Bethany Lutheran Church

Daniel 5:22–28, 30, Luke 12:13–21

Daniel said to Belshazzar, “You knew what happened to your father, yet you did not humble your heart. Instead, you praised idols and did not honor God. The hand wrote: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.’ God has numbered your days and brought your reign to an end.” That very night, Belshazzar was killed. Both Belshazzar and the rich fool are unaware that judgment is imminent. Jesus, like Daniel, warns agai...

As the king walked on the palace roof, he said, “Is not this great Babylon I have built?” A voice from heaven said, “Your kingdom is taken from you.” Later, Nebuchadnezzar said, “I praised the Most High. His kingdom is eternal. He does as He pleases. All His works are right.” Nebuchadnezzar's story is a living parable of Jesus' teaching on humility and the danger of pride. 

Daniel 4:29–32, 34–35, 37

At the end of twelve mon...

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said, “Our God is able to save us—but even if He does not, we will not worship the image.” Then King Nebuchadnezzar saw four men walking unharmed in the fire, and one looked like a son of the gods. He said, “Praise be to the God who rescued His servants!” The fiery furnace and the call to follow Jesus both demand courage and a willingness to suffer for faithfulness—knowing God is with us. 

Daniel 3:16...

Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food. He asked the chief official for permission not to eat it. After ten days, he and his friends looked healthier than the others. God gave them learning and wisdom—and Daniel could understand visions and dreams. Just as God provided for Daniel and his friends in exile, Jesus teaches us to trust God’s daily provision and reign, especially in uncertain times. 

Daniel 1:8–17(ESV)

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The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once said, “Life can only be understood backward.” The clearest way to observe spiritual growth is by reflecting on where we were. Join us as we reflect on the brief appearance of Simeon in the Christmas story as we reflect on the awe of wonder of the Christmas season.

Leviticus 12: 1-8 

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If a woman conceives and bears a m...

The story of John the Baptist leaping in his mother Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of the in-utero Christ is a profound reminder of how we are called to respond to Jesus. John’s leap wasn’t merely a random movement; it was a joyful recognition of Christ’s presence and a foreshadowing of his life’s purpose—to prepare the way for the Messiah. This moment invites us to see that faith isn’t an irrational leap but a deeply rooted resp...

The story of John the Baptist leaping in his mother Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of the in-utero Christ is a profound reminder of how we are called to respond to Jesus. John’s leap wasn’t merely a random movement; it was a joyful recognition of Christ’s presence and a foreshadowing of his life’s purpose—to prepare the way for the Messiah. This moment invites us to see that faith isn’t an irrational leap but a deeply rooted resp...

The usual cast of characters in a Christmas pageant includes Mary, Joseph, a few wise men, a cow or two, and an angel for good measure. But what about the innkeeper? Was there really an innkeeper present? Join us this week as we take a closer look at the birth of Jesus and uncover how this one character—who, interestingly, isn’t mentioned in the biblical account—reveals the essence of radical hospitality. Together, we’ll explore ho...

In our Protestant tradition, we often grow uneasy when Mary receives significant attention. But could it be that, in our reaction to Roman Catholic veneration, we have “thrown the baby out with the bathwater”? Mary’s story draws us deeply into the richness of the Old Testament while simultaneously awakening us to the awe and wonder of the Christmas story in our present time. 

Exodus 25:10-22 (ESV)

“They shall make an ark of acacia wo...

Our stories are part of God’s bigger story—a story of rescue, renewal, and hope. Jesus commissions His followers to go, teach, and baptize, making disciples of all nations. Peter reminds us to always be ready to share the reason for the hope within us. We don’t need to pressure or persuade—just proclaim. As we close the series, we are sent not just with a method, but with a mission: to bless the world in Jesus’ name. 

Matthew 28:16–...

After being healed by Jesus, the man set free from demons was sent to share his story—and he did, to great effect. Your story, too, matters. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—it just has to be real. The psalmist says, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for me.” This week empowers us to reflect on our own stories of God’s faithfulness and share them naturally with others. 

Mark 5:1-20 (ESV)

They came t...

The Good Samaritan didn’t ignore suffering—he got involved. True love is active, interruptible, and sacrificial. In Micah, God calls us not to grand gestures but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. As we follow Jesus, we learn to slow down, notice others, and respond with compassion. Blessing our neighbors means moving toward pain with courage and grace. 

Luke 10:25-37 (ESV)

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the tes...

In God’s kingdom, greatness is defined by serving. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve—and He calls us to do the same. Paul reminds us that freedom in Christ expresses itself in love through service. Serving others doesn’t require a title or a platform—it just takes eyes to see and a heart ready to respond. This week encourages us to take action and meet real needs in real time. 

Matthew 20:20-28 (ESV)

Then the mother of the...

Jesus revealed Himself to the two disciples not in the classroom or temple, but around the table. In Acts, we see the early church living out this rhythm—breaking bread together with joy and generosity. This week, we reflect on how God still works through simple, shared meals to build community, deepen discipleship, and reveal His presence among us. 

 Luke 24:28-35 (ESV)

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He a...

Jesus didn’t just tolerate people—He welcomed them, especially those society ignored. When He called Matthew and dined with sinners, He did so after first noticing, listening, and drawing near. Listening creates space for relationships. James teaches that listening is essential to godly living—quick to hear, slow to speak. In our divided world, listening like Jesus can open doors the loudest arguments never could. 

Matthew 9:9–13 (E...

The table was one of Jesus’ most consistent ministry tools. Meals were sacred spaces where outsiders became insiders, and strangers became friends. Eating together remains one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to build trust and show hospitality. As Paul encourages us to “practice hospitality” and “share with God’s people in need,” we’re reminded that the dinner table is often where blessing begins.

 Luke 5:27–32 (ESV)

After th...

Before healing, Jesus listened. He stopped, asked questions, and responded with compassion. Listening is more than being quiet—it’s an act of love that makes others feel seen and valued. In a noisy, opinion-filled world, true listening stands out. This week reminds us that to bless someone, we must be willing to listen with both ears and our full hearts. 

Luke 18:35–43 (ESV)

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the ...

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He gave them a vision not just for God’s kingdom “up there” but for transformation “down here.” Prayer is how we align with God’s purposes in our neighborhoods and world. Paul reminds Timothy that we are to pray for all people—because God’s desire is for all to be saved. We’re called to pray with boldness and specificity—for our neighbors, workplaces, and cities. 

Matthew 6:5–13 (ESV)

“And whe...