This fall, Bethany's Confirmation class has been exploring the major themes of the Bible and reflecting on stories that reveal the larger story God is telling through scripture. These devotionals follow that same path, inviting you to pause, reflect, and discover how each theme connects to your own journey of faith.
Sinai | Promise | Wednesday
God does not just make promises to the Israelites at Sinai. The Bible is full of stories of God making promises to other people and communities. Several thousand years after Moses climbed Mt. Sinai, an Angel of the Lord appeared to a young Galilean woman named Mary. The Angel told her that she would bear God’s Son and in response to this promise Mary sang a song of joy and hope.
You can read the Song of Mary (often called the Magnificat) in your Bible at Luke 1:46-55. The hymn below is based on this Song from Mary and it reflects the ideas and joy of Mary upon hearing the Good News from the angel Gabriel. Take time to use these words as a prayer, or if you like, listen to the recording at ( https://tinyurl.com/7WondersDevo4 ) and reflect on wonder and power of the promises that God has made to you and to all people.
1. My soul proclaims your greatness Lord; I sing my Savior’s praise!
You looked upon my lowliness, and I am full of grace.
Now every land and every age this blessing shall proclaim—
Great wonders you have done for me, and holy is your name.
2. To all who live in holy fear your mercy ever flows.
With might arm you dash the proud, their scheming hearts expose.
The ruthless you have cast aside, the lowly enthroned I stead;
The hungry filled with all good things, the rich sent off unfed.
3. To Israel, your servant blest, your help is ever sure;
The promise to our parents made their children will secure.
Sing glory to the Holy One, give honor to the Word,
And praise the Power of the Most High, one God, by all adored.
Sinai | Promise | Wednesday
God does not just make promises to the Israelites at Sinai. The Bible is full of stories of God making promises to other people and communities. Several thousand years after Moses climbed Mt. Sinai, an Angel of the Lord appeared to a young Galilean woman named Mary. The Angel told her that she would bear God’s Son and in response to this promise Mary sang a song of joy and hope.
You can read the Song of Mary (often called the Magnificat) in your Bible at Luke 1:46-55. The hymn below is based on this Song from Mary and it reflects the ideas and joy of Mary upon hearing the Good News from the angel Gabriel. Take time to use these words as a prayer, or if you like, listen to the recording at ( https://tinyurl.com/7WondersDevo4 ) and reflect on wonder and power of the promises that God has made to you and to all people.
1. My soul proclaims your greatness Lord; I sing my Savior’s praise!
You looked upon my lowliness, and I am full of grace.
Now every land and every age this blessing shall proclaim—
Great wonders you have done for me, and holy is your name.
2. To all who live in holy fear your mercy ever flows.
With might arm you dash the proud, their scheming hearts expose.
The ruthless you have cast aside, the lowly enthroned I stead;
The hungry filled with all good things, the rich sent off unfed.
3. To Israel, your servant blest, your help is ever sure;
The promise to our parents made their children will secure.
Sing glory to the Holy One, give honor to the Word,
And praise the Power of the Most High, one God, by all adored.
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2025
January
February
Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
The Life was The Light of All PeopleWaiting PatientlyUnseenCreator God, I pray for the earth...God, I want to be better at...Holy Spirit, Help me UnderstandGod, Grant Me Patience WithThe Gospel of John - Guidance for LifeJesus Christ, Forgive Me ForThe Book of 1st Samuel - Trust During the BattlesGod of the Oppressed, protect those who are vulnerableEnduring Lord, I hope forPrince of Peace, Calm my Mind When...God, I wonder aboutThe Book of Hebrews - The Grand Story of SalvationBlessed Jesus, help me to let go ofHoly Jesus, we pray for your church
April
Preserving Lord, save me fromAwesome God, I am amazed byThe Joy of LentThe Book of 2nd Samuel - God's Redemptive PowerCompassionate God, I Weep ForThe Book of Acts - Being the ChurchPalm Sunday Spoken WordGenerous God, open my eyes to see...God, I needCursing the Fig Tree Spoken WordMaundy Thursday Spoken WordGood Friday Spoken WordThe Book of 1st Kings - Wisdom and DivisionHoly Saturday Spoken WordSing - Practice ResurrectionClean - Practice ResurrectionDo a Good Deed - Practice ResurrectionGrieve - Practice ResurrectionGive Thanks - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of Romans - The Saving Work of GodLive BoldlyPlant - Practice ResurrectionForgive Yourself - Practice ResurrectionCare for a friend - Practice Resurrection
May
Enjoy a Good Meal - Practice ResurrectionListen to Music - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Kings - Hope in ExileWorship - Practice ResurrectionAppreciate Art - Practice ResurrectionLaughter HelpsDrink Water - Practice ResurrectionWatch a Sunset - Practice ResurrectionStretch - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Corinthians - Hope in the TurmoilThe Lord is My ShepherdBreathe - Practice ResurrectionRead - Practice ResurrectionCreate - Practice ResurrectionWalk or Run - Practice ResurrectionCall a Friend - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Chronicles - God's Presence in HistoryLove in ActionFor Aging GracefullyForgive - Practice ResurrectionLearn - Practice ResurrectionWash - Practice ResurrectionExplore - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Corinthians - The Importance of ReconciliationGod Our ParentAdvocate - Practice ResurrectionLight a Candle - Practice ResurrectionTaste - Practice ResurrectionTake a Nap - Practice ResurrectionDonate - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Chronicles - Consequences of Unfaithfulness
June
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