Late last year noted pastor, Thom Rainer came out with a book entitled, “When the People Pray: An Invitation to Pray for Your Pastor and Revive Your Church.” I haven’t actually read the book (yet), but I do remember listening to a podcast interview with the author. He described experiencing a time of depletion and discouragement in his spiritual life which culminated in him asking his congregation for prayer support right from the pulpit. The book, then, was an outflow…
A devotional by Pam Benedict. For months, millions of people prepared. They bought specialty items from grocery stores, analyzed weather forecasts, and planned travel routes with Google maps. They read articles, listened to podcasts, and tuned into science programs. Those far away bought airline tickets and booked Airbnb’s, so they could be closer. Schools canceled classes, businesses closed early, and adults took the day off. In a time characterized by polarizing opinions, this was something everyone could agree on… this…
22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27 We’re caught in another rainy pattern this week, aren’t we? It seems like the rain will never stop. We’ve had over 2…
You know what an oxymoron is, right? Jumbo shrimp Open secret Deafening silence An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines words with opposing meanings. We use them all the time in casual conversation. Here are a few more. Clearly confused Pretty Ugly Government efficiency (just kidding on that last one) The Bible’s a treasure trove of similar wordplays and paradoxes. A few weeks ago, one of our elders, Larry Fox shared one at our Wednesday night prayer group….
Years ago, when I was an assistant pastor in Virginia, our lead pastor preached a powerful sermon titled “A Bend in the Road.” In the message, he wisely taught that everyone is either about to go into a storm, in a storm, or just coming out a storm, so we’d best be ready for the next “bend in the road.” Fifteen years have gone by, and I still think about that sermon. As a lead pastor now, I often get…
Well, I’ve taken a month off… so this is my first blog of 2024 and if January is any measure, we’re in for a bumpy ride this year. On the global front, there’s a war in Ukraine about to enter its third year and the devastating Israel / Hamas war is entering its 5th month. US and British warplanes are hitting Houthi rebels in Yemen who are taking potshots at commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea and the US…
A devotional by Pam Benedict Nothing makes this mama’s heart happier than knowing that her kids are coming home and that we’re going to spend family time together. This is especially true around the holidays. Several days before Thanksgiving, I washed sheets & blankets and made up the beds. We shopped & stocked the shelves and the refrigerator with fresh cider, snacks, and breakfast treats. Tuesday night everyone arrived, driving in from Pittsburg and Richmond and the kitchen was full…
This past week was the color green in our Christmas series. And, using Psalm 23, Pastor John preached a timely message on God’s presence, provision, and peace at Christmas. He emphasized that Jesus, our Good Shepherd has promised to “give us everything we need for life and godliness” so we can grow up in Christ. And in the message, he referred to a book that our Bethany men used as the basis of a fall Wednesday night men’s study- The…
A devotional by Miki Clouser This year, our Pastors are doing a series on the colors of Christmas- Blue, Green, White & Red. I’ve been excited, wondering what each color will stand for, and what aspect of Christmas will be highlighted each week. This past week was “blue.” The worship service was designed to acknowledge the pain, sorrow, and longing that many of us experience during the holidays and then pointed to Jesus as the ultimate satisfaction for all of…
I have what you might call a chronic intermittent back injury. Years ago, when I was a youth pastor, I was playing flag football with the young men of our church on a crisp fall Saturday morning. The field was slippery due to heavy dew, and I forgot to bring my cleats. But I was young and invincible and played anyway in regular sneakers, even though my house was only two miles away and I could have easily gotten the…