Posts with the category “faith-life”

In our world of societal pressure, it can be easy to forget what God has already said about us. We waste so much time in our lives trying on different identities and personalities and trends and so often are left feeling empty inside as a result.   Read More

I encourage to you put some plan in place. It might be something very simple. It may lead you into a new place, and new understanding of your relationship with God.   Read More

Consider the beauty of the world around us. How each organism is made of cells, how each cell is made of elements and each element; atoms. And how they work as a system to make the world we see around us.   Read More

I pray that today, we can all embody the spirit of Julian and understand both the simplicity and complexity of our faith.  Read More

Today is Pentecost SundayWe invite you to worship together with Bethany today either in person orthrough our livestream.  For an additional devotional reflection, listen to Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate's dialogue sermon from Pentecost Sunday 2023....  Read More

What would Jesus think?  Read More

Give yourself the gift of a peaceful rest today, don't feel guilty about it, really enjoy the time to rest.  Read More

Blessed are you who have reached a new age – even if it doesn’t seem to fit. It may feel too big.   Read More

Human connection and relationships are so valuable and important and yet we can become so busy that we fail to attend to this essential element of our life.  Read More

Walk or run. Get your heart rate up a little bit and give thanks to God for the life that is in your body.   Read More

Create a work of art. Give praise to God the Creator for the ways that creation and creativity continue.   Read More

The power and wonder of story unites cultures and people and fills us with wonder.  Read More

We often do not breath deeply enough but get into the habit of quick, shallow breathing and yet proper breathing has been shown to have tremendous health benefits.  Read More

Take a moment to stretch and to feel your body growing and strengthening through this simple practice.   Read More

The beauty of nature is all around us and speaks to God's handiwork, yet we rarely take time to stop and enjoy it.   Read More

Throughout the scriptures God uses water to bring salvation. As you drink your glass of water reflect on this simple, live-giving substance.  Read More

Suffering and loss are the words that come to my mind when thinking of the book of Job. And yet Job 8:21 speaks of laughter and joy. This suggests to me that even during difficulty, God provides hope for future joy.  Read More

Take a long time to notice the details of a piece of art and let it be an avenue into prayer.  Read More

The time for weekly worship connects us with the promises of Christ's resurrection in a consistent and unique way.   Read More

Music is able to move us in ways we can't fully describe.   Read More

Throughout the history of the Christian faith, the Sacred Meal of Holy Communion has been a reminder of Christ's Resurrection.   Read More

Care for a friend in need. We all know someone who might need a listening ear or additional attention. Sometimes, the simple kindness of another can bring hope in completely unexpected ways.   Read More

Forgive yourself. We all can be so hard on ourselves; clinging to past mistakes, past shame, past guilt. We read in John's Gospel, "if the Son sets you free, then you are free indeed." Allow yourself to experience the freedom Christ makes possible today and always.  Read More

Plant something today. Every spring, new life bursts forth from the ground and the trees around us, a visual, physical reminder of God's resurrection power.  Read More

Write your gratitude. Take out a piece of paper or a journal and write down your blessings.  What fills your heart with gratitude? Where has God been working in your life? ...  Read More

Grieve. While grief can often feel like something negative, the process of grieving can be deeply healing. Allow yourself to grieve a loss in your life and invite God to bring healing and hope to your pain. ...  Read More

Do a good deed. This can be anything!  Simply find a small action you can take to brighten someone's day. ...  Read More

Clean up. Take time today to clean a room in your house or clean up a local park or public space. When you have completed your work, take a step back and appreciate the new life brought to that space. ...  Read More

Sing a song. Sing loud! Sing with joy! Enjoy the opportunity to use your voice to bring music and vibrancy to your day. ...  Read More

On the day after his death But before his rising Jesus was reminding us of sacred pauses.  Read More

Faith changes the course of my life - every day.  Read More

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”Romans 8:25 In general, I have thought of myself as a patient person. Recently I have looked out my window to see frost or snow and found myself eagerly awaiting signs of spring and being truly frustrated with winter. (And that ground hog was not my friend this year…) I’m looking forward to sitting outside with sunshine on my f...  Read More

Jesus chose to shine light into the dark corners. He became the light for those who were marginalized.   Read More

Lately, I’ve been really noticing how Jesus is constantly interrupted throughout his ministry. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is trying to do one thing and suddenly he’s forced to do something else.  Read More

It was hard for me at the time to hold the image of an ultimately generous, all-loving God in the same frame as the jealous God of retribution (heck, it’s difficult for me now).  Read More

You may not be heralded as accomplishing something extraordinary, but God will be with you.  Read More

Then he said to them, "I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me." - Matthew 26:38  Read More

Even in our doubts, Jesus still finds ways to break into our lives; to comfort us; to care for us; to be with us.  Read More

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26  Read More

When we travel to new places, experience different cultures, and serve in unfamiliar settings, we step into the unknown. It’s disorienting—but it’s also where God often does something new in us.  Read More