pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sin


by Leave a comment

All Is Not Lost

Reading: Psalm 95:8-11

Psalm 95:8-9 – “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.”

Continuing in Psalm 95 today, God speaks. Yesterday’s verses ended with these words from the psalmist:“If only you would listen to his [God’s] voice right now!” If only we’d always remember that God holds us and all of creation in the divine presence. If only our lives were a reflection of the joy and salvation that can be ours when we walk in a right relationship with the Lord our God.

In verses 8-9 we read, “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.” While Meribah and Massah are likely unfamiliar places to us, they represent times when Israel questioned, grumbled against, and complained to God. We can name many places and times when we have done just these things. We often allow our selfish and sinful nature to harden our hearts. Even though we, as did the Israelites, see God’s “acts,” we quickly forget God’s love, care, protection, provision… The sheep of God’s pasture continue to wander into other fields.

We read about how God “despised” this generation with “twisted hearts.” We read, “They will never enter my place of rest.” When we live with a twisted heart, whether temporarily or for a season or for almost our whole lives, we displease God because we are not listening to God’s voice. When we’ve focused our hearts and lives on the things of this world, we’ve certainly experienced a lack of rest – and peace, joy, contentment… When our thoughts and actions anger God, all is not lost. God is gracious and merciful, loving and forgiving. Humbly kneeling before our maker, we can swiftly return to our place in God’s pasture. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we can wander. Oh how our hearts can turn inward, away from all that you offer. Forgive us, Lord. Redeem and restore us. Thank you for your hand that always guides us back to you and for your love that always heals our brokenness. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Grace Unending

Reading: Romans 4:13-17

Romans 4:16 – “The inheritance comes through faith, so that it will be on the basis of grace.”

Turning again to Romans 4 today we read that the promise of God to “inherit the world” did not come through the Law. The Law was not even yet in existence when Abram was declared righteous because of his faith. So for Abraham’s descendants – those Paul was writing to then and to us now – the inheritance also comes through faith. One can work really hard to keep the Law (or to do any number of things that we think are pleasing to God), but we will always ultimately fail, bringing upon ourselves the “wrath” that Paul references in today’s reading.

On the opposite end of the scale, we find God’s grace. This free gift of grace is the “basis” for inheriting God’s promises: forgiveness of sin and eternal life. God does not weigh out our worthiness or keep track of how much good we need to do to settle our account. Salvation is not centered on a contractual relationship. There are no transactions needed between us and God in order for us to inherit the promises. There is a grace that washes away our sins and welcomes us back into connection with God and with one another. There is a transformation that occurs – again and again and again…

Paul speaks of this transformation at the end of our passage. This rebirth, this gift of new life over and over, it occurs when God “gives life to the dead.” Once dead in our sin, grace redeems and restores us to life in Christ. Rooted in God’s unconditional love, grace is unending. For the promises grounded in love and grace, we say, thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, living in this world, it can be easy to slip into doing and trying to earn. It is the way of the world: checklists, comparative analysis, judging, then self-doubt, shame, defeat. Your love offers a different way, a better way. Driven by love, you call and reach out in mercy. Fueled by mercy, your grace draws us back to you again and again. Standing there once again, in your love and grace, it feels like we never left. Thank you for loving us this completely, this unconditionally. How great is your love, O Lord. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Ever with Us

Reading: Matthew 4:8-11

Matthew 4:9 – “I’ll give you all of these if you bow down and worship me.”

We return today to where we began the week: Matthew 4. On Monday we spent time with Satan’s first two temptations of Jesus. Today we turn to the third temptation in the wilderness. The devil brings Jesus to a very high mountain and shows him “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” Their glory would be their power, their riches, their fame. Showing Jesus all that the world has to offer, Satan says, “I’ll give you all of these if you bow down and worship me.” While it is hard for us to imagine ourselves actually bowing down and worshipping Satan, the truth is that we do this in many ways. Every time I allow jealousy over what someone else has to lead me to act in ways to attain that thing, I’m worshipping the prince of this world. When I allow angry thoughts to fester, eventually bursting forth as angry words, I’m giving in to the ways of the world. If I ponder doing something unethical or unjust to gain that job or that promotion or recognition, I’ve begun to walk the devil’s path.

These natural human emotions – greed, envy, lust, want – they are centered on self. All of these emotions seek to elevate self over others. While we face these things on a regular basis, we are most susceptible when we are weak, tired, feeling unloved… Satan came to Jesus at his weakest point: forty days alone, without food in the wilderness, sleeping under the stars, with rock-for-a-pillow accomodations. Yet even in these difficult emotional and physical conditions, Jesus called on God again and again, finding the strength and power he needed to “worship… and serve him [God] only.” Yes, in the end God became fully present, angels caring for Jesus. But in reality, God was present all along, giving Jesus the words to speak to defeat temptation again and again. The same will be true for us. When we need God, God will be right there. God is ever with us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your constant and abiding presence. In our wilderness moments, remind us of that presence. When we’re tempted to push through, to fight it out, to go it alone – gently touch our heart. When we’re teetering on giving in, on going the way of the world, mercifully guide us back to the power and strength that we find in you. Keep us wholly yours. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Walking the Walk

Reading: Psalm 32:8-11

Psalm 32:10 – “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.”

Continuing in Psalm 32 today, God speaks in verses 8 and 9. These words assume that the confession and repentance spoken of in the previous verses has occurred. To those with a clean heart, God promises to “instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go.” God is talking about helping us to walk the walk of faith, to journey faithfully moving forward. To help in that process, God will “advise you” and God will “keep my eye on you.” Some of this occurs as we study the word and as we worship. Some happens as the Holy Spirit leads and guides, corrects and convicts. Our efforts are supported, strengthened, and encouraged by God’s indwelling presence.

Being honest with David and with us, God says, “Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule.” These animals are led by bit and bridle. To be forced to walk the walk of faith – that is not the way of love. As reinforcement David declares, “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.” We’ve all felt the pain caused by sin, whether it was our sin or the sin of another. And we have all felt the joy and gladness when our heart has been made right with God or when a broken human relationship has been reconciled. We have all felt the hope and peace of God’s love surrounding us. These are moments and experiences that we must witness to the world. With a humble servant’s heart, may our lives “sing out in joy!” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, our will is weak but you are strong. Our walk becomes unsteady and misguided at times. You are always steadfast and true. Our obedience wavers and sometimes even fails. Your love always calls us back and your grace and mercy guide us back into right relationship with you and with one another. As we walk the walk of faith, lead us into a closer and closer connection to your will and way, to your heart and your love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Forgiveness

Reading: Psalm 32:1-7

Psalm 32:3-4 – “When I kept quiet, my bones wore out… your hand was heavy upon me.”

Psalm 32 is a song about forgiveness. While the concept of forgiveness is simple, our human nature can complicate this practice in many ways. In the opening verses David lifts up the benefits of forgiveness. The one whose sin is covered by God and who is guilt-free before God is “truly happy.” When nothing separates us from God and God’s love, yes, we are truly happy! The same can be said of our other relationships. When nothing separates us from our love of family, friends, teammates, coworkers… we are truly happy.

We’ve all experienced this place of joy in our relationships. From this experience, you’d think we’d always be swift to seek and offer forgiveness. Unfortunately, we are often like David. In verses 3 and 4 he writes, “When I kept quiet, my bones wore out… your hand was heavy upon me.” Too often we do not seek or receive forgiveness and the weight of this choice begins to feel heavy upon us. The angst or anger, the guilt or the grievance can fester and grow as we let the unresolved tension continue. We come to the place, too, when God’s hand feels heavy upon us. The gentle nudge of the Spirit feels like a hard shove. This is a good thing. It leads to verse 5: “So I admitted my sin…”

Confession begins the healing process – at least as far as God is concerned. God is quick to remove the guilt and shame, swift to rescue and redeem us and our relationship with God. Sadly, we can struggle with these steps sometimes. Our pride or the hurt can get in the way. We can want to nurse a grudge. We can have a hard time admitting we were wrong. When we are struggling with these or other issues, may we remember that we are made in the image of God. Doing so, may our forgiveness be quick and gentle, honest and complete.

Prayer: Lord God, in the arena of forgiveness, make us more like you. Guide us to be practitioners of grace and mercy, humility and love – the key ingredients to living in right relationships with you and with one another. Amen.


by Leave a comment

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.


by Leave a comment

God Moments

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:16-18

2nd Peter 1:16b – “We witnessed his majesty with our own eyes.”

Photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon

Reading part of this week’s Epistle passage today, we are reminded of our transfiguration reading from yesterday and of our mountaintop experience of Moses from our Exodus reading on Monday. Peter proclaims that they are not using “crafty myths” to tell the story of the good news of Jesus Christ. He then professes, “We witnessed his majesty with our own eyes.” Personal witness is powerful. Yes, it is good to be able to explain Jesus’ teachings and to help others understand how Jesus died and rose again, all to save us from our sin and to open the way to eternal life. Our most powerful witness, however, comes when we personally share what Jesus has done and is doing for us and in our life. That story preaches.

Peter recalls the voice that came from the cloud, from the “magnificent glory.” He remembers the words that he heard: “dearly loved Son… well-pleased.” It all happened, there on that holy mountain. If one listens and looks closely, one can imagine the light of Christ that shines in Peter as he recalls this God moment. It was similar with Moses each time he came down the mountain, equipped with a word from God. He was literally aglow with God’s presence. When we share our own God stories, we too begin to shine with the light of Christ. When we tell our own story, whether visible or felt, the intensity of the light of Christ within us grows.

Like the prophets of old, when we enter into God’s presence – whether on a holy mountaintop, deep in a dark valley, or in the ordinary of life – we are given something to share: a story, a prayer, a word of God. In these moments of glory revealed, we are being equipped and empowered to be a light for others. May we use our God moments to build our faith and to help others along in their walks of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the moments of grace – in a balcony in high school, in the cemetery in college, in the Promise Keepers prayer room, in the moment after death, in the random Sunday when tears of joy flow… Thank you for the moments that you’ve blessed others with too. Lord, guide these moments to be moments shared with others seeking you. Use us to witness to your glorious presence in our own lives, opening windows for others to see and experience you through. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Growing Love

Reading: 1st Corinthians 2:6-16

1st Corinthians 2:10 – “God revealed these things to us through the Spirit.”

Picking up in 1st Corinthians 2 today we return to threads from last week’s reading in chapter 1. The wisdom of God is available to those who are “spiritual.” This wisdom is an ancient wisdom that has been present since “before time began.” Therefore this wisdom does not come from “today’s leaders,” then or now. This is the wisdom that “God has prepared… for those who love him.” And of great consequence, “God revealed these things to us through the Spirit.” It is through the Spirit that we “know the things given to us by God” and that we receive “words taught by the Spirit.” To those yet living by the ways of the world, these things remain “foolishness.”

This open line of communication holds great power. The Spirit knows our hearts and minds intimately because the Spirit dwells in the hearts of those who love God. Acting with this knowledge, the Holy Spirit seeks to lead and guide us deeper into relationship with God and with one another. Internally the Spirit leads and guides our prayers, our Bible study, our meditations and thoughts concerning the things of God. Through these internal practices we grow in our knowledge of God, and, more importantly, we grow in our love of God.

Our growing love of God naturally leads to a growing love of neighbor. This is reflected in our external behaviors – in the words we speak, in the actions we take, in the sins we increasingly repent of. In these ways we are being God’s light and love to the world. As the Spirit lives and works in and through us, we love deeper and we shine brighter. Doing so we reveal the glory of God to the world, drawing others towards God, starting them on the path of making sense of what was once “foolishness.” By our witness and example, may God in Christ be glorified.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that works both in us and through us. Lead and guide us to be both receptive and responsive. As your Spirit fills us with love and wisdom and as your Spirit reveals our gifts to us, take us out into the world to share this love and to employ our gifts to bring healing and wholeness to our world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Power and Presence

Reading: 1st Corinthians 2:1-5

1st Corinthians 2:4 – “My message and my preaching weren’t presented with convincing wise words but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power.”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

As we begin the first of two days in 1st Corinthians 2, Paul reveals how the wisdom and power of God works in everyday lives. Paul did not come to Corinth preaching with big, fancy words. He did not come with well-polished speeches produced by professional writers. Paul’s focus was first and foremost on Jesus Christ, then on presenting Jesus as crucified (and resurrected and alive.) His attitude was not one of superiority or arrogance. No, Paul recalls how he was there with “weakness, fear, and a lot of shaking.” That can be the feeling when we too are relying on the Holy Spirit to show up and move in and amongst us.

Paul chooses to meet his audience where they are at. Remember, Paul was a “Pharisee amongst Pharisees.” He certainly could have used big words and waxed on eloquently. But, at some point, even in the right intellectual circles, this human wisdom runs out, it falls short. The power of the cross that flows through the Holy Spirit – it is boundless and endless. It can rescue the greatest sinner and it can humble the most arrogant saint. This is because the Spirit meets us where we are at and, if we are willing, will take us where we need to go.

Again and again Paul has personally experienced the power and presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit. This is the foundation of his faith and of his preaching. We too have experienced the power and presence of the Holy Spirit many times in our lives. May this be our foundation as we “preach” Christ to the world, whether in word or deed. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, the essence of you and of who you are resides in our hearts, not in our minds. So as we go out into the world today, guide us to speak and act from the heart, allowing your love, compassion, empathy, grace, peace, hope… to flow into other people’s lives. May our “argument” be guided and fueled and driven by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit living in us. By this power and presence use us to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.