pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: walk


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God Really Loves Us

Reading: Psalm 116:1-4

Psalm 116:2 – “I’ll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me.”

Today and tomorrow we turn to Psalm 116. In the opening verse, the psalmist declares love for God. This love is founded on God listening to prayer requests. The psalmist then declares, “I’ll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me.” Walking in faith, we too can feel this way. As the days go by and we study our Bibles and spend time in prayer, we feel like God is close and that God is listening to our prayers. Our relationship with God feels solid. Our human relationships develop this way too. Time and effort invested in these relationships builds depth, trust, and, yes, love.

Turning to verse 3, we see that the psalmist came to a difficult time in life. Death felt close at hand. Trouble and grief rose up. We have had these moments. Either we were ill or someone we loved was ill. In these times, prayer is our natural go-to. As we cry out to God, we pray as the psalmist did: “Lord, please save me!” (Or my Mom or…) In our walks of faith, we trust God to answer. At times, God answers as we hoped. And faith grows, our relationship deepens, our love of God increases.

But some of the time, our prayers are not answered as we had prayed. The illness or whatever persists. Death wins. The unwanted change happens. We question and we doubt. We maybe even reconsider our relationship with God. Over time, though, we come to see or understand God’s answer. Our relationship grows as love and trust deepen. We realize, yes, God is faithful and good. We come to know, yes, God really loves us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are always present, always faithful. You are steadfast and true. Even when we are not all these things, still you are. Still you are. Thank you, Lord. Strengthen and encourage us for the daily walk of faith. We love you, Lord. Amen.


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Genuine

Reading: 1st Peter 1:6-7

1st Peter 1:7c – “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Photo credit: Kim West

Earlier in the week, when we read from 1st Peter 1, we focused on our inheritance. As you’ve maybe observed or even experienced, inheritances don’t always come easily. Yes, there are the “silver spoon” examples that come to mind. And, yes, many come to us naturally or organically, without much fuss. To a degree faith can fall into this category. I grew up going to church, so faith was “assumed.” But singing the songs and learning the Bible stories of Noah, Daniel and the lions, Jesus and the children… are much different things than actually having a faith of one’s own.

As a junior in high school I was at a youth group event, a rock-a-thon. My fun and enjoyable time in a rocking chair was disrupted by news (via a knock on the church door in that pre-cell phone world) that a good friend was in a horrible accident. Praying for him in the sanctuary balcony with two friends, I felt that tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. Held in those “arms,” I rejoiced in hope, even in the midst of a time of distress.

Through this experience and other moments of trial, my faith was “tested by fire.” In time I came to have a sure faith that is my own. One day I, like all believers, hope to experience what Peter points to at the end of verse 7: “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the moment, no, I wouldn’t have chosen any of the experiences that refined and tested my faith. However, you are far, far wiser than I am. Each moment, each tear, each time of despair – small stepping stepping stones to this place in my journey of faith. Thank you for each of them and, more so, for your abiding presence in each of them. Please continue to walk with me day by day. Amen.


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Wait in Hope

Reading: Psalm 130:1-6

Psalm 130:5 – “I hope, Lord. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.”

Psalm 130 is one of the Psalms of Ascent. These songs would be sung as people made their way up to Jerusalem for a religious festival or for worship. Jerusalem was built on a hill, so the journey was always up, no matter where one approached from. The psalmist’s emotions match this physical reality. The writer cries out to God “from the depths.”

While we do not know the details of the psalmist’s current trial, we’ve all spent time in the depths. It might have been during a season battling a physical illness or emotional challenge. Maybe it was a time of unwanted change – moving to a new city or going through a divorce. Perhaps is was the time walking with someone toward death. There are many times in life when we cry out to God from our own depths.

The psalmist cries out, “I hope, Lord. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.” Sometimes in the darkest valley, in the deepest depth, all that we have is hope. We hope in God’s promises yet remain in the depths. And like the night watch, we wait. We wait for the dawning of God’s love, light, healing, comfort, strength, redemption, rescue. We wait in Hope for the Lord our God. We trust that God is faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, be with us in the depths. In those moments when we’d do anything to escape the pain, the suffering, the hurt… enable us to hope in you and in your promises. As we linger in that moment and with those emotions, empower us to trust in you, to hold onto hope in you. Walk with us in the valley. Transform us as we go. Amen.


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Leaving Trails

Reading: Psalm 23:4-6

Psalm 23:6a – “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Christopher Beloch

Returning to Psalm 23 today, we delve into verses 4-6. In verse 4 we are reminded that the good shepherd of verses 1-3 is also with us in the “darkest valleys” of life. The darkest valleys are many: addiction, depression, death, grief, divorce, forced relocation, loss of employment, friendship, and security, illness, disease, homelessness, poverty, injustice, oppression. These dark valleys are situations and circumstances that we would rather avoid than go through. We’ll try and go around them. We’ll try and pretend that they are not really there. Faced with the reality of the dark valley, we’ll try everything in our power to get through or to climb out. And then, when there’s nothing else to try, we’ll turn to God. Surrendering our fear, loneliness, anxiety… to God, we feel a power and presence that walks with us. We’re not airlifted out of the valley, but God is with us, giving us hope, comfort, peace, strength… in the darkest valleys.

As we experience God’s presence again and again, we trust more and more into our relationship with God. Even when “enemies” – those listed above and more -are right in front of us, we feel safe and blessed by God’s presence. We are not alone. We can declare as David declares, “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.” Aware of God in deeper and more trusting ways, we come to see that God doesn’t just show up when we really need God. No, God pursues us. All of the time. God fills us with goodness and faithful love – so much so that these blessings overflow out of us, leaving trails of goodness and love behind us as we live as light and love in the world. In this way, God’s goodness and faithful love fill other’s cups too, bringing God’s power and presence into their lives. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your goodness, love, and mercy that draws us to your heart, to your family, and to our place in your house. Draw us into your power and presence again and again, empowering us to truly walk with you all of our days. Walking closely, Lord, use us to be goodness and love in the world, inviting others into your power and presence. Amen.


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Walking the Walk

Reading: Psalm 32:8-11

Psalm 32:10 – “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.”

Continuing in Psalm 32 today, God speaks in verses 8 and 9. These words assume that the confession and repentance spoken of in the previous verses has occurred. To those with a clean heart, God promises to “instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go.” God is talking about helping us to walk the walk of faith, to journey faithfully moving forward. To help in that process, God will “advise you” and God will “keep my eye on you.” Some of this occurs as we study the word and as we worship. Some happens as the Holy Spirit leads and guides, corrects and convicts. Our efforts are supported, strengthened, and encouraged by God’s indwelling presence.

Being honest with David and with us, God says, “Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule.” These animals are led by bit and bridle. To be forced to walk the walk of faith – that is not the way of love. As reinforcement David declares, “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.” We’ve all felt the pain caused by sin, whether it was our sin or the sin of another. And we have all felt the joy and gladness when our heart has been made right with God or when a broken human relationship has been reconciled. We have all felt the hope and peace of God’s love surrounding us. These are moments and experiences that we must witness to the world. With a humble servant’s heart, may our lives “sing out in joy!” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, our will is weak but you are strong. Our walk becomes unsteady and misguided at times. You are always steadfast and true. Our obedience wavers and sometimes even fails. Your love always calls us back and your grace and mercy guide us back into right relationship with you and with one another. As we walk the walk of faith, lead us into a closer and closer connection to your will and way, to your heart and your love. Amen.


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God Moments

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:16-18

2nd Peter 1:16b – “We witnessed his majesty with our own eyes.”

Photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon

Reading part of this week’s Epistle passage today, we are reminded of our transfiguration reading from yesterday and of our mountaintop experience of Moses from our Exodus reading on Monday. Peter proclaims that they are not using “crafty myths” to tell the story of the good news of Jesus Christ. He then professes, “We witnessed his majesty with our own eyes.” Personal witness is powerful. Yes, it is good to be able to explain Jesus’ teachings and to help others understand how Jesus died and rose again, all to save us from our sin and to open the way to eternal life. Our most powerful witness, however, comes when we personally share what Jesus has done and is doing for us and in our life. That story preaches.

Peter recalls the voice that came from the cloud, from the “magnificent glory.” He remembers the words that he heard: “dearly loved Son… well-pleased.” It all happened, there on that holy mountain. If one listens and looks closely, one can imagine the light of Christ that shines in Peter as he recalls this God moment. It was similar with Moses each time he came down the mountain, equipped with a word from God. He was literally aglow with God’s presence. When we share our own God stories, we too begin to shine with the light of Christ. When we tell our own story, whether visible or felt, the intensity of the light of Christ within us grows.

Like the prophets of old, when we enter into God’s presence – whether on a holy mountaintop, deep in a dark valley, or in the ordinary of life – we are given something to share: a story, a prayer, a word of God. In these moments of glory revealed, we are being equipped and empowered to be a light for others. May we use our God moments to build our faith and to help others along in their walks of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the moments of grace – in a balcony in high school, in the cemetery in college, in the Promise Keepers prayer room, in the moment after death, in the random Sunday when tears of joy flow… Thank you for the moments that you’ve blessed others with too. Lord, guide these moments to be moments shared with others seeking you. Use us to witness to your glorious presence in our own lives, opening windows for others to see and experience you through. Amen.


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A Right Heart

Reading: Micah 6:1-8

Micah 6:6 – “With what should I approach the Lord and bow down before God almighty?”

Returning to Micah 6 today we read the verses that lead up to the well-known call to practice justice, to embrace faithful love, and to walk humbly with God and with neighbor. Verses 1-7 lay out “why” Israel should live in these ways and it points out Israel’s failed attempts at true worship. The passage is set as if in a courtroom as God brings God’s case against Israel. In a lawsuit, if you are the one seeking justice, it is good. But if you’re on trial, this is not a good place to be. For the people of God, they are on trial. “With Israel, he [God] will argue.”

God’s case opens with questions about how Israel has gotten to this place: What did I do to you (or fail to do)? How have I wearied you? God is wondering aloud how God displeased Israel, how God bored them into this disobedience. God then reminds Israel what faithfulness looks like. From leading Israel out of slavery to giving them good leaders to protecting them from their enemies, God has always been there for Israel – irrelevant to their commitment, regardless of their unfaithfulness, no matter their sin and wandering and idolatry.

God then lays bare the reality of their present worship. These acts themselves, prescribed by the Law, can be pleasing to God. But volume and simply going through the motions? If one if just playing the game and trying to impress God along the way, then God is not interested in the least. Micah muses, “With what should I approach the Lord and bow down before God almighty?” Returning to verse 8 we find God’s answer. We are reminded that a right heart, a heart right with God and with one another, this is where worship that is pleasing to God begins. With a heart that reflects God’s heart, this is the place that we are filled with love and grace and mercy and peace and hope and compassion and… Filled, we are then ready to be these things to the world. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, strip away our pretense, break down our barriers, wipe away the noise of the world. Bring us to a place of transparency, honesty, and sincerity – not for your sake but for ours. You see through it all. You know the true condition of our hearts. Beginning in a place of humility, guide us then to be practitioners of justice and steadfast love. This is the worship that is pleasing to you. Living and being this way, may our lives reveal to the world what is good and what is required by you. Amen.


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Point to Christ

Reading: John 1:35-42

John 1:41-42 – “He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’ He led him to Jesus.”

As we continue in John 1, John the Baptist continues to do what he has done since going out into the wilderness: he points people to Jesus. He declares to anyone who will listen: this is the “Lamb of God.” Two of John’s disciples listen and they follow along behind Jesus. He notices and asks them what they’re looking for. It’s a ‘who’ really. So Jesus invites them to “Come and see.” Spending some time with Jesus, they know that he is the one who has come to save Israel.

Andrew then goes and finds Simon, his brother. He proclaims Jesus as the Messiah to Simon and “He leads him to Jesus.” Andrew witnesses and then walks alongside, bringing Simon Peter to the Christ. From John the Baptist’s simple proclamation, three disciples are made, three souls start on the road to salvation. In these simple steps we have a model to follow. Following these steps we can accomplish the main task of our faith. We too are called to tell others about Jesus and to walk with them so that they can know the Messiah. In these ways, we too point others to Christ, Savior and Lord. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, put us to work today. In the encounters we have with others, may our words and actions reveal the Christ in us. Revealed, use our witness to draw others so they too may know the Savior. In all we do and say, may we bring you all the glory. Amen.


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Restore Us!

Reading: Psalm 80:1-7

Psalm 80:7 – “Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!”

Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration after a national tragedy. The prayer begins with Asaph calling out to the “shepherd of Israel.” The psalmist uses this familiar shepherd-sheep metaphor to bring up images of protection and provision, of guidance and direction. In verse 2 we read, “Wake up your power! Save us!” This is a plea for God to once again be Israel’s shepherd and king. The need is reiterated in the next verse where Asaph seeks the restoration of Israel through God’s presence with them.

Verses 4-6 contain a familiar refrain. The psalmist asks the questions that we ask during tragedies and prolonged periods of trial and suffering. “How long…?” The tears have flowed and flowed. The neighbors continue to act as enemies. Why us, O God? When will this end, Lord God? We ask these questions, we cry these tears, we feel this anger and maybe even rage. All point to our deep need for God’s power and presence.

Verse 7 cries out again, “Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!” This cry invites not only God but also the heavenly beings at God’s disposal to respond, to save, to rescue and restore Israel. God’s face shining is a revelation of God’s presence with the people. It is a reminder of light to guide the way, of love to dry the tears, of grace to heal the anger and rage. Yes, O God, may your face shine upon us!

Prayer: Lord God, when tragedy strikes, when unexpected loss occurs, when painful relationships linger on, draw near to us. Guide us, comfort us, ease our pain, soothe our anger. Walk with us in the valley, lifting us and encouraging us with your presence and power. Restore us, O God! Amen.


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Help and Hope

Reading: Psalm 146:5-10

Psalm 146:5 – “The person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God – is truly happy!”

Psalm 146 celebrates God’s activity on behalf of those in need. The psalmist declares that those who seek help from God and who place their hope in God, they will be “truly happy.” When God is the one we turn to, hope in, trust… then our focus becomes our relationship with the God “who is faithful forever.” We can rejoice even in our trials and sufferings because we know that God will triumph over all these things one day.

In verses 6-8 the psalmist speaks of the Lord’s activity in specific ways. We could re-write these verses, substituting in ways that God has acted in our lives. We could name a time when God brought justice to a time when we were being mistreated. We could write of the time when the Lord freed us from a prison of our own making. Just as the psalmist rejoices in the ways that God feeds the hungry, opens blind eyes, lifts the lowly, and protects the vulnerable, we too can celebrate moments when God has done these very things (and more) for us.

Daily remembering that we are “the person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God,” we can daily draw upon the power and presence of our God. Drawing upon, leaning into, trusting in God, we can find and live out the happiness and contentment found in Psalm 146. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you reign forever, over all the earth! Your presence is constant, your love is neverending. Daily you desire to walk with each of us, from the least to the greatest. Open each of our hearts to receive you, to surrender to your will and ways, to be your hands, feet, and love in the world. Daily use each of us to draw all people into your help and hope. Amen.