pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Our Truth Too

Reading: Hosea 11-14

Hosea 14:7 – “They will again live beneath my shadow, they will flourish like a garden; they will blossom like the vine.”

Hosea closes with hope. There are still moments where God recognizes and is angered by Israel’s sin, but words of hope dominate our reading today. This is the truth of our lives too. We are sinful by nature. God is merciful, loving, and forgiving by nature. We walk with hope because God’s love is greater than our sin.

Chapter 11 begins with parent-child imagery. God recalls raising Israel, as a loving parent. But Israel turned away, as most children do at some point. So they will return to Assyria and Egypt. Tough love will reign. Yet love will abide. God will gather the children home one day.

Charges come in chapter 12. Israel multiplies lies and violence, makes treaties with Assyria and Egypt. God recalls Jacob, the younger brother. God recalls wrestling with Jacob at Bethel, where Jacob came to truly know God. God calls Israel back to that relationship. But Ephraim is too proud. They thought themselves sinless. This is a bitter offense to God. We too do this to God when we become proud, when we think ourselves righteous.

Their pride and self-sufficiency was also compounded by their idolatry. Israel turned to these metal images. They are reminded that God alone can save. This will be reinforced when God falls upon them like a lion. God will come in the east wind, making Samaria desolate. Even the babies and pregnant women will fall before the Assyrians.

Hope rises again in chapter 14. God implores Israel to return and even gives them the words to speak: “Forgive all wickedness and receive the good.” God responds with promises to heal and love, to plant and raise up, to protect and provide: “They will again live beneath my shadow, they will flourish like a garden; they will blossom like the vine.” What a beautiful picture of grace and restoration, of wholeness and life. This picture can be ours too. This truth is our truth. Sinful as we are, sin will never define us. God always offers this gift of grace and restoration, of wholeness and life. With repentant hearts and a faithful Spirit, may we step into the truth of God’s love.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to walk daily and to trust eternally into your promises of love and grace, of forgiveness and restoration. You are our God, the only one who can save. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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“All is well…”

Reading: Jeremiah 5:1-8:16

Jeremiah 6:19 – “I’m bringing disaster upon my people, the fruit of their own devices, because they have ignored my words… rejected my teaching.”

Chapter 5 begins with a search for one just person. None can be found. Judah has forsaken God, they are “utterly faithless.” Incorrectly they think God won’t really punish their sins. But God proclaims that a distant army is coming. They will devour everything. Because God’s people have abandoned God, they will soon “serve strangers in a land not your own.” Exile is coming.

In chapter 6 God notes that all are eager for profits and notes that the prophets and priests “trade in dishonesty.” They tell themselves “All is well” but nothing is well. God invites them to turn to the ancient paths as they stand at this crossroads, to choose to walk “the good way.” Judah rejects the invitation. Therefore God says, “I’m bringing disaster upon my people, the fruit of their own devices, because they have ignored my words… rejected my teaching.” Judah is invited to put on funeral clothes, to wail and weep. Disaster is coming.

The scene shifts to the temple for chapter 7. Judah falsely believes that the temple will stand forever – it is God’s house. God longs to dwell with the people in the temple. But to be present with them, they need to radically change their ways. Only then will God dwell with them in the temple. A warning is given: don’t change your ways and God will make the temple like the tabernacle at Shiloh. It was totally destroyed by Israel’s enemy. This leads God to a lament. God recalls bringing the people out of Egypt, leading them in the wilderness, teaching them God’s ways, hoping for obedience. They too were stubborn and hard-hearted.

In chapter 8 God wonders why the people “persistently turn away.” God laments that “everyone turns to their own course.” This selfish, stubborn, rebellious, hard-hearted people are drawing closer to disaster. And they continue to tell themselves, “All is well.”

Lord God, just as you lament Judah’s ongoing patterns of selfishness, greed, lust, dishonesty, and oppression, so too do you lament these things in our day. We have changed very little. Yet a small remnant remains. Strengthen and encourage us, guide us to faithfully walk in your ancient ways. Empower us to be speakers of truth and to be bearers of love and hope, of grace and mercy. Amen.


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A Sad Saga – Then and Now

Reading: Jeremiah 1-4

Jeremiah 3:11 – “Then the LORD said to me: Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Jeremiah begins with context. He ministered to Judah in the years that led up to the exile. The prophet has been claimed since the womb. Even so he tried to evade the call: I’m too young. God says, no, you’ll go where I send you and you’ll say what I tell you. And, don’t be afraid. Prepare for battle, but don’t fear, I’ll be with you. Judah’s sins are laid out. They’ve abandoned God, they worship idols, they think they can save themselves.

In chapter 2 God longs for what could have been. Israel followed God in the wilderness and entered the land of plenty. But they turned away, rebelled, chose Baal over God. Israel forsook the living water and dug wells for themselves – ones that failed, ones that couldn’t hold water. And even though they became skilled at sinning and even though their clothes were stained with the blood of the poor, they still claimed innocence before God.

In response God declared that the prostitute could not return to God. That would be illegal. Jeremiah invites Judah to look at Israel. Her sins led her into exile. Israel has ignored God and received “divorce papers.” Even with this warning and Israel’s example, Judah continued to walk in sin. God declared, “Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

In chapter 4 God offers mercy to Israel, inviting them to return, to get rid of their idols, to choose truth, justice, and righteousness. God invites Judah to break up the rocky soil of their hard hearts, to dedicate themselves to the Lord. They too refuse. Jeremiah then foresees the coming devastation, recalling the state of earth before the creation. The earth will grieve and heaven will grow dark with sadness. But God won’t change the plan. Desolation is coming. And even then, even with this news, Judah still gets all decked out, looking for another lover, seeking to find help on their own. Sadly, this “lover” will be the one who seeks and takes their life.

Prayer: Lord God, what a sad saga we read today. What a tough road Jeremiah had to walk. What a clear choice Judah had before them. And, alas, things are the same today. We have a clear choice: life through you or death by the ways of the world. The Spirit joins your word and your son’s example. And we can still rebel, still be faithless. Lord have mercy. Lord, strengthen us for the battle. Enrich the soil of our hearts. Walk with us, O God. Amen.


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Truth and Contentment

Reading: Proverbs 30

‭Proverbs 30:5 – “All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.”

Today’s words of wisdom come from Agur, an otherwise unknown man. He was likely not an Israelite. Massa is connected to Assyria. In the first few verses he admits that he had no knowledge of God. He was tired and exhausted. Questions about creation drew him towards God. Finding God, he can now declare, “All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.” Agur recognizes God’s power and might. This is a first step in gaining wisdom and understanding.

Agur has two requests of God. First, may he be a man of truth. He asks God to keep fraud and lies far away. Second, he seeks contentment. He doesn’t want to be rich or poor. “Give me just the food I need.” We reflect this idea in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Truth and contentment are two core pieces of our faith.

This is then contrasted with foolish behavior. Fools curse mother and father, they are arrogant and greedy – ready to devour the poor and needy. Agur then writes of power that are never satisfied, perhaps analogies for the greed and lust of the fool. The grave and the barren womb always long to be filled. The desert and fire consumes all before them. In the next verses he recognizes things large and small that amaze him. He finds pleasure in God’s creation. Is this not an extension of truth and contentment?

Agur closes by calling out to the foolish and arrogant. He invites them to cover their mouths, ceasing their evil words and behaviors. May we too guard our words, offering good words, silencing the evil.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to your presence and guidance in our lives. Bring for a contentment in you and a trust in your word. Fill our hearts and mouths with your truths. Lead us to walk in the way that leads to life eternal. Amen.


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Right Living

Readings: Proverbs 12 and 13

‭Proverbs 13:13 – “Trouble will come on those who despise a word, but those who respect the commandment will be rewarded.”

One theme that we see in today’s readings is the value of being willing to listen to God. Fools tend to think that their way is the right way but the wise are willing and open to advice. A wise son (or daughter) listens while mockers do not. Parents who love their children discipline them. Those who withhold discipline “hate their children.” When we choose to listen to and to follow God’s will and ways, we grow in both wisdom and in our faith.

We also grow in God’s favor. This is a second theme that we see today. God favors the good but condemns the wicked. The way of the righteous leads to life. The detestable path of the wicked leads to death. As the righteous walk this good path, they rejoice in the light. The lamp of the wicked will go out, leaving them in darkness. May our light shine for all to see.

This theme of right living is also revealed in how we impact or affect others. The plans of the righteous are just and their words are full of truth. This gives good guidance to their neighbors. The wicked deceive, leaving neighbors to wander. There’s a personal application too. Righteousness guards our words and our lives. Wickedness only misleads. Actions matter too. The prudent act intelligently but fools display stupidity. Walk with the wise and become wiser. Befriend fools and invite trouble.

We also find some practical advice in today’s readings. If one works the land, they will have plenty to eat. Empty pursuits yield nothing good. The lazy have strong desires but get nothing. The diligent are satisfied. Not wealthy, but satisfied, content, blessed. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, in all we do and say and think, may we honor you and bring you the glory. In all that we seek, work, and strive for, may we consider first your will and your way. In our interactions and encounters, may our lives be a witness to your design and purposes for our lives and for our world. 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.


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God’s Power Alone

Readings: Psalms 42-45

‭Psalm 44:25-26 – “Look: we’re going down to the dust… Stand up! Help us! Save us for the sake of your faithful love.”

Psalm 42 expresses a longing for God’s presence. This longing is something we’ve all felt. We all have dry seasons when our “whole being craves you, God.” Our tears too have been our food. In those moments it is important to remember God’s faithful love in the past. It is important even then to lift a song of praise to God. As the refrain says, “Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.” God is unchanging. This truth will ever be true. God is our hope.

Psalm 43 is a continuation of Psalm 42. It closes with the exact same refrain. The writer calls for God’s light and truth. These will guide the psalmist; they will guide you and me. They lead to God, “my joy and my delight.”

Lament returns in full force in Psalm 44. It is a communal lament. The psalmist begins by remembering God’s guidance and provision in the past. This recalls Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land, when God went before Israel. There is a recognition that it was God’s power alone that brought victory. It is the very thought that they count on now that they’ve been “rejected and humiliated.” When we struggle we too can draw upon God’s power, upon our memories of when God made a way. Remembering is a form of praying our faith forward. A desperate plea closes Psalm 44: “Look: we’re going down to the dust… Stand up! Help us! Save us for the sake of your faithful love.” Oh how we’ve prayed these words in our own translation. And may we pray them again and again.

As I began reading Psalm 45 at first I thought: “What?! A love song?!” Why, yes, a love song of God to God’s people. An invitation to celebrate, to be, to live out grace and beauty, truth and righteousness, humility and justice. From one generation to the next may our whole being embody, reveal, and bring praise to God forever and ever.

Prayer: Lord God, a song echoes in my mind: “Oh no, you never let go. In every high and every low, Lord, you never let go of me.” In seasons of disconnection, in times of suffering, in the valleys and on the mountaintops, may we declare your glory with our lives. May we trust daily in the only one who saves, in you, our God and King, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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Foundational Truths… Practices… Disciplines

Readings: Psalms 13-16

‭Psalm 16:8 – “I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.”

Psalm 13 begins with a series of questions that all ask “How long?” This pattern of repetition for emphasis is found in many Psalms and throughout the Bible. To these questions the psalmist adds, “Look at me! Answer me, Lord my God!” When we are in a “how long?” experience or season, these thoughts are on our minds too. The feel shifts in verse 5, where God’s faithful love, salvation, and goodness become the rock on which the psalmist will stand during this present storm. May we too claim these foundational truths.

Psalms 14 and 15 wrestle with what it means to live for God and what it means to live for the world. These Psalms invite us to reflect on which person we are. Are we the fool, the wicked, the sinful… OR… are we the righteous, the blameless, the thankful? In reality we are mostly one or the other. The goal is to be “the person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely… who does no harm.” This worthy life is mirrored in two of John Wesley’s “3 Simple Rules.” May we too live these foundational practices.

Psalm 16 is a song of faith in God. God is the psalmist’s refuge and protector. God is the psalmist’s portion, cup, and provider of good things. In turn, this is the psalmist’s commitment to God: “I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.” Instruction from God’s word coupled with God’s daily presence prevents stumbling as we seek to “walk in the way of life.” May we too strive to live out these foundational faith disciplines.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Lead and guide us to choose you and your ways over the selfish and sinful ways of worldly living. Help us to focus on and to live out your faithful love, your goodness, your truth. Be our sure foundation and our eternal hope. Amen.


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He Is the Lord

Readings: 1st Samuel 1, 1st Samuel 2, 1st Samuel 3

1st Samuel 3:18 – “He is the LORD. He will do as he pleases.”

Photo credit: Nathan Lemon

As we turn to 1st Samuel we see that much of the feeling of Judges carries over. Israel is still a place of suffering, pain, and sin. God feels silent. Our reading opens with the birth story of Samuel. Elkanah has two wives. Hannah is barren and Peninnah, the secondary wife, has many children. There is great tension. On one of the yearly pilgrimages, Hannah pours out her heart to God. She is so distraught, Eli the priest assumes she is drunk. But after hearing her heart, Eli blesses her. God does too. After he is weaned, Hannah brings an offering and gives Samuel to the Lord. They worship and Hannah lifts a song to God.

We then learn that Eli’s son’s are “despicable.” They steal from the Lord’s sacrifices (by force if necessary) and they have sex with the women serving at the meeting tent’s entrance. Eli confronts them but they don’t change. God has a change already in the works. Samuel continues to grow up, becoming “more and more liked by God and by the people.” Then a “man of God” visits Eli, telling him of the utter downfall of his house. His sons will die and God will establish a “trustworthy priest.” Eli seems to simply accept this.

In chapter 3 we read about Samuel’s call. God’s word and visions were rare at that time. God was mostly silent. While lying down in the temple, God calls out to Samuel. He thinks it is Eli calling. After the third time, Eli realizes that it is God calling Samuel. He responds as instructed: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” God reveals the downfall of Eli’s house. Samuel does not want to share this news, but does, showing his metal as a prophet. Eli knows what is happening. His response to this news: “He is the LORD. He will do as he pleases.” Eli knows his own failures. He knows the depravity of his sons. And he knows the truth that the chapter closes with: “All Israel… knew that Samuel was trustworthy.”

Prayer: Lord God, we continue today with the good and the bad: Hannah and Peninnah, Samuel and Eli’s sons. Your presence is revealed in the good. There we find faithfulness and obedience to you. Guide us to walk in your ways too. There we will experience your presence and your goodness. Amen.


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Speaking and Living Truth

Readings: Numbers 22, Numbers 23, Numbers 24, Numbers 25

Numbers 22:38 – “I’ve now come to you. But I’m only able to speak whatever word God gives me to say. That is what I will speak.”

Most of today’s readings cover the story of Balaam. He is an Aramean seer. As Israel camps across the Jordan from Jericho, the Moabites are filled with fear. They are aware of what Israel just did to Arad, Sihon, and Og, seizing control of the lands east of the Jordan. So Moab’s king Balak hires Balaam to come and curse Israel. While traveling to Moab, Balaam has an encounter with his donkey and with the messenger of the Lord. Three times his trip is interrupted. God reiterates the command to speak for God. Upon meeting Balak, Balaam says, “I’ve now come to you. But I’m only able to speak whatever word God gives me to say. That is what I will speak.” Three times Balak tries to get Balaam to curse Israel. Three times Balaam blesses Israel and responds to an angry Balak by reiterating his command to speak the Lord’s words.

The blessings become greater as the story unfolds. It begins with ‘how can I curse what God doesn’t curse?’ Then the words speak of how Israel will rise like a lioness, devouring its prey. The blessing culminates as the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Balaam. He speaks three oracles that foreshadow Israel devouring specific Canaanite tribes. Clearly God is with Israel. Placed in a very difficult situation and tempted with wealth and status, Balaam remains faithful to speaking God’s words. We will find ourselves in situations where we feel pressure to go along with the crowd or to bow to the powers on hand. We’ll be tempted by what we can gain by not speaking God’s word. In those hard places may we remember Balaam and the trust and faith he displayed in the midst of worldly powers.

Our reading closes with a story that illustrates the dangers of succumbing to the ways of the world around us. Israelite men have sex with Moabite women. This leads to idolatry, to death, and to a plague. An Israelite man then brings a Midianite woman into camp to have sex. Phinehas responds violently. He is jealous for the Lord. The plagues ends. 24,000 have died. God instructs Moses to destroy the Midianites. Allowing ourselves to be negatively influenced by the world can pull us away from our faith too. But, is the trouble not really within us?

Prayer: Lord God, what stark contrasts we have today. Alone in the midst of the world, Balaam speaks truth. Intermingling with the world around them, Israel fails to live truth. Guide us, Lord, and empower us, O Spirit, to speak and to live the ways of truth. Amen.