Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not rely on your own understanding … it will be healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.” (Proverbs 3:5,8)

Two weeks ago, Aug. 2, the Omaha World-Herald carried a story from the New York Times under the headline: “Stressed-out clergy on call 24/7 in need of own Sabbath day.” The article articulated that clergy health has been declining in this last decade and that the stresses are adding tremendous physical challenges to the work of ministry. “The findings have surfaced with regularity over the past few years and with little notice: Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension, and depression at rates higher than most Americans.” While this is not surprising to any of us who are serving in ministry, the goodness of this article was that it reminded our society of how important it is for all to practice healthy lifestyles. The focus of this particular article talked about the need for Sabbath … a day of rest and re-creation.

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Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.” (Mark 9:41)

They simply gave themselves… and it made a huge difference!

They took time, made the effort, worked hard, shared… and now a community of faith is renewed in hope, alive for the sake of others.
Relationships were born, faith was lifted.

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Bishop Dave deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.” (Luke 2:40)

A 17-year-old boy lay in a hospital bed dying because of leukemia. His father was there at the bedside. Through the years, he had given that boy “everything” … a home, comforts, education, a variety of experience, and luxuries … but in that sober hour, his son needed something more.

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