Bethany 365 Daily Devotionals

During Lent, our confirmation students met with mentors to talk about faith and life—growing in identity, belonging, and purpose through caring relationships. Together they also co-wrote reflections on a Bible verse, and we’ll be sharing these devotionals throughout the Easter season as an invitation to embrace thoughtful dialogue and respond to God’s grace with love in the world. This devotional was written by 8th grader Michael Salvatore and his mentor Mel Stoltzenberg A devotion on Matthew 14 22-33. Jesus Walks on the Water This story in Matthew follows the feeding of the 5000 after which Jesus ascends the mountain to pray and the disciples he back across the lake in their boat.  Their boat was battered by the waves and when they saw Jesus walking toward them, they were terrified.  Peter says, “Lord if it is you command me to come to you on the wat...

During Lent, our confirmation students met with mentors to talk about faith and life—growing in identity, belonging, and purpose through caring relationships. Together they also co-wrote reflections on a Bible verse, and we’ll be sharing these devotionals throughout the Easter season as an invitation to embrace thoughtful dialogue and respond to God’s grace with love in the world. This devotional was written by 6th grader William Weinstein and his mentor Jeff Finnin (pictured above) Hebrews 11: 17-19 By faith, Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, he who had received the promise was ready to offer up his only son. Of whom he had been told it is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you. He considered the fact that God is able, even to raise someone from the dead And figuratively speaking, he did re...

Pilgrimage by Jack Lindsey   “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage” (Psalm 119:54)   “April showers bring May flowers.” You have probably heard this expression, and perhaps many times if you are of an age approximating mine. It is from a short poem written in 1557 by a gentleman named Thomas Tusser. And you have probably heard the pun based on the saying: “If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?” The answer, of course, is: Pilgrims. (Mayflower ... the boat that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth …). Okay, it’s a groaner, but recalling it recently got me to thinking that a column in the month of May about pilgrims may bring another aspect to our understanding of how healing and wellness is part of our journey as children of God. The scripture above from Psalm 119 is an interesting one. In his...

Stretch Your Body, Mind & Spirit By: Janet Mortinsen As I continue with the whole-body wellness suggestions for this year, here are some ideas for April. Mind: Reflect on how God has carried you through challenges. As Lutherans we lean into grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Grace can be such a difficult concept to accept and certainly to practice. Yet what peace we can experience knowing we can rest on God’s strength especially during our most trying times. Body: Try a yoga or stretching class. God made our bodies in so many wonderful ways. Stretching is important for a variety of reasons besides flexibility. It helps with range of motion, and can help relieve joint stiffness which can decrease the risk of falls. Stretching can also decrease tension. And the great...

Click to watch video Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter We encourage you to join in for worship at Bethany this weekend either in person or through our livestream.   For an additional devotional reflection, we invite you to watch this reflection from Deacon Debra on this Sunday last year. In this moving sermon, Deacon Debra explores the power of hearing our name called—by baristas, by parents, by God. Rooted in Acts 9 and John 10, the message centers on Tabitha, the only woman in Scripture explicitly called a female disciple. Her resurrection, like the healing of the paralyzed man, reminds us that God's voice can call us back to life, even from death. With rich personal reflections and deep theological insight, Debra invites us to trust that we, too, will one day hear Jesus say: “Get up.” 365 Daily Devotional Bethan...

The Book of Obadiah – A Message of Humility and Justice "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, who make your home on the heights." – Obadiah 1:3 The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, but it carries a powerful message of justice and humility. Obadiah’s prophecy is directed toward Edom, a neighboring nation of Israel that had a long history of hostility toward God’s people. The Edomites had taken advantage of Israel’s misfortunes, and in Obadiah, God condemns their pride and violence. The primary theme of Obadiah is the downfall of the proud. In Obadiah 1:3, God speaks to Edom, saying, “The pride of your heart has deceived you.” The Edomites, who had a strategic position on the high cliffs of the mountains, were self-reliant and proud, believing that no one could bring them down. However, God w...