Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.
“How do we react when we see Injustice?” by Justin March
Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week. Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.
How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? As I see the damages incurred by our local
businesses, this question barrages my every thought. As I witness the violence
we bestow upon each other, I wonder what drives us to hurt. And as I listen to
the racial slurs, hate filled comments, and disregard for one another, I am
saddened by what this downtrodden society has succumbed to.
How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? Maybe we need to look back and see how Jesus
reacted. Maybe we need to focus on how God used his son to get through the
trials bestowed upon him when he walked this Earth. And maybe we need to
understand why Jesus was able to turn the other cheek, forgive those that
betrayed him, and love his enemies.
How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? The violence, hatred, and brutality we face
today is not something new. But how we react in these trying times can either
allow the ugliness to continue or can start a revolution of change that will
make this planet a better place for all. I believe it comes down to choice, and
if we make the right decisions now, we can lay the foundation for a brighter
future.
How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? We need to react with love. We need to be
empathetic with those that have been wronged, we need to forgive those that have
caused harm, and we need to educate those that do not understand. We must
extend grace, we must lend a helping hand, and we must do our best to end the
violence, hatred, and bloodshed. We have the power to end injustice, but fear,
media, and lack of leadership keep us from doing so.
How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? We react by being the disciples Jesus has asked
us to be. We start by taking the time to open our bibles, share God’s words
with those that need to hear them, and teach others about the forgiveness Jesus
showed to those that wronged him. We start by praying for help, asking for
wisdom, and allowing our gifts to heal those around us. And we start by loving
one another, treating them as equals, and peacefully standing up with them.
How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? We have the freedom to react in any manner we
wish. We have the freedom to lash out, hurt others, and destroy what is not
ours. We have the freedom to say whatever we want, no matter how positive or
negative it may be. But if allow Jesus to lead our lives, if we do what he asks
of us, and if we try to love like he does, we can only react in one way. We
will react with respect for one another, we will react as a united front for
justice, and we will react as a peaceful nation that prioritizes healing and
grace over violence and bloodshed.
So, as you feel the
anger, depression, or sadness take over when you see these acts of injustice,
remember to ask yourself this simple question. How will you react when you see
injustice in our world?
Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.
Part 3 of our “Fundamentals” small group Bible study series. In this video the pastoral staff shares stories about their understanding of the Holy Spirit.
If you’d like to participate in a small group discussion and Bible Study (via Zoom) related to the themes of this video contact the Bethany Lutheran Church office.
Questions about Video
- In Pastor Nate’s
reflection he talks about understanding the Holy Spirit as the breath of
God. What do you think about the Hebrew
scholars idea that every breath we take speaks the name of God? How could paying
attention to your own breath better connect you with God? - In his video Pastor
Gary’s talks about his experiences of the Spirit of God as moments that are
hard to fully understand or articulate but that are clearly powerful. If you are comfortable, share an experience
from your own life where you felt God’s presence in a way that you can’t fully
describe. What do these moments teach
us? - Intern Rachel talked
about the Holy Spirit as the Advocate.
What do you think it means to say that God is our Advocate? How have you
experienced the Holy Spirit as an Advocate in your life?
A word for the Road
Group members are encouraged to recite and memorize the theme verse below
throughout the week as a way of keeping the Conversation with God going
throughout the week.
“and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into
our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
– Romans 5:5
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
“The Goodness of Creation” by Pastor Nate
Some of you may have seen this video before, but undoubtedly many of you will be surprised by the link that follows. This is the opening credits to a sitcom called “Rememberin’ You”, an internet show that my roommates and I tried to create in the Spring of 2009:
Unfortunately, this is as far as the our show got. While many plot ideas were tossed around, and an entire script written for episode one, we never completed anything beyond the opening credits.
Part of me is still a little disappointed, because as you can see from this short clip, we had a hit on our hands. But now when I think back on all the work that went into “Rememberin’ You”– the entire process of writing and recording the theme song, thinking up the characters and the scenes for the opening credits, the filming of all those brief shots – when I think about all of that, I’m thankful for the entire process. The real joy of “Rememberin’ You” isn’t in having this silly youtube link to share, rather the real joy is found in all the memories I have of that Spring as we created this show.
“And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:9-10
When I think about the creation poem that we find in the beginning of the book of Genesis, I love the reoccurring phrases that are used. In the first chapter of Genesis the author takes us through the seven days of creation and each day is described with the same language: “… God said, let there be (fill-in-the-blank)… and it was good.”
This phrasing is jam-packed with meaning and wisdom. Notice that everything created is never described as “perfect” or “flawless” it is simply described as “good”. Whenever I create something I am inevitably frustrated because the idea I had in my mind is never quite how the finished product turns out. I thought “Rememberin’ You” was going to be a viral internet sensation, with episodes upon episodes of sitcom hilarity. Instead, there is a minute and a half opening credits video. But you know what? That video, and the creation of that video is good.
The creation poem in the first chapter of Genesis pushes me to be thankful for how good “Rememberin’ You” actually is, rather than being disappointed that it wasn’t perfect. And not only that, but Genesis 1 challenges me to always be thankful for the goodness of the creation process; it pushes me to see the act of creating as something profoundly good.
When we create beautiful artwork, or meaningful poems, or silly internet sitcoms, the very act of bringing something new to life is good. Even if that artwork, or poetry, or sitcom is never as perfect as we had hoped, the very act of creating is a deeply meaningful and a spiritual process that has the power to put us more closely in touch with God.
Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.
Check out Pastor Nate’s Children’s message for Pentecost Sunday.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
“Strength” by Jack Lindsey
Jack Lindsey is the current “Past-President” at Bethany. He has graciously agreed to share some of his past devotional writings on this site.
Author’s Note: By now we should be moving toward the warm season, so please enjoy this Summer column from a few years ago.
“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” – (Exodus 15:2)
One of the things I look forward to about summer is seeing our hummingbirds. Hummingbirds live on nectar from flowers and the sugars that are found in specialty feeders. My wife Jean maintains a hummingbird feeder at our house in the mountains, and it is remarkable to watch the birds that visit us during the spring and summer months.
These little birds are amazing. Their average weight is 1/8th of an ounce. Their wings beat between forty and eighty beats per second. They breathe approximately 250 times per minute. Their heart rate is an unbelievable 250 beats per minute at rest and 1200 beats per minute while feeding. In flight they reach up to 63 miles per hour. Most researchers accept the fact that those who migrate along our Rocky Mountains to Mexico do so by taking non-stop flights taking 18-20 hours. What a challenge they face just to exist and continue their species. Talk about enormous God-given strength in a small package!
When we are working to be healthy we continually seek strength – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In times of trial that is often our silent plea, “Give me strength!” Medical research is pretty clear that movement, whether just walking around the block or doing weights at the gym, gives us strength. So part of our stewardship of the bodies we are given is to move, which can provide strength in both physical and emotional aspects. And it is important to make a move toward spiritual strength also, to support a total picture of health.
But what exercises build spiritual strength? That’s the easy one, you are required to build your awareness of your source of strength. You can move toward better awareness through prayer, bible reading, and participating in your faith community. This can give you the spiritual strength that allows you access to complete health.
You know the story of David and Goliath. Never was a contest of strength, particularly unequal strength, so well portrayed as in this Biblical drama. David was a strong and healthy young man, but he was facing an enemy of Biblical proportions, if you’ll forgive the pun. Dale Fletcher, in an online devotional, provides the following insights: When David came face to face with the giant, he relied on God’s presence for strength. David was clearly aware that God was with him, and that the battle was not his, but God’s. During David’s battle, he focused on God’s presence, not his circumstance or problem. David’s knowledge of God’s presence prevented him from becoming discouraged or giving up.
If we focus on life’s challenges and opposition in the battles we face, we are likely to lose hope and give up. When we stay in God’s presence and keep the focus on Him, He will give us optimism and the strength we need. So make your moves, and keep on moving, your total health will benefit. – Peace and health, Jack Lindsey.
© 2010 Jack Lindsey, Denver, Colorado – Used with permission
“The Promise of Failure” Luke 14:1;7-11 by Bethany Prayer and Study • A podcast on Anchor
“The Promise of Failure” Luke 14:1;7-11 by Bethany Prayer and Study • A podcast on Anchor
The latest episode of the Bethany Prayer and Study podcast is now available, simply click the link above to listen or subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts.
In this week’s Children’s message we look at the story “Let’s Go” from the Jesus Storybook Bible and some Deep Thoughts from Pastor Nate
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
“The Presence of God” by Pastor Nate
I have declared this my song of the week. Go ahead and give it a listen, its pretty catchy.
The refrain is the part I love the most:
“In you we live, in you we move, in you we have our being.”
This is actually a slight paraphrase on a passage from the book of Acts where Paul, while talking in Greece says,
“For in God we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are God’s offspring” (Acts 17:28).
Paul is saying this to the Greeks because he wants them to see that God is not confined to temples or empty rituals, but rather that God is actively part of every move we make. God is present in our living, our moving, our very being.
I find these ideas to be particularly comforting when I’m exercising. The task of lifting weights or running on a treadmill or even going for a walk outside carries an entirely different meaning for me when I consider my movements as expressions of God’s presence.
But I also find these words from Paul all the more comforting at those moments when I feel entirely complacent. Sometimes I find myself just getting into a rut. Everything moves along as it should and life passes without any peaks or valleys to report. While this can be satisfying, I find that my complacency causes me to neglect my relationship with God. I end up in what I call a spiritual rut.
It’s those moments in life when God seems distant or indifferent or silent–it is then that I need to be reminded that I am God’s offspring and that in God I live, move, and have my being. The presence of God is found in my daily actions, my daily exercise, and my daily conversations, but its often my complacency that keeps me from seeing this presence of God that permeates my entire existence.
I think author Brian McLaren said it best,
“as we wander through the universe, we are not just encountering meaningless stuff; rather, we are walking through an art gallery, filled with objects full of meaning, expressiveness, revelation of the Creator’s hear, intelligence, compassion, and whimsy… everything we encounter belongs to God and matters to God.”
#FaithIntoPractice Week 5 – Rest
Day 5 – We pray that you would give yourself the gift of rest on a regular basis. Time for enjoying your life and the blessings of God. After all, this gift of rest and enjoyment is one that God longs for you to accept.
The Practice Explained: Make a plan to take a Sabbath this week. Work ahead and shift your schedule so that you can take 24 straight hours of rest. On the day of your Sabbath, move slowly, take your time, and simply enjoy the blessings God has placed in your life.
This video was shared months ago, but the themes still seem appropriate. This reflection on John 8:31-38 looks at the different ways that our hopes get entangled with our fears. We hope this reflection provides you with some comfort this day and a great awareness of God’s promises in your life.
(Source: https://player.vimeo.com/)
#FaithIntoPractice Week 5 – Rest
Day 4 – The purpose of rest is to simply appreciate the blessings and gifts that God has placed in your life. Joy and delight are part of God’s hope for us and there is something holy and sacred about taking time to slow down and enjoy the blessings of this existence.
The Practice Explained: Make a plan to take a Sabbath this week. Work ahead and shift your schedule so that you can take 24 straight hours of rest. On the day of your Sabbath, move slowly, take your time, and simply enjoy the blessings God has placed in your life.
#FaithIntoPractice Week 5 – Rest
Day 3 – Our musical offering this week (once again from Matthew Nickoloff) is a peaceful song based on Matthew 11:28-30. We invite you to listen and join in singing this simple, repetitive song and to let the melody guide you into a deeper sense of peace.
The Practice Explained: Make a plan to take a Sabbath this week. Work ahead and shift your schedule so that you can take 24 straight hours of rest. On the day of your Sabbath, move slowly, take your time, and simply enjoy the blessings God has placed in your life.
“Mental Health” by Jack Lindsey
Jack Lindsey is the current “Past-President” at Bethany. He has graciously agreed to share some of his past devotional writings on this site.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality … Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other” – Romans 12:13,15-16
Mental health is an idea that is often seen through the perspective of a disease model, which can potentially isolate a sufferer. While treating conditions medically is important, ancient and modern cultures recognize the importance of the context within which we live and its contribution to mental health. One of the themes from scripture that spans both the old and new testaments is the concept of community and the way that community promotes health.
There is a Hebrew word for this community context: shalom. Most people know shalom to mean “peace” but it has a much deeper meaning that relates to community. As anthropologist Peter Kroeker found, shalom is not merely an absence of civil disturbances but an active pursuit of the well being of others. It finds its expression in a sharing and caring community. It involves compassion for the needs of others. It is felt in the way we greet one another (and strangers) in our own Bethany community.
This summer, while Jean and I were vacationing in God’s beautiful Colorado mountains, we met the pastor of a small community church in our area. He invited us to join them on a Wednesday evening for bible study at a local warehouse, since their church building had not yet been built. I was struck by the relationships between the congregants we met at that bible study. Like the communities that Paul was writing to in Romans, this was a small congregation of people who are forming a new church. The strength of their community is in their shared beliefs, but it is also in their willingness to feed one another, help a new member with moving their household, and above all in the way they greeted one another and us when they assembled – like people who really care for each other.
As with other aspects of health, mental health does not start with disease, with caring for someone who is suffering from depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions. At its core, it starts with the foundation of relationships within which each of us lives. Living within a community of caring promotes mental health. And shaping a community of health is something in which we each can take an active role; often just by the way we behave toward one another. Indeed, the ELCA motto, “God’s Work, Our Hands” reminds us that it is through us that the Holy Spirit works on earth.
The ELCA Social Statement, Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor, puts it this way: “We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have an enduring commitment to work for and support health care for all people as a shared endeavor. Our commitment comes in grateful response to God’s saving love in Jesus Christ that frees us to love and seek the well-being of our neighbor. When we understand health in this larger context, we realize that we cannot be healthy by ourselves. We help each other attain good health through our ways of living together …” Shalom. – JL
© 2010 Jack Lindsey, Denver, Colorado – Used with permission
“Siblings in Christ” Galatians 3:25-29 by Bethany Prayer and Study • A podcast on Anchor
“Siblings in Christ” Galatians 3:25-29 by Bethany Prayer and Study • A podcast on Anchor
The latest Episode of our Prayer and Study Podcast has posted! This week Intern Rachel offers the Reflection and we have music from the Organic Faith Community in Buffalo, NY
#FaithIntoPractice Week 5 – Rest
Day 2 – We are commanded by God to rest at least once every 7 days. Just as God created the world and then rested on the 7th day, we too should live our lives within this rhythm of work AND rest.
The Practice Explained: Make a plan to take a Sabbath this week. Work ahead and shift your schedule so that you can take 24 straight hours of rest. On the day of your Sabbath, move slowly, take your time, and simply enjoy the blessings God has placed in your life.
“The Lost Sheep” by Justin March
Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week. Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.
In these times of isolation, I see a lot of lost sheep. I see one herd that only believes what they are hearing from our politicians. I see another herd that only believes what they are hearing from our doctors. And I see another herd that only believes what they are hearing from our scientists. I get it. I really do. In unsettled circumstances, it is natural to look for a leader. When we are faced with fear, loneliness, and uncharted waters, we look for someone who can give us comfort and peace. And whether that person knows what they are talking about, or not, the lost sheep are going to follow.
The problem is this. What if the sheep follow the wrong leader? Is it possible that the sheep are so desperate for answers that they believe only what they want to hear? Is it possible that they are so blinded by fear that they do not see alternative solutions? And is it possible that whom the sheep decide to follow knows nothing more about the situation than they do?
It is easy to become a lost sheep when we have been separated from the flock. We find ourselves alone, isolated, and searching for answers. But we must be careful about following someone who does not have any more information than we do. We must be wary of false prophets, empty promises, and wolves in sheep’s clothing. And we must be on alert for dangers that these so-called leaders may lead us into.
The only way the lost sheep can find solace, is to follow the leader that truly cares about them. The leader that has already been proclaimed the shepherd for his people. The leader that loved his sheep so much he was willing to die for them on that cross. And the leader who fulfills his promises, speaks the truth, and never leads us astray.
There are many lost sheep in this time of crisis. There are many who are looking for someone to step up, tell them what’s next, and subside their fears. And there are many who do not know who to believe or who to turn to. This is where we step in. This is where we become the disciples Jesus wants us to be. This is where we open our bibles, share God’s words, and let them know there is a leader who will never forsake them. A leader who does know the plans for their lives. A leader who will not guide them into danger, but instead, into a life devoid of fear. A leader who has already stepped up to the challenge, proved that he can help us weather any storm, and loved us through every trial and tribulation this earth has bestowed.
My friends, there are a lot of lost sheep. But the choice is up to us. We can either follow the flock in their aimless wanderings, or we can step out of the herd and allow God to use us. We can let our light shine so that others can see the good works he is doing in our lives. And we can stay positive, loving, forgiving, and gracious so that the lost sheep want to follow us. There is peace and salvation amongst everything that is going on, but without a good leader, many will never experience it. So, as you start your week, ask yourself this simple question. Will I be the shepherd or the sheep?
#FaithIntoPractice Week 5 – Rest
Day 1 – Rest can often feel like a foreign concept in our fast-paced world, but rest is in fact its own crucially important spiritual practice. We were created for work AND rest and God delights when we take time to slow down and delight in the blessings God has given to us.
The Practice Explained: Make a plan to take a Sabbath this week. Work ahead and shift your schedule so that you can take 24 straight hours of rest. On the day of your Sabbath, move slowly, take your time, and simply enjoy the blessings God has placed in your life.