Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them to do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that for you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:27-38)

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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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