pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: trust


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Telling and Retelling

Reading: Psalm 78:1-4

Psalm 78:4b – “We’ll tell the next generation all about the praises due the Lord and his strength – the wondrous works God has done.”

Photo credit: Priscilla du Preez

Psalm 78 begins with words intended to draw readers into the Psalm and its teachings. It begins with “Listen, my people… tilt your ears…” This is a call to active and engaged listening. It says to us and to other readers, “Pay attention, I have a good story to tell.” The drawing in continues: “I’ll declare riddles from long ago.” The story itself is interesting, maybe even intriguing. It’ll draw readers in even deeper as it progresses. I wonder, do we tell others about our God with such energy and passion? Is there excitement generated in the ways that we share our stories of faith with others?

In verse 4 the psalmist leans into the importance of telling the next generations. We too are called to pass on the stories of faith to our children and to the children in our communities of faith. In the last part of this verse the author declares, “We’ll tell the next generation all about the praises due the Lord and his strength – the wondrous works God has done.” In the telling and retelling of God’s wondrous works we help those new to the faith to understand the power and might of God. Learning all about the things that God has done for Israel begins to build trust and faith in new believer’s hearts.

The telling and retelling also impacts the hearer in another important way. Hearing the stories of what God has done opens their eyes to see what God does in their lives. This step makes God personal and intimate – another wonderful side of God. This realization further moves trust and faith from head to heart. And let’s not forget the teller. We too are impacted. As we tell and retell God’s story and our story, our faith grows and deepens too. Our eyes and hearts become more aware of and sensitive to the God moments in our lives. And our story widens and deepens. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes – both to see your presence in our lives and to see the opportunities that we have to share these experiences. Open our hearts too, O God. Opened wide we can better take in your love and strength, and we can then pour these things out, building up others’ faith and trust in you. Thank you. Amen.


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Faithful Provider

Reading: Exodus 17:1-7

Exodus 17:3 – “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”

As the journey continued through the wilderness, God had provided manna and quail and established the Sabbath – a day of rest and worship. Understanding God’s instructions and trusting into God’s provision, the Israelites break camp and journey to Rephidim. There is no water to drink, to cook with, to give to their animals. Fear quickly rises up in the people. When we find ourselves in a place of dire need, feeling absolutely no ability whatsoever to meet the need, fear can rise up quickly in us. And when we have no outlet for that fear, it often turns to anger and to blaming, like it does in today’s Bible story.

The people turn on Moses, asking, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” They have lost their faith in Moses to lead and in God to provide. They can see no way forward. Fear and anger have won the day. Moses is stuck in the middle. His faith in God remains strong. So Moses cries out to God. And God, ever faithful, hears, responds, guides, and provides. Moses takes some of the leaders out into the desert. At the rock of Horeb, in God’s presence, Moses hits the rock and water flows – abundantly and generously. God provides again. Another miracle.

We’d hope that from here in out, the Israelites would trust God and Moses. We’d hope that faith would always triumph over fear and doubt. It does not always do so as their journey continues. We’d like to think that from the many stories in the Bible and from ample experiences in our lives, that we’d trust God and that faith would always win out over fear… With each reading, with each experience, our faith does grow and deepen. Like Israel with Moses and God, we too are on a journey. We too are a work in progress. May we remain faithful. God is faithful. God will make a way. God will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, story by story, experience by experience, build up our faith. Continue to lead and guide us, whether we are filled with faith or with fear. Continue to be our faithful God, shaping us too into your people. Amen.


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Day by Day, Step by Step

Reading: Exodus 16:6-12

Exodus 16:12d – “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”

Grain by grain

In our reading from day two in Exodus 16, Moses and Aaron relay God’s decision to the people. God’s response is prefaced by why God is responding to the people’s complaints: so they will know that it was God who brought them out of Egypt. I’d always questioned why they would need a reminder. They’d just survived the death of the firstborn, walked through a sea, witnessed the total destruction of Pharaoh’s army, and experienced God turning bitter water sweet. But yesterday in a small group study at church, I heard a new thought. It was pointed out that Israel was still so new to the faith. Israel was just getting reacquainted with God.

Having heard the people’s complaints, a loving God responds with meat in the evening and bread in the morning. Through Aaron and Moses, God then invites the people to draw near to God. The glorious presence of the Lord is revealed in the cloud that has been leading Israel on their desert journey. After this experience and the receiving of the meat and bread, God declares, “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” God’s day by day presence through provision will remind the Israelites that God is always with them.

In our wilderness experiences, we often cry out to God. And like it was with the Israelites, God always hears our cries. Sometimes God will meet an immediate and pressing need. But more often than not, God’s response is tailored to our deeper needs. And that, like with Israel, is to strengthen our faith and to deepen our trust in God. When we surrender to God’s plan and purposes, we find grace for the journey ahead. And step by step, we come to know that God is always with us.

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves in a desert place or in a wilderness experience, remind us of your presence. We are grateful for the times when you provide food or strength or something else to meet our need. Open our eyes to see the ways not so obvious – the ways you respond that deepen our faith or that work to refine or renew us. Thank you for your constant presence. Amen.


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Tremble, Praise, Rejoice!

Reading: Psalm 114:5-8

Psalm 114:7 – “Earth: Tremble before the Lord!”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

As we continue in Psalm 114 today, the psalmist celebrates what was and leans into the present. Yesterday the author wrote of what God had done and of how Israel was now God’s people once again. The slavery of the past was no more and they were freed to be “God’s sanctuary.”

Verses 5 and 6 begin with a questioning of creation. These questions ask physical parts of creation – waters and hills and mountains – why they did things otherwise impossible. The answer, of course, is God. It was God who parted the waters. It was God who moved mountains. The psalmist mixes the literal and the figurative here. Over the course of our journey of faith, we too experience both.

Sometimes God acts in our lives in ways that are like the parting of the sea. A “door” opens or an invitation comes from nowhere that helps us move forward when we felt stuck. A seemingly immovable or unresolvable circumstance is “moved,” freeing us to continue our journey of faith. God works in ways that bring us to awe, praise, and wonder. For the earth and the people who inhabit the earth, we too could proclaim, “Earth: Tremble before the Lord!”

After the desert journey, which also included other miracles, Israel understood that they were God’s people. As it was with Israel, these miracle moments in our lives transform our faith, empowering us to move forward with a deeper faith and a stronger connection to the Lord our God. We too rejoice that we are God’s people!

Prayer: Lord God, each time you part the waters or move a mountain, our faith grows, deepens, widens. We face the next obstacle or challenge with more trust, more assurance, more resolve. Continue to walk with us daily – leading, guiding, making a way. Amen.


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God Will Rescue

Reading: Exodus 14:19-21

Exodus 14:20 – “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

Photo credit: Paul Garaizar

Following the Passover and the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh practically kicks Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites out of Egypt. They left in haste – 600,000 men plus women and children. But soon Pharaoh changed his mind and began to pursue God’s people with his army. The Egyptians caught up with Israel as they were camped alongside the sea. Terror spreads among God’s people. Moses offers words of assurance – God’s rescue is coming. After giving Moses escape instructions, God’s messenger and presence – the column of cloud and fire – moved from leading Israel to standing between Israel and the Egyptians. In the last part of verse 20 we read, “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

At times in our lives we feel fear and maybe even terror. While it is not caused by a literal army seeking to return us to slavery in Egypt, we’ve had situations rise up that make us feel trapped. Fear, worry, stress… begin to rise up. We have experienced threats against our health, well-being, safety, security… We’ve watched a powerful force approaching from afar, fear and dread growing as our depression or addiction or loneliness or… grows in power. In those moments, we are not alone. God stands between us and that which threatens us or causes us fear. Light grows in the darkness, keeping the enemy at bay.

Moses raises his hands and God parts the waters. Dry land appears as the waters are split in two. Rescue is on the way. When we raise our hands in surrender, humbly acknowledging our need for God and our inability to defeat the “army” on our own, then our God will make a way. Without fear, we can walk right through. Without worry, we can trust where God is leading. God will rescue. God is with us.

Prayer: Lord God, in those hard moments, guide us to a place of surrender. When life feels too big for us, may we give it to you, O Lord. With humility and trust, help us to turn to you, trusting in your power and might. Lead us through, part the sea, make a way. Thank you, God. Amen.


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One Person at a Time

Reading: Exodus 1:15-22 and 2:1-10

Exodus 1:17 – “Now the two midwives respected God so they didn’t obey the Egyptian king’s order.”

Coming back to Exodus 1, we read the rest of the story today. The Israelites continue to grow in number, in spite of Pharaoh’s attempts to lessen them. In today’s reading Pharaoh calls in two Hebrew midwives and tells them to kill all babies born male. They do not follow orders: “Now the two midwives respected God so they didn’t obey the Egyptian king’s order.” Called back in and questioned, Shiphrah and Puah outsmart Pharaoh. They trusted in God’s power and God made a way.

Pharaoh comes up with a new plan: incite the Egyptians against the Israelites. He instructs his people to throw every Hebrew boy baby into the river. Pharaoh counts on those feelings of disgust and dread, stirring them up and giving them an outlet with his cruel edict. For at least one Hebrew baby boy, this plan fails too.

At the start of chapter 2 a boy is born. His mother hid him for three months. No longer able to do so, she places him in a tar-coated basket and puts it in the river. His sister watches over it and when Pharaoh’s own daughter sees the baby, Miriam offers to find someone to nurse the baby. She risks much, offering a plan that goes against the edict. The princess, moved by compassion, agrees to the plan, also risking much. Moses’ life is saved. These women who used the power available to them stood for life. Through their bold actions, they thwarted Pharaoh’s plan – at least for one boy. In most of our lives, this is how we use our power too. With our words and actions we can make a great difference – one person at a time. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these examples of women who risked much for what was right and good. Give us the same faith, the same compassion. Help us to see the opportunities you give us to stand and speak for all that is good and right and just. Empower us just as you empowered these women. Amen.


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Faith Over Fear

Reading: Exodus 1:8-14

Exodus 1:13 – “The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. They made their lives miserable.”

Today’s passage of power is one where fear guides the new Pharaoh’s thoughts and actions. This is not an uncommon reaction. Fear often distorts our perception of reality and leads us to think and do things we would not do otherwise. In today’s passage, this is the case with the new king. There is no personal connection to Joseph or to the Israelites. Therefore they have no value or worth as a people. This allows Pharaoh to treat them as things or as property: “The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. They made their lives miserable.” While we do not literally enslave people we fear, we as a society can treat those that we see as “less than” in similar ways, making life miserable. Even though their life became miserable, God remained with the Israelites. The same is true for people groups today who are negatively impacted by our fears.

As the story of God’s people continues to unfold, fear and its cousins – anger, doubt, worry, anxiety… – continue to impact their story. Moses’ anger leads to murder. Fear leads him to flee. Jumping forward, Saul’s fear of David leads to attempted murder. Fast forward again. The Pharisees’ fear of Jesus leads to his death. These are but a few of the Biblical stories where fear alters perception and leads to people using power over others in evil and harmful ways.

Fear is not an uncommon visitor to our lives. Our own fears affect us and others’ fears can impact us. Fear can come from an unexpected diagnosis or from another unwanted change. Fear can rise up from misunderstandings and stereotypes. Fear can rise up when we feel threatened or in danger. Faith is the antidote to fear. Faith allows us to hear God’s voice in the unknown. Faith leads us to see the true reality and to trust it to God. Faith keeps us in the present moment, grounded in love and hope. We have the power to choose. May we choose faith over fear.

Prayer: Lord God, faith is a choice. When fear rises, our human nature wants to jump to fight or flight. Instead, Lord, bring us to a place of trust and faith, to a place of peace and presence. From there, walk us through the hard moment. Guide us to lean into your love for us. Amen.


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Faith and Persistence

Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

Matthew 15:25 – “But she knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, help me.'”

Photo credit: Ben White

After clashing with the religious leaders, as our passage continues in Matthew 15, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon. This is in Phoenicia, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Jesus is west of Mount Hermon, a site in Psalm 133. Given the way Jesus initially interacts with the woman, perhaps this trip was intended for some time set apart. But even outside of Israel, Jesus’ reputation proceeds him.

A Canaanite woman from this area shouts out to the “Son of David,” seeking mercy. Her daughter is possessed by a demon. The title she uses for Jesus is a traditional Jewish confession of faith. Jesus is silent. She persists. The disciples want Jesus to address her – so that he can send her away. Maybe directed to the disciples, but certainly loud enough for the woman to hear, Jesus declares that he was sent “only to the lost sheep” – to Israel. Remaining persistent, she kneels right in front of Jesus. From this position of humility, she pleads, “Lord, help me.”

Insulting and/or testing her faith and persistence, Jesus says, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Acknowledging the insult – “Yes, Lord” – she persists: “But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” She acknowledges Jesus as “master,” as her Lord. Because of her great faith and persistence, Jesus is moved and he heals her daughter from afar. May we have such great faith and may we be so persistent with our trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone are Lord. You alone have the power to meet all of our needs. To you alone may we turn. To you alone may we look to be our all in all. Amen.


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Stepping Out

Reading: Matthew 14:28-33

Matthew 14:28 – “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”

Reading the rest of the “Walking on the Water” story today, we see Peter being brave and faithful. He calls out to Jesus, steps out of the boat, and walks on water. The Old Testament describes God doing this. Jesus is now doing it. And now Peter does it. What a brave and faithful heart he has to call out and to step out. For a few steps, Peter was doing what Jesus was doing.

There are times in our lives when we sense or see Jesus’ presence or call. We desire to step out of our comfort zone and into the ministry opportunity before us. Once in a while perhaps we’re actually brave and faithful enough to step out in faith. Maybe it is to extend on offer of reconciliation in that broken relationship. Maybe it is to serve in a new role in your church or in a service organization.

As Peter is walking, yes, he notices the wind and likely the waves it is generating. He gets frightened and he begins to sink. Crying out to Jesus, Peter is rescued. Have you ever done this? Ever started to do something brave for God, then had second thoughts, doubts, fears? Maybe you only got out of the house or just started to dial the phone and fear rose up. Yet it was a few steps. It was a start in the right direction.

When Peter first saw Jesus, he said, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” Step one is a willingness. It requires a bravery and a desire to faithfully serve God and others. Each time we step out, our faith strengthens and deepens. Soon enough, we’ll take a few more steps – more than the last time. Trusting in the Lord, may we continue to step out in faith, learning to walk where Jesus walked.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to the opportunities that you bring our way. Open our hearts to a deeper and bolder faith. Fill us with confidence, knowing that as we step out, you are there with us – ready to walk with us or to rescue us so that we can step out again. Amen.


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Blessings

Reading: Matthew 14:13-20

Matthew 13:20 – “Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers.”

This week’s gospel lesson is about compassion, challenge, provision, and abundance. These four things were a part of Jesus’ life and they should be a part of our lives. It is not always easy to practice these four things. As our story opens, it is one of those times. Jesus is grieving and wants to be alone. But the crowds follow him. He could send them away or he could try harder to escape their presence. But, instead, he chooses compassion. This leads Jesus to heal many people. Inferring how many from the rest of the story, I bet Jesus healed every single person who came forward for healing. All.

At the end of his long day, the disciples suggest dismissing the crowd so that they can get some food. Compassion. But Jesus challenges them: “You give them something to eat.” Just as Jesus’ emotional tank was about empty as the day began, the disciples have just five loaves and two fish among them. I imagine there was a very uncomfortable stare, pausing on each of the twelve, before Jesus said, “Bring them to me.” From next to nothing comes provision and abundance. The food is blessed. It gets distributed. We read, “Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers.” All eat. A huge crowd is fed. And all twelve disciples have a basket full of leftovers. A blessing upon a blessing!

The miracles begin with compassion. God works through faith and a willing heart. How might God use what you think is meager – or next to nothing – to feed or clothe or house or heal or… others? Where do you feel compassion? See the need and allow the Holy Spirit to stir your heart. Take on the challenge: step forward in faith and trust. Offering what you have opens the gates for God’s abundance to flow. Where is the need in your world?

Prayer: Lord God, sadly, there are needs all around. Poverty, loneliness, hunger, loss, abuse, illness, oppression – all around. Open our eyes and stir our hearts. Move us to action and service. As we offer what we can, multiply it by your power, O Lord. Use us to bless others. Amen.