pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: spirit


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Divine Moments

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:16-21

Verse 18: “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.”

Today we connect the dots that reveal what the transfiguration meant to Peter. Years after the actual event, Peter writes about it in the passage that we read today. It is clearly a powerful memory for Peter. Recalling that day Peter begins by stating, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” He remembers the “honor and glory” that God placed upon Jesus that day. Peter testifies, “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.” In this context today he is retelling the story for the benefit of his audience, which includes us today. Yet we also know that recalling the story builds Peter’s faith too. Recalling this event and other encounters with Jesus, Peter finds courage when he needs that, assurance when he needs that… This moment on the mountain, it changed Peter forever.

We too have moments that change us forever. We may not always hear the audible voice of God speaking from “the Majestic Glory,” but we do have moments when we feel a tangible presence, when we feel a little nudge, when the Spirit whispers a thought into our heart. These are moments when the divine becomes just as present to us as it was to Peter on the mountain.

Our stories of these moments are powerful. As Peter did, we recall them, we relive them in times of need. These memories bring us a faith boost, a calm in the storm, a strength in the trial… Our stories can be powerful when told to others too. Our moments with the divine provide a great witness to the power of God at work in our lives and in the world. Like Peter, may we share our stories of faith – sometimes in our own hearts and minds, sometimes with one who needs to hear a story of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for each of the moments that have become a part of my story of faith. In love, you touched my life in these ways. May I love others by sharing my personal witness of your power and love. Amen.


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Choose Obedience

Reading: Exodus 24:12-18

Verse 12: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and stay here.'”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

As we begin the week that culminates on Transfiguration Sunday, when Jesus glory is fully revealed, we start by going up the mountain with Moses. He chooses to be present to God on the mountain. Our passage today begins with an invitation. In verses 12 we read, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and stay here.'” It is not a “swing by for a moment” invitation. It is a “come and rest a while” invitation. It is an invitation that calls Moses to come and receive important information from God.

Moses is obedient. He goes up the mountain. In order to go, though, he had to entrust leadership to Aaron and Hur. That done, Moses goes up, entering the cloud of God’s presence that covered the top of the mountain. What happens next is so important. Moses spends 6 days there, just being in God’s presence. Too often we rush in and want God to speak right away so that we can quickly get back to our lives. A good friend who goes on weeklong spiritual retreats shared that it always takes 2-3 days to center, to focus, to really be present, to hear God’s voice. God is never in a rush. As we seek God’s presence, may we add a heap of patience to our obedience to the call to draw near to God.

Moses spends 40 days and nights with God. It is a long conversation filled with much information. When we choose obedience, yielding to God’s call to come away from the world for a while, we too will get to know God (and ourselves) a whole lot better. In those moments in God’s presence, we are changed. We return to the world filled with a presence and a Spirit that empowers us to live a life of service to the Lord our God. When the invitation is extended, when God calls, may we trust and obey. Doing so, God will fill us with all that we need to walk as a faithful disciple in the world.

Prayer: Lord God, moments alone in your holy presence are powerful, wonderful, amazing, scary. Give me the courage to walk into your invitation, to pause life so that I can rest in and be filled by you. O God, fill me up, send me out. Amen.


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Connected through Christ

Reading: 1st Corinthians 2:11-18

Verse 2: “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

As Paul continues to speak about wisdom he differentiates between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. Paul focuses in on the source of our wisdom. Some have received “the spirit of the world” – they think, make decisions, and act according to the wisdom or ways of the world. Pride, greed, lust, power, control – these things drive their lives. In contrast, some have received “the Spirit who is from God.” Those who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior receive the gift of the Holy Spirit into their hearts. Peace, joy, love, hope, service, humility – these things drive their lives.

Those with the spirit of the world cannot understand the things and ways of God. They are not of the Spirit of God so God’s ways seem foolish. They cannot understand the ways of God or the ways that followers of Christ live. Those with the Holy Spirit are connected to God. The indwelling presence of God brings understanding around the will and ways of God. These can discern all that God offers because of the Spirit’s presence. As Paul writes, “We have the mind of Christ.”

Because we are in fact human – flesh and blood – we also understand the ways of the world and are, at times, drawn towards the things that the world values. The fleshy part of us can want control or power or wealth… at times. It is precisely in these moments that we need support, encouragement, and strength to resist the temptation that is pulling at us. Here the Spirit, the mind of Christ, whispers into our hearts. Here the community of faith steps us and speaks truth into our lives. Connected through Christ we find the power and the ability to live faithfully day by day in this world. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gifts of Spirit and community. Alone I would be a slave to the world. With these gifts I stand a chance. Please continue to make self less so that you can be more. Amen.


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The Power of God

Reading: 1st Corinthians 2:1-10

Verse 2: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

As chapter 2 begins, Paul hones in on how he shared the faith with those in Corinth. He is calling them back to the beginning, back so that they can remember how he spoke among them when they first came to believe in Jesus Christ. Paul made an intentional choice to not use human wisdom. Well-educated and a Pharisee by training, Paul knew the scriptures inside out. This choice was very wise. In a city that loved to hear the latest and greatest ideas, that loved to debate these – well, to try and do that with the gospel would lead a 1,000 different directions. Paul reminds them, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Paul stuck to the basics. He told of Christ’s life and sacrifice, of Christ’s teachings and of the love that led to a humble sacrifice on the cross.

When I have been able to share my faith it has never been through arguing someone into believing the creation story or the story of Noah or any other Bible story. When a message hits home with someone on a Sunday morning it is not because I defined this fancy word or because I explained the intricacies of a conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. Wisdom may interest the brain but it does not move the heart. Paul knew this. The power in his message was the story of how Jesus changed his life. This painted a picture of how Jesus could change another’s life. This is the power in our testimony too.

Sharing our faith begins in our hearts. Love and faith reside here. It is also the home to the Holy Spirit. In our text, Paul identifies the Spirit as the revealer. The Holy Spirit will reveal to us the words to speak and the actions to take. The Holy Spirit will also reveal the power of God to those we share our faith with. This day and every day may we trust in the power of God and the Holy Spirit to change and transform lives, beginning with our own.

Prayer: Lord, work in and through me today. By the power of your Holy Spirit use me today for your glory and revelation to the world. Amen.


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Right Now

Reading: Matthew 4:18-23

Verses 21-22: “Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat… and followed him.”

“Hurry up and wait.” Ever heard that expression? It usually comes when the last thing we want to do is wait. Now, that is most of the time, right? In general, we are not patient. Our culture teaches us the “right now” attitude. Yet when I think of Jesus’ life and ministry he was never in a rush. He took his time – often too much for those around him. He always had time for the one he encountered. Maybe this is partly why he calls Andrew and Simon, James and John. They too worked at an occupation that required and developed patience.

In our story today, though, when Jesus calls them to “Come, follow me,” they are anything but patient. Both pairs of brothers followed Jesus “immediately.” Do you ever wonder why? Yes, there must’ve been something about Jesus that led them to this radical decision – an aura, a charisma, a divinity? And maybe there’s another reason. Like all other Jews they’ve been waiting hundreds and hundreds of years for the promised Messiah. Jump at the chance that this might be the one!

And then there’s maybe this other, more practical reason. Today, in my life, when the Spirit of Christ invites me to action, be it in word or deed, I’ve found that a delayed response usually becomes a non-response. The “I’ll do that later, tomorrow…” never happens. Maybe a “right now” attitude is what’s needed. It mirrors Jesus’ approach: the person before me matters right now. Let ministry begin! May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, create in me a spirit of “yes!” Pre-dispose me to action. Ready my hands and feet for whatever or whomever you place in my life. Amen.


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All My Days

Reading: Psalm 27:4-5

Verse 4: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

As we focus on Psalm 27 again today, we hone in on two verses. These verses express David’s trust in God and his desire to be with God. For David and for the Jewish people for much of the time covered in the Old Testament, God dwelled in a place. For many years, beginning in Moses’ time, God dwelt in the tabernacle. Then, in Solomon’s day, the temple was built and this became God’s dwelling place. From this frame of understanding David writes, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” Connection was found in the house of the Lord, be that the tabernacle or the temple. To “be” with God, one went to the house of the Lord.

With the incarnation of Jesus there was a shift in this understanding and in our relationship with God. Yes, today many, myself included, will enter a sanctuary to spend time with God. It is a space filled with the holiness and presence of God. There are many such sanctuaries, some indoors and some outdoors. The shift, though, was that Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, came to us. God in Jesus walked and lived among humanity. This “with us” relationship was continued after his earthly death as Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. God’s constant presence in our life became an option as our hearts became the new temple of God.

God’s presence, though everywhere, is an option. At times we can and do choose to sit on the throne of our own hearts. We get greedy or selfish or jealous or angry or anxious or doubtful or… and we step in to lead or guide the show. Or, like David, we can choose a better option. We can seek and ask daily, desiring above all else to walk in relationship with God all of our days. God is faithful. God is ever present. The choice is ours. May we daily seek and desire God, the one who is as close as our next heartbeat.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to daily seek your presence. By the power of your Spirit living inside of me, remind me again and again to search you out, to follow your guidance and direction for my life. All my days, may you alone sit on the throne of my heart. Amen.


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The Holy Spirit Descends

Reading: Matthew 3:13-17

Verse 16: “At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.”

Our gospel lesson this week is about baptism. In our reading, Jesus comes to John the Baptist as he is preparing the way, preaching repentance and baptizing out in the wilderness. John tried to deter Jesus initially – he recognizes that Jesus does not need to be baptized. Jesus insists, saying, “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus is setting an example. He is preparing himself for a ministry that is about to begin. For each who is baptized, it is also an entry point into a life of faith.

Coming up out of the water, Jesus is changed. In verse 16 we read, “At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” The Holy Spirit descends and becomes a part of the human Jesus’ life. In almost all Christian denominations this is part of our understanding of baptism too. Through the waters of baptism the Holy Spirit enters into that person’s life, beginning the lifelong transformation process. The change wrought in the individual’s life is not done by the power of the water that has been blessed or by the human words spoken in the baptism. The power is found in the Spirit that descends and indwells that person.

It is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit that then guides our lives, helping us to see and hear and live differently. It is the Holy Spirit that transforms us and opens us up to living as a witness to Jesus Christ’s love in the world. In living a life of faith, God also speaks the words of verse 17 over you and me: “This is my son, [this is my daughter], whom I love; with him [with her], I am well pleased.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God of the Holy Spirit, through the sacrament of baptism you draw us in and make us part of your family. Your Spirit becomes a part of who we are at the core. In birth we are created in your image. Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit we come to reflect your image and being to the world. Help us to do this well. Use us in ways that reveal your saving love to our world. Amen.


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Living Out Love

Reading: Hebrews 2:10-18

Verse 14: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity.”

Our text from Hebrews focuses on Jesus’ connection to us, to his brothers and sisters. Our connection begins in the garden, where God formed humankind in God’s own image. Perfection fell away quickly as temptation led to sin and to a new dynamic in our relationship with God. From that point on, temptation and sin would be part of our human nature. At just the right moment, God came in the flesh. Jesus, God incarnate, came and lived among our sin and suffering, among the pain and brokenness of life. Verse 14 puts it this way: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity.”

In order to be the provision for our sin Jesus had to know what he was dying for. He had to know the depth of our need. Jesus had to be made like us “in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest” for us in heaven. Because of this experience Jesus can intercede for us and can stand between us and God’s wrath over our sin. And because of this experience, Christ “is able to help those who are being tempted.” Because he too felt temptation, in Spirit he helps us in our battles with sin. In Spirit, Christ is right there with us.

In his earthly life Jesus was face to face with suffering and hardship. Here too is another connection. In love he fully engaged this side of life. Jesus touched the sick and the unclean. He walked and ate with the outcasts and the shunned. Christ sought relationship with those outside the family of God. Jesus identified all of these as the ones he came to save, as the ones that he shared humanity with. Being brothers and sisters with Christ, may we too seek to live out love, caring for and ministering to the needs among us.

Prayer: Lord God, I am so grateful that in Christ you came and lived among us, experiencing all aspects of this life. You know our weaknesses and our proclivity towards self. In response you gave life for our sins and then you gifted us the Holy Spirit, your presence alive in our hearts. In and through this we find life – both here and now as well as one day in eternity. May my grateful response be to love as you love, especially amongst those most in need of your love, mercy, and care. Amen.


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The True Light

Reading: John 1:1-14

Verse 9: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”

Photo credit: Ben White

Today’s text is beautiful and powerful. It is one I would consider choosing if I could only choose one text to read for the rest of my days. It begins by connecting Jesus to the creation story and on into eternity. In verses 4-5 it speaks of the light that guides our lives and of the light’s ability to overcome sin and death. It is a light that not all people accept. Sadly, “the world did not recognize him.” Even though God knew this, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” That is a risky and brave love, a confident and sure love, and unconditional love that is willing to give your son for much of a world that would reject and kill him. That is love.

It was a love that was thinking of you and of me. In verses 12 we read, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, God gave the right to become children of God.” There is a choice in faith, the ability to say, “Yes, please,” or “No thank you.” This too is love. John unpacks the results of believing, of saying, “Yes, please, Jesus.” In the last verse we read, “The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” This is a connecting verse, placing Jesus in the world’s story 2,000 years ago and into our lives now as Christ’s Holy Spirit lives in our hearts. The verse closes looking into eternity. Through the “One and Only,” we have seen and we live into the glory. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, this day we celebrate the most perfect gift – your son, Jesus Christ. In him is life. In him is light. His holy presence shines into my darkness; his love breaks chains, draws me back, and guides me out to love others. Thank you for this wonderful Savior, almighty redeemer, and way of life, light, and love. Amen.


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The Call to Belong

Reading: Romans 1:1-6

Verse 5: “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.“

In the opening of Romans Paul mentions the “gospel of God.” The word translated ‘gospel’ is also often translated ‘good news.’ Paul, as are all who love God, shares that he is “set apart for the gospel.” He, like all who follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is set apart from the ways of the world for the purposes of being and sharing the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ. So, what is the ‘gospel?’

First, it is rooted in the Old Testament. Many prophets wrote of the coming of one who would save his people. The Messiah and the good news that he would bring to humankind was promised long ago. Second, the gospel is the promise of this salvation to all who enter into a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. A covenant is a no-matter-what agreement. Asking Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior, we pledge loyalty to live as he lived. We commit to loving God and neighbor with all that we are. Jesus agrees to love us even when we fail and to remain present to us, living in Spirit in our hearts, helping us to walk faithfully.

Paul and his co-workers strove to live this way. In verse 5 he writes, “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.” Grace for when they failed; a charge to call all people to live in faithful obedience to Christ. These are both ways that we love our neighbor – by sharing both grace and love with them. Paul makes this clear in verse 6: “You also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” Through our witness and life may others feel the call to belong to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen and encourage me today to answer the call. Use me to draw others to Jesus Christ, the savior of all the world. May my love for you be reflected in my love for your world. Amen.