pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God of Truth

Reading: Psalm 52:1-5

Psalm 52:3 – “You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right.”

Psalm 52 is from David. These words he writes tell of a time when a powerful man spoke lies against him. It was during a time when King Saul was struggling – mentally and to hold onto the kingship. Doeg the Edomite saw an opportunity to better his own situation. David was caught in the cross hairs. In life we may find ourselves here. At the very least we see this kind of behavior at work in the world.

In verse 1 we learn that Doeg is powerful. And evil. The words he speaks are meant to bring destruction to David. Doeg’s tongue causes deception. In verse 3 we read, “You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right.” Through lies and deceit Doeg seeks favor with Saul at David’s expense. His words create chaos and problems for David. Maybe in our lives and certainly in our world, spoken words hold power. When someone chooses to use lies for dishonest gain it can have very negative impacts on us or on those we know.Finding himself in a messy situation, instead of retaliating or seeking revenge, David trusts in God. He believes that his good God will deal with this evil. Choosing faith and righteousness, David relies on the God of Truth, the one who will “uproot” evil from “the land of the living.” God is in control. God is with David. God will be with us in the trials of this life. Thanks be to God.Prayer: Lord God, when evil, false accusations, lies… assail us and our reputations, remind us of your love and your all-powerful protection. Even though life can be messy, when we trust in you, we can be assured that good will triumph over evil, truth over lies. Empower us to trust you always. Amen.


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Because God Loves Us…

Reading: 1st John 4:7-21

1st John 4:12b – “If we love each other, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us.”

Photo credit: Shane

Our passage begins with John imploring us, “dear friends,” to love one another. The foundation for this charge is built upon two things. First, love is God. Love comes from God. God is love. Second, those who practice love are born from God and know God. There is a relationship formed as a believer professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This relationship is grounded in God’s love.

All relationships are two-way. The apostle John first establishes proof of God’s love for us in the fact that God sent Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. John also reminds us that God has given us the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This is the second proof. This is how God’s love remains in us and enables the relationship to be two-way. We next read about how we offer proofs of our love of God through our love for one another.

In verse 12 we read, “If we love each other, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us.” John Wesley picks up on this idea in what he called ‘going on to perfection.’ Wesley understood the Christian faith as a process of unending growth. Loving more and wider changes the believer for the good, maturing and deepening our faith. Now, this call to love and the process of maturing in our faith – they are not easy.

John reflects this as he writes these words of encouragement: “Perfect love drives our fear.” To love one another as God loves us will call us to risky places, to challenging conversations, to situations where we lie self on the line. Yet we do not go alone nor do we do these things by ourselves. Because God loves us, God goes with us into these places, situations, and conversations where we are called to be love and light, hope and peace, trust and justice, grace and forgiveness. Through God’s unconditional and faithful love, may we seek and strive to love all of our brothers and sisters just as God loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, emboldened by your love, guide us to step out in faith, without fear and without concern for self. Bring us into all the places and lives that need to know your love. Empowered and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, lead us to practice your love well so that others may come to experience and know your love in their hearts. Amen.


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Standing Our Ground

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13

Ephesians 6:12 – “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.”

In Ephesians 6 Paul picks up on an idea that is present in other parts of scripture. As he closes his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds them of this ongoing spiritual battle. While this idea is sprinkled throughout the New Testament, it is also there in the Old Testament, especially in Daniel and in a few other prophetic writings.

Paul encourages those in the church to “be strengthened by the Lord,” the only source of power in this battle. We are invited to put in the “armor” of God that our faith provides. In the verses that follow our reading, Paul names these gifts from God: truth, justice, faith, salvation, the good news, and the Holy Spirit. He then gives the battle plan: pray, pray, and then pray some more. Prayers connects us to God and to these gifts of God.

In verse 12 Paul writes, “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” This is so true. We’ve all felt the lure of temptation. We’ve all even been drawn into sin. The spiritual forces of evil whisper lies and half truths, remind us of our human desires, rile up jealousy and want, anger and spite, pride and judging… The enemy knows and uses all the tricks and is always on the prowl. Our only hope is in God. Our only chance to quiet these voices and to remain steadfast comes through calling on God to deploy these gifts at our disposal. This day and every day, may we stand our ground, standing on the rock, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we are weak but you are strong. Our defenses are leaky at best, but yours are solid and true. When temptation arises, O God, raise up in us just the right words, just the right antidote. By the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, guide us to ever stand for you as you stand with us. Amen.


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The Kingdom of God

Reading: John 18:33-38a

John 18:36 – “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world.”

As we continue in John’s passion story, Jesus is before Pilate for a second conversation. Verses 28-32 hold the first exchange. In this encounter it is clear that the religious leaders want Jesus charged and killed. In the words John shares, there is no stated charge. It is clear that only Pilate has the power and authority to bring about Jesus’ death. As we turn to verse 33 we can infer that there must have been more to the conversation about Jesus. In this verse Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” This is a question without a “yes” or “no” answer in this setting.

Jesus responds with a question. He is trying to force Pilate’s hand. As the conversation continues, Pilate shares that the Jews and chief priests have handed him over. Pilate’s “What have you done?” reveals his level of concern. Prior to this, Jesus was not on Rome’s radar. If Jesus is indeed a rebel with messianic claims then he is a threat to Rome. If not, Pilate has no issues with Jesus. Jesus confirms that he is not a physical threat to Rome, stating, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world.”

Pilate hears “kingdom” and asks Jesus if he is indeed a king. Again, not a yes/no question. Jesus tells Pilate that he came into the world “to testify to the truth.” Pilate scoffs at this answer but is sure that Jesus is no threat to him or to Rome. No, Jesus is not an immediate threat. But Jesus is a threat to all worldly kingdoms.

Jesus is a threat because of what “truth” is. Jesus came to fulfill God’s covenant plan. He revealed in word and deed what it looks like to love God and neighbor with all of one’s being. This impacts all of our relationships and all of our choices – social, religious, personal, vocational, political, economic. The world’s kingdoms run on selfishness, greed, power, pride. Yes, Jesus’ kingdom is a threat to the kingdoms of this world.

Prayer: Lord God, we feel the pull of both of these kingdoms. Part of us is human so we feel the call for more, for self. Yes we are also of your kingdom, brothers and sisters in Christ. Guide us to align our hearts, our words, our actions with your kingdom. Use us to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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The Lord Reigns

Readings: Luke 22:67-69 and Acts 7:56

Luke 22:69 – “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

As the passion of the Christ continues to unfold in Luke’s gospel, the religious leaders ask Jesus if he is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus begins by addressing their hard hearts. No matter what Jesus says or even asks the religious leaders they will not believe that he is God’s Son. If they did or even thought that he might be, Jesus would not be standing trial before them. Jesus is calling out the hypocrisy of their question.

To answer their question, Jesus paraphrases from Psalm 110:1. In verse 69 he says, “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.” This Psalm of David reaffirms the messianic promise of God, offering hope for Israel’s future. David refers to this coming Messiah as “my Lord.” In claiming to fulfill the words of David, Jesus infuriates the religious leaders. For them this seals Jesus’ fate.

Fast forwarding a few years, we turn to Acts 7. The apostles and followers of Jesus Christ have been spreading the good news in both word and deed. The church is growing. This has heightened the tension and conflict with the Jewish religious leaders. Overcome with jealousy, the religious leaders began harassing the church. Stephen “stood out among the believers.” God’s grace was clearly at work in his life. There is a conflict and false charges are made up. Stephen is arrested and finds himself before the ruling council. Stephen outlines Israel’s history for these religious leaders, greatly angering them. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Stephen declares, “Look! I can see heaven on display and the Human One standing at God’s right side!” In anger, the religious leaders stone Stephen..The truth is too hard to hear.

Prayer: Lord God, from the lips of David to the lips of Jesus to the lips of Stephen, the message remains: Jesus is Lord. This day we humble ourselves and ask that you would reign in our hearts and in our lives, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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For All People

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-4

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

As we begin 1st Timothy 2, Paul encourages Timothy (and us) to offer prayers for everyone – “for all people.” Paul assumes that Timothy will pray for the regulars: family, friends, people he knows who need specific prayers. This is likely familiar territory. Maybe you, like me, have a standard list of people and situations that you pray for every day plus a few that are in your prayer list for a time or a season.

Paul next singles out praying for “kings and everyone who is in authority.” Why would Paul do this? Well, look no further than our current reality. In Timothy’s day it was the Roman authorities and the Jewish religious leaders who were persecuting the church. What prayers might Timothy lift for those in authority? What prayers might help lift that are in alignment with God’s will and heart? May our godly thoughts on these questions guide our prayers for our leaders.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul gives Timothy (and us) the “why.” Paul reminds us that it is “right” and that it “pleases” God when we offer prayers for all people, especially for those that are hard for us to pray for. It is our charge. First and foremost, it should be so because God desires for “all people to be saved” and to come to “a knowledge of the truth” – to understand and know God’s will and heart for themselves. Second, to pray hard prayers, that changes and empowers our hearts too. As our prayers become better aligned with God’s desires, our world will better reflect God’s kingdom here on earth. May our prayers work towards this goal and hope.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts wide, enabling us to pray as you call us to pray. And, Lord, open wide the hearts of our leaders, filling them with what fills your heart: mercy, grace, compassion, love. Guide all of our leaders to be leaders for and of all people, working for the good of all people. Amen.


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The Will to Choose

Readings: John 3:16-16 and 34-36, and John 14:1-7

John 3:17 – “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

John 3:16 is about as well-known as any verse in the Bible. God sent his one and only son into this world, taking on flesh, becoming one of us, so that he could die on our behalf, removing our sins, opening the way for us to enter eternal life. This is a beautiful picture of sacrificial love.

The next verse reminds us of God’s unconditional love: “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” God’s first choice is not to be a God of judgment but a God of love, mercy, grace, and salvation. This is what God desires for all humanity, not judgment. God also created humanity with free will or the will to choose. So we can choose to not choose Jesus as our Savior. We can choose to live for self. We can choose to be judged. We can choose to ignore the words of life that Jesus speaks, to ignore the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we invite “the angry judgment of God” upon ourselves.

Jumping forward to John 14, it is a heavy moment. Sandwiched around the command to love one another “as I have loved you” is the news of Judas’ betrayal and of Peter’s denial of knowing Christ. Jesus tells the disciples to not be troubled but to trust in God and in him. He then promises that he will come back for them so that they can be with him in heaven. In response to Thomas’ confusion, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus’ life and example are the way to know God and God’s truths. They are the way to live the life that God intended for us to live, the life here and now that leads one day to life eternal. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you sent your son to save and redeem us. You desire this for each and every one of us. It must break your heart to see the one you wove together in the womb, the one you created for relationship with you, choose the ways of the world. Lord, break our heart for what breaks yours. Amen.


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A Heart for All People

Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-6a

1st Timothy 2:2 – “Pray… so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives in complete godliness and dignity.”

This past week we read passages that spoke of the timeless and eternal truths of God and our faith. We also read some challenging passages that were written for a time and place different from our own. Hopefully both added to our understanding of the Bible, strengthening our relationship with God as well. Today Paul writes to Timothy about another essential practice of our faith.

Paul begins by asking Timothy to pray for all people. Paul understands that God’s call is to all people – so that they can be saved. Understanding that Jesus died to bring eternal life to all people is key to understanding who and what God is. God is generous in love, wide in mercy, deep in grace. Paul encourages Timothy and us to pray for those in authority. In his day, these would be the ones persecuting and harassing the church. This aligns with Jesus’ call to pray for our enemies.

We read the “why” concerning prayer in the last part of verse 2: “So that we can live quiet and peaceful lives in complete godliness and dignity.” Praying brings a peace and a calm to us. It changes our hearts, not just the hearts we’re praying for or about. This changed hearts is reflected in our lives and in our interactions with those we’re praying for and about. We better reflect the godliness and dignity Paul speaks of. These things, in turn, reveal God and Jesus to others – again, those God wants to be saved. May we be people of deep and sincere prayers, changing hearts, beginning with ours.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to your great love, mercy, and grace. May these be the foundation of our prayers and, therefore, our lives. Help us to have your heart for all people. Amen.


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Timeless and Eternal

Readings: Psalm 145:8-9, Joshua 6:17-21, Micah 6:6-8, Isaiah 2:4-5

Psalm 145:8 – “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.”

Today we wrestle with the violence of the Bible. It is fairly common in the Old Testament. But the brutality and totality shock us today. While this violence has no place today, the timeless character of God is the lasting truth that we can stand upon today, tomorrow, and forever.

In Psalm 145 we read, “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.” These are traits we associate with God, words enfleshed by Jesus: merciful, compassionate, patient, loving. In the next verse we’re reminded that these good qualities extend to “everyone and everything.” This is the God we know and experience personally.

Then we turn to Joshua 6. These verses are part of the conquest of Jericho, just as Israel is beginning to take possession of the Promised Land. As the walls are about to come down, these are the instructions: “The city and everything in it is to be utterly wiped out as something reserved for the Lord.” That is what happens. All humanity and all livestock – all slaughtered. This atrocity turns out stomachs and rightly so. And it also reflects a common practice in the world at that time. Other people groups also practiced this, known as “the ban.” It was a way of eliminating outside influence and of giving the first fruits of battle to God (or to gods) as a holy and pleasing sacrifice.

In Micah 6 we see God’s timeless desire for humanity. Instead of offering God huge or voluminous offerings, the prophet reminds us that God requires justice, faithful love, and a humble walk. These traits reflect the divine call to love God and neighbor. Turning to Isaiah 2 we get an end game picture. One day war, still a present reality in our world, will be no more. Swords and spears will be turned into tools used to care for one another. All will then walk in the light of the Lord. One day.

Prayer: Lord God, walk with us and guide us as we read and process what happened at Jericho and at other times in the ancient world. Lead us to understand that these events were specific to that time and culture. Draw us to your timeless and eternal: good, justice, love, mercy, peace, grace. Keep these arching over our understanding of you and your word. Amen.


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Generous and Hospitable

Reading: 3rd John

3rd John 1:11 – “Don’t imitate what is bad but what is good. Whoever practices what is good belongs to God.”

3rd John addresses two ways that one can live as a part of the community of faith. Unfortunately, good and evil can exist within the church. Like many other institutions, a church is a group of imperfect people. So, at times, people in a church can cause harm to one another or to the mission of Christ.

In this short letter the elder contrasts the actions and attitudes of Gaius and Diotrephes. The elder is “overjoyed” by what he heard about Gaius. He is living “according to the truth,” caring well for the brothers and sisters who are on missionary journeys. Diotrephes, on the other hand, is one who “likes to put himself first.” He does not welcome these itinerant missionaries. And, not only that, he’s slandering the elder and his companions. And Diotrephes is expelling people from the church if they help these missionaries.

The elder writes to Gaius, “Don’t imitate what is bad but what is good. Whoever practices what is good belongs to God.” Those who practice what is bad or evil have “not seen God.” This is a simple letter about being generous and hospitable. It calls us to consider where our actions and behaviors fall along this spectrum. If we are more like Gaius, then we are seeking to live according to the truth of Christ. If we are more self-centered, then we have some work to do.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to truly reflect on how generous and hospitable we are to those who are doing your work and who pass through our doors or lives. May we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the one who welcomed and engaged one and all in love. Amen.