pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Love as Well

Reading: Romans 12:17-21

Romans 12:21 – “Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

Our five verses from the end of Romans 12 come from a section in which Paul is arguing that love is the primary command. In and over and through and around all things, first apply love. Paul is elevating here what Jesus lived out. If we, like Jesus, allow love to lead and guide all that we say, think, and do, then we will be continuing Christ’s work of building the kingdom of God here on earth.

In verse 17 Paul warns about repaying evil with evil. That’s our natural reaction, often our first thought, isn’t it? It’s what we see in the culture all around us. Be upside-down instead. Choose love. Choose the good. In this spirit we’re encouraged to “live at peace with all people.” Paul offers some realism here: “to the best of your ability.” Some folks want nothing to do with getting along with others. Their evil intents guide all of their actions.

Paul, however, doesn’t advise us to avoid such people. Leave all the revenge and paying back to God. Paul does advise us to look for our opportunities – our chances to be love. If the one who is our “enemy” is hungry then feed them. If they are thirsty then give them a drink. In loving on such as these, we are piling upon them our love, a way of sharing faith that could one day influence them too. In this way, we will be living out Paul’s wonderful admonition: “Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.”

While we may think that Paul is channeling his inner Jesus with all of this “love your enemy” talk, he is quoting from Proverbs 25. Love was at the core of who and what Jesus was, yes. But love is also at the core of the Old Testament. This should be no surprise. God is love. May we be so as well.

Prayer: Lord God, empower us today and every day to be love when the world expects hate. Guide us to ever choose the good, eschewing the temptation to do harm. Through our counter-cultural and upside-down life draw others towards Jesus Christ, our earthly model of love and peace. Amen.


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For the Good of All

Reading: Galatians 5-6

Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the self with its passions and its desires.”

Photo credit: Nathan Lemon

Chapter 5 begins with a call to “stand firm” in the freedom found in Christ. As the chapter unfolds, it is standing firm in the law of love, not in circumcision or in the Law of Moses. Paul declares that the last two do not matter. What matters is “faith working through love.” Later, in verse 13, Paul encourages the Galatians to “serve each other through love.”

In verses 16-26 Paul unpacks “two different ways of living.” The first is living for self. This is the opposite of loving and serving one another. Paul provides a very lengthy list of selfish behaviors – yet we could each add to the list. Paul follows this with a list of the “fruit of the Spirit” – what John Wesley called “the essence of embodied Christianity.” A life lived for God and for neighbor would evidence “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” May this list typify us and our lives lived out in the world!

Chapter 6 opens with encouragement to hold one another accountable, to help one another, and to do a good job ourselves. Paul then reminds the church that we harvest what we plant. Plant selfishly, harvest devastation. Plant for the benefit of the Spirit, harvest eternal life. The body of the letter closes with the charge to “work for the good of all whenever we have the opportunity.” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with your presence and your love. Allow these to be what guides our thoughts, words, and actions. In this way, use us to reflect you into the world. Plant your words and your love in our hearts, using us to reap a harvest for your kingdom. Fill us, Lord, and lead us to be good in the world. Amen.


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The Good Path

Readings: Proverbs 4 and 5

‭Proverbs 4:23 – “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.”

Today’s two chapters focus first on loving wisdom and then on avoiding the “mysterious woman.” The author encourages his sons to “let your hearts hold my words.” If one holds onto wisdom then she will guard one’s life. She will protect those who love her. Following these words of wisdom will lead to a long, good life. Therefore we are to love and guard and protect wisdom. The wicked, though, they “eat the bread of evil” and they “drink the wine of violence.” These destructive appetites must be fed. They lead to “deep darkness.” But the way of the righteous is light that gets “brighter and brighter.”

In 4:23 we read, “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” In ancient thought the mind was the center of emotions, thought, reason. We are to guard these. This keeps us focused “straight ahead.” It keeps us walking on paths that are secure. The way of the wicked would be crooked and filled with obstacles that would make one stumble.

Chapter 5 focuses on the “mysterious woman.” Although her words “drip honey” and can be enticing and alluring, in fact they are “bitter as gall.” To get involved with this woman is to lose one’s strength, wealth, and reputation. This path leads to “bitter ruin.” The good path involves “drinking from your own cistern.” This is keeping true and faithful to your spouse. We are called to rejoice in this relationship. If we do not we are warned that we will be “caught… in the ropes of our own sin.” In Romans 6 Paul speaks of these “wages of sin.” They lead to death. May we choose instead the good path of life.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of temptation and evil is wide. It leads to sin and death. Guard our hearts and minds, O Lord. Lead us, your sons and daughters, to choose you and your ways. These lead to life. Guide us to your path, O God. Amen.


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A Yearning for God

Readings: Psalms 79-84

Psalm 84:10 – “Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else!”

Disaster has come upon Israel. Psalm 79 details how the temple was defiled, the walls were ruined, and the people were killed. The psalmist asks, “How long will you rage?” That is a question we all ask during extended seasons in the dark valleys. The psalmist begs for deliverance – and for vengeance. God pay them back. And remember us, the sheep of your own pasture.

Psalm 80 continues this plea. The psalmist reminds God that Israel is the vibe that God brought out of Egypt and planted in Zion. The vibe is now chopped down and burned. O God, attend to your vine. Be with us God and we will not turn away. Psalm 81 functions as a response from God. It begins with a call to praise God but quickly God begins to speak (through the psalmist’s words.) These words begin with a remembrance of the exile from Egypt. God warned them about idols but the people didn’t listen. God laments, only if they could “walk in my ways.” God would then subdue their enemies and feed Israel the finest wheat and honey. If only we would turn from our idols… then God would give us hope, peace, joy, grace…

Psalm 82 gives us a peak into ancient thought. In the divine council God questions how justice is (or isn’t) being administered. It seems that the “lesser beings” are not properly caring for the poor… God removes their immortality and steps in as the judge.

A call for God’s actions fills Psalm 83. The enemies have gathered and threatened Israel. The psalmist calls for God to act, to make the enemy “like tumbleweeds.” Then all will know that God alone rules over the whole earth. At times in our lives we can pray these prayers. We just want God to remove that which is causing us pain.

Our readings close with Psalm 84. These are beautiful words about being in God’s home. It begins with a yearning to be with God. The psalmist declares, “Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else!” Oh to be in God’s presence. Oh to experience God’s favor and glory. Oh to trust in the Lord our God. Oh we yearn to have God’s presence all around us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the Lord of all creation. You are our good shepherd who watches over us, leads us, provides for us. When we stray, pull us back into the fold, back into the presence that is better than life itself. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Born of the Spirit

Reading: John 3:1-10

Verse 3: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

In our passage for today and tomorrow, Nicodemus comes to Jesus “at night.” He is a Pharisee, an expert in the Law. All of who and what Nicodemus is comes from his knowledge of the Law and from his strict adherence to the Law. Nicodemus’ religion is all in his head. It is all through his own efforts that he is ‘holy.’ Yet he is drawn to Jesus. Jesus too was an expert in the Law, just in a much different way. Jesus was an expert at living out the heart of the Law.

The conversation begins with a polite compliment: “Rabbi, we know…” We? Jesus and the Pharisees are at odds with each other. The “we” likely refers to a very small group within the Pharisees who do actually believe what Nicodemus says. As if answering the question that Nicodemus was afraid to ask, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Caught totally off guard, Nicodemus attempts a joke. Jesus does not laugh. He presses on. In Jesus’ way of saying it’s not about strictly following all of the rules, he tells Nicodemus, “No one enters the kingdom of God unless he [or she] is born of the water and the Spirit.” Yes, we are all born from the water of the womb. This is what gives us life – here on earth. (And maybe Jesus is referring to John’s baptism – which the Pharisees looked down their noses at.)

Jesus is saying to Nicodemus and to all people that we must also experience a second birth, a spiritual birth, if we want to be a part of God’s kingdom – both here and one day in eternity. To experience this new life one must be “born again” – born of the Holy Spirit. Accepting Jesus as the Messiah, as our Lord and Savior, this invites the gift of the Holy Spirit to come into our heart. Jesus compares this Spirit to the wind. One doesn’t know where the wind comes from and one does not know where it might blow you. There is unknown and there is a lack of control. For a man of great knowledge and of strict control, this must’ve been a very scary thought. It is for most of us.

Prayer: O God, indeed your Spirit leads and guides in ways we don’t often understand. So we try and reign it in. We try and limit it. Free me from my fears and doubts. Enable me to be more in tune, more in step with the Spirit of Christ alive in me. Amen.


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Divine Moments

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:16-21

Verse 18: “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.”

Today we connect the dots that reveal what the transfiguration meant to Peter. Years after the actual event, Peter writes about it in the passage that we read today. It is clearly a powerful memory for Peter. Recalling that day Peter begins by stating, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” He remembers the “honor and glory” that God placed upon Jesus that day. Peter testifies, “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Jesus on the sacred mountain.” In this context today he is retelling the story for the benefit of his audience, which includes us today. Yet we also know that recalling the story builds Peter’s faith too. Recalling this event and other encounters with Jesus, Peter finds courage when he needs that, assurance when he needs that… This moment on the mountain, it changed Peter forever.

We too have moments that change us forever. We may not always hear the audible voice of God speaking from “the Majestic Glory,” but we do have moments when we feel a tangible presence, when we feel a little nudge, when the Spirit whispers a thought into our heart. These are moments when the divine becomes just as present to us as it was to Peter on the mountain.

Our stories of these moments are powerful. As Peter did, we recall them, we relive them in times of need. These memories bring us a faith boost, a calm in the storm, a strength in the trial… Our stories can be powerful when told to others too. Our moments with the divine provide a great witness to the power of God at work in our lives and in the world. Like Peter, may we share our stories of faith – sometimes in our own hearts and minds, sometimes with one who needs to hear a story of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for each of the moments that have become a part of my story of faith. In love, you touched my life in these ways. May I love others by sharing my personal witness of your power and love. Amen.


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Perfectly United

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:10-18

Verse 10: “I appeal to you… that all of you agree… no divisions among you… be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As we turn to our Epistle reading, Paul appeals to those in the church to find unity. There are quarrels and divisions in this church community. There are particulars to this strife – factions are wanting to follow different leaders – but this detail is secondary to resolving the bickering and fighting. Their infighting is tearing at the fibers of community and it is greatly diminishing the church’s witness to the world.

There will always be differences in our churches. Some people may, for example, like the gospel of Matthew better than the gospel of Mark. They like the fact that it has more stories and better connects to the Old Testament. But others prefer the more straight-forward, quicker pace of Mark. Both are right factually about each gospel. Both writings are valuable to Christians seeking to grow in their faith. Yet if both “sides” were to begin talking down to the other, using their gospel truth to bash the other side, then the focus would shift from the words and teachings of Jesus to the bickering and infighting of those in the church. That would not be a good thing.

Paul’s call is to be a community of faith “perfectly united in mind and thought.” Unity comes through having the mind of Christ, from speaking and acting as Christ did. In all things both big and small, may we begin in Christ and with his example. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, bring me back again and again to the one in whom we find our faith. Draw me to Christ’s example and to his humility and love. Ground me in these things always. Amen.


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Draw Others In

Reading: John 18: 33-34

Verse 34: “Is that your own idea, or did others talk to you about me?”

Photo credit: Elisa Ph

In this week’s gospel writing we jump over to John. In today’s passage we find Jesus brought before Pilate, the Roman governor. The religious leaders hope that Pilate will crucify Jesus because they do not have this power under Roman law. They did not answer Pilate’s question concerning the charges brought against Jesus. As our passage begins Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews.

It was often Jesus’ practice to answer a question with a question. This practice invited more conversation and regularly led to a time of reflection and introspection. For those interacting with Jesus it led to a deepening of the connection and sometimes was the start of a relationship. Jesus asks Pilate, “Is that your own idea, or did others talk to you about me?” From the text that we have in the first part of John 18, we know that the religious leaders did not identify Jesus this way. Pilate must have at least known of the contention between Jesus and the religious leaders. He must have had some knowledge of Jesus and his teachings and the working of miracles. Some news of Jesus must have made its way into the halls of Roman power. Jesus invites Pilate to consider what he has heard at a deeper level, at a personal level.

If we are living out our Christian witness we too will have opportunities to engage in conversations of faith. In many of these instances we can practice what Jesus does here. If, for example, someone asks about the peace we have in difficult or stressful situations, we can ask when they saw this or how it seemed to make a difference. Or if someone asks how we love or are kind to those that others struggle with, then we could ask them if they’ve ever felt unloved or we could inquire about their thoughts on why we might love in this way. Sometimes we must answer the question, sharing the power of Jesus Christ. But some of the time we will have opportunity to ask questions that deepen or prolong the conversation, questions that invite the other into reflection and thought. Leading others deeper into a relationship with Jesus is a calling we all have. May our actions and our conversations draw others in, leading them one step closer to Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, guide my thoughts and words when others ask about my faith. Give me wisdom and insight. Give me a heart for the other. In all I say and do may you be glorified. Amen.


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Making Jesus Known

Reading: John 16: 12-15

Verse 14: “He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you”.

Jesus begins by telling the disciples that there is much more to learn and understand, but they are not ready yet. To know all about Jesus would be “more than you can bear”. Our journey of faith is just the same. We learn and understand enough to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior but are far from knowing and fully understanding him and his call upon our life. A faithful Christian will spend all of one’s life becoming more and more like Jesus. To guide this process Jesus promises a companion, an advocate, a counselor – “the Spirit of truth”. Again, this is an ongoing process – one that only culminates in eternity. As modern day disciples this too is our promise, our gift, our hope.

In verse fourteen Jesus explains the process. Here he says, “He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you”. The Holy Spirit will take Jesus – his words and teachings, his example and witness – and instill him within each disciple. In and through the Holy Spirit’s power and presence each disciple is transformed increasingly into the image of Jesus Christ. With Jesus’ Spirit within us, we are sent out into the world to share and witness to the love and saving power of our Lord and Savior. In thought, word, and deed may we glorify God this day and every day. May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, you are my rock and shield, my strength and my defender. You are my only hope, my daily love. Use me today to bear witness to these things to all I meet. Amen.


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We All Sleep

Reading: Matthew 25: 1-13

Verse 5: “The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep”.

Today’s and tomorrow’s passage takes place at a wedding. The Jewish wedding of Jesus’ day was different than the weddings we attend today. The ceremony itself would be at the bride’s home. The wedding banquet would be at the bridegroom’s home. In our passage we find the bridesmaids awaiting the groom and his side of the wedding party. They are waiting to parade him into the wedding space with some celebration and excitement. But the bridegroom is delayed, so they wait into the night. We are not sure why he is delayed. One suggestion I read is that the groom and bride’s father could not agree on the bride’s price – another custom that we do not practice in many parts of the world today.

In our passage we learn that some of the bridesmaids are wise and some are foolish. Some were prepared for a lengthy wait and some were not. For some, this was probably not their first wedding. Some brought extra oil in jars and some did not. This fact will have a dramatic affect on both the wise and foolish bridesmaids. The hour gets late. In verse five we read, “The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep”. All ten fell asleep. None stayed awake the whole time. All ten fell asleep.

In terms of our faith, we all fall asleep. Even the most devout Christian has moments or even seasons when they walk in the ways of the world, when they allow anger or pride or some other non-Christian emotion to control their words or actions. Whether just a few minutes or a couple of hourss or a few days or many years, we can all allow or push or choose to lay aside our faith for a time. Sometimes it is almost innocent, like the ten bridesmaids who literally fell asleep. Sometimes it is more planned, more fully considered, more thought through. Sin can be like that.

Then came the call that awakened all ten. Five trimmed their lamps, righted the ship, got back on the narrow path. Five could not. Yes, we’ve all been there – in both scenarios. The Holy Spirit whispers to us, gently nudges us, reminding us of our faith, that treasure in a jar of clay. We return to our walk of faith. But we’ve all also ignored the Holy Spirit conviction and kept on living in sin. We had slept too long and there was no oil to refill our lamps at that point. Today’s story begs two questions for me today. First, when temptation comes, is their sufficient faith to turn sin away? Second, when temptation leads to sin and faith slumbers, will there be enough oil to relight my walk of faith?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder and for the call to introspection today. Daily discipline is essential to continue on the walk of faith. Keep me diligent. Also needed is a humble spirit and a willing heart. Only then will I hear well the Holy Spirit. Strengthen my faith day by day, Lord, filling my jar with faith each day. Amen.