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Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God Will…

Reading: Isaiah 49:1-4

Isaiah 49:4b – “Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with God.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

The second of four Servant Songs found in Isaiah is our focus today and tomorrow. In this week’s reading, the servant speaks in the first person. These words could be Isaiah himself speaking or they could be the words of the servant Israel – an ideal Israel. Or is the prophet speaking as you or me?

The chosenness found in Isaiah 42 continues in chapter 49. The servant was called before birth, formed by God in the womb for this very purpose. As God’s hand continued to shape and form the servant, he or she or we became “a sharp sword… a sharpened arrow.” God’s word continues to cut through our sin and complacency and apathy, calling us to be people bent on righteousness and justice. God identifies the servant as one “in whom I show my glory.” God’s light and love, shining in and through us, reveal God’s presence and glory to the world. It is a high calling.

And it is not always easy to speak truth and to bring God glory. At times we feel like the servant feels: “wearied… in vain… used up… strength… for nothing.” We have given our all, but the fight feels too uphill. We have walked the long road of faith, but there seems to be no end in sight. The injustice, the oppression, the grief, the evils of this world – they appear to be winning. In these low moments, in the depth of the dark valley, we need to remember and cling to the words found at the end of verse 4: “Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with God.” God is on our side. God has a plan. God is a God of justice and righteousness. God will triumph over all evil. And if not in our lifetime, then heaven is surely our reward. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, there are many days when we walk in your light and love. We feel your presence, strength, and guidance. Our words, thoughts, and actions are pleasing in your sight. May these days be our reminders. Lord, in those seasons when we are worn down and feel defeated, remind us of your presence. Lift us up by the memories of our long and steady walk with you. Renew our strength and focus so that your light might shine into the darkness, whether in our hearts or in our world. Amen.


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The Lord’s Voice

Reading: Psalm 29:1-5

Psalm 29:4 – “The Lord’s voice is strong; the Lord’s voice is majestic.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Psalm 29 offers praise for God’s power and glory. It begins with a scene in heaven, where the divine beings worship God’s glory and “holy splendor.” In verse 3 the scene shifts to the earth. Here the Lord’s voice is over the waters. This image evokes many things. It first connects back to the Genesis 1 story, where God was the creator. God’s voice hovered over the waters and brought order and purpose. The voice of God swept out over the waters as a wind – the Holy Spirit. It was not booming and powerful, but was quiet and steady. This is how we most often experience the voice and Spirit in our lives.

The “waters” would evoke fear and awe in the original audience’s heart and mind. In that culture, the waters were an untamed place of chaos and raw power. The depths were unknown and unstable. Yet in this Psalm, readers then and now are reminded that God is in control of all things – even the chaotic and unknown. This is a good reminder for us in those times when our lives and world feels chaotic and unstable.

The Psalm then declares, “The Lord’s voice is strong; the Lord’s voice is majestic.” David uses an earthly example to demonstrate this. God’s powerful voice shatters cedar trees. Here where I live, we recently experienced this as 100+ mph winds shattered and toppled and uprooted many trees. Hearing the wind howl and then seeing the results, I was reminded of God’s power in and over the created world.

At times, God’s voice speaks this way into our hearts and lives too. A strong word of conviction humbles us. A powerful nudge shakes us out of our preferred complacency. A gust of love lifts us up and sets us on our feet once again. And then, at other times, God’s powerful and almighty voice becomes quiet and still, gently guiding us, meeting us right where we are at. For all of the ways that God speaks, in our world and in our hearts, we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice today for the many ways that we hear your voice. In the mighty and unmistakable, in the quiet and steady, in the word and in the world, you speak again and again. For the deep love that drives this constant connection with you, we offer our thanks and our praise. Amen.


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Three Questions

Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:6-8

2nd Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

In verses 6-8 Paul is reflecting on his life of service to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He begins by noting that his life has been “poured out like a sacrifice to God.” What a beautiful image this is. It is a great way to illustrate what it is to love God with all of our mind, heart, soul, and strength. These words make me pause and ask: Am I allowing myself to be poured out in this way?

In the next verse Paul offers one of his best one-verse gems: “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Paul has stayed at it, both during the good days and the really hard days, always remaining faithful to his Lord. He has walked the long, slow, steady walk of faith, drawing near to the end of a life well lived. Paul looks forward to receiving the “champion’s wreath” given to the righteous. A second question: Can I truly say these things of my life and the way that I live it?

Paul concludes this farewell reflection with words of encouragement to Timothy and to all who will read and meditate on these words. He reminds us that all people can receive this “award.” Paul states that it will be given to “all who have set their heart on waiting for his [Jesus’] appearance.” Whether in this life or in the life to come, have I set my heart upon seeing Jesus? A good third question to ponder.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul is a great example of faith. He did so much for you, bringing so many to the faith. Maybe this is what you have in store for us. Or maybe it is just living daily with a heart set on loving you and loving those you send our way. Whatever your plans, great or small, Lord help us to walk daily with you, slow and steady, faithful and true. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Long and Steady

Reading: Luke 16:27-31

Luke 16:31 – “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”

In a rare moment for the rich man, he thinks of someone else. So great is his torment in hell, he begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his five brothers. Perhaps this warning will save his brothers from “this place of torment.” More importantly, hearing Lazarus’ story might change their hearts, shifting some of their focus away from self to those in need.

Abraham reminds the rich man that his five brothers have Moses and the prophets to listen to – just as the rich man had. The rich man knows that just as he did not, his brothers are not listening to the word of God. If he did, he would not be suffering in hell. This is why the rich man begs for “someone from the dead” to go to them. Maybe Lazarus will scare them into faith. It might – for a season. To walk the long walk of faith, that requires a steady diet of the word, not just one powerful moment.

Abraham says it this way to the rich man: “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.” Many in Israel encountered one who would rise from the dead. The miracles did attract many followers. But when Jesus got down to the hard teachings, to the call to daily pick up one’s cross in order to be his disciple, then the crowd got a lot thinner. The powerful moment, yes, it can get our attention. And that moment can lead to a sustained change in one’s life. It is only so, however, when we daily choose to follow Jesus, placing his way of love and humble service ahead of our desires to please self.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you the powerful moments when we do feel or sense your presence in our lives. But Lord, don’t allow us to think that these moments are the foundation of our faith. Instead, teach us to walk the long and steady road of faithful discipleship, daily encountering you in small but transformative ways. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Are We Willing?

Reading: Luke 14:25-33

Luke 14:22 – “Whoever doesn’t carry their own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

Today in Luke’s gospel we read some words that can feel challenging. Jesus is speaking to a large crowd that is traveling with him. These are words that all who consider Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior need to hear often. For those present and for us today who read these words, the question is being asked: Are you willing to do what is required to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?

Jesus begins with this: Are you willing to put Jesus first in your life? Only if Jesus is ahead of family and “even one’s own life,” only then can one follow Jesus. When there is no one between Jesus and you, yes, can you pick up your cross to follow him. Jesus must be the only one on the throne of our hearts, otherwise we’ll lay down that cross when things get hard…

The initial question is followed up with a consideration of the cost of following Jesus. Like everything else in our life that we commit to, there is a cost to discipleship. Using the example of building a tower, Jesus invites his followers to consider if they’re willing to make a lifelong commitment. We need to understand that a walk of faith is 24/7 – long, steady, constant, and all-encompassing.

Jesus then uses a war example, reminding us that a walk of faith is a constant battle. The forces fighting against our daily faithful walk are powerful and unrelenting. Satan and the lures of this world must be fought against regularly. We must be willing to battle almost constantly if we are to walk with Jesus. Our biggest battle is with “things.” Are we willing to put where we live, what we wear, our gifts and talents, even our status and power, to use in the building of God’s kingdom? Are we willing to give up whatever is required to prioritize humble service to Christ above all else?

Prayer: Lord God, these words are challenging and difficult. But they are also encouraging. Jesus lays out the requirements, yes, but is also reminding us that faith is a choice that we do not make alone. We have within us all that we need to walk faithfully each day: the Holy Spirit. Lead and guide us today. Empower and equip us, O Lord, to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Amen.


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Our Faithful God

Reading: Psalm 66:10-12 and 16-20

Psalm 66:10 – “But you, God, have tested us – you’ve refined us like silver.”

Psalm 66 is a celebration of God’s mighty acts and of God’s faithfulness. It reminds us that God’s love, grace, and mercy remain constant – no matter how faithful or unfaithful we are. As followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to live a faithful and righteous life. And as creatures living in this fallen world, at times we sin. Our sin and the sins of others affects our faith. We read of this in verse 10: “But you, God, have tested us – you’ve refined us like silver.” When we choose to return to God, we find that our faith is a little stronger, a little more aligned with God’s will and way. As this process occurs again and again in our lives and on our journey of faith, we feel as if we too have “been through fire and water.”

Verses 16-20 are an invitation to faithfulness based on the psalmist’s experiences with God. If we’ve walked very long in faith we likely have similar experiences to share. The author invites us to “come close and listen.” He or she wants us to know what God has done in their life. First they praised God with a pure heart. Then they lived their prayer to God. With a pure heart he or she could sense that “God definitely listened.” God heard their prayer. God did not reject it. Our faithful God never withholds God’s faithful love. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your unwavering and steady love, mercy, and grace. When we fall short, you still love us. When we turn back to you, your mercy welcomes us back. When we repent of our sins, your grace washes us clean. Again and again and again. And when we need you, crying our from a pure heart, your ear is ever tuned to our cries. Thank you for your faithfulness, O God. Help us to model all of this to the world. Amen.


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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.


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Pure and Upright

Reading: Proverbs 19 and 20

‭Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you might grow wise in the future.”

To choose to ignore wisdom is to choose to be a fool. Folly first of all corrupts the heart against God. That can lead a foolish son to be a “disaster to his father” and a “contentious wife” to feel like a “constant dripping.” Fools jump right into fights and they mock justice. Fools and liars will not escape. They will perish. Therefore the sage says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you might grow wise in the future.” Here one finds true life, contentment, and peace.

We seek and we enjoy these gifts. That is some of the reason that we plan. This is good to do but we are also reminded “the Lord’s purpose will succeed.” This is why we must never stop listening to wisdom and why we must never refuse discipline. When we do stop, we wander. The walk of faith is long and slow and steady. Advice for our walk comes from “the deep waters of the heart.” It requires long, slow, and steady care. With understanding we can draw from these waters, gaining wisdom and finding true life.

Listening closely and drawing deeply from wisdom allows us to apply it to our lives and to our living. Doing so we learn to restrain our anger and to walk away from senseless fights and to ignore an offense. We come to value wise speech as “the most precious jewel.” We grow to be gracious to the poor. We wait upon the Lord’s salvation. We learn to walk with integrity and honor. We, like our children, are known by our words and by our conduct. May we be pure and Upright, bringing glory and splendor to God.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that all of who and what we are really matters. Guide us to walk as you call us to walk, clinging to wisdom and understanding and discipline, walking in your way. Keep our ears and hearts open to your guidance and your correction. Use our deeds and words to make your will and way known. Amen.


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Rejoice! Celebrate!

Readings: Psalms 90-95

‭Psalm 91:2 – “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today we begin Book 4! We begin with a Psalm attributed to Moses. The Psalm considers the fleeting nature of life. God sweeps humans away “like a dream.” We finish up our years “with a whimper.” So the author invites us to “number our days.” Doing so we learn to live with a “wise heart.” Doing so, life has meaning and purpose.

Psalm 91 petitions God for divine protection. It feels like a counter to Psalm 90. In verse 2 we read, “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'” The Psalm speaks of God’s protection and saving in times of sickness and trial. It proclaims that if even 1,000 fall dead, we will be ok. This is because God will “order his messengers to help you… to protect you.” While we can feel the psalmist’s trust, we must remember that this is a possibility and not necessarily a promise. The faithful are not immune from the happenings of life.

Psalms 92 and 93 compliment each other. Psalm 92 is a song of thanksgiving for victory. The wicked are like grass – they perish quickly. The righteous are like trees. They will bear fruit in old age. Psalm 93 recognizes God as the one who won’t be shaken, as the one mightier than the flood. Holiness “decorates” God’s house.

Psalm 94 is addressed to the “avenging God.” The arrogant brag and afflict widows, immigrants, and orphans. The God who hears and sees will repay the evil. This God helps the righteous, steadying slipping feet and comforting the anxious. This God is our fortress and our rock of refuge.

This leads us to Psalm 95, a call to worship God. It begins, “Let’s raise a joyful shout.” The “people of his pasture” are called to worship, to bow down, to kneel before the Lord.  A warning against hardening one’s heart closes the Psalm. It is good to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. It counters our prideful nature and our tendency to turn inward.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we pray as the psalmists pray: steady us, comfort us, forgive us, protect us. At other times we too rejoice in your goodness and love. We celebrate your faithfulness and your justice. Today may our lives sing of your glory, power, and might. Amen.


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Sure and Steady

Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Verse 38: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

In today’s Luke passage we receive the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. Our text is proceeding with the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. Through these angelic visits the lives of Elizabeth and Mary are intertwined, as are the lives of their sons. Continuing on in the text after today’s passage, Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

As we begin in the text for today the angel Gabriel comes to Mary. He tells Mary that she is “highly favored” by God and that God is with her. This is no random visit. Mary is troubled. And probably a bit afraid too as Gabriel next says, “Do not be afraid.” I wonder how I would feel if an angel of the Lord appeared to me. Would I be afraid too? Or would I be filled with joy and excitement over what was about to happen? How about you?

Gabriel explains much of what will happen. It is not “might” but “will.” Huge difference here. Mary will be with child – a child conceived by the Holy Spirit – and she will give birth to Jesus – the Son of God. To perhaps add assurance, maybe to let her know she’s not alone in all of this, Gabriel shares that Elizabeth is pregnant. Old and barren, now with child: “For nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary’s response is sure and steady: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary’s response comes from a place of deep trust and faith in God. Indeed, God knew exactly who Gabriel was being sent to. So if God sends an angel – or the Holy Spirit – to you or to me, may we too respond surely and steadily. God knows exactly who we are.

Prayer: Lord God, I am humbled and amazed by Mary’s response. Her faith and trust in you are awesome. When you call, may I answer as she did. Amen.