Sometimes when I read the Bible, I come across a verse that sounds great (I mean, how could it not—it’s the inspired Word of God), but after I read it, I’m left wondering, “And how exactly does that work?” Psalm 8:2 is one of them. It says: “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” If that sounds familiar, it’s because Jesus quoted it when the chief…
“They raise their voices; they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty. Therefore, in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth, we hear singing: ‘Glory to the Righteous One.’” — Isaiah 24:14-16 Well, we’re back! On behalf of the entire team, thanks for your many prayers. Six plane flights, 18,640 miles, and two weeks later, we’ve…
The other week, I was making my way from the office suite toward the church lobby. It was early morning, and the sunlight was blinding as it streamed through the large lobby windows, bouncing off the freshly fallen snow, intensifying the glare. The hallway lights were off—no need to illuminate the whole building when only staff’s here. And I was in a hurry to get to the men’s restroom—for obvious reasons, after enjoying my morning coffee. If you know the…
“Who dares despise the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10) The room buzzed with the nervous energy of sixth graders. Snack crumbs littered the table, school backpacks strewn on the floor. We’d been there almost an hour, and my planning agenda sat in ruins. I was way out of my league, trying to wrangle a group of boys who seemed more interested in cracking jokes than planning anything. It was the fall of 2007, and we were sitting at my kitchen…
Written by a Bethany family member… As I sat last night and viewed the devastating Los Angeles fire destruction, I sat in absolute shock. I felt my heart loading up with ache and feeling pain for those living through a living hell. I saw footage of a woman, tears dripping down her face, saying she awoke to an everyday routine on Wednesday and by evening had lost absolutely everything. Everything. That could be me tomorrow. I think the whole country…
“You say, ‘I choose the appointed time.’” Psalm 75:2 Timing is everything, whether it’s planting a garden or catching a flight. And success often hinges on doing the right thing at the right time. Yet, when it comes to God’s plans, we often find ourselves impatient. It almost never happens on our timetable. We yearn for resolutions, breakthroughs, or justice—and we want it now. But Christmas teaches us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels excruciatingly slow. For…
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1 It’s Thanksgiving week. Pam and I have been anticipating this week all year long. And the Benedict house is FULL. The house is full. Every bed is claimed—and then some—with Josh and Alaina home from Germany, Amanda and Patrick up from Richmond, and Justin back from university at IUP. Little Chloe (our beagle) skitters in between a sea of legs…
I’ve always loved horses. As kids growing up on 18 acres in rural PA, my sister and I had ponies. My dad who was raised on a farm taught us how to put on a bridle and saddle and manage and care for a horse. Years later, we boarded a beautiful chestnut mare for a friend. And as a teen, I would ride “Princess” bareback for hours roaming the countryside. As an adult, I’ve kind of lost touch with the…
(a devotional from Miki Clouser) This past Sunday morning I found myself tearing up a little bit unexpectedly. I was already excited about the last song in our worship set, “Blessed Be Your Name”, because it’s one of my favorites. But the sermon on Elijah at Mount Sinai desperately needing an encounter with God brought back some memories that really brought it home for me. When I was in my early teens my life was at a place where I…
The election season has finally ended, but has left many Christians feeling worn, weary, and battle-scarred. It was an ugly, contentious, and disheartening campaign. And whether you woke up this morning feeling immense relief, profound disappointment, or something in between, I think, we’re all keenly aware that something is still profoundly wrong. The very fabric of our nation, communities, churches and relationships has been torn and we’re left wondering if mending is even possible. For most believers, this election came…