streets. Whatever your answer to our cries, may we hear and respond. May we say or do or pray or go as we are led. May we be used as you will – as a voice, as a presence, as a supporter… As you work towards justice and peace, O God, lead us to be your co-workers in this fight. Use us to stand with and to watch over and to protect the vulnerable and the suffering. Amen.


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How Can We…?

Reading: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Psalm 27:8 – “Come, my heart says, seek God’s face! Lord, I do seek your face!”

Photo credit: Mitchel Lensink

We do not know the context for Psalm 27. Even though we do not know the cause, we do know that David’s words are a hopeful prayer lifted in the midst of a time of suffering and trial. In our hard times, perhaps these are words that we’ve lifted as a prayer. And today, in places near and far, rural and urban, well-off and living in poverty, these are words that many could or do lift to God as they suffer, struggle, and are afraid. As we consider these words today, may we also consider how we might be an answer to those near to us who lift these words or words like them as a prayer to God.

The Psalm begins with hope and confidence. With God as light, salvation, and protection, what is there to fear? For David, there are evildoers and enemies all around and an army encamped against him. Today, there is war, violence, threats, division, hatred, disease, injustice. People are in hiding, filled with fear – right here in our nation. David seeks shelter in the house of the Lord. If he could but dwell there every day of his life… While our churches largely remain safe places, getting there is another story for many people. For David and for the faithful today, being in God’s presence is a place and space to worship, to find joy, to rest “during troubling times.”

The last verses of today’s reading are a plea to God. David begs for God to hear, to listen, to have mercy. Encouraging himself and others, David implores his faith, saying, “Come, my heart says, seek God’s face! Lord, I do seek your face!” This is a hopeful request to “God who saves.” And again I wonder, how can we as the hands and feet of God bring both presence and peace and tangible help such as food and shelter to those suffering and living in fear today?

Prayer: Lord God, for those of us not facing persecution or oppression or threat, not living in fear, not suffering, move us to action on behalf of those experiencing these things. Use us as you may to restore justice, basic freedoms, safety. For those lacking these things, be present to them wherever they are – in one of your houses or in places of hiding. And through us, may they feel and know your love, your protection, and your peace. Amen.


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A “Song” to “Sing”

Reading: Psalm 40:1-4

Psalm 40:3b – “Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the Lord.”

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

David’s Psalm 40 is a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s salvation in his life. As we read the passages today and tomorrow, we will see how God’s rescue instills in David hope for the future. While we do not know the exact nature of this particular rescue, we too have experienced rescue by God. Whether from a poor decision or from a sin, whether from an illness or from an unwanted change, whether from suffering caused by another or from grief over a loss, we have all been in the “pit.” From these depths we’ve all cried out to God. And we have all experienced God leaning down, listening, lifting us up, steadying us, and putting a “new song” in our hearts. We’ve all been saved. We all have a “song” to “sing.”

David was an accomplished musician. As a youngster his music calmed a troubled King Saul again and again. Over his lifetime, he wrote many songs to God. Almost half of the 150 Psalms in our Bibles are credited to David. You too may be musically talented. If so, let your song of salvation be proclaimed in music. But maybe music isn’t your thing. Maybe it is creative writing or poetry or painting. Maybe it is story telling or having good conversations. Maybe it is prayer. We all have a “song” to “sing” to God and to one another. Our call is to “sing,” so that “Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the Lord.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, first we thank you for your steadfast love that draws near, that hears our cries, that rescues us – often from ourselves. Lord, turn these experiences into our “songs” of faith. However we express our testimony, God, use it to bring others to a saving faith in you. Amen.


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Bring the Light

Reading: Isaiah 49:5-7

Isaiah 49:6b – “I will also appoint you as a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Photo credit: Gian D.

Continuing in Isaiah 49 today, the prophet shares God’s decision. It is not simply a change of heart. The time in exile prophesied by Jeremiah and others is drawing to a close. The 70 years are up. It is time to “restore Jacob to God.” A group will lead the return to God, then larger Israel will follow, also returning to God. To begin the process of returning to the Promised Land, God has honored the prophet, becoming his strength.

While this brings hope and joy to the prophet, God says, “It is not enough.” Yes, God will “raise up” the tribes of Jacob, and, yes, God will bring home “the survivors of exile.” But this is not enough. God’s plan is far bigger than Isaiah envisioned. God works this way in our lives too. Yes, it is awesome that God has brought your family to Jesus Christ. But then God asks, what about your neighbor and the stranger down the street? And what about “those” people in “that” part of town?

In verse 7 we get the full scope of God’s plan: “I will also appoint you as a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” God’s plan is to save all people everywhere. That other part of town? Yes. And the people of our reservations and inner cities and the people on the other side of the world? Yes, yes, and yes! Carrying the light of Christ in our hearts, God’s people are appointed by God to bring the light of Christ to all people. Reading on we see that even kings and military leaders will bow before the Lord. All on account of the Lord. And all because we who are chosen are faithful to our charge. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we first ask that the light of Christ would burn brightly in our hearts. Burning brightly may your fire burn away the chaff and sin, readying us to step into the world’s darkness and pain. Use our light to open blind eyes and to soften hard hearts. Use our light to guide others to welcome the light of Christ into their hearts. Amen.


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Good News

Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful… are the feet of a messenger who proclaims peace… brings good news… proclaims salvation.”

Our Old Testament passage begins with Isaiah celebrating the long-distance runners who carried important news from place to place. Some think, however, that Isaiah is talking about himself here. Either way, the important part is the message: God is present to God’s people and offers peace, salvation, and much more. Whether in the words of scripture, in a Sunday morning message, or in a devotional, this good news brings hope, comfort, encouragement, strength… to all people seeking to walk in right relationship with the Lord our God. The faithful rejoice when we see “our God’s victory” over the things of this world.

This good news and these victories are not heard or received the same way by all people. When God redeems and restores and saves, this is bad news for those who have enslaved, oppressed, and taken advantage of others for their own gain. When God brings peace and strength to those experiencing violence and war, this is not good news to the aggressors and others who seek to exert power over others. When God proclaims and brings salvation, it is not good news to dealers of illicit drugs and other vices that keep people imprisoned. When God works to end injustices and to right other systemic wrongs, it is not good news to those benefiting from these evil ways. God’s good news is not good news to those seeking to live by the ways of this world.

Just as Isaiah and others spoke of God’s power, justice, and love for all people, we too are called to be messengers of God’s good news. With eyes wide open may we strive to bring good news to all people as we seek to build God’s kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, sharing good news with people who are eager to hear and receive is such a joy. Guide us to always do so. In other situations, where your good news challenges or calls for good change, encourage and empower us. Strengthen us, Lord, so we can faithfully walk that hard road of justice and love for all people. Amen.


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So Welcome ____

Reading: Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:7 – “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.”

Photo credit: James A. Molnar

A leper, a tax collector, a prostitute, a demon-possessed man, a blind man, a foreigner, a crippled man, a criminal. A homeless person, a recovering alcoholic, a single mom, an ex-con, a transgender person, a refugee, an immigrant. Which list would be welcomed by Jesus into his presence? Which list would Jesus offer grace, love, mercy, welcome to? “Both” would be the answer for the Jesus that we see and read about in the gospels. Is it the same for you and for me?

In Romans 14 and 15 Paul is addressing how the church should welcome each other as Christ would. Since the beginning of the Christian movement the call has been to be like Jesus. Love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, welcome like Jesus, extend grace, mercy, hope, peace… like Jesus. Fighting this call is the whole “we’re God’s chosen people” thing. This implies “you are not” to many people. Now, Paul, he was once a Pharisee amongst Pharisees. Back then, he drew the in/out line thick and with permanent marker. Through his conversion experience Paul knows that Jesus removed the line. Jesus welcomed Paul. That line? Seeing through Jesus’ eyes, you can’t even tell that there ever was a line.

Our reading today begins with “So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.” Pretty clear. But the church still sees the line. So Paul quotes from four Hebrew scriptures that show that the Gentiles (all people outside the old line) are included in God’s plan of salvation. All people. All people.

Go back to the two lists at the start of this devotional. Which one(s) made you pause? Now, insert that name into verse 7. For example ,”So welcome the immigrant in the same way…” Repeat this line again and again for any name that you paused at. Again and again. Do so until “the God of hope” fills you with “all peace and joy” through “the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand that Jesus welcomes one and all just like he once welcomed me. Whatever lines I’ve been taught, whatever in/out ideas I’ve derived – erase them, obliterate them. Fill me to overflowing with your hope, love, peace, and joy. Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit in my heart, guide me to welcome all people into your family. Amen.