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 immi...

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 4:29–3...

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—...

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...

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, sayin...