pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: support


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Present Always

Reading: Matthew 18:18-20

Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”

Continuing in Matthew 18 today, Jesus emphasizes the power of his presence. We experience Christ’s presence when we gather in his name, working together to reconcile a broken relationship. We are extending Christ’s presence when we seek to rebuild connection and when we continue to pursue wholeness even when the other person is resistant. In today’s reading we learn that because Jesus is with us in the reconciliation process, our decisions and actions are guided by the Holy Spirit’s presence. There is divine support for our decisions made and for our actions taken under the guidance and direction of Christ’s Spirit.

Jesus assures us that these things decided upon and prayed over in his name will be done by God. God will do God’s will reflective of our thinking, speaking, acting, and praying according to God’s will. When our efforts at conflict resolution include holy conferencing, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and a desire to restore and redeem what was broken, then God will work in and through us to bring healing and wholeness to our relationships and to our communities of faith. Unity is God’s plan.

Jesus reminds us of this unity in verse 20, saying, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” As we undertake the holy work of reconciliation, Jesus is present in Spirit. And Jesus is present when we gather for worship, when we come together in fellowship, when we enter into a time of study or prayer as a small group, when we serve a meal to a school staff or to folks struggling with poverty… Yes, Jesus is always present to us when we gather in his name. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for your Spirit that leads and guides us in all of life. We are especially grateful for the Spirit’s presence in our times of conflict and hurt. In these uncomfortable and often tense situations, lead and guide us to be people of love and grace, mercy and forgiveness, kindness and compassion. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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An Obligation to Love

Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Romans 13:10 – “Love doesn’t do anything wrong to a neighbor.”

Photo credit: Shane

Our reading in Romans 13 begins with a great line: “Don’t be in debt to anyone, except for the obligation to love.” Paul has been writing about obeying civil law, respecting government authority, and paying your taxes. He segues into a much more important obligation in verse 8 – our obligation to love one another. Obligation is a good word choice. It feels stronger than “call to love” or “invitation to love.” Tapping into their Hebrew roots, Paul adds that loving each other fulfills the Law of Moses. Paul is also channeling his inner Jesus here. Echoing the main point of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18, Paul elevates loving God through loving neighbor as our highest obligation.

In these three passages, Jesus taught the rich young ruler how we are to love God and therefore neighbor. We are to lessen our grip on the things of this world, becoming willing to give freely to others to meet their needs. We can meet needs in many different ways. We can bring a meal or some groceries to an actual neighbor during a hard time. We can spend some time with or give a ride to an elderly person in our community. We can support a child in a far away land or we can give to rescue and relief efforts following a natural disaster. We can teach a Sunday school class or volunteer at a local rescue mission or food bank. These are but a few of the many ways that we can love God and our neighbors.

In verse 10 we read, “Love doesn’t do anything wrong to a neighbor.” On one level Paul is looping back to not committing adultery or murder or… But on another level, this is also about our sins of omission – in this case, those times when we could have met a need and chose not to. When we fail to do good, we are doing harm. May it not be so.

Prayer: Lord God, give us eyes willing to see those with needs – both near and far. Once seeing, open our hands to release what we have. Open our hearts to yield freely what you have blessed us with. And when we are tempted to ignore the obligation to love, may your Holy Spirit shout a little louder and/or nudge us a little harder. Work within our hearts, O God, leading us to love you as we love our neighbors. Amen.


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Genuine and True

Reading: Genesis 45:9-15

Genesis 45:9-10 – “Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Finishing up this week’s Genesis 45 text, Joseph gives his brothers instructions. He is once again the man in power. This is the main message to his father, Israel: “Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me.” Joseph adds that he will support the whole family and all that they own. This will last at least as long as the famine – five more years. Believing that he was sent ahead for this purpose, Joseph is stepping into God’s plans and purposes for his life.

Joseph then embraces and weeps over Benjamin – his younger brother that he had never met. He then turns to his other brothers. Kisses and hugs and tears draw them in. Fear subsided, they are able to talk with Joseph. Joseph’s honesty and compassion led them to accept his offer of forgiveness and reconciliation. Yes, he spoke the words of forgiveness, but the brothers were wary. These additional assurances allowed them to know that the forgiveness was genuine and true.

As a kid, every once in a while I heard these words from my mom or dad: “Say ‘I’m sorry. ‘” And often, after a mumbled “I’m sorry,” I would hear these words: “Say it like you mean it.” At times we forgive or are forgiven because it is expected or because it is the “right” thing to do. But it does not come from the heart. There is no grace. There is hard work yet to be done. When within our power, may we truly forgive from the heart, bringing reconciliation with our forgiveness. Then healing can begin. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we just go through the motions. But hurt and anger still reside, just below the surface. Lead us to practice true forgiveness, full of grace. Guide us then to a place of reconciliation, where the relationship can be restored. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Blessings

Reading: Genesis 24:58-67

Genesis 24:60 – “May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousand.”

Returning to this week’s Genesis 24 passage, we see the final outcome. But first, in verses 50-56, the men discuss the potential arrangement. Rebekah’s brothers say, “This is all the Lord’s doing.” From the servant’s story, it is clear that God is at work here. Abraham’s servant gives wedding gifts to Rebekah and to her family. All is settled. They will depart in the morning. Until morning comes. It is then that Rebekah’s family asks for ten days – the customary betrothal period. Abraham’s servant still wants to leave. Rebekah is brought in to decide. In our reading today she states, “I will go.” She too sees God’s hand at work.

All is made ready and Rebekah’s brothers send her off with this blessing: “May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousand.” Reflecting their belief that God is at work, they hone in on what makes women most blessed in that culture: having lots and lots of children. As soon as they arrive back home, this process begins with Isaac taking Rebekah as his wife that very night.

Thinking about the brother’s blessing, it causes me to wonder: What blessings do we offer to people as they enter into new things? What hopes do we have for young couples today and how do we express that in the blessings that we give? What blessings do we give to people as they step into something new as they follow God’s call and plan for their lives? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we become a part of that blessing, walking alongside one another in faith and love?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to build community both through our words and our actions. In word, may we support and encourage one another. And then may we back our words up in practical, tangible, helpful ways. Walk with us, Lord, as we seek to walk with one another in faith and love. Amen.


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People of God?

Reading: Genesis 21:15-21

Genesis 21:18 – “Get up, pick up the boy, and take him by the hand because I will make of him a great nation.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

As we move along in the story Abraham and Sarah, the focus shifts to Hagar and Ishmael – to and God. For Abraham and Sarah, seeing Hagar and Ishmael walk away, heading out into the desert to die, to them that was the end of the story. But for Hagar and Ishmael, the story gets worse. Soon they are out of water – the death knell in the desert. Hagar places Ishmael under a shrub and walks away a short distance – far enough not to hear his cries. She cannot bear to watch her son suffer and die. Hagar weeps and cries out too.

Sitting alone in the desert, waiting to die, Hagar felt unseen and unheard. Most of us experience feeling unseen and/or unheard at times. Maybe it is because of our age or our gender or our newness to a situation. Or maybe it is because we are like Hagar in this moment – alone, powerless, vulnerable. It is at this moment that the God who sees becomes the God who hears. Their cries have fallen upon God’s ears. In response, God’s messenger encourages Hagar and tells her, “Get up, pick up the boy, and take him by the hand because I will make of him a great nation.” God will watch over, protect, make a way, and one day prosper Hagar and Ishmael.

Today there are people and people groups who live in the place that Hagar was – alone, powerless, vulnerable. As I ponder our call to see, hear, and respond, I think of the tragedy that recently unfolded in Minneapolis. Innocents were arrested, detained, and held for long periods. Community groups were afraid to leave their homes or to send their children to school. And I think of how the people of God led the way, rallying around, supporting, and standing for the targeted. While the scale of abuse and oppression may not be as visibly present in our communities today, there are certainly people who are alone, powerless, and vulnerable. How will we as the people of God respond?

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to see the Hagars and Ishmeals among us. Seeing, open our hearts to respond – coming alongside, standing against injustice, risking self for others. Forming community, use us to welcome in the lonely, to give voice to the powerless, to provide safety and resources for the vulnerable. In and through your love and power, made present by the people of God, may all people flourish. Amen.


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Today? Yesterday? Last Thursday?

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-10

2nd Thessalonians 3:7 – “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As is often the case at the end of Paul’s letters, he closes 2nd Thessalonians with general exhortations. Today and tomorrow we focus on Paul’s words about living a disciplined faith and life. There are some do’s and don’ts and examples to follow.

Paul begins by telling these communities of faith to “stay away” from those choosing to live an undisciplined faith. In essence, Paul is advising these followers of Jesus to exclude those who are not contributing to the community. This is a simplistic example but imagine if this Sunday, as we were preparing to go into Fellowship Hall to enjoy some coffee, lemonade, and treats, if I clearly invited ONLY those who had brought treats in the past two years to join us.

Continuing, Paul writes, “You need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you.” Paul reminds those in these churches of how he and his companions worked and pulled their own weight when they were among them. In a community where much was pooled for the common good, Paul was drawing a firm line. If you didn’t add to the pool, you shouldn’t dip into the pool.

Today’s words draw me to the vows we take at baptism and/or when we join the community of faith. As United Methodists we commit to support the church with our “prayers… presence… gifts… service… and witness.” I believe these should apply to all faith communities. So I ask, Did you pray for your community and its leaders today? And yesterday? Will you tomorrow? Who did you witness to yesterday and the day before? How and when were you present in a time of need or during a celebration? What gifts and service did you offer on Monday? And how about last Thursday?

Prayer: Lord God, you call us daily to an active and living faith. You invite us into community so that we can encourage and build up, so that we can give and receive. Open our spirits to both generosity and to humble service, O God. Lead us to pour ourselves out for you and for others, all for your glory. Amen.


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Stay Strong, Trust God

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

1st Thessalonians 2:13 – “When you accepted God’s word that you heard from us, you welcomed it for what it truly is.”

Paul rejoices in the work that God allowed him and his companions to do in Thessalonica. With great courage and deep love they shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Not only that, but they also shared life together. They lived in and amongst the people. As we turn to verse 9 Paul reminds them of how they worked, supporting themselves, so as not to be a burden to those that they shared Christ with.

Not only did Paul and companions share the words of Jesus with the people of Thessalonica but they also lived out the example set by Jesus. These missionaries were “holy, just, and blameless.” They treated the people as a father treats his very own children. Setting the example, Paul reminds them of how he and his fellow servants of Jesus Christ “appealed to… encouraged… pleaded” with the Thessalonians to “live lives worthy of the God who is calling you.”

Paul then reminds them of their initial response: “When you accepted God’s word that you heard from us, you welcomed it for what it truly is.” Paul is thankful for this acceptance and for how the life of faith then worked itself out in the lives of these new believers. These reminders, these words of encouragement, they are meant to help the Thessalonicans to stay strong in the faith and to continue to trust God. May these words of Paul remind and encourage us to as we reflect on our profession of faith and on our journey with Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we too once received the word and made the decision to follow Jesus. We too can think of those who were part of this decision and can think of others who have walked with us on our ongoing journey. This day, Lord, we ask you to keep the fire burning, to strengthen and encourage us to live lives that are holy, just, and blameless. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Together

Readings: James 5:13-18 and Galatians 6:1-2

James 5:16b – “The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.”

As we wrestle with the practice of prayer this week, today we receive guidance on how, when, and why. In James we read of when to pray: when suffering, when sick, when struggling with sin. This list is, of course, not all-inclusive but illustrative. There are many other situations that call for the power of prayer.

James encourages us to be a part of our prayers too. We are to pray together. We are to gather with other believers and to anoint the sick with the oil of blessing. We are to confess our sins to one another, and then to pray for each other. This adds both support and accountability to our walk of faith. For James, prayer should lead us to action when possible because prayer should move our heart. In the last part of verse 16 he writes, “The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.” This is because prayer works both in the life of the one prayer for and in the life of the one who is praying.

In Galatians 6 Paul also addresses the call to hold one another accountable when we fall short. Paul tasks the faithful with restoring one another. A spirit of gentleness should guide our actions. After a reminder to be cautious of the temptation that comes from being near sin, Paul encourages us to carry each other’s burdens. Doing so we “fulfill the law of Christ.” We carry and fulfill through both action and prayer, physically and spiritually strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, community is so important to our faith. Yes, we can walk in relationship with you by ourselves. But it is so much richer, so much easier, to walk with others in faith. Together we are stronger. Together we receive and give to one another, encouraging, supporting, lifting, sharing. O Lord, guide us to live our faith together in community. Amen.


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The Lord’s Commendation

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 8-10

2nd Corinthians 9:8 – “You will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.”

Today’s reading first focuses on giving generously and then shifts to a call to general obedience in chapter 10. Paul takes up a call to support the church in Jerusalem. A famine in Judea has brought poverty upon them. The church in Macedonia, Paul shares, has given very generously even though they have problems there too. He reminds them that they began the collection well and calls them to finish well. Paul tells them that he is sending Titus and another brother to help them complete this work. Paul invites the Corinthians to “show them the proof of your love,” setting for them an example.

Paul wants their gift to be a “real” gift – not forced. He reminds the church that those who sow seeds generously reap generous crops. Encouraging them to give what they decide in their hearts, Paul speaks of God’s power: “You will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.” God will supply them all that they need in the future. There may come a time when they receive from the church in Jerusalem. But for now, as they support their brothers and sisters, those in Jerusalem will give thanks and will pray for the church in Corinth.

Paul addresses his authority as he calls for obedience in chapter 10. Some in Corinth feel that Paul’s letters are “powerful and severe” but that Paul is shy and weak when in person. Paul invites them to obedience, lest they feel his authority given by God when he visits. He reminds the church that it was he and his companions that first brought the gospel to Corinth. Paul closes with a reminder that it is the Lord’s commendation that matters. May this be the approval that we seek as well.

Prayer: Lord God, create in us generous and obedient hearts. Empower each of us to step forward in faith, trusting in your loving provision. Through the power of our love for you, may others experience your love for them. Amen.


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Ups, Downs, Highs, Lows

Readings: Psalms 85-89

‭Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!”

Photo credit: Franzie Allen Miranda

Today’s Psalms rise and fall like the highs and lows of our lives. Like these Psalms, our faith can bounce from “Praise God!” to “Where are you, God?” more often than we’d like. Psalm 85, for example, begins with thanks for God’s forgiveness then quickly pivots to a God who seems angry, who yet needs to forgive their sins. The Psalm closes beautifully and with hope. “Truth springs up… righteousness looks down.” Walk with the Lord!

Psalm 86 begins with a series of petitions, each followed by a “because.” In verse 2, for example, we read, “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!” Do these things, God, because I have faith! After celebrating times when God was faithful, the psalmist invites God to act once again: “Come back to me! Have mercy on me!” A faithful one asks, “Where are you, God?”

A short Psalm 87 celebrates that those from Zion are blessed.

Next we turn to Psalm 88. Frankly, it is hard to read. It is a lament that goes down and down, ending in hopelessness. The psalmist cries out to God but feels beyond help. Friends have abandoned the writer. It feels like God has too. The Psalm concludes: “My only friend is darkness.” So why read Psalms like this? There is a really good reason. They remind us that life is not easy. Many people end up here. If you’re not one, then read this Psalm and allow yourself to feel the pain and darkness. The connection will bring a measure of empathy to how you minister to those who walk in the darkness.

We close with Psalm 89 as book 3 ends. A lengthy remembrance of God’s power and of God’s promises to David and his dynasty is followed by 15 verses that ask where God is. It seems that God has broken the covenant. It begs God to let the anger pass. There is an implied plea for restoration. Because you promised this God and because I am faithful… We can certainly relate.

Prayer: Lord God, we encounter so many ups and downs, so many highs and lows today in our readings. Thank you, Lord, for the reminder. We all struggle. We all need support, encouragement, understanding – from you and from one another. We can all offer these things to others. Guide us, O God, each day. As we receive, may we give. Amen.