pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: voice


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Connecting to Presence

Reading: Psalm 19:1-6

Psalm 19:1 – “Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming God’s handiwork.”

When we were recently in Ireland, we went to several beaches. As a fair-skinned person I easily sunburn, so beaches were not my thing growing up. But as we walked the beach, as we saw the birds in the surf, as we saw and felt the waves, I could sense God’s presence in all of it. The same presence is there when I go outside on a dark night and gaze up into the sky. It is there when I walk along a path in the quiet woods on a sunny day. It is not just the heavens and the sky that declare God’s glorious handiwork.

Creation speaks to us and touches our hearts. As David writes in verses 3 and 4, there is “no speech, no words.” Yet while their voices cannot literally be heard, creation’s “sounds” are all around us and are everywhere. We not only “hear” creation when on a beach, in the woods, on a mountaintop, or gazing at the stars, but we can also “feel” creation as we sense God’s presence in all of the created world.

We live in a busy and hectic world. It is noisy, fast-paced, and demanding. It is easy to get caught up in it, to wake up today and to wonder what happened to Tuesday and Wednesday. When life is like this, we tend to lose touch with the Creator. In these days and seasons of life, it is important to reconnect. Find a few minutes here and there to connect to the created world and to God. Both are always present. Sip a little coffee out on the deck or patio or balcony. Take a short walk in nature. Step outside for a few moments, looking heavenward, breathing deeply, filling your lungs and heart. God is there.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for surrounding us with your presence. Pull us into those moments and places of connection, renewing and refreshing our spirits and minds. And if we can’t quite get there physically, guide us to close our eyes, to quiet the voices, to breathe deeply, and to go to those places in our minds. Even there, you are present. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Living for Jesus

Reading: Romans 14:7-12

Romans 14:12 – “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

Pressing on in Romans 14, Paul declares that we do not live or die for ourselves. While this becomes truer and truer the longer we walk with Christ, there was a time in my life and probably in your life when this was not the reality. Even though I grew up in the church, during my late teen and college years I lived for self. My time, energies, and priorities were focused on pleasure, desires, and other things of this world. Over time, though, God drew me back into relationship and reoriented my focus. Yes, there are still days when that old self rises up and I become less than God created me to be. But now I am quicker to hear the Spirit that has always been there, drawing me back to God.

Living (or dying) for Christ is the focus of a life lived in faith. All that we think, say, and do becomes focused on pleasing God and bringing God the glory. As Paul continues to work to combat the judging going on in the church in Rome, he reminds them and us that “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” While this is very true, as we walk with Christ, we find that our “motivation” is not fear of condemnation, but is the joy and peace, the hope and contentment found in living for and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With these as the outcomes of living for Jesus, the temptations of this world fade. So when judgment or desire or another sin rises up, the Spirit that lives within us has greater voice and more power. Thanks be to God for the power and presence within us!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your grace that brings us back into your presence when we fall short. Thank you for your love that pursues us when we are lost in our sin. And thank you, Lord, for your steadfastness. You are always there for us. 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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Justice, Goodness, Righteousness

Reading: Psalm 17:1-2

Psalm 17:2 – “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.”

In Psalm 17 David names injustice and trusts that God will make things right. This is summed up in verse 2: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” God is the source of justice… and of goodness and righteousness, of mercy and compassion, of empathy and forgiveness… In God’s world, all of these things are interconnected and intertwined. When one stands against oppression, for example, it is driven by empathy and compassion for the victim(s) and it is fueled by one’s sense of justice.

Our reading begins with David imploring God to listen. Listen to what’s right. Listen to my prayer. He feels he can come before God in this way because is living a righteous life – his lips don’t lie! When we live a devout and holy life, we too feel like we have standing before God. In turn, our alignment with God guides our sense of justice…

It is easy to name injustices in our world. The treatment of marginalized and vulnerable populations comes to mind. The high cost of living and limited access to health care are creating hardship for many. The ways that “power over” is exerted and abused, leaving people broken and hurting, needs to be addressed. Systems that increase the gap between the haves and have-nots continue to churn along, oblivious to the negative impact on many people’s lives.

The more challenging step is to take action, to give voice and power to those without, to stand for what is just and right and good. When we allow our faith to guide our way, when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead our words and actions, then we can declare as David did: “My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, I know that my list is missing many injustices that tear at your heart. You see them all. But this list is my list. We all have our own list. Begin here, O God, in us all. Work in each of us so that we stand and speak for justice, goodness, and righteousness. Use us to fight for a better and more just world. Amen.


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Many Hagars and Ishmeals

Reading: Genesis 21:8-14

Genesis 21:14a – “Abraham… took some bread and a flask of water, and gave it to Hagar. He put the boy in her shoulder sling and sent her away.”

Continuing in chapter 21 this week, Isaac has grown out of infancy. He is no longer nursing. No longer dependent upon just Sarah, Abraham throws a big party to celebrate. Abraham’s other son, Ishmael, is about 14 years old. Sarah sees him enjoying himself at the party and she makes a decision: he must go. Ishmael will not share in her son’s inheritance. While we might be shocked by her decision, it has been a long time in the making.

Soon after Ishmael was born, tension and strife arose between Sarah and Hagar. Sarah became jealous and envious. So, using her power over Hagar, Sarah severely mistreated Hagar. It was so bad, Hagar ran away. But God saw Hagar and her suffering. The Lord guided her back into Abraham’s household. Hagar continued to experience and endure harsh treatment from Sarah. Similar things happen today in situations where a person or group has power over others. Immigrants are mistreated by employers. The working poor are taken advantage of by payday lenders, greedy landlords, and others eager to exploit them. Non-whites are targets of unjust systems, profiling, and discrimination. Yes, there are many Hagars and Ishmeals in our day.

Abraham is greatly upset by Sarah’s decision. God offers assurances and a promise, making Abraham feel better about his role in the abuse. But what about Hagar and Ishmael? In verse 14a we read, “Abraham… took some bread and a flask of water, and gave it to Hagar. He put the boy in her shoulder sling and sent her away.” Bearing and raising his child all these years, enduring abuse from his wife all these years – and this is the result? Ishmael is old enough to understand what is happening too. Abraham has been “Dad” for 14 years, treating Ishmael as an only child, a gift in old age. And now this? Sent into the desert to die?

Let us sit with the emotions of the abused and discarded for a while. We finish the story tomorrow. Feel the feels for a day.

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we feel for Hagar and Ishmael. Fourteen years of feeling less than, always powerless and voiceless. Fourteen years of putting one’s head down, enduring abuse, just getting through. And now this: abandoned, sent away, evicted. God, don’t let the feels be limited to this story. Open our eyes and hearts to the Hagars and Ishmeals in our own communities. And move us beyond seeing. Move us to action. May we be the voice and strength for the voiceless, the powerless, the weak. Amen.


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A Big Step of Faith

Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

Genesis 12:1 – “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.”

Today we read from Genesis 12. This continues a long walk in Genesis that began last week with the creation story. The journey will culminate in mid-August with the Israelites beginning their move to Egypt. During June, the story will focus on Abram (later he becomes Abraham) and his faithful obedience to God. His radical obedience to God will become the model of faith in the Old Testament. His example continues to bear witness to us, even today. His call story is but one of many examples of Abram/Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s plans.

In verse 1 we read, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.” The call to leave is a call into the unknown. Abram has lived in Ur and then Haran for 75 years. He is deeply connected to Terah, his father. As the patriarch, Terah’s home would be Abram’s religious, social, and economic hub for all of life. God calls Abram to leave all this – all he’s ever known – to go to a “land that I will show you.” With a promise of blessing and presence, Abram packs up all that is his and leaves for this unknown land. God leads. Abram follows. He worships and God confirms that Canaan is the land. It is promised to Abram and his descendants.

This is one of the stories in the Bible that makes us ask a simple question: Could I? Very few of us go someplace without any planning. We want to know the route, the distance… We plan stops and we research where we’re going and what we’ll do when we get there. Imagine hearing the call of God to pack it all up and to head down the road in the U-haul, without knowing where, how long…? What would it take for you or for me to take such a step of faith?

Prayer: Lord God, what a powerful example of faith! Hearing your voice, we hope that we’d go. Yet we do hear your voice all the time. In the whispers and shouts of the Holy Spirit we hear the call to this person or to that situation. Call by call, build our faithful response. Step by step, continue to work in us, O Lord, bringing us closer and closer to Abram’s example. Thank you for your patience and your steadfast guidance, God. Amen.


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Love Revealed

Reading: John 14:8-14

John 14:9 – “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Moving to the second half of our John 14 reading, Jesus responds to Philip’s request to be shown God with this truth: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus reminds Philip, the other disciples, and us that all the words he spoke came from God. All the miracles or works that Jesus has offered – they are done through God who dwells in Jesus. In Jesus, we see and hear our best example of God. Yes, God is fully present in the Old Testament and in the rest of the New Testament, but the person of Jesus found in the gospels is our fullest and clearest revelation of God. In Christ we see the heart of God – the love – lived out here on earth.

Jesus then explains that those who believe in him will have more than an example to follow. Jesus tells the disciples then and now that believers “will do the works I do.” Through these works, God will be glorified through the name of Jesus. As we care for others, as we provide for those in need, as we comfort the ill and the grieving, as we speak words that heal broken relationships, as we extend a hand of welcome and belonging to all people, we model Jesus’ and God’s love for all of creation. As we bring peace to a storm, as we give voice to the powerless and marginalized, as we stand against injustice, as we free the prisoners, we model to others the love of God in Christ. In these ways and more, we reveal the love of God that dwells in us. This day, may the love of God in us reveal the Father’s love to all that we meet.

Prayer: Lord God, in Jesus you showed yourself to us. In his words and works we get a glimpse into who and what you are. At the core of it all is love. So, God, this day, use us as love lived out in the world. Amen.


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Abundant Life

Reading: John 10:7-10

John 10:10b – “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.”

Photo credit: Paz Arando

As we turn to the second half of this week’s John 10 passage, Jesus lays out why choosing to listen to his voice, to follow where he leads, and to enter his gate makes all the difference. In verse 8 Jesus reminds his readers that those who came before him were “thieves and outlaws.” The sheep didn’t listen to them because listening didn’t change their lives. In Jesus’ day, Israel was no better off than when Moses gave the Law. There was no power of forgiveness or grace in the cycles of sin and sacrifice present when living under the Law.

As the gate that gives real life, to enter Jesus’ way is to find a forgiveness and grace that removes the guilt and restores us to new life. Freed from the power of sin, we are able to “go out and find pasture.” We are able to live with joy and peace and hope. We are able to receive and to offer forgiveness, mending broken relationships. In these ways, we share our joy and peace and hope with others.

But the “thief” – the ones who live by the ways of this world – they come again and again to “steal, kill, and destroy.” They come to do whatever is needed to elevate self, to accumulate wealth, to exert power over others. This life also leads to a cycle – of wanting more and more. This endless chase leaves one with a life that feels empty, without hope, desperate.

Jesus offers the polar opposite. He proclaims, “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest.” There is no better life than one given to Christ, surrendered to his grace, dedicated to loving God and neighbor above self. Abundant life in Christ – there is no other way. May this be the life that we choose, each day, into eternity.

Prayer: Lord God, the way of the world can seem attractive: bright, shiny, new, full of pleasures. Your way can seem simple, basic, humble. Your example runs counter to the ways of power over and of glorifying self. Instead, your way seeks to lift others, to give away and share, to walk beside. Guide us to always choose your way of love, finding abundant life, sharing it with others. Amen.


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Know His Voice

Reading: John 10:1-6

John 10:4 – “Whenever he has gathered all of his sheep, he goes before them and they follow him, because they know his voice.”

Photo credit: Hans Heiner Buhr

Today and tomorrow we delve into John 10. Here we find yet another of Jesus’ teachings that are counter-cultural. In the Old Testament, writers spoke of shepherds and of God as shepherd in positive and encouraging ways. By Jesus’ day something had changed. When Jesus spoke these words, shepherds existed on the edges of society. It was a job at the very bottom of the ladder. They were ceremonially unclean because of their occupation, so they were looked down upon, excluded, avoided. Jesus claims this role for himself. Sit with that for a second.

John 10 begins with Jesus establishing the idea of a gate. It is the only true way into the sheepfold. Today it is easy to call oneself a Christian. But many do not enter through the gate. They make their own way, their own walls, their own gate. They do not know the voice of the true shepherd. If they did, they would not act and speak as they do. No, there is only gate that opens the path to one way, one truth, and one life.

Kristin and I are wrapping up our time in Laragh, a small Irish village. There are sheep on the property. When we walk over to the fields with the goats or the donkey, they come to see us. But when we walk near the field that the sheep are in, they run away. They do not know our voices. Protective mommas call out to curious babies, warning them, keeping them safe. Jesus tells us that his sheep know his voice.

In verse 4 we read, “Whenever he has gathered all of his sheep, he goes before them and they follow him, because they know his voice.” We are living in the middle of this verse. Jesus has begun to gather those who know his voice. He now leads us in Spirit, going before us, inviting us to follow, calling us to walk in his ways. Those that know Jesus’ voice walk in the way of love, grace, mercy, and peace. May it be so for you and for me this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, there are so many voices today. Each claims truth. Each promises the way to “life.” But there is only one voice that matters for this life and for the life to come. Thank you for opening the gates of our hearts to your son, Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, keep us faithful to the way of Jesus. Help us to always hear his voice above the din of this world. Lead us to follow always in the footsteps of our good shepherd. Amen.


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Moved Forward

Reading: Acts 2:32

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.”

Today we return to Acts 2 and focus on the last verse of this week’s passage. Peter is addressing a crowd of people who have been drawn to the disciples by the sound of the Holy Spirit descending at Pentecost. There is a Thomas-esque feel to this scene. The people cannot wrap their heads around what has happened. At first many want to just dismiss the whole thing. Maybe you’ve been there too.

Many years ago I was a one-hour-a-week Christian. I attended church regularly, at first at a small Lutheran country church and then at a larger United Methodist church when we moved to a larger town. It was there that God started trying to push me past my one-hour limit. At first, I wanted to dismiss that push. But voices added to the feeling and the Spirit persisted. First it was couple’s group and then men’s group. It was teaching Sunday School to volunteering at youth group. Then it was the call past volunteering to leading youth group. All along the call of the Holy Spirit grew and grew. Voices of encouragement grew. Would I trust this feeling and the words of those close to me to take a leap of faith, away from a 23-year teaching career and into the ministry?

As other voices spoke into my life, the question was this: Did I trust these voices? Would I trust the voice of the Spirit? Long ago, Peter spoke these words to some people asking these questions: “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.” Words alone do not make believers, even words whispered from God. The power of Peter’s testimony was the same as what led me to take a leap of faith: I could feel the words. I could feel the Holy Spirit moving me, pulling me forward in faith. As trusted voices speak and as the Spirit moves in your life, may you too step forward in faith, witnessing to the power of God.

Prayer: Lord God, more than words on a page or spoken by a friend, the Holy Spirit moves, whispers, nudges. It is a force, a fire, a tangible feeling. Stir this in each of us, making the words come alive, making our faith come alive. Amen.