pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: spirit


by Leave a comment

Open Hearts

Reading: Matthew 10:5-23

Matthew 10:7 – “As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.'”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

Having named and empowered the twelve, moving forward in chapter 10, Jesus gives the disciples instructions for when they go out into the world. The first is this: “As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.'” We recall how Jesus did this in the ordinary, daily living of his life. In all that he said and did, Jesus proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God. His vocation was prophet, preacher, and healer. For some of us, ministry may be our vocation too. But for many it is not. Many are bankers or construction workers or nurses or stay-at-home parents or… Yet make no mistake, all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are called to proclaim and to bring near to others the good news with our lives. While I do offer a message on Sundays and teach a small group here and there, much of the work of my witness to the world occurs outside of the physical church building.

As the passage continues to unfold, we note how Jesus tells us to go. Don’t take a bunch of stuff with you – all you need is in your heart. Don’t expect everyone to instantly commit their lives to Jesus Christ – maybe a few will but it is a process for most. Expect to be harassed and maybe even abused. The good news convicts sin. Change is hard. Move from place to place, person to person. Be present and meet needs – physical, emotional, spiritual… Trust that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say in the moment. Trust that your compassion and love will touch many hearts, opening the door for Jesus to enter those hearts. As we work to bring near and to build the kingdom in our time and place, may the Lord bless the harvest!

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to your presence. Fill us with your Spirit and open our eyes to see those you place in our lives. Seeing, give us the words to say and show us the steps to take so that the list may be drawn to you. Use us today to bring the good news to the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Hope and Peace

Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his [Jesus’] faithfulness, we have peace with our God through Jesus Christ.”

Our passage today begins with a connecting word: “Therefore…” In Paul’s original letter there was no big “5” nor were there any small numbers marking verses. 4:25 would’ve just flowed into 5:1. In what we call chapter 4, Paul has been writing about how Jesus died for our “mistakes,” meeting the “requirements of righteousness for us.” Through his blood we are forgiven. “Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his [Jesus’] faithfulness, we have peace with our God through Jesus Christ.” Being made right again with God, cleansed and forgiven, we have “peace” with God. We are reconciled back into right relationship with God through Jesus Christ’s faithfulness.

Living in right relationship through faith, we can stand firm and we can hold onto hope. These are essential to our walk of faith. Paul gets to the “why” in verses 3 and 4. “Problems,” as Paul puts it, are simply part of living as imperfect creatures in this broken, sinful world. Sometimes these “troubles” are our own making, sometimes not. We are each just one of a world full of imperfect creatures. But because we have hope and because we can stand firm in Jesus Christ, we can “see” beyond our present troubles and problems. We know that the world does not have the last word.

Through the Holy Spirit, which pours the love of God into our hearts, we can endure the hard times. This endurance builds up our Christian character, which, in turn, reinforces our hope. What enables us to go through this refining and growing process again and again? The loving presence of God in Spirit that covers us in God’s peace. For this presence and the peace and hope that it brings to our hearts and minds, we say thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it is hard to imagine living this life without you. Some do, but without hope and peace, the struggles and trials of this world would overwhelm us. Therefore we thank you first for Jesus’ sacrifice, which allows us to be in your presence. It is your Spirit presence that gives us the love, hope, and peace that guides us through the struggles and trials. Thank you for this loving presence, the fuel for our faith and hope. Amen.


by 1 Comment

Go, Disciple, Baptize, Teach

Reading: Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey.”

Yesterday we pondered doubt. But what if the doubt wasn’t about God or Jesus? What if the doubt was about themselves, about their ability to carry on the work of Jesus? Perhaps the disciples sensed that this was the last time they’d see the risen Christ. Like Joshua staring down the fears of what lay ahead in the Promised Land, maybe all of these disciples of Jesus were questioning their place in the building of a kingdom here on earth. This is a doubt that we frequently feel and face too.

In verse 18 Jesus declares, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth.” All things are under Jesus’ authority, power, and control. The fears of the authorities? The doubt within? The unsurety of what comes next? Surrender it all to Jesus’ authority. Trust it all to his power. And believe that his authority is your authority because he lives in you.

Next comes the Great Commission, the marching orders. Jesus says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey.” Go and disciple others, revealing Jesus’ light and love, using words when necessary (thanks St. Francis of Assisi.) As people come to know Jesus and to believe in him as Lord and Savior, baptize them “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is the entry point for the Spirit’s presence in the heart of a new believer. This presence brings with it Jesus’ authority. The last step is to teach them more and more about Jesus so that their obedience grows and grows. As we live out these steps, we too continue to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your constant presence and your unconditional love. Reassure us when we doubt ourselves, reminding us of your power and presence within us. By that same Holy Spirit within, lead us and guide us to disciple others, growing ourselves in the process. Empower us with the authority of Jesus, trusting that nothing in this world can ever defeat the power of your love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Good, Creative, Ordered

Reading: Genesis 1:1-25

Genesis 1:2 – “The earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over the waters.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

In Genesis 1 and the first verses of chapter 2 we find the first creation story. This is our introduction to God and to the world that God created. What was it like before God began to act? In verse two we read that the “earth” was shapeless, just a dark, roiling “sea.” There was chaos. There was no order, no purpose. First, God’s wind (Spirit) swept out over the deep waters, becoming present. Then God began to act, to order and create.

Light came first, then the sky. Next God creates the land and the seas, then plantlife on the land. As God continues to create, the sun, moon, and stars are made, the seas are filled with life, and the land is filled with animals. After each “day” or step, God looked at all that had been done and “saw how good it was.”

What do we learn about God from this opening story in the Bible? First, God is bent towards good. There is goodness in all that God does. Second, God is creative and ordered. There is purpose and planning in the creation. One step proceeds the next because it has too. Yet God is not totally predictable nor completely understandable. There is surprise and mystery about God.

In many ways, our world today is not unlike what it must have felt like on day one. There is darkness. Things often feel chaotic. There is discord and evil, violence and injustice seemingly all around. And God continues to be present, to move, to create. There is much good in our world because God is still in our world. God is at work, shining light into darkness, bringing good to bear against the evils of this world. There is hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for creating order out of chaos, for bringing good into our world. Thank you for continuing to work in our world, redeeming and restoring it back towards what you made it to be. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Life-Giving and Abundant

Reading: John 7:37-39

John 7:38b – “Rivers of living water will flow out from within him.”

Turning to John 7, Jesus stands and shouts on the “last and most important day” of the Festival of Booths (or Feast of Tabernacles.) The weeklong festival was spent in make-shift booths celebrating God’s presence during the time in the wilderness. Water played a key role during those 40 years. It began with God parting the waters, leading Israel to safety. It closed with God again parting the waters, leading Israel into the Promised Land. In between God again and again provided water – life-giving and abundant. Into these thoughts Jesus offers an invitation for all who are thirsty to come to him, to believe in him, and to drink from his “living water.”

As he did with the woman at the well, Jesus offers himself as the answer to all of our human “thirsts.” Like Moses at the rock of Horeb, it will not be a trickle or a slow drip of water. No, Jesus’ living water will gush forth, flowing like a mighty river. As it did with Moses’ spirit at the tent of meeting, Jesus’ Spirit will flow into our hearts and lives, bringing life-giving, abundant faith.

On this Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the first coming of the Holy Spirit. It gave life to the church and it continues to do so, even today. The living water flows from Jesus, into us, and then out into the world. As we are led and guided by the Holy Spirit, others experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness… hearing the invitation themselves to come and drink, to satisfy their thirsts, to find abundant life in Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, come today, Holy Spirit, come. Fill our hearts and unleash our love, so that all may come to know the source of living water – abundant, free, life-changing. May your love and presence well up in our hearts, and being unbound, overflow into the lives of all we meet. Amen.


by Leave a comment

For the Common Good

Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:7-13

1st Corinthians 12:7 – “A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Continuing in 1st Corinthians 12 today we move to the gifts of the Spirit that we receive as followers of Jesus Christ. First, Paul is clear about who and why we receive gifts: “A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.” Each person is given a gift (or gifts.) Although some people will try and tell you otherwise, we all have a gift or gifts from the Holy Spirit. Along those lines, we should note that the list in today’s reading is a partial list. Paul is also clear about the purpose of our gifting: for the common good. Sadly, we can use our gift(s) for selfish gain. This is not the intent for the gifts of the Spirit.

In verses 8-10 Paul gives us a partial list of the gifts of the Spirit. Each of these gifts – wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing… – are given to us and are manifested through the Spirit. We do not or cannot, for example, decide to be wise today. No, at times and in situations, the Spirit “activates” our gift of wisdom so that we can contribute to the common good and bring God the glory through the manifestation of wisdom.

Paul shifts gears in verses 12 and 13. This was to address a problem that we too can struggle with. As we can do with everything from sports to vocations to colleges to opinions, we can compare or elevate our own gift(s) of the Spirit. This human tendency was causing division in the church in Corinth. The ability to speak in tongues was the gift to have. Paul uses the human body as his analogy to break down this human tendency towards comparison. While many parts, they and we, Paul declares, are one body in Jesus Christ. We are all gifted and baptized by the one Spirit, unified by Christ’s Spirit, each uniquely gifted, all working together for the common good. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us as we serve you and one another, using our gifts of the Spirit as we are empowered, seeking to bring about the common good here on earth. Help us understand that what is “good” might require sacrifice. Help us to discern what is “good” according to your will and way, aligned with your plans and purposes. You alone, O God, are truly good. Use us to reveal and to be about the work of building your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


by Leave a comment

One in and Through the Holy Spirit

Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:3-6

1st Corinthians 12:4-6 – “There are different spiritual gifts… different ministries… different activities but the same God who produces all of them for everyone.”

As we turn to 1st Corinthians 12 today and tomorrow, we focus on the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of all believers. Paul’s words echo the beautiful diversity found in creation and balance that with a unity as the body of Christ. In verses 3-6 we look at the general use of spiritual gifts in the church and world.

The first work of the Spirit addressed by Paul is the ability to declare Jesus as Lord. Understanding Paul’s missionary zeal, I do not think he is referring to whispering our profession of faith or using our faith in quiet, behind-the-scenes ways. Yes, there are places for both. But in general we are called to live out a public witness, bold and confident in Christ.

In verses 4-6 we read these words: “There are different spiritual gifts… different ministries… different activities but the same God who produces all of them for everyone.” We will delve into our varied gifts tomorrow, but today we focus on our diversity or uniqueness and on our unity. Each person is given a unique set of gifts from the Holy Spirit. This leads one to this ministry or to that activity. Another’s unique gifting leads them to this activity or to that ministry. Where would the church be if we all had the same gifts and all did just one thing?

Yet there is unity in God’s design too. We see this in the last words, “the same God who produces all of them for everyone.” The gifts and the ways we use our gifts? All to be the one body of Jesus Christ seeking to accomplish God’s plans and purposes for our lives and for our world – not just for the church – “for everyone.” May it be so!!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making each of us just as you need us to be. Thank you for my gifts and for the gifts of each person in the body of Christ. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, put us to doing and being, each in our own unique ways yet united under Jesus’ lordship. Build our connectedness and our effectiveness, all for your glory and for the transformation of this world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

If Only!

Reading: Numbers 11:24-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his spirit on them.”

As we lead up to Pentecost Sunday we turn to Numbers 11. A little context first, though. Moses led the people out of slavery in Egypt and they have been wandering in the desert. Not too long after God provided manna – an amazing miracle that came in response to the people’s grumbling – the “riffraff” stir up more complaining, this time about a lack of meat. This is not the first or second or even third time they’ve grumbled against Moses’ leadership and against God’s provision. The weight of leading crashes down on Moses. The grumbling angers God. A depleted and frustrated Moses cannot bear the burden any longer. If things are going to be like this, he says to God, “please kill me.” Moses is done.

We’ve all been in situations where we’ve been doing what God asks of us, walking faithfully, and the road gets bumpy. If the bumps don’t level out but instead get worse, we can feel defeated and frustrated. We can cry out to God in desperation as the weight begins to feel too heavy to bear. We want to give up. As with Moses, God has a plan. We are not left alone in the valley. For Moses, God passes some of Moses’ leadership spirit on to seventy elders. They will help him lead, guided by the spirit. In our valleys, God walks with us in Spirit and often sends a friend to walk with us to lift our burdens.

Two men outside the gathering at the tent of meeting also receive the spirit and start to prophesy. A concerned Joshua alerts Moses, concerned for Moses’ power. Moses does not see it this way. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Moses pines, “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his spirit on them.” Indeed, if only all of God’s people were filled with the Spirit. Indeed, indeed. May it be so, O God. Fill us all with your Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Lord God, first, thank you for never leaving us alone in the valley or in other times of trial. Thank you for your loving faithfulness. Second, Lord, fill us with your Spirit – both so we can walk faithfully as we bear one another’s burdens and so we turn to you, our ultimate companion, in our times of need. Be with us all of our days, O God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

With Authority (and Grace and Gentleness)

Reading: Acts 2:13-21

Acts 2:21 – “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Turning to the second half of our Acts 2 reading, Peter takes center stage. This is not even the same Peter that spoke with and saw the risen Jesus ascend into heaven ten days ago. No, this Peter has been filled with the Holy Spirit. All of the believers gathered there that day have been indwelled by God’s Spirit. It’s not just the leaders. It is all people that have been filled with the Spirit. It is with this new power and presence within that Peter and the other eleven disciples stand up to address the surprised and bewildered crowd. Peter is ready to do what he encourages all believers to do: defend your faith with grace and gentleness.

Peter begins by inviting all present to hear his words. Claiming authority, he declares, “Hear this! Listen carefully to my words!” With his audience’s attention, he dismissed the simple explanation of wine. Drunk? It is 9 am. “Rather,” he says, what has happened is what the prophet Joel spoke of long ago. Quoting Joel is wise. The people gathered there would be very familiar with the prophet Joel. Peter states that what has just happened right there is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophetic words. He then reminds them of Joel’s words. God has poured out the Spirit. They have just witnessed it. Those in the house – sons and daughters, young and old, and even male and female servants – they have been filled with the Spirit and have spoken in languages they do not know. Yes, God is clearly at work here. Verse 21 is both closer and invitation: “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

You and I, my friends, are filled with the same Spirit, the same power, the same presence. Through these indwelling gifts we are equipped and empowered to speak of God’s love for all people, telling our story of faith as a witness to God’s love. May we speak as Peter spoke: with authority and with grace and gentleness.

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with your Spirit and with your power and presence. Filled, guide us to trust in you, to step into the opportunities you present, knowing that we are both equipped and empowered to share the good news that changed our hearts and lives. Move in and through us, O Lord, drawing others into your saving and life-changing love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Spirit Empowered

Reading: Acts 2:1-12

Acts 2:4 – “They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.”

Next Sunday is Pentecost Sunday! On this Sunday we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. In a way, this is like a second coming of Jesus. As we begin the week in Acts 2 today and tomorrow, we see how the Spirit empowers believers as they and we seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.

Pentecost began on Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. This Jewish celebration that was 50 days after Passover started as a harvest festival then morphed into a time to remember the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. The Law was what guided a devout Jew’s life. The Holy Spirit functions much in the same way for the followers of Jesus.

On the first Pentecost a mighty wind announced the coming of the Holy Spirit. This noise drew a crowd, through which the power of the Spirit was demonstrated. As “flames of fire” alit on the believers that were gathered together, “They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” For the disciples, this indwelling Spirit gave them the authority of Jesus Christ. Empowered, they soon became apostles – “sent ones.”

For some of those who heard the good news in their native tongues, the Spirit began to woo many, to draw them towards Jesus Christ. Later in Acts 2, many respond to this call. They are like us. We one day heard the call of God upon our hearts. Opening our hearts, we received Jesus as Lord. Receiving Jesus, we then received the Holy Spirit into our hearts too. Like those first disciples, we are empowered to tell the story of our faith in Jesus Christ. Each in our own way, may we share our good news stories with others.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit! Your Spirit gives us so much: guidance, direction, courage, comfort, conviction, hope, power… Fill our hearts today with a desire to share our faith with others, so that they too may receive Jesus into their hearts, opening the door for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them. Amen.