pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Choose God

Reading: Jeremiah 32:1-3a and 6-15

Jeremiah 32:2 – “The army of the Babylonian king surrounded Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah was confined to the prison quarters.”

As we turn to Jeremiah 32 things look bleak for Jerusalem. To the north, Nebuchadnezzar’s army had surged through Israel, defeating the northern kingdom swiftly and completely. The wave of terror and destruction then turned south, aiming for Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. The Babylonians buzzed through the towns and smaller cities north of Jerusalem in short order. During this time, the prophet Jeremiah spoke the word of the Lord to Judah’s King Hezekiah. Jeremiah’s words of accountability and doom landed him in prison. This is the context as we read, “The army of the Babylonian king surrounded Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah was confined to the prison quarters.” It was a very dark time for Jeremiah and for Judah.

In the midst of this difficult time Jeremiah receives a word from God. He is told that a cousin is coming to sell him some land. The instructions from God: buy it. Judah has just watched Israel get decimated and hauled off into exile. Buy land? Now? That’d be like buying land on the Florida coast as a category 6 hurricane draws close to shore. But the cousin shows up and Jeremiah buys the land. This is an act of faith. His actions enact the word of God that Jeremiah speaks next: “The Lord proclaims: Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” The winds are really picking up and the rain has started falling, but all will one day be okay. God is in control. This storm too will pass.

Jeremiah reminds us today that even in the darkest times, God is present and God is in control. When the enemy surrounds us, when the storm clouds build, we can choose to find shelter in the Lord. Yes, fear, doubt, worry… – they rise up in us. Yet in those moments, we can choose to turn to God, to allow the power of God’s presence to bring peace and strength, light and hope to our hearts. May this be our choice. May we trust into the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, draw close to us in those moments when fear rises, when hope feels lost. Through your presence assure and encourage us. Bring us under the shadow of your wings. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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The Most Important Thing

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-7

1st Timothy 2:1 – “First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

Paul writes to Timothy to instruct him on how to build faithful congregations. These words are based on years and years of experience. This letter includes instructions on personal and communal living, on what and how to preach, and on how to guide a congregation to reveal Christ’s love to the world. In chapter 2 Paul hones in on the most important thing: prayer.

In verse 1 we read, “First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.” Before you do anything else, pray. For Jesus, for Paul, and for for us, prayer is the foundation and life-blood of our faith. This simple practice is essential. For Paul, these basic conversations with God should include all people. This includes family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ, the person you met at the market, leaders… To pray for others is to lift them and their needs to God. In this way, prayer is an act of humility.

For me, almost every day begins with a cup of coffee, sitting quietly on the couch, slowly praying through a long list of names. This is how I choose to begin my day because it focuses my heart and mind for the day ahead. This quiet work aligns me with God so that my words and actions might better reflect God’s love for all people.

Paul encouraged Timothy to model and teach prayer to his congregations. Paul knew from experience that praying congregations were faithful congregations. In and through prayer they found and we will find the power and the strength to live as God’s people in the world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to be faithful first in our prayers. Whether early in the morning or late at night or somewhere in between, through your Holy Spirit ground us in your will and way as we spend quiet moments with you. Open our hearts and minds to hear your voice and to feel your direction for our lives and for our ministries. Amen.


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Glory Revealed

Reading: Psalm 79:6-9

Psalm 79:8 – “Don’t remember the iniquities of past generations; let your compassion hurry to meet us because we’ve been brought so low.”

Photo credit: Tobias Rademacher

As we continue in Psalm 79 today the psalmist asks God to redirect the anger of God that burns like fire. The plea is made to “pour out” that fire on the pagan nations – those that have “devoured” God’s people and have ransacked the land. Then there is a shift. In verse 8 the psalmist prays, “Don’t remember the iniquities of past generations; let your compassion hurry to meet us because we’ve been brought so low.” The psalmist is part of a very, very small segment of the Israelites that remained true to God. It was other’s sins that brought God’s wrath on Israel, in the form of Babylonian conquest.

At this lowest point, living fully in the tragedy, the psalmist still chooses faithfulness and hope in God. To choose otherwise will fracture or possibly remove all faith. There are times when we are negatively affected by past or by systemic or by societal sin. The division in our nation is a good example. Choosing to dwell in and to fuel the fires of “us” versus “them” at every opportunity is living and acting in ways counter to the loving and unifying way of Christ. In this current climate we can choose prayer and God’s presence or we can allow the tide to sweep us along down that evil path.

In verse 9 the psalmist cries out for God’s salvation, deliverance, and forgiveness. These are all found in relationship with God. These are gifts of God that we can receive no matter what is happening in the world around us. While pain and suffering and hardship may come, in prayer we can experience God’s compassion, love, mercy, grace… These gifts of God empower us to remain faithful and to live righteous lives in the midst of this broken world. This is how the glory of God will be revealed. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when the brokenness of this world feels overwhelming, when the tide feels like it will surely pull us under, help us to feel your hand reaching out. Gently guide us to step into your presence, prayerfully deepening our relationship with you. In that place, pour out your hope and strength upon us, empowering us to be light and love in the darkness of our world. Amen.


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Tears of Grief

Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-9:2

Jeremiah 8:21 – “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

In today’s passage from Jeremiah it is difficult to determine if God is speaking or if it is Jeremiah speaking. Our verses today seem to be a mix of the two, with both God and prophet expressing their grief over Judah’s fate. For many years, God’s people have been unfaithful to their God. Their choice to abandon God has led to God’s choice to abandon them to their sin. At times we too can choose to separate ourselves from God. We too grieve God’s heart this deeply.

God seems to be the speaker in verses 19-21. The people are asking a question and implying another that are common in times of loss and pain and grief. Directly they are asking where the Lord is: “Isn’t the Lord in Zion?” This is a question often asked in grief. The second question is implied: Why, why is this happening to us? This is a question that we can ask when lost in our sin as well. When our sin that consumed us leads to a place of pain and suffering, we can forget that our choices brought us to this place. In the disorientation of grief, we do ask “Why?”

For God’s people , the answer is given: idol worship has led to this place. As the prophet that worked to turn Judah back to God, Jeremiah grieves too. In verse 21 we read, “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.” The tentacles of grief surround the prophet. He laments alongside the people who are far from God. This is a place we will also find ourselves. Walking alongside others in grief, feeling and taking on some of their pain and sorrow. Our tears join their tears as we offer love and comfort in the midst of their hurt and despair. Doing so, we bring God’s presence into the darkness and despair.

Prayer: Lord God, times of grief and suffering are sure to come – to ourselves, to those we love, to our neighbors. In these times, may we sense your presence and may we lean into your love and strength, whether for ourselves or as we walk with others. Be with us in our tears, O God. Amen.


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God’s Very Nature

Reading: James 1:2-8

James 1:5 – “But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without second thought.”

James provides a short, one verse greeting. He then jumps right into the meat of his letter, starting in verse 2. James calls the various tests – things these early Christians are experiencing regularly – as “occasions for joy.” In the moment this is a head-scratcher. Yet we’ve all experienced, with 20/20 hindsight, what James speaks of in the next verses. Looking back on our trials and tests, we can see how our faith has grown, matured, been “made complete” because we endured and persevered in those moments or seasons.

But in the heat of battle, during the testing, it can be hard to see or even imagine the good God is working in us. James offers thoughts on these times too. In verse 5 he writes, “But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without second thought.” Don’t turn to self to try to figure it out. Don’t turn to substances to ease or blot out the difficult circumstance or situation. Turn to God, seek God’s answer to our “why?” questions. Don’t hesitate, James advises. God will give wisdom to those who ask in faith, “without doubting.”

In the trials and testing it can be easy to think thoughts like “Why me?” and “How long, God!?” At this point, yes, doubt can creep in. (Along with its cousins: fear, worry, stress, anger…) James addresses the dangers or outcomes of allowing doubt (or other negative emotions) to start gaining a foothold. We become like the surf, “tossed and turned” this way and that. In this “double-minded, unstable” place of faith, we will not receive what we need from God.

In the times of testing, trial, and even suffering, may we turn to God, clinging to our faith if necessary. May we do so because it is surely God’s nature to give wisdom, strength, comfort, direction… to you and to me without second thought. May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love, your care, your faithfulness. No matter how desperate we are, when we turn to you in faith, trusting in you alone, you give us just what we need. Thank you, thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Trusting in God

Reading: Psalm 140:1-8

Psalm 140:4 – “Protect me from the power of the wicked, Lord!”

Psalm 150 is a plea to God for protection. Evil and violent people are plotting against David, eager to see him fall. As the Psalm opens, David asks God to rescue him, to guard him. These evil people are scheming against and trying to pick fights with David. At times we cross paths with people like this. Maybe it is a grouchy neighbor or a power-hungry boss or an unethical coworker. When their people and their evil ways turn against us, we too look to God for rescue and protection.

The evil-doers tongues are sharp as snakes’ and there is poison on their lips. Their lies and gossip and other forms of malice are making life hard for David. Words have great power. At times we too experience this. People seeking to do harm or angling for personal gain will quickly and easily say what they think will best achieve their desired outcome. These words can be hard to dispel or counter. In verse 4 David cries out as we can cry out: “Protect me from the power of the wicked, Lord!”

In verse 6 David declares God to be his God. This reminder is likely more for David than God. He needs God to be his God, to listen, to be his “saving help.” David implore God to foil the plans of the wicked. There are moments when these are our prayers too. Another’s evil words have created conflict or tension or division. We feel helpless and need God’s power, strength, guidance. In these moments, may we cry out to God, trusting in the Lord our God. Our God is mighty to save.

Prayer: Lord God, people and life can be cruel at times. We can find ourselves in what feels like a battle. In those moments, guide us to trust in you and in your power rather than in our imagined power or perceived ability. When tempted to fight back or to retaliate, lead us to turn to and to trust in you alone. Amen.


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The Path We Choose

Reading: Ezekiel 18:30-32

Ezekiel 18:30 – “Turn, turn away from all your sins. Don’t let them be sinful obstacles for you.”

In today’s passage Ezekiel addresses individual responsibility. Yes, the bad shepherds led Israel and then Judah into sin and then exile. Yes, they set a poor example for those living under their care. Yes, these actions made it easier for the common people to go astray and to wander away from God. But at the most basic, individual level, each person has to choose to remain faithful to God or to live selfishly and sinfully. The same is true today. You, me, all of us – we are in control of ourselves. We alone choose the path that we walk.

Verse 18 opens our reading with this reminder: “I will judge each of you according to your ways.” In this life and in the moment that we stand before our Creator, God will judge us on what we alone did or did not do, say, and think. Therefore, God says, “Turn, turn away from all your sins. Don’t let them be sinful obstacles for you.” Make a better choice, a holier decision. This is a call to repent, to change our ways. Our sins are very much obstacles to a healthy and whole relationship with God and with one another. God calls us to “abandon” our sins.

God encourages the faithful to “make yourselves a new heart and new spirit.” While it is with God’s power alone that this is possible, we must take the first step by turning away from our sin. This choice is essential to the transformation that God can and desires to work in us. The passage closes with the clear cut options. One is stated and one is implied. God declares, “Change you ways, and live!” The opposite is also true, also an option. May we choose faith so that we can truly live.

Prayer: Lord God, while the way that leads to life is narrow, this path is filled with joy and peace, with hope and grace, with love. The path of the world, the path of destruction, it is wide and filled with greed, with pride, with envy and want. Guide us to walk your narrow way, for there you walk with us. Lead us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, finding strength and encouragement for our journey. Amen.


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With Us, For Us

Reading: Isaiah 40:26-31

Isaiah 40:28 – “Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God.”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

As we turn to Isaiah 40, much of Israel is dispersed across the vast Babylonian empire. In this disconnected state it was hard to hold onto hope. So Isaiah invites Israel to look up at the stars, to remember who created this vast array. The prophet invites them to remember who brings the stars out “one by one, summoning each by name.” Ah yes, it is God. This God of “great strength and mighty power?” Yes, God knows you by name. Yes, God will summon you out of exile.

So then, Isaiah ponders, why do you say that God doesn’t know your plight, that God ignores your exile? We too ask these questions. We think God is absent at times, that God is not powerful enough at other times. We can think that God ignores our great needs. We too need to look up at the sky in awe. We too need to hear, “Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God.”

Our everlasting God does not get tired or even know weariness. Our great God’s understanding is far, far beyond our understanding. So, yes, sometimes we don’t get what God is doing. But if we trust God, we find that God does give us power when we’re tired, that God does revive us when we’re exhausted. We will be tired and exhausted. These things happen. And the promises remain: God is present. God will renew our strength, enabling us to “run and not be tired” and to “walk and not be weary.” Our God is with us. Our God is for us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when we are tired, when we are weary,v when we feel defeated or all alone, call us to look up. Whether the stars at night or the vast blue sky, remind us that you are present in all of creation, that you are present within us. Fill us with hope, renew our strength. Thank you. Amen.


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Finding Contentment and Peace

Reading: Philippians 4:10-14

Philippians 4:12b – “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

Today’s words from Paul speak of a topic that many find elusive today. This is especially true when we are younger or are not yet mature in our faith. At these stages we are still very much concerned with or even infatuated with the things of this world. When in love with the things of this world, almost all of us live on the “treadmill” – better jobs, more money, newer and bigger houses, boats… – seeking the next “success” over and over again.

As our passage for today begins, Paul expresses his thanks for the collection that the church in Philippi took up for him. It is a way that they can show their concern for Paul. While he appreciates the gift and the thought, it wasn’t necessarily needed. Since coming to faith in Jesus, Paul’s life has been transformed. In his “old life” Paul had doggedly pursued success and recognition in his chosen field: Pharisee. In his “new life in Christ” these things do not matter. Through times of need and abundance, through times of blessing and poverty, Paul has not tried to rely on his own gifts and talents. He has learned to trust in God to provide.

Because of this humble trust in God, Paul can write, “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.” No matter what this world gives or takes, no matter what this world throws at him or against him, Paul has come to believe that all will be well through “the power of the one who gives me strength.” In Christ, Paul has found the source of peace and contentment. That’s the secret! May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider how to find contentment and peace, we recognize first that we all battle envy or jealousy or pride now and then. So we all ask for your power and presence in our lives. Second, Lord, we all ask that you would mature our faith, building up our trust, our humility, and our belief in your love, care, and provision. Relying not on our own strength but on yours, we can be children of your kingdom, O God. Amen.


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Reality Check

Reading: Daniel 4:34-37

Daniel 4:37 – “All his [God’s] works are truth, all his paths are justice, and he is able to humble all who walk in pride.”

At the start of Daniel 4 King Nebuchadnezzar praises God as powerful and everlasting. God has just rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Yes, they were thrown into the furnace because they refused to worship the 90′ statue made in the king’s likeness. God then brings Nebuchadnezzar a dream. None of the king’s sages, diviners… can interpret it. But Daniel can – “because the breath of the holy gods is in you.” The dream reveals that God will drive the king into the wilderness, living as an animal. He will live in this state until he acknowledges that “heaven rules all” – including him.

A year later the king is walking in the palace roof. He says to himself, ‘Isn’t Babylon great… this city built by MY mighty strength and by MY majestic glory?’ The words hadn’t left his mouth before God pronounced judgment on him. We see here how pride is ever there, often just below the surface. There are times when we’ll think how talented or beautiful we are or how wonderful that thing I did was or ___. You fill in the blank. We all can, many times over. Pride is something almost all of us battle with. And thinking too highly of oneself is not the only way pride is revealed.

Nebuchadnezzar’s sentence is immediately carried out. He lives as an animal in the wild for “seven periods of time.” We don’t know how long this was but we do know it was long enough for Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge God’s authority. In humility he says, “All his [God’s] works are truth, all his paths are justice, and he is able to humble all who walk in pride.” When we get too full of ourselves, when we start judging and playing the comparison game, when we refuse to do a menial task, when we… we too will get a reality check. It might not be immediately, but it will come. The way to avoid this? Walk humbly with God each and every day, acknowledging God’s power and strength over all things. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, how often we see pride leading to words, actions, and behaviors that are far less than you call us to be. When we fall into the sun of pride, open our eyes as we look in the mirror. Humble us when needed, returning us to the worship of you instead of self. To you, O God, is all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.