pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Glory, Mystery

Reading: Haggai 2:6-9

Haggai 2:7b – “I will fill this house with glory.”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

As we continue in Haggai 2 today, the focus shifts. The encouragement of the people in their work on the temple shifts to focus on what God will do. The words in verses 6-9 speak of the present and of the future. They speak of the here and of the there. These words are promises from God. And they can be every day truths.

We begin with “in just a little while.” These words could mean later today or tomorrow or 2,000 years from now. We know that God’s time is not our time. We also know that God’s timing is perfect. In God’s time, God will make the “heavens… earth… land… sea quake.” Connecting back to words and images from the Genesis 1 narrative, we’re reminded that God controls all of creation. In the next verse we are included: “all the nations.” This shaking will lead to action, in both the created world and in us.

God declares that ‘soon’ “the wealth of the nations will come” to God’s house. In the near future, the empire of Persia will financially support the rebuilding and glorification of the temple. But is has been said that the greatest resource of any nation is its people. Here we edge into eternity or maybe a great revival, when all people will kneel and all tongues will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Keeping on this track, silver and gold can be material possessions but this could refer to much more. Gentile and Jew? Lost and saved?

The second temple will be a glorious structure. There will be “prosperity” at times. In these times, yes, God will “fill this house with glory.” There will also be times of corruption and greed. Jesus will overturn some tables one day. And what if prosperity isn’t financial at all?

Prayer: Lord God, we know that your love is unconditional, that your mercy is endless, that your grace is ever overflowing. We know that you created and are over all things, us included. But there is so much that we don’t know. There is much mystery. And that is good. Today we ask, O God, that you would help us to step into that mystery, to imagine your possibilities, to trust you into the unknown. We know that you are in all these things. And you are in us. Thank you, God. Amen.


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He Will Be There

Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Matthew 14:25 – “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.”

Our passage begins with “Right then…” This sudden shift follows and is connected to what has just happened. Chapter 14 begins with the death of John the Baptist. Jesus hears the story from John’s disciples. Jesus tries to find solitude but the crowd follows. He heals the sick. As evening nears, filled with compassion, Jesus feeds 5,000 men plus women and children from two fish and five loaves. It is right then that Jesus sends the disciples across the lake. He dismisses the crowd and finally finds some alone time with God, time to grieve for John. This pattern is typical for Jesus and is our call too: care for others before self, but still take time to care for self. One simply cannot pour into others from a place of exhaustion and emptiness.

In verse 25 we read, “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.” Seeing him, the disciples are terrified. Yes, the Old Testament speaks of God making “a way in the sea” (Isaiah 43:16,) but this has never been done by a human. Of course they think Jesus is a ghost. Quickly he reassures them, offering encouragement, identifying himself. Peter asks for proof: “If it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter begins to walk on the water. When have you observed someone doing something amazing, been encouraged to join them, and started doing what they’re doing? Although likely not walking on water, when willing we can do what we thought beyond ourselves when encouraged to believe that we can.

Unfortunately Peter gets distracted and sinks back to the base line. Fear overtakes his faith. So too is it with us. Our human weaknesses impact our faith. Just as Jesus was there for Peter, he will be there for us too, reaching out a hand, helping us back to our place of comfort, calming our storms. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when and where will you call us out of the boat today? How will you move us beyond where we think we can go? Lord, when you do, make us ready and willing. Trusting in you, guide us to step forward. Amen.


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Always There with Us

Readings: Psalms 33-36

‭Psalm 36:6 – “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.”

Photo credit: Lidia Nikole

Our readings today begin and end with two Psalms of praise. Psalm 34 begins with praises for God’s goodness and faithfulness, for God speaking creation into being. The psalmist celebrates God’s rule over all the earth. Kings and warriors aren’t saved by their strength and power (and neither are we!) No, the psalmist says, put your hope and trust in the Lord alone. Psalm 36 does begin by recognizing the evil and wicked choices of the sinful. But the psalmist quickly shifts to praising God for God’s faithful love and for “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.” God is worthy of our praise! Yes, we take refuge under God’s wings. Yes, God’s light is our light!

Psalms 34 and 35 speak of the good and evil that is present in our world and in our lives. Psalm 34 begins with blessing and praising God for answered prayers and for deliverance. Then the psalmist offers a warning and also some words of encouragement: keep your tongue from evil, do good, seek peace. The author declares that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.” Note the present tense of these verbs! These warnings, the hope, the encouragement – they apply to our lives too!

Psalm 35 begins with pleas for God to act: “Stand up and help me!” Rescue is needed from those who want to humiliate, shame, and harm. We too have lifted these calls. The psalmist laments that even though he or she fasted and grieved when “they” were sick, now they rejoice in his or her stumbles. The psalmist cries out, “How long…?”

The Psalm closes with renewed requests for justice, for the enemies to be the ones who are disgraced. Then, then the psalmist will praise the Lord. Then… When we are hard-pressed, when we feel the full assault of evil, then, yes, it can be hard to praise the Lord. Yet, as the song goes, “May we praise you in the storm.” May it be so because God is always there with us.

Prayer: Lord God, we so want justice to be served, to see wrongs made right. When we are tempted to execute our justice, pause us and remind us first of your grace that covers us. And then, then remind us that you alone are the judge, that you alone know true justice. Help us to trust, O God, in your strong righteousness and in your deep justice. Help us to stand on that mountain, to wade into that deep sea, for you alone are God. Amen.


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Even There… Always

Reading: Psalm 139:1-12

Verse 5: “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”

Psalm 139 is a beautiful reminder of God’s presence with us in all of life. I find great comfort in verses 1-6. Here we are reminded that God searches us and knows us, that God knows our coming and going, that God knows our thoughts, and that God “hems me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Yes, this is all indeed wonderful. And it is a little scary or intimidating to be so intimately, personally, and thoroughly known by someone. This depth of knowing is the focus of verses 7-10.

Moving into this set of verses David recognizes God’s omnipotent nature. No matter where he goes, God is there. David touches on the reality of this with honesty as he asks, “Where can I flee from your presence?” We can relate, right? At times we appreciate a little solitude. And it is a high standard to uphold – always being in God’s presence. I’m sure you’ve been around someone and wondered when your time together would ever end. But here’s the thing with God: God is here for our absolute good and to bring joy and hope and light to our lives. And to be there when we need God the most, for “even there your hand will guide me.”

In the closing verses David acknowledges that at times darkness will surround him. Even though he feels “hidden” from God – whether it is because of sin or because of a loss that makes us feel separated from God – even there God is present. Our darkness is just that: ours. Even there God is light and love and grace. And even there God is with us, knows us, searches us, and walks with us. Always, God hems us in. Always, God’s hand is upon us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, on my best days, you are there. On my worst days, you are there. On those many days that fall in between, you are there. Open my heart to your constant presence. Humble me and make me willing to follow your lead and your guidance. I know you love me and have good plans for me. Shape me and form me to your will and ways, O God. Amen.


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Even There

Reading: Jeremiah 29:1 and 4-7

Verse 7: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Returning to Jeremiah 29 today we recall God’s message to the people living in exile: settle in, it’s going to be a while. The consequences of living a long time in sin will not end quickly. Sometimes this is necessary. At times in my life, and maybe at times in yours, I have wandered. The results have left me in places or in circumstances that I didn’t really want to be in. I longed to return to how life was before. Like it is for Israel in today’s text, it was for me at times. I could settle in or I could be stuck in some past. I could live into my new reality or I could fight God the whole way. It is a choice.

Jeremiah’s advice is to start living again. Don’t sulk and frump your way through this because then you’ll miss out on God’s presence with you even here in Babylon. Realize that God is there in the exile. Realize that God is there in the aftermath of wayward living, no matter where we find ourselves. And, maybe more importantly, realize that even there God can make a difference. So even there, God wants to use us for God’s purposes. Even there we too have something to offer. Jeremiah encourages the Israelites and us today by saying, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Be the light. Be the faithful. Be a positive in the city and culture. Set the example. Even now God can work in and through you. Even there, walk the walk of faith.

While we might not be invaded, taken captive, and hauled thousands of miles away, we will find ourselves living out an uncomfortable situation or stuck in the consequences of our sinful choices. When we do, may we remember today’s word: God is faithful even there. May we be so too.

Prayer: God, it’s not always easy to bloom where we’re planted, especially if we don’t like it there. Yet you are ever present, ever guiding. Give me an “even there” faith. Lead me to live and love and serve well no matter the place or the circumstances. Amen.


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Always There

Reading: Psalm 146: 1-4

Verse 2: “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.”

Psalm 146 is a song of praise to the Lord. It rejoices in God’s presence in the lives of the faithful. It celebrates the ways that God has been present in times of need and with those who are on the margins. In our faith journey we have experienced God’s presence throughout the highs and lows and during all that falls in between these extremes.

In verse two we read, “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.” There is a commitment to praising God in all things and at all times. No matter what life is bringing, the psalmist chooses to praise the Lord. There is also a warning in these verses for today. In verse three we are reminded, “Do not put your trust in princes” – or in any other earthly thing for that matter. Rulers die and return to dust. Possessions and wealth only get us so far. Beauty and popularity fade. The plans that we make “come to nothing” when our lives end here on earth. This world, this life with all its trappings, is only temporary.

With an eye on the eternal, the psalmist calls us to “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, o my soul.” We do so because we are assured of God’s victory over sin and death. We do so because we are assured of our place in God’s kingdom, both now and into forevermore. We do so because we are assured of God’s constant and abiding presence. Yes, today and every day may we praise the Lord!

Prayer: Lord God, when I turn to you, you are always there. When I’ve wandered and make my way back to you, you are always there. When I struggle and cry out to you, you are always there. In the stars or sunrise or thunder, I am reminded that you are always there. In the middle of the routine of everyday life, in the smallest of ways, you remind me that you are always there. Thank you Lord for your presence in my life. Amen.


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Abundant Rains

Reading: Joel 2: 21-27

Verse 27: “Then you will know… that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other.”

Photo credit: Crystal Huff

The prophet Joel is like many other Old Testament prophets. Sent by God to call the people back into right relationship with God, he came with a message of repentance. The locusts that have ravaged Israel are the result of sinful idol worship. Joel calls the people to “put on sackcloth” and to “declare a holy fast.” He implores the people to “rend your hearts” – to tear them away from idols and to turn once again to God. As the book works towards today’s reading, Joel speaks of God driving the enemy away.

In our text for today Joel reminds the people that “the Lord has done great things.” Yes, God is faithful. As a sign Joel points to the signs of God’s returning favor: greening pastures and trees and vines beginning to bear fruit. God is still there. Yes, the nation’s sins have brought hardship and suffering. But God is still there. Even when all seems lost, even when it feels like things couldn’t get any worse – look, God is still here. It is that kind word spoken in our time of need. It is that quiet presence that reminds us that we are not alone. Even in the trial and suffering, there are signs of God’s presence.

As we have walked through the valleys we have felt like God was not there. We may have even felt that the consequences were the result of our sinful actions. At times we’ve all said or done things that have brought just suffering upon ourselves. In these moments or seasons it is important to remember God’s promises. God is still our God. God is still in control. If we also rend our hearts towards God as we repent of our evil ways, then God will green up the pastures and send abundant healing rains. God is faithful. Our response to God’s faithfulness will be to praise Gods name. And “then you will know… that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your faithfulness extends to all generations. Your love and mercy never ends. When I falter and stumble, when I sin, gently call me back again. May your abundant mercies wash away my sin, restoring me back into your presence. Amen.


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Always There

Reading: John 6:35

Verse 35: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry… will never be thirsty”.

Food gives us energy. It sustains us. Food brings us enjoyment and pleasure. Jesus says, “I am the bread of life”. Speaking of the spiritual, Jesus is our sustenance and our energy, our joy and our contentment. But unlike physical food, which is depleted, Jesus says, “He who comes to me will never go hungry… will never be thirsty”. If we place our faith in Jesus Christ he will always sustain us, will always be present with us.

In the trials and the challenges, when we hunger for Jesus, he will always be there. Jesus will be there to encourage us in that difficult talk, to guide us when we’re not sure of the way, to strengthen us for the necessary but hard tasks. In the valleys and sufferings, when we thirst for Jesus, he will always be there. When the news of illness or loss comes, Jesus will be our peace and comfort. When the unwanted change forces us somewhere we do not want to be, Jesus will walk with us. When we are placed in a situation or with a person that tests our limits, Jesus will be our grace and love.

When we come to Jesus, when our faith leans into him, Jesus will always be there. We will never hunger or thirst. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, your presence always sustains me. Your love always guides and leads me. Your grace and mercy always restore and redeem me. You never leave or forsake me. Thank you for your contact presence. Amen.


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Love and Faithfulness

Reading: Psalm 22: 25-31

Verse 30: “Future generations will be told about the Lord”.

Photo credit: Tom Barrett

Today we read the last seven verses of Psalm 22. These verses rejoice in God’s care and love for his children. They remind us that God is always there for us. Psalm 22 begins with these words: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me”? David feels totally alone and dejected. He is being mocked and fears for his life. Then, in verse 22, there is a shift. David basically says, ‘And still I will praise you’!

Life for most of us has its share of time in the valleys. Life brings disease, death, unwanted change. Life will leave us feeling wrung out and alone. We too will make choices and do things that separate us from God and from others. We will be the cause of our sorrows and sufferings at times. No matter the cause of our time in the valley, we never walk alone. In verse 27 David writes, “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord”. We will remember who and what God is and when we do, we will find that the Lord is right there with us. We will be like David: “They who seek the Lord will praise him”!

This Psalm, like the whole Bible, is the story of God’s love and faithfulness. It is the overarching message of the Psalm and of the whole of scripture. Like with David’s Psalm, may God’s love and faithfulness be the overarching message of our lives. May our life and witness tell future generations about the Lord our God!

Prayer: Lord, this morning I think of the song, “My Hope Is Built”. You have been my anchor in the storm; you are where I find my hope and peace. Thank you for your sure love and your faithfulness that never ends. Amen.


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Draw Others to Him

Reading: John 1: 43-51

Verse 46: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there”?

Philip is sold immediately that Jesus is the one, the Messiah, the Savior. Something about Jesus and something inside Philip connect and he responds to a simple invitation: “Follow me”. Some people come to Jesus this way. In a moment he is what they need or who they find healing or peace or strength or mercy in, and they believe in him. Most of us, however, are more like Nathanael – doubtful, skeptical, questioning. When invited to come to meet this Jesus, he scoffs: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there”? What good could ever come out of that small, insignificant town in Galilee?

People today might not question where Jesus came from, but we do question what he could do for us. What difference could Jesus possibly make in my life? Like Nathanael, we question and we doubt. We scoff. Even some who were raised in the church come to a place of questioning, of doubting. I was raised in the church – Sunday school, worship, confirmation, choir, youth group – the whole nine yards. I knew who Jesus was and I followed on the surface. I followed the parts that I wanted to. In college, I “drifted” even further. Life was just fine sort of being a Christian. Then things were not so good and I found myself seeking the Lord – and he was there. I met Jesus in a way that I hadn’t before. My walk with the Lord began anew.

Nathanael was one without anything false in him. Jesus called him a “true Israelite”. Even though Jesus was not what he expected, and even though he was skeptical, Nathanael went to meet Jesus. He was initially draw by Philip’s testimony. He knew about the Messiah, he had been raised in the “church”. There are many who know about Jesus, even some who have drifted. Today and each day of our lives, may our faith in Jesus Christ draw others to come and see, to meet him in a new way. May we, like Philip, invite others to meet our Jesus so that he can do “greater things” in their lives too.

Prayer: Living God, may your light shine brightly within me, being a light others see and are drawn to. Help me to be invitational, encouraging others to come and meet Jesus, the Savior, the Messiah. Amen.