pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: spirit


by Leave a comment

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.


by Leave a comment

To Trust in Faith

Reading: Matthew 26:36-39

Matthew 26:39 – “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me.”

As we wrap up a week on faith overcoming our fears, we turn today to Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane. It has been a tumultuous week in Jerusalem. Jesus has clashed with the religious leaders. He has washed the disciples’ feet and instituted holy communion. He has spoken of betrayal and denial. As the time for his arrest, trial, suffering, and death nears, Jesus goes to a place of prayer that he has frequented. The disciples know this about Jesus and this place.

Entering the Garden, Jesus leaves most of the disciples, instructing them to “stay here” while he goes to pray. Taking Peter, John, and James a little further into the Garden and into his struggle, Jesus tells them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying.” He tells them to stay they and to “keep alert” – pray! Falling to the ground, Jesus prays, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me.” The human piece of Jesus fears what is soon to come: the arrest… The Divine piece of Jesus fears the separation from God when he takes upon himself our sins.

Choosing faith and trust over fear, Jesus prays, “However – not what I want but what you want.” What’s coming will be extremely hard, painful, difficult. But it is God’s plan. It’s always been the plan. In our moments of fear, when we can see what’s coming and when it is the unknown that raises up fear in us, may we too choose to trust in faith, knowing that our good, good God loves us and is in control. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, fear is something that we deal with often. It rises up in times of risk and danger; it rises up in times of challenge and trial. In the moments when fear is beginning to grip us, Lord speak into our hearts and minds. By the power of the Spirit, remind us that we are yours and yours alone. Amen.


by 1 Comment

Claim and Proclaim

Reading: 1st Timothy 1:5-10

1st Timothy 1:7 – “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Paul’s second letter to Timothy focuses on the character of a faithful pastor. It is the follow-up to the first letter, which focused on the character of a faithful church. Paul’s goal in this personal letter is to encourage a timid but gifted young pastor. As we focus on facing our fears this week, a key idea is faith over fear. Today in our reading, Paul seeks to build up Timothy’s faith so that he can minister faithfully in Ephesus. These words also offer encouragement to us as we seek to minister to our communities.

Paul begins by reminding Timothy of his “authentic faith.” It is a faith rooted in his family upbringing. It remains in him but is also present in his family that is close by. Paul reminds Timothy of the blessing he was given by God through Paul’s laying on of hands. The gift of the Spirit came through this blessing. Of this Spirit Paul writes, “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.” We too receive this gift and its power when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

In times of suffering and other hardship (when our fears usually rise up,) Paul encourages Timothy to “depend on God’s power.” Trust the faith and Spirit within – not on your own power. That will not be enough in the trials. Timothy is reminded that he was saved by grace (not by anything he did or can do) and that he has a “holy calling,” a purpose given him by God. We are all gifted by this sane grace and are all called according to our gifts. This is God’s purpose for us all, one body with many parts. Paul closes this section with a reminder that Jesus Christ brought life eternal through his death and brought true live now through the good news that he taught. May we claim and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, both for these days and for the life to come.

Prayer: Lord God, what encouraging reminders Paul offers to Timothy in today’s verses. These words and therefore this encouragement belong to us as well. Build up in us our faith through the Spirit. Fill us with power, love, and self-control as we strive to live out our faith in this world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Big Love

Reading: John 13-31-35

John 13:34b – “Just as I have loved you, so you also must love one another.”

Jesus is nearing the cross at this point in John’s gospel. Judas has just left to betray Jesus. Soon, through his death and resurrection Jesus will be glorified. He has spent his life, especially the last three years, glorifying God through how he lived. This process of mutual glorification is a part of the life of a Christian. Our faithful living brings glory to God. This is the building of the kingdom here on earth. In the end, our faithful living will result in our place in God’s glorious heaven.

For Jesus, the return to God’s side is rapidly approaching. He plainly tells the disciples, “I’m with you for a little while longer.” They will want to remain with Jesus, but for now this is not to be. Jesus, however, will remain a part of their lives. In spirit, Jesus will continue to be present to his disciples.

Beginning in verse 34, Jesus tells them how to continue this relationship. Giving what he calls a “new command,” Jesus tells the disciples to love one another. This command to love neighbor has been around for thousands of years. What’s ‘new’ is in the details: “Just as I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” Like Jesus’ “You have heard… but now I say…” statements, this new command takes Leviticus 19:18b to a whole new level. As disciples the call isn’t just to live as the good Samaritan loved. No, the call is to love as Jesus loves: unconditionally, without limit, completely. This is a big love. When we love this way, all will know that we are a disciple of Jesus. May this be the love that we practice always.

Prayer: Lord God, this is not an easy-to-accomplish call. To love others as you love us? That is a deep and rich and layered love. It is a love often with a cost. Lord, work in our hearts, open them wide so that we can practice and live a love that reflects your love. Guide us to be your love lived out in the world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Willing to Risk

Reading: Colossians 1:24-29

Colossians 1:27 – “God wanted to make the glorious riches of his secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory.”

Paul writes of his ministry to the church in verses 24-29 and beyond. Much more so than we do today, the earliest church both expected and almost welcomed suffering for their faith. If their faith was being lived out enough to draw persecution… then it was a faith worthy of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul states that he is “happy” to suffer for his service to the church. There was an honor to continue Christ’s suffering “for the sake of the church.”

Paul speaks of a “secret plan” that was being revealed to the Gentiles. Jewish thought at that time believed that God’s plans were complete but were held in heaven, to be revealed in God’s time. These ‘plans’ were established at the creation of the world, so they have been hidden for many generations. But now, “God wanted to make the glorious riches of his secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory.”

The goal for Paul and all in the early church was for every person, for all people, to experience the indwelling presence of Christ’s Spirit in their hearts, to know the living hope that they knew. So wonderful was this faith and so great was their hope, they were willing to suffer so that they could share their faith in Jesus Christ with literally everyone. May it be so for us as well!

Prayer: Lord God, draw us to a depth of faith where we will risk more for the spreading of your word. Encourage us to step across those lines, into places and lives where there might be a cost to sharing our faith. Walk with us, Lord, strengthening and equipping us for this journey. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Choices

Reading: Jeremiah 17:12-14

Jeremiah 17:14 – “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.”

Jeremiah lived and shared God’s word during a turbulent time in Judah. The northern kingdom has fallen to Babylon and he would witness the fall of Judah during his ministry. Jeremiah speaks words that are hard to hear – the sin of the leaders and the people are great. At the start of chapter 17 the prophet writes, “Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron pen… on the tablets of their heart.” Their faith situation is grave. Judah’s fall is close at hand.

Turning to our passage for today, Jeremiah recognizes that God still sits enthroned in the sanctuary. This echoes yesterday’s reality that God was, is, and always will be. He recognizes God as “the hope of Israel.” While all of this is true concerning God, free will is at play. Very few people remain faithful. Jeremiah acknowledges that those who forsake or turn away from God “will suffer disgrace” or will be “written off.” Choices.

In spite of this present reality, Jeremiah also makes a choice. In verses 14 he speaks his heart: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for you are my heart’s desire.” Jeremiah, in spite of all the sin and evil around him remains fully committed to God. This is a choice that we must make at times. In personal situations, in our relationships, in the world that we live in today, will we choose to be faithful and totally committed to the Lord our God? Or will we walk the easier, safer road?

Prayer: Lord God, in the moments where we are tempted by sin, drawn to the desires of the flesh, and/or pondering just letting evil win, speak into our hearts. We, like Jeremiah, desire to walk faithfully with you. Remind us of your love and care, of your protection and provision, especially in these moments of decision. Empower us through the Spirit that dwells within. Thank you, O Lord our God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Everywhere All the Time

Reading: Revelation 21:10 and 22-27

Revelation 21:24 – “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.”

Just as we did in Ezekiel, we enter into John’s visionary experience towards the end. John’s vision in Revelation speaks of the culminating work of the risen one, Jesus Christ. His visionary experience is broken down into four encounters guided by the Holy Spirit. In verses 10 of today’s reading, the fourth encounter begins “in a Spirit-inspired trance.” John is taken to a high mountain where he can see “the Holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven.”

In the verses leading up to verse 22, John describes the beauty and brilliance of the new Jerusalem. Then, in verse 22, there is a departure from Ezekiel’s vision of the new heaven and earth. In Revelation there is no temple. Instead of a physical building, the “temple” is the presence of “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.” While we often still try to limit God’s presence to our church buildings, this vision matches the actual reality: God is everywhere all the time.

In the new Jerusalem there is no night or day. God’s glory is the light and Jesus’ light is the lamp. Inside or outside, again, God is everywhere all the time. In verses 24 we read, “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.” All who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior will enter the city whose “gates will never shut,” bringing God all the glory, honor, and praise. In the new city, the faithful will dwell with God. The unclean and vile will be nowhere to be found. These cannot be in God’s holy presence. What a beautiful day this will be when all things are made new in Jesus’ final kingdom!

Prayer: Lord God, yes, what a day it will be! The beauty and brilliance of the new heaven and earth will be spectacular. But they will pale greatly in comparison to your glorious presence. All will walk in your all-encompassing light and love. And all that we say and do will bring you the glory, honor, and praise. What a new day it will be! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Christ’s Peace

Reading: John 14:23-29

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Chapter 13 ends with announcements of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial with the command to love one another tucked in between. The depth of love that the disciples hold for one another will set them apart from the world. Chapter 14 begins with a call to trust God and with a reminder that Jesus is the way to the father and to heaven. Jesus shares that the words he speaks and the deeds that he does are not his own words or deeds, but are from the Father “who dwells in me.”

It is within the context of all of this that Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” By extension, this is keeping God’s word. This will lead Jesus’ followers to experience what Jesus himself experienced: “We will come and make our home with them.” Jesus goes on to explain that this indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, “the Companion,” will teach and remind believers of everything that Jesus said. This is what Jesus was referring to earlier when he said to the disciples, “I won’t leave you as orphans.”

Jesus then says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” Because of the constant presence of the Holy Spirit within, we have a constant source of peace. The steadfast and unchanging nature of Jesus’ presence is very different from the world’s offer of peace. The world’s peace is a moving target. It shifts with our whims, with cultural norms, with the latest fads, with society’s definition of “success.” God’s love and presence, and therefore our peace, is steady and unchanging. May this ever be the peace that we seek.

Prayer: Lord God, the desires of the flesh and the lures of this world can so easily shift our focus, changing the thing that we think might bring us peace. By the power of your Holy Spirit keep us focused on your words and on the voice within our heart that seeks to lead and guide us. And when we stumble, Lord, by the power of your love and grace return us to the path guided by your light and truth. Thank you, O God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

We Are All Called

Reading: Luke 1:42-55

Luke 1:52 – “He [God] has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

Our passage today begins as Elizabeth welcomes Mary into her home. She “blurted out” a greeting, so moved was she by what is stirring inside of her. Moved by the child she carries and by the Spirit, Elizabeth celebrates God’s blessings upon Mary. She ponders aloud why she is honored to be visited by the one carrying the Lord in her womb. Elizabeth rejoices that Mary said “yes” to God’s invitation to bear the Savior of the world.

In verses 46-55 we find what is often called the “Magnificat.” This Latin word translates “magnify” and that is what Mary does in her praise song to God. Mary rejoices over finding God’s favor, in being lifted from low to high. She also rejoices in the opposite reality that is also part of God’s upside-down kingdom, singing, “He [God] has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.” As Mary continues she notes that the hungry are filled and the rich are left empty-handed. With eyes of faith Mary sees that through this unfolding, miraculous birth story, God is coming to Israel, just as promised in the covenants of old.

Both Elizabeth and Mary represent people who heard and felt God’s call upon their lives. Both willingly stepped forward in faith, humbly offering their lives to bring God the glory. While we may not receive an angelic visit (or we might,) God still clearly speaks by the whispers and nudges of the Holy Spirit. We are all called, in one way or another, to humbly offer our lives for God’s glory. May it be so when we’re called.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us deeper into our daily walk with you. Open our souls and our spirits to your story of faith that has been unfolding down through the generations. Engaged in the story, give us a willing heart to step into the story as you call us forward. Enable us to hear the calls and empower us to say “yes.” In all things may our lives bring you the glory and the praise. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Praying and Sharing

Reading: Ephesians 6:18-20

Ephesians 6:18b – “Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.”

Today’s verses follow Paul’s famous “Armor of God” passage. In this passage Paul writes about God’s protection against the “tricks of the devil.” This battle is won by holding fast to truth, justice, faith, and salvation. One holds fast by and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As our verses for today begin, it is the same Holy Spirit that guides and empowers our prayers. Just as the Spirit is God’s constant presence in the hearts of believers, so too are our prayers to be offered “all the time.” For Paul, we are to live a life of prayer, both for ourselves and for one another. For Paul, praying should be as natural and regular as breathing. As the verse continues, Paul encourages us to “Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.” Here he is connecting back to his previous thoughts on the battle with the “spiritual powers of evil.” It is a battle that impacts all believers so we are to pray for one another. Always.

Paul models the life of prayers, asking for prayers for himself. As he sits in chains, he desires to continue spreading the good news – this “secret plan” or mystery that invites all people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Even in his difficult circumstances Paul wants to make the gospel known to as many people as possible. So he asks the Ephesians to pray for him to have “the confidence to say what I have to say.” Although we cannot pray this for Paul, we certainly can pray this for all who seek to share Jesus with others today. May this be both our prayer and our action.

Prayer: Lord God, as the battle is constant, help us to lift our prayers constantly. Whisper, nudge, and otherwise remind us of the need for and of the power of prayer. Place prayer ever in our hearts and on our lips. Open our eyes to the opportunities to share our faith today. Fill us with a holy confidence to step forward in faith. Amen.