Lent 2022: Sin

Editor’s Note: Lent is a season of personal reflection. As Advent provides a time to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Lent offers us time to reflect on our sin, and the need for our Savior’s death and resurrection on the cross.

This year, our weekly reflections will focus on the mercy of God. In His goodness, God has displayed mercy towards us from the start. He knew sin would enter the world and created a means to have right-standing with Him. In the coming weeks, we will spend time remembering God’s mercy and His pursuit of us—from our sinfulness and need, to the institution of sacrifices for the Israelites, culminating with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. God has been always kind, always just, always loving, always merciful.

This week we focus on sin. To understand the depth of God’s mercy, we must also understand the weight of our sin.

Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,

    or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;

but your iniquities have made a separation

    between you and your God,

and your sins have hidden his face from you

    so that he does not hear.

For your hands are defiled with blood

    and your fingers with iniquity;

your lips have spoken lies;

    your tongue mutters wickedness.

No one enters suit justly;

    no one goes to law honestly;

they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies,

    they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.

They hatch adders' eggs;

    they weave the spider's web;

he who eats their eggs dies,

    and from one that is crushed a viper is hatched.

Their webs will not serve as clothing;

    men will not cover themselves with what they make.

Their works are works of iniquity,

    and deeds of violence are in their hands.

Their feet run to evil,

    and they are swift to shed innocent blood;

their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity;

    desolation and destruction are in their highways.

The way of peace they do not know,

    and there is no justice in their paths;

they have made their roads crooked;

    no one who treads on them knows peace.

Therefore justice is far from us,

    and righteousness does not overtake us;

we hope for light, and behold, darkness,

    and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.

We grope for the wall like the blind;

    we grope like those who have no eyes;

we stumble at noon as in the twilight,

    among those in full vigor we are like dead men.

We all growl like bears;

    we moan and moan like doves;

we hope for justice, but there is none;

    for salvation, but it is far from us.

For our transgressions are multiplied before you,

    and our sins testify against us;

for our transgressions are with us,

    and we know our iniquities:

transgressing, and denying the Lord,

    and turning back from following our God,

speaking oppression and revolt,

    conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.

Isaiah 59:1-13

Reflect:

1. Reflect on the shift in this passage on those committing transgressions from second/third person (you/they) to first person (we/us). Who do you think about when you read verses criticizing “transgressors,” “sinners,” etc.? Is it ever yourself?

2. Timothy Keller says that the gospel message of Christianity is “We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Why is it so critical to the core of Christianity that we realize sin dwells in “me” and is not just something that “those bad people do?”

3. Later, the apostle Paul says, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). What does the Isaiah 59 passage portray as the results of sin and iniquity? How could those things be equated to a spiritual, relational, or physical “death?”

4. The next part of the Romans 6:23 verse proclaims, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What is the difference between “wages” and a “gift?” How does the Isaiah 59 passage depict our need for someone outside of ourselves to help us in our sinful state?

Additional reading: James 1:14-15; Romans 1:29-31; Romans 5:12-14; Ephesians 2:1-3

Lent 2022: Mercy

Editor’s Note: Lent is a season of personal reflection. As Advent provides a time to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Lent offers us time to reflect on our sin, and the need for our Savior’s death and resurrection on the cross.

This year, our weekly reflections will focus on the mercy of God. In His goodness, God has displayed mercy towards us from the start. He knew sin would enter the world and created a means to have right-standing with Him. In the coming weeks, it is our hope that we each spend time remembering God’s mercy and His pursuit of us—from our sinfulness and need, to the institution of sacrifices for the Israelites, culminating with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. God has been always kind, always just, always loving, always merciful. 

Mercy

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Reflect: “Mercy” is defined* as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.” When we talk about God's mercy, it is easy to focus on the high standards of a holy God that require mercy to be extended, and that is necessary and right, but we cannot neglect to reflect on what we are given instead because of the kindness of God and His love for us. God’s mercy never runs out on us.

How have you seen His steadfast love and mercies renewed each morning for you?

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But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7

Reflect: Have you ever tried to save yourself by “works done in righteousness?” When did you come to realize that your salvation comes from God’s mercy? How does that change how you view your sin and your thoughts towards God?  

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But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:4-7

Reflect: Why do you think mercy and love seem to go hand-in-hand in each of these passages? In what ways has God shown His rich mercy—throughout the Bible, history, and your own life? What can you do in response to His rich mercy throughout this Lenten season?

Additional reading: Psalm 51:1

*Definition taken from the Oxford Languages Dictionary on Google.

All verses quoted are from the English Standard Version (ESV) translation of the Bible.

Advent 2021: Christ

God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.

Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day

to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.

Oh tidings of comfort and joy!

Our Christ has come! The Greek word Christos, which we’ve translated as Christ, literally means Anointed One. Jesus, the Anointed One, has come.

A key ingredient in the sacred anointing oil used at the temple was myrrh, the very gift that the wise men gave to Jesus when they visited the one the star had led them to see. This holy oil was only to be used on priests—those in service to God—not on “ordinary people.”1 (Exodus 30:22-33) Did the wise men know they were offering the anointing oil to the Anointed One? What does it mean to be the Anointed One, the Christ? 

Only two types of people were anointed: priests, as mentioned above, and kings. Jesus was anointed as both our high priest2 (Hebrews 5:5-10) and our king3 (Matthew 2:2). To what purpose was Jesus anointed as king and high priest?

When Jesus first starts His ministry, recorded in Luke 4, He reads from Isaiah 61:1-2 and 42:7.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

    because he has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives

    and recovering of sight to the blind,

    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

Jesus, the Christ, came to set all things right and to free us from being bound by sin and Satan’s power. This truly is something in which we can take comfort and joy. Jesus Christ was born to save us all from Satan’s power while we were still blind from sin. As our high priest, He offered the ultimate sacrifice to atone for our sins once and for all. As our king, He leads us into an everlasting peace, and His perfect kingdom will never cease. He is our high priest and our king forever.

Lord, I pray that we may remember the hope we have in the Anointed One beyond this Christmas season and in our daily lives. May we put Christ on the throne as our king, and may we go to Christ as our priest in our trials. Thank you for rescuing us from sin and leading us in the way everlasting. To you be all glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

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1. Exodus 30:22-33-- The Lord said to Moses, “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony, and the table and all its utensils, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils and the basin and its stand. You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them will become holy. You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations. It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you. Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.’”

2. Hebrews 5:5-10-- So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

3. Matthew 2:2-- saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Advent 2021: Love

Truly he taught us to love one another;

His law is love and his gospel is peace.

Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

This week in our Advent reflections, we turn to Love.

We all know someone, or maybe are that someone, who cannot wait for Christmas. No waiting until after Thanksgiving, all decorations and warm fuzzies are out the moment the temperature begins to drop. There are many things to love about the Christmas season. Maybe its spending time with the people you care about most, or it’s the trappings of Christmas you love—decorating, gift selecting, creating a feast—that set your hospitality-gifted heart on fire. Maybe you just love a good, easily predictable Hallmark Christmas movie.

Or maybe this time of year conjures up images of that green Grinch. Someone you’re in line behind at the store (or you, yourself) acts more like Scrooge as Christmas nears than Buddy the Elf. The past two years have been heavy. You’re dealing with struggle and hardship—this is not where you wanted to be. You’re wondering where God is in the midst of whatever it is you’re facing. Within your heart, everything about Christmas feels so very far from love.

I take comfort in knowing that God knew these days from before time. He knew the broken world He was sending His perfect Son into to be born of a virgin. He knew this decision would eventually lead to Jesus’ atoning death on the cross for our sins. He also knew that we would be sitting here at the end of 2021, after 21 months of a global pandemic, years of political vitriol, and decades of racial injustice, among other weighty matters.

I love how simply, but profoundly, Russ Ramsey puts it in his book, The Advent of the Lamb of God: “Only divine love makes sense of the world.” Think about this. There is absolutely nothing we can do in this world, no love we can find, no love we can give apart from Christ that could ever make sense of this world.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16

So loved. Not “liked,” not merely “tolerated,” not “thought was pretty okay.” Take a minute this Christmas Eve to reflect that God sent Jesus to this Earth because He loves us more than we could ever hope to grasp. God loves me. God loves you. And He sent His one and only perfect Son on a rescue mission fueled by love to save us.

And it is through that love poured out in our own lives, we can in turn, as we abide in and are filled by Christ, pour out on a world desperately in need of divine love. This love was not meant to be kept to ourselves.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15: 12-14

Do you need to be reminded this Christmas that you are dearly loved by the Savior of the world? If so, spend some time reflecting on His love for you.

Recognizing that divine, perfect love you’ve received, how can you show love to this world?

Dear Jesus, may we remember your arrival as a baby is not just a feel-good story; it signifies the start of the greatest love story this world has ever known. May we live with that Truth deep in our souls and share it with a world deeply in need of True Love. Amen

Advent 2021: Joy

Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!

Let Earth receive her King.

We’ll sing those celebratory words soon. And mentally, I add “Joy to the World, the Lord will come again!” That is our hope.

As we wait during this Advent to once again mark the birth of Jesus, we also anticipate a future time when He will come in glory and restore all things, a time where He will have ultimate triumph over evil, sickness, and death.

I can be a melancholy person and so, for me, I have to work at joy. I have to try to be more intentional about finding the joy and enjoying the moment, seeing God’s goodness right now, laughing and relaxing, and pausing to breathe in happiness right now. 

You may think this is weird, but I have written notes about what music I want played at my funeral, and one of the songs is called “Joy in the Morning.” A couple of years ago, I decided that the only chance I had of having that song actually performed at my funeral is if I made sure my kids all knew the song, so I ordered the sheet music, and our family learned it and sang it together.

The text of that song echoes promises in Revelation and Isaiah, that the earth and humanity will be restored.

Isaiah 35 1-7 says “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.”

Are your hands tired? Are your knees weak?  Be encouraged. Rejoice. God will give you strength.

I hope that each of us can anticipate the announcement of Jesus’ birth with pure joy—the joy of a child on Christmas morning, the joy of a parent seeing a newborn for the first time, the joy of knowing that eventually all will be made well because the Savior has come.

This week as we inch closer to Christmas Day, I challenge you to find a time each day to pause and truly enjoy something miraculous that is happening right before your eyes. Linger in the moment and thank God for what you are enjoying.

Ask God to speak to you about what joy you are missing and how to turn your attention more fully to the joy He sends each day.

And if you are a singer, like I am, join with heaven and nature as they sing Joy to the World, because the Lord really has come.

Dear God, the Lord has come and we should be filled with joy that Your glory is around us and available to us, but we are missing it and the darkness sometimes drives our joy away. Help us this Advent season to reclaim the joy that You provide as we anticipate with childlike excitement the announcement of Jesus’ birth.  Help us to see Your presence and to rejoice in it each day. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray, Amen.

Advent 2021: Peace

“The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned…”

Isaiah 9:2

When we walk in darkness, we fumble and grasp for something to hold onto, looking for any sliver of light to lead us, guide us, and help us find our way. This year, I feel as though I come weary and limping into the Advent season. The heaviness and brokenness of the world we live in weighs on me. The brokenness, division, and disunity I see within the Church breaks my heart. The brokenness I see in myself, how often I mess up, fall short, disappoint those I love, and don’t reflect Jesus the way I want to. Everything just feels broken, heavy, dark, and I’m grasping for the light. 

And so, we light the Advent candle of peace today—and we wait.

We yearn and search for peace. God feels silent. We feel lost. We’re overwhelmed—burned out. Fear cripples us. Worry is our constant companion. We try meditation, self-care, setting intentions, vacations. We sedate, medicate, placate—all to find some relief from the heaviness of life. And while at times those things may be helpful and even necessary, there is only one source that can offer us true peace, Jesus, our Prince of Peace—my Prince of Peace.

And as the candle here offers a flicker of light in this great room, it only takes a flicker of His light to break through, pierce the darkness, and lead us home to Jesus, the light and source of true peace. 

“For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

His light fills the cracks in my broken heart, infusing a peace that surpasses all understanding. His peace replaces the fear with trust, my worries with His promises. 

Emmanuel has come. God is WITH us.

Because He is with me, I will not be afraid.

Because He is with me, I will not be shaken.

Because He is with me, His peace surrounds and comforts me.

Because He is with me, I can rejoice.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9

We still wait—for His second coming, for Him to establish His kingdom and restore all things.  But we should not wait passively. We can talk with Jesus, linger in His presence, allow His Holy Spirit to lead us. We can extend His peace and hope to others – offering Jesus as the light to the darkness. His with-ness allows us to bear witness to others the peace and joy that can be found even in the midst of pain and suffering. We can remind one another of His promises, found in His word. 

His peace is with me—His peace is with you—because the Lord is near. Emmanuel has come. So let us, this weary world, rejoice!

What areas of my life do I need His peace?

How have I felt His nearness lately?

How can I share His peace with others?

Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Emmanuel, God with us. When Your love came down, light broke through the darkness. Your nearness and with-ness allow us to withstand the storms of life, grounding our faith with Your supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding. When the weight of this world overwhelms us, or our circumstances feel out of control, may we run to You, Jesus, and not to the temporary band-aids this world offers. May we allow You to hold us, comfort us, and heal us with Your perfect love, which casts out all fear. Let us offer Him the rags of our sin and brokenness and allow Him to clothe us with His righteousness through Jesus. May we no longer walk in the shame of our failures and shortcomings, but may we walk in this world as Your beloved and dance to the songs You sing over us. Oh, Prince of Peace, be our Peace at Christmas, and always.  Amen.

Advent 2021: Hope

O come, O come, Immanuel,

and ransom captive Israel

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

Imagine having a mentor and friend who is determined to keep you on the right path.  For years, they spent time with you, listened, nurtured you and gave rock-solid advice.  They knew your deepest secrets and still made you feel loved and accepted. They were present in good times and in the bad and provided comfort and peace as only they could. If they knew they wouldn’t be around for any period of time, they sent someone – someone you could also trust – in their absence.  You never felt alone or lost. Then, one day, they disappeared.  You left voicemails, texted, emailed, and even dropped by their house.  All possible ways of reaching them resulted in the same thing – dead silence.  You trusted this person so deeply and you were ghosted. You wondered what you did wrong.  Maybe you even wondered if they were just pretending to have your best interests at heart.

In ancient times, the Israelites had God’s presence with them for thousands of years, whether His physical manifestation or an anointed prophet.  The Israelites had suffered through a division of the nation, multiple invasions from foreign tribes, and were eventually exiled from their home. He promised he would send a Deliverer and, over the centuries, the Israelites were reminded of that hope whenever their focus turned to earthly things or the troubles of the day:

Isaiah 7:13 - Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Micah 5:2 - But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.

Suddenly, God went silent. Wars and invasions assaulted them from every side, and the silence continued for 400 years. To put this into perspective, the pilgrims celebrated their first harvest festival with the Native Americans 400 years ago in 1621. Consider the number of generations and events that have passed since then. The Israelites had to wait and hope in the silence for deliverance.

As Christians, we are also waiting – waiting and hoping for His promised return and restoration of all that is broken. We have the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us and, for more than 2000 years, we still wait.

Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful

1 Peter 1:13 - Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Advent is a season of preparation and focus on the coming of Christ.  As we reflect on the birth of Christ and its profound impact on humanity, let’s consider the hope that we have. God sent His promised Deliverer though Israel had to wait a long time and it wasn’t what they expected.

Reflect on the times when God sent you the deliverance or help you needed but it was in a manner or timing you didn’t expect. How does this bring you hope in this Christmas season and for the future?

I'm Thankful for... Week 3

As we are in our current sermon series for the month of November, “Thank you for _____, A Journey Through the Psalms of Thanksgiving” and approach Thanksgiving, we want to set our minds on gratitude. This is the final week of “I’m thankful for…” posts. Read on to hear what members of our Riverbend community are thankful for at this time.

“This season, I’m thankful for every morning I’m able to open my eyes to receive God’s undeserving mercy, grace, and love. I’m also thankful for my loving family and friends.”

Liz Bell

“When I take time to reflect on my day, my life, the lives of our family and others, it is clear that God has freely given so many undeserved gifts, blessings and lessons in both the big things and the daily details. I do not have the words to express my immeasurable thankfulness to Him, so I choose to try to live my life as a living thank you note.”

Laura Cotes

“I’m thankful for my husband and beautiful girls. I’m thankful for this church community, and how helping my husband in full time ministry has grown my walk with the Lord. I’m thankful that I will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my sister this year— something we have only been able to do once since 2009!

Samantha Dean

I am so thankful for how this community has rallied around my family and I as we journey through cancer. The notes of encouragement, the unexpected meal, the random gift card in the mail; all of it has made this journey less challenging. While cancer has challenged and grown our faith, our Riverbend family brought much joy amidst the adversity. We reflect on Psalm 16 and remain thankful for His perfect, healing presence.”

Michael De Selm

“I am thankful for Keith Kaeppel and his efforts towards the teen group he has been working with.”

Xander De Selm    

“I am thankful for my beautiful wife, Rebecca. She is such a loving, caring, kind, and wonderful wife and mother. She is a blessing to my boys and me. We are most thankful for her.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

Proverbs 31:10 NIV”

Ryan Geoffroy

“I am thankful for my amazing wife and my two special sons. I am truly blessed with such a wonderful family. I am also very grateful for our church. It is a tremendous community, and it’s a blessing to see God at work as He continues to grow and refine each of us. I am also beyond thankful and in awe of the work our Lord completed on the cross, so we could be reconciled to Him.”

Brian Harris

“I am thankful for my rockstar husband and our two little boys, who each teach me so much, push me to grow and encourage me every day. I’m thankful for community, and the way this church “one anothers” each other in the good and in the hard. And I’m thankful for one perfect, immutable God who loves us and is faithful to complete the work He started.”

Erin Harris

“I am thankful for ideas jotted down on paper napkins. And warm tea on cold days. That God paints a new sky every morning and evening. That we don’t need to form words or thoughts to say a prayer. I’m thankful for things like grocery pick up. And rainy days. And trees going dormant, reminding us that rest is essential and a God-given rhythm. I’m thankful for family tickle fights and toddler belly laughs. And friends. And music. And mint chocolate ice cream. And for a God who knows my heart and gives me an undercurrent of joy, and reminds me to hope, even on days when I’m less than thankful.”

Grace Ross

I'm Thankful for... Week 2

As we continue our sermon series for the month of November, “Thank you for _____, A Journey Through the Psalms of Thanksgiving” and approach Thanksgiving, we want to set our minds on gratitude. Read on to hear what members of our Riverbend community are thankful for at this time. And if you haven’t shared your own response, click here to submit yours!

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Empathy. Patience. Endurance. Strength. Wisdom. None of these grow out of circumstances where I get what I want, when and how I want it. These qualities often develop out of uncomfortable, if not painful, situations. I am thankful for the mixed blessing of adversity. Even if a particular chapter in life becomes ugly, there is a hope and an understanding that God can and will teach me important lessons in these circumstances.”

Sonia Albright

“As we head into the holidays, I’ve been reflecting on and thankful for our Emmanuel - God With Us. In addition, I’m so thankful for an amazing husband and family, a job that give me purpose and provides, and to be very close to finishing grad school!”

Katie Casamassa

“I am thankful for our church pastors and elders as they shepherd and lead our church toward Jesus! I am thankful for good deep friendships, children to raise, and the (few) quiet moments I get to reflect on God's goodness! I am also thankful for leftover Halloween candy, for what that's worth. :-)”

Christy Hanna

“I am thankful for everything. I know that might sound like I am being sarcastic or facetious, but at the core of that statement is deep trust in God. I’ve seen His favor, kindness, and compassion in every area of my life. And yes, the hardships in my life are very hard, but it’s when I can see God working the most, when I can hear Him the loudest, and feel His peace and comfort in tangible ways, and so again, I am thankful for it all. It goes without saying, that I am thankful for my family, my husband, children, friends, and church…they inspire, motivate, and influence me in ways only they can and for that I am grateful. Happy Thanksgiving, all.” 

Kyle Lara

“I'm very grateful for my family and friends in my life. I’m also beyond grateful for having a job with some amazing bosses—they are my second family. Blessing y'all for a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!”

Julia Larkin

“I’m thankful for the ability to read God's Word to learn about Him and for opportunities to serve alongside the church. I’m thankful for music, dancing, and fun times with family. I’m also thankful for good conversation, hospitality, and time spent with friends.”

Tabitha Lewis

“I’m thankful for God and the stuffies and the room and everything and my bed and my books and my mirrors!”

Abigail McDaniel

“I’m thankful for Love (favorite stuffed animal).”

Kaitlin McDaniel

“I am thankful for my wife, Amy, and my son, Ray. They bring so much joy to my life. I am also thankful for Riverbend community and the ways they display living for Jesus and loving the Valley and world.”

Pastor Joe Velarde

I'm Thankful for... Week 1

As we enter our sermon series for the month of November, “Thank you for _____, A Journey Through the Psalms of Thanksgiving” and approach Thanksgiving, we want to set our minds on gratitude. Read on to hear what members of our Riverbend community are thankful for at this time. And if you haven’t shared your own response, click here to submit yours!

“I'm thankful for the promise that God "redeems your life from the pit" (Psalm 103:4). The unchangeable God changes us from season to season. That despair can turn to hope, sickness into health, frustration into thriving, the sinner into a child of God. Thank you, God, that with you our "weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5).” 

Drew Dolan

“I am thankful that I live in a global society, where I know about, can care about, and be cared for by people all over the world that God’s love is available to, and His church is active in every corner of His creation!  No matter where I go, it’s likely that I know somebody or at least have several degrees of connection that can be uncovered. For me that has happened recently in Seattle, Montana, and Haiti.  I’ve watched it happen to dear friends as they traversed the globe in Qatar and Kenya. I am reminded that I am never alone. God’s people are everywhere, so I have family to get to know wherever I go.”

Rebecca Escott

“Thankful for God's provision for all my needs and more. Thankful for God's unfailing promises. Lastly, incredibly thankful for my new husband and my small group for providing godly encouragement, support, and friendship. I have a lot to be thankful for. :)”

Ashley Gorla

“I’m thankful that I can pick up litter at church with Owen, for spending time with Mommy, and Daddy, and Owen; and I’m thankful for my toys.”

Ellis Harris

“I’m thankful for my family, that I can go out and see my garbage men each week, my toys, and that we can go to the beach in the summer.”

Owen Harris

“I’m thankful for my family.”

Kim LaScala

“I'm thankful for the lessons and strength I had this year. And for another beautiful blessing in my family to come!

Emerald Rainey

“I am very thankful for this thing called life. My dear family, my sweet, faithful friends, my pastors who bless me continually. Through trials and learning to trust. I love this life I've been given and the ones who walk beside me. Blessed!”

Monica Tramontina

A Wife Who Models Jesus!

“I am so thankful for my beautiful wife Andrea.  Each day for the past 8 years she has been a true reflection of Jesus.  To me and our three children, Andrea is giving, loving, serving, and self-sacrificing.  I’m overjoyed to be married to someone who walks with such grace and humility.  Her passion for building God’s kingdom in our home is inspiring.  This kind of love brings out the best in each of us—what an awesome gift from our Heavenly Father.” 

Jesse Velarde

Monica Tramontina: A Story about Planting... and Tending

Monica grew up as an only child in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her parents divorced when she was two, and growing up, she lived in modest housing and relished the connections with her Portuguese relatives. When she was 12, her father came back into her life for several years, asking her mother to move to Florida and to try to reconcile.

It was while in Florida that Monica’s Christian faith story really unfolded in a transforming way. Thanks to a persistent invitation from a friend to go to the “Ranch,” a Christian youth gathering, Monica learned that you didn’t have to work your way to heaven.  She accepted the Lord’s gift of salvation and was supported in significant ways by the youth leaders Mike and Kaye Otto.  This immersion in Christian community gave Monica a new frame of reference for how people should treat one another.  As an emboldened teen, she announced to her mother that she was no longer willing to live in the house where her dad was regularly verbally and emotionally abusive.  She declared, “I’m leaving with or without you!”  Shortly after this declaration, adults from the youth ministry moved Monica and her mom out of the house while her dad was at work.

Because of the accumulated memories of hurt and destructive behavior, Monica did not want any contact with her dad.  She worked intentionally to not be connected for many years.

In contrast, the connection with the Ottos positively impacted her life and direction. She attended Florida Bible College and met her first husband Don there.  They felt called to church planting and served as church planters throughout their marriage, first planting Crossings Community Church in Bucks County when they were in their 20s, then a church in Nova Scotia, and finally the Heritage Bible Fellowship Church in the Poconos in the early 90s.  With each call came some challenges. The first involved her dad. 

As they headed to Nova Scotia with their two young children, her husband asked her, “Do you think if we’re going to share the love of Jesus with people, you might want to forgive your dad?”  Monica had held on to anger and pain for many years and this question was a powerful one—one that she didn’t really want to face.  Eventually, that question led to a lunch and then, shortly before his death, a meaningful phone conversation during which Monica was able to say to her dad, “I love you.”  Monica shares that this kind of transformation was only possible by God’s strength and His ministry of grace.

Another challenge involved a very difficult realization around one of their church plants. The team Don and Monica were assigned to was just not a good match for them.  Rather than seeing the diversity and energy that they brought to the ministry, the others worked deliberately to squash, quiet, and squeeze them into a mold that God had not designed for them.   Monica remembers asking, “What are you going to do if we’re really ourselves?”  Those real selves, thankfully, were asked to come back home to Pennsylvania to re-evaluate and find a better place to serve.

Shortly after they began their ministry in the Poconos, both Monica and Don were diagnosed with serious health problems.  Don’s brain tumor would ultimately take his life 11 years after the diagnosis. Monica would undergo many, many surgeries.  Layered on top of the physical challenges were bouts of anxiety and depression.  It took a pointed conversation between her physician and her husband (who was not comfortable with taking medicines for mental health symptoms) to get Monica a treatment plan that allowed her to function. While worry was a common companion for Monica, God has taught her to trust the truth in Matthew 6:25-33, especially “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

God has continually tended to Monica—her anxieties, her questions, her needs. She reflects that she had always struggled to trust God about money issues and those concerns became heightened when her husband became ill, but God was faithful.  With example after example of supportive co-workers and friends from other churches, and even in the timing of a new job, God showed His tending provision for her and her family. 

What Monica didn’t know at the time of these trials, but was part of God’s plan for her future, was that a fellow teacher, Mark Tramontina, was walking a similar journey.  His wife had been battling cancer with long hospital stays and difficult declines. Mark’s wife died 5 days after Monica’s husband.  Monica and Mark would first grieve together and later fall in love. They married in 2005.

Monica and her husband, Mark.

Monica recognizes how her life experiences have enabled her to be specially attuned to others who may be asking, “How can I do this?”  Monica currently finds joy and purpose in stepping in to help families with young children.  She knows how difficult it is to ask for help, and she has been the recipient of unsolicited, life-sustaining gifts of assistance, so she finds herself regularly stepping in to provide relief to Riverbend families, neighbors, and to her own children and grandchildren.

She is able to remind a worried friend that while something might happen in the future, “It’s not today,” and today is what we need to focus on for now.  She also reminds exhausted parents, “This isn’t forever. It’s for right now.”  One group of caregivers that she has a special heart for are the parents of children with special needs.  You may know Monica as the local coordinator of Riverbend’s Night to Shine Prom.  Her efforts with this national event are inspired by her unique love for Levi, one of her grandchildren. Levi, who is now six, was born early, weighing 1 lb, 10 oz. at 23 weeks gestation.  He has cerebral palsy. Monica describes him as “the happiest boy you’ll ever meet.” 

Monica with her grandson, Levi.

For her entire life, God has planted her in specific places for specific purposes and has tended her.  And all those experiences have prepared her to both plant and tend the people who are now a part of her life.  It’s a role she is stepping into more fully in retirement, and it’s likely that you will be a recipient of that tending if you spend any time at Riverbend!  I know I have.

Victoria Maxwell: A Young Woman Living with 4:13 Power

When I anticipated getting to know Victoria Maxwell, I had Samuel’s encounter with David as a young man in mind (1 Samuel 16). I didn’t know what the conversation would be like.  I was prepared for a short “Spark notes” kind of experience.  Instead, I got a page-turner with chapter after chapter, much more than a person might expect from a just-turned-20-year-old.

Victoria is adopted, and she lived with her mom, Connie Maxwell, and dad in Tennessee until she was 15.  As a sophomore in high school, she and her mom moved to Breinigsville to live with and take care of her grandmother, as her grandmother experienced increasing needs caused by dementia.  My first introduction to Victoria was seeing her singing on the worship team one Sunday morning, but I learned that her worship leading started years before that. As a young teen, she and two friends formed “The Worship Project” and performed at church events and community festivals. She loved leading worship and the churches and festival goers loved having her lead.

Riverbend’s Adam Pinto is Victoria’s cousin and is part of the reason that she and her mom worship with us.  At holidays and during summer vacation when Victoria was a child, the Maxwells would often worship at Riverbend as visitors.  Victoria grew up in a Methodist church with an aging congregation and a traditional music routine.  She loved the sense of welcome that she received when she attended Riverbend.  When they moved to the Lehigh Valley, she and her mom settled on Riverbend because of its welcoming, “no judgment,” move-to-the-music style of worship.  Unlike some other places, she never felt like she was a disgrace.

One of Victoria’s early tests of faith came at a community youth event in Tennessee where she realized that, although she and her peers were putting on a good show for the public, they were dealing with significant, difficult issues on the inside. At the time, her parents were deciding to divorce and she was dealing with painful experiences.  At this particular retreat, she had the opportunity to stand and see that she wasn’t alone in those challenges.  It was one of many times when her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” came to life for her.

Another “I can do all things” season came as she graduated from Parkland High School and contemplated her next steps. College?  Work? Something else? The “something else” turned out to be a decision to serve as a short-term volunteer on a Mercy Ship.  Victoria had been introduced to Mercy Ships several years earlier when she met Zodi, a member of a family who served with Mercy Ships. The family was visiting Bethann Miller. Zodi was from Ethiopia, and Victoria felt an immediate connection to her because Victoria’s best friend in Tennessee had also been adopted from Ethiopia.  This friendship planted seeds, which grew into an idea when Victoria was looking for a “next step” after high school. During her senior year she had been praying, asking God where He wanted her to be.  Several people kept asking about an experience with Mercy Ships, and one night when she was working a shift at Chick-Fil-A that she didn’t normally work, she got confirmation that she should apply. As she brought a meal to a family, they were praying. Taking a Philippians 4:13 step, she asked if she could join them in their prayer.  She ended up talking with them for an extended time about mission opportunities and Christian college. During this encounter, this anonymous family prayed over her. Soon after, she applied and was accepted for a 6-month service assignment, beginning January 2020. Victoria reflected, “People here exaggerate what Africa is like.  They say it is terrible; people are malnourished; it’s a third world continent.  That may be true, but people are happy!  They may be working three jobs and living in a little apartment, but they are happy.  They have smiles.  They show up for work (maybe not on time 😊 African time is different than our time in the U.S.!). As long as you are respectful of them, they are respectful of you.  They welcome us into their homes. They feed us. It was amazing to be a part of that community.”

Victoria’s Mercy Ship Galley Team

As we all know, 2020 did not go as any of us planned, and that was true for Victoria as well. Her service time—working in the galley, preparing food for the medical teams and patients at a port in Senegal—ended up being three months instead of six months. Being out of country as COVID spread was a scary experience for Victoria, one that again required that she tap into God’s provided Philippians 4:13 power. At first, the ship was locked down. Although the ministry was able to make accommodations for some of the day crew workers to stay, it was determined the best course of action for Victoria was to make her way back to the United States.  This was a challenging time, going through airports that were more like ghost towns, watching boards update flights with cancellations after cancellations, borrowing phones from strangers when hers died, just to reach her mom to let her know that she was still making progress toward Newark.  Looking back, Victoria said “Behind the scenes there were a million caring people watching out for me.”

Coming back from an international experience, especially one cut short by a pandemic, is not necessarily an easy homecoming.  It is usually followed by a time of mourning, and that was true for Victoria.  She needed to allow herself to be sad and to acknowledge all the loss she felt.  She misses her Mercy Ships community. They were always uplifting. She said it felt like “24/7 church camp.”  When she wrestled with faith issues, her team surrounded her and said “Let’s walk through it together. It felt like a hug all the time.”

This is just a recent chapter in a story of how God has been reaching Victoria.  While some people are captivated by studying the Bible, Victoria needed to be reached another way.  The rituals felt empty, but God found her through people.  He came alive to her in contemporary worship.  She reflects, “He brings people into my life that just make sense. He is always there, always there holding my hand. I’m always talking to God.  Sometimes when I’m singing or another person is singing, the sun will hit the window and you know it’s His presence. I know He is here.  He is like the Dad I never had.”

I asked her what the next chapter in her story might be.  She is currently studying photo journalism through University of New Hampshire online (an affordable option for college). She is also working at a horse farm, helping to care for the animals.  Smiling, she said she’s filthy and happy! Her vision of the future includes graduating with a 4.0, moving out of Pennsylvania and getting an apartment with her best friend, Libby.  She hopes to pursue a dream job of working for National Geographic.  Right now, as a self-taught photographer, she is trying her hand and testing her skills, capturing unique sights and sounds as her story unfolds. Clearly the seeds that have been planted and the early experiences are helping to shape the storyline yet to be told. In the meantime, life promises to be captured in a great light!

Victoria demonstrates her photographic skills capturing these moments with friends.

Victoria demonstrates her photographic skills capturing these moments with friends.

Victoria demonstrates her photographic skills capturing these moments with friends.

New Found Freedom

Dear sinner,

I hope you don’t mind me addressing you in that way, but I found it be a blessing when someone points out to me just who I am. I’ll get to that later.

This blank document stares back at me as I wonder where I could even begin to start to explain the things God has done in my life through His power, strength, compassion, and kindness. I guess admitting that I don’t deserve any of it after the things I’ve done is a good place to start, knowing that maybe the person reading this sometimes also might feel like a failure.

Grace.  A simple word with deep meaning that continues to show up in my daily life every morning. Here again, given to me, when I’ve done nothing to deserve it.  I think it manifests itself in that first deep breath as an awareness settles into my heart:  God loves me.  And the proof in that is that I’m here writing this to you right now.

Where are my manners?  Hi, I’m Kyle.  My friends call me Ky.  I’m a born-again Christian with a sin-soaked past. Even after being reborn, I struggle with sin, and, to be honest, I think most Christians do, but talking about it is really hard.  I hope by writing this, I kick down a few of those bricks that keep the wall of shame separating us.  We’re all human and more alike than we are different.  And I know, because of our humanity, there is something in your life that you wish there wasn’t.  Me, too.

I remember looking in the mirror and wondering how on earth God could “choose” someone like me.  It made no sense.  I knew little about the Bible.  I had a massive blind spot when it came to sin in my own life. And if I’m being truly honest, I took God’s forgiveness of sin for granted for a long time.

My relationship with God was always there—it never disappeared by any means—but when the pandemic hit, things felt confusing.  As a full-time working mom outside the home, my morning commute, AKA “my time spent with God,” disappeared.  I used that alone time to pray, to talk to Him, to hand over worries and fears, and to relax and rest in His presence.  I would use my lunch breaks to sit in my car and read the Bible. On my way home, I’d pray for strength to continue the work of a wife and mom and pray for the patience I would need upon entering the chaos that is the Lara household.  Once the world shut down and I was home every day, waking up in chaos because my routines went out the window, I was submersed in fear of Covid-19. I felt like I couldn’t hear His voice anymore. I started to cope with stress in unhealthy ways.

It’s here that I’d like to mention my relationship with alcohol.  Before the pandemic hit, I never would have even assumed I had a problem with drinking.  I would drink socially and responsibly. It wasn’t until the world embraced a life-altering pandemic, and I didn’t know how to cope with the fear and stress it brought into my life that it became a daily habit.  It is not that I would down an entire bottle of whiskey every night, but I was drinking every single evening. I also wouldn’t ever drink to excess—there was no blacking-out, vomiting, or alcohol poisoning—but in many ways it was worse. It was not at all obvious, in fact, it was very unnoticeable and even acceptable.

As soon as I started cooking dinner, I’d grab a hard seltzer. That first sip, unknowingly, was creating a reward system connection in my brain.  I made it through another day, cheers!  Some days, one was enough, on harder days, one could easily turn into four.  And here’s something about alcohol that is really warped: It doesn’t take away anxiety, it just delays it.  That delay showed up just in time for bed, and I found myself unable to sleep.  The things I stressed about in the day that seemingly disappeared as I drank my drinks would pop into my head the minute I would lay down.  The inability to sleep is debilitating.  Don’t worry, I fixed it: I added sleeping pills to the mix.

It’s so strange writing this all down because, although I’m standing on the other side of this, I’m only now realizing the depths of trouble and darkness I was in that God pulled me out of.  Taking inventory of His goodness brings me to tears.

Every story has a breaking point, right?  Here’s mine.  I went to visit friends whom I haven’t seen in nearly two years.  In celebration of seeing my childhood best friend, we of course had a few drinks.  The funny thing was, I was so careful about not overdoing it.  I had bottles of water between my drinks, and I had a stomach full of food.  What could go wrong?  I woke up the next morning with a headache from hell.  Literally. 

It was July 4th.  Our plans were to head to the pool, then spend the night at the baseball field watching a ball game followed by fireworks.  Waking up feeling like that instantly brought on the weight of shame, which masked itself by pretending I was okay. If you know the weight of holding shame, I’m sorry.  It’s a lot, and we were never meant to hold it.  I chugged water, took some Tylenol, and headed to the pool with a heavy heart and a fake smile.

I still had fun, but it wasn’t me.  It was not the vibrant, fun-loving, young-hearted, full-of-life Ky.  It was a subdued, forcing my way through, trying hard to be happy Ky.  And no offense, but she sucks and isn’t really all that great to be around.  And of course, after spending the day feeling like crap, the only normal thing to do would be to drink again that night.  Yep, the vicious cycle continued.  This time was different though.  I knew how awful that headache was that I had just experienced, and there was no way I would want to be in the car for three hours driving home the next morning with a hangover.  I limited myself to one drink.  It didn’t even taste good.

After coming home, I craved God.  I can’t explain it other than that, and I only know that feeling because it’s not the first time in my faith-walk that I’ve wandered away.  I felt so far from Him, but thankfully there are a few places where I know I can reach Him.  One place is Riverbend Community Church.  The service that was preached July 4th was recorded online, and so on Monday, July 5th, I sat down with a basket of laundry that needed to be folded and listened to a life-changing message by Pastor Chris Dean.  He spoke about a fractured life that had come to an unnecessary end because of addiction and an eye-opening awakening that he was living that same fractured life.  BOOM.  My heart recognized the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and I knew this message was meant for me at this time.

After hearing that message and buying the book that Pastor Chris suggested, my life has been incredibly different.  I'm now 15 days sober.  I haven’t had a sip of alcohol, and the sleeping pills are no longer needed.  If you’re thinking, “Wow, what an accomplishment”, you’re right… but I hope you realize that it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Jesus.  I mean, it’s the Gospel coming to life before your very eyes—a part of His story and His glory. And well, the fact that I get to be a part of it all makes me want to fall on my face in worship, which I do, daily, in place of my hard-seltzer habit.

In the book, John Elmore writes, “It is Christ’s will to eradicate sin and addiction from the church, and He will sanctify His bride, one person at a time, one struggle at a time, and one day at a time.” And this truth is found in Ephesians 5:25-27.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Listen, amidst the year 2020 when the pandemic was at its height, as well as my stress and fear, I tried going a day or two without alcohol and felt really proud of myself, but it was so difficult and tiresome as my mind was constantly thinking about that drink in the back fridge waiting for me after a long day.  And after that day or two would pass, I rewarded myself with double the amount I’d typically drink.  To say I’m 15 days sober is almost unbelievable, but I know it’s possible because I brought Jesus into the fight against what was made to destroy me.  And in true God-fashion, He took what was meant for my harm and turned it into something good.  Freedom.

I’ve since started a sober-living journal where I am able to write out my feelings, thoughts, struggles, and temptations as I confess to God that I can’t do another 24 hours without alcohol without His strength.  It’s my little book packed with confession, surrender, thanksgiving, and—most of all—hope for a future where I keep God first always.

There is no way I’d want to end this without telling you that this is not just me and God doing this work together.  It’s all God and then some.  God has brought the people into my life that are encouraging and keep me accountable.  He has given me a husband who is supportive and understanding.  He has given me children who deserve a present mom, not a hungover one.  He has given me a community of believers who want to see me succeed in what God has for me.  And He has given me the heart to recognize His faithfulness in my life, so that when I do mess up, I will remember that it’s in my weakness that His strength can carry me on to begin again.  One day at a time.

Special thanks to Pastor Chris for sharing his struggle and the book, Freedom Starts Today by John Elmore, which has been life-altering, and to Riverbend Community Church for not only preaching the Gospel but living it out as they walk alongside the ones who are willing.  From one sinner with struggles to another, I am forever changed because of the way Jesus loves you.  It’s His love in you that has overflowed from your heart right into mine.

A sinner with a Savior,

Ky

Letting the Light In: Bethann Miller's Story

Letting the Light in—Bethann’s Story

While many of us may know Bethann Miller as a woman of leadership in the church, a counselor, and the co-founder of Safe Place Ministry, what you may not know is the story of her life that has helped to shape who she is and how she serves.   

Bethann began attending Riverbend Community Church with her husband, Tom, in 2012 when they moved to the Lehigh Valley. Since then, Bethann has served our community in numerous ways, having previously led the women’s ministry, counseled many in the church, and is currently on the teaching team for Sunday mornings.  Throughout Bethann’s life, God’s presence, love and faithfulness have always been her foundations.  Even as a young child, she has a recollection of His presence in her life.  Although there were times when she questioned that love and faithfulness, and even pushed it away, Bethann recalls that especially during those times, He still remained.

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8  

Bethann’s mother, a member of a convent, left that life to marry her father. As a young child, she remembers attending Folk Mass through the Catholic church and later the Jesus movement of the 1970’s with her mother. This is where the foundation of her faith was laid. 

Bethann recalls several miraculous events in her life where Christ’s power and presence was undeniable.  One such event was when she attended a Women Aglow event with her mom and the speaker talked about Jesus opening the eyes of the blind.  Hearing this impacted Bethann deeply, as she had a degenerative eye disease since birth and doctors had determined there was no restoring it.  But that night, Jesus spoke directly to her through this speaker.  When the speaker asked if anyone needed to be healed of their eyesight issues, she came forward right away.  From that day forward, Bethann no longer needed any intervention to correct her eyesight. It was clear that God had a plan for her life and that she was His.

As a child, Bethann was very excited about her relationship with Christ.  She recalls friends wanting to play sports with her, but before she would agree, they had to listen to her share the gospel.  She had a tract about the end times and the rapture.  She would preach that her peers would repent and be saved so that they would go to heaven.  Only after listening to what she had to tell them, would she agree to play with them.   

Unfortunately, as she moved into the early teenage years, she began to harden her heart.  Bethann began to turn inward.  She would get angry, and her home life became tumultuous due to her internal struggles.  She recalls that this all began around the time of puberty and feels that this is connected to ongoing trauma that she endured during her early developmental years.

As her depression and anxiety worsened, she found ways to try and control the chaos that she felt inside.  Bethann struggled with her weight, truly believing that she was unattractive.  She had a self-hatred that stemmed from her past trauma.  As a means to take control, she decided she was going to change the way she looked.  When she was about 20 years old, she began severely controlling what she ate every day.  She starved her body to the point that she could no longer hold a job, and eventually even getting up to take a shower was such a feat that this was all she could accomplish in a day.  She was diagnosed with Anorexia-nervosa and then later with bulimia. A consistent cycle of binging and purging followed by self-punishment and further starvation along with taking 12-30 laxatives a day, was causing her body to collapse. Her mom, in an effort to try to help, would purchase cases of Gatorade to relieve the terrible muscle spasms and dangerous electrolyte imbalances this caused.

For years, she lived like this. Self-harming, despair and consistent thoughts of suicide were present. In a desperate state, she checked herself into a psychiatric hospital for eating disorders in California. She knew that if she did not do something, she was going to die.  At 23 years old, she came home from that clinic and was determined to live and to make a change.  She was going to fight for her life.  That is how she describes it.  Every day was a FIGHT for her life.  She was on medicine to treat anxiety and depression from a medical standpoint.  She began attending church and two of the Pastor’s wives asked if she was willing to go through biblical counseling with them.  These women would discuss scripture with her, pray over her, and help bring truth and wholeness to her. Bethann would open her Bible and write scripture after scripture down in notebooks using God’s Word as a sword to fight. Unable to concentrate as her anxiety was so high, this is the only way she was able to keep her thoughts on the words.  She found worship music as a tool she could use, too, playing and singing truth into her soul.  

She decided that she was going to let the light in, and bit by bit, that light pushed the darkness out.  God’s Word and his truths and his promises are light to our dark souls, and Bethann can attest to the power of God’s Word.  Writing the scripture, reading it, singing it.  She fought with the power of God’s Word for her life!  Since that time, she has never gone to that dark a place again, but there are still lasting effects to this day.  She compares this to the thorn in the flesh that Paul carried with him throughout his life.  She still struggles with body image and being kind to herself when she messes up.  She still needs medication for her anxiety, but God has redeemed her.  She is no longer a slave to the darkness.  God has invited her to come alongside him to walk alongside others and point them to freedom and the Hope of Christ..   

When Bethann was asked what she would like people to take away from her story, she answered this, “Suffering is real, trauma destroys, intervention is possible, and sometimes we have to fight like hell to break free.”   She wants people to know that light is more powerful than darkness, and as the light comes, the darkness has to flee.  

Hebrews 6:19 “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a HOPE that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.”

A Glimpse at Robbin Hunsberger

Robbin’s Story--Adjusting the lens and finding beauty

Is this “home”? was a question often playing in Robbin Hunsberger’s mind.  And God, in His amazing way, gave her beautiful, unexpected ways to say “Yes.”  Robbin lived in Moore Township, Northampton County her entire childhood. It was there as a young child that she prayed a simple prayer, all by herself, to begin a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Later, as she was graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Robbin wondered, “What next?”  An employment offer to manage the kitchen at Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center came.  Robbin reflects, “The way I’ve seen God talk to me is through the timing of things—the ‘coincidences.’” Could this really be God’s plan? Could this be her new “home”; not a high-end restaurant with complex, elegant menus? She had a certain peace and excitement and accepted the offer, but it took about two years for Robbin to adjust her lens, give up the typical expectation of a CIA chef, and recognize the gifts in God’s placement at the camp. Once she gave up her own agenda, she was able to see the beauty and joy at Pocono Plateau. “I helped my kitchen crew understand that cooking for kids is a ministry.”

This was right for a time, then in 2005, the physical strain and exhaustion from being in food service brought Robbin to a transition. And God in His graciousness connected her to a second career without requiring any training or retooling.  “It’s good I didn’t fight life changes.” Robbin now works as an office administrator at a church in Bethlehem Township.  While working at the church, she connected with youth pastors Shad Gilbert, Joe Velarde, and Ryan Knepp, who were feeling called to start a church particularly designed for young people. This group was seeing youth, raised in the church, drop out of faith families as they finished high school.  After she and the team prayed for about a year, they ventured out, following God’s call to a new “home” for worship and service, and began Riverbend Community Church. “That whole experience got me to see the power of God. We were all doing all we could do, and it wasn’t enough. It was only God who could make it happen. It reminds me of a quote from the makers of The Chosen, ‘It’s not your job to feed the 5,000, only to provide the loaves and fish.’”

Robbin was one of the original members of the Riverbend leadership team as it was being planned. Pictured (l-r) are Jesse Velarde, Amy Velarde, Joseph Velarde, Robbin Hunsberger, and Ryan Knepp.

A Gathering from April 2010, about six months after Riverbend launched. The church was meeting in a rented ballroom at the Sheraton on Airport Road, and would set up and tear down all equipment every Sunday. On the stage leading worship are (l-r) Sam & Pastor Chris Dean and Adam Pinto, Pastor Joe in front preaching, and Robbin running media.

At first, Robbin shouldered many tasks at Riverbend on a volunteer basis while continuing her weekday work with the other congregation.  It has been a joy as more and more people have connected with Riverbend to share some of her original tasks with others.  She loves to see how quickly people come in and start finding ways to be a part of the family at Riverbend, shouldering the work together.  She loves that there aren’t the typical hoops to jump through before people can find a place to fit and contribute here.

From the outside, if people would just read a checklist of descriptors, they might think she has a kind of difficult life.  She is single. She has chronic pain.  But Robbin has a different perspective. She said, “My life is easy.  I’m at peace. My family gets along.” When the chronic pain entered her life, interrupting a life filled with ultimate frisbee commitments and outdoor adventures, she said, “Okay, Lord. This is what we’re doing now.” She remarked, “My whole life is how it is because of my faith…I’ve given up the right to myself, to my own agenda.”

And each time she gives up her agenda and adjusts her expectation lens, God brings more.  “He does a lot that is extra, that is beautiful. The Lord does fun things!” One of the fun things that has evolved is a weekly open house-type gathering. Right now, Robbin and her sister live together in Easton.  She and her sister cook for a group of friends they have met through various connections over the years.  Their goal is to provide a place to belong, a place to be “loved on,” a home.  One person shared, “You guys are lucky. You don’t find this many places.”

Robbin describes herself as a pretty logical, practical person, but even that is being adjusted.  She’s been talking with God about how she doesn’t have something she’s really passionate about…and how did He answer?  Gingerbread houses!  It doesn’t make any sense.  It’s not practical.  It’s not useful. But it is so much fun to do, to plan, to anticipate, and to create.  “God has given me a fun outlet—a pastime.”

One of Robbin’s gingerbread house creations.

Throughout her life, God has been challenging Robbin to adjust her lens of expectations.  Each time she did this, she saw God’s hand at work and received God’s beautiful gifts of joy.  Looking back, she realizes that these seasons and the beauty in them were only visible when she adjusted her lens to align with God’s vision for her.

Psalm 84:5 “Happy are those whose strength is in You.”

Editor’s Note: This story is the first piece in an exciting new project from the Riverbend Writing Team, the Stories Series. We are excited to bring more stories of God at work in our community to you in the future! For more thoughts on the project and how it ties into our recent series on Hebrews 11, read Stories Matter. If you have a story of God’s faithfulness in your own life you’d like to share, leave a comment on this post or on Stories Matter to be contacted by the writing team!

Stories Matter

Since I was a child, I have always loved a good story. A voracious reader, I would get pulled into characters’ lives, the unraveling of circumstances, seeing how the various characters involved responded to them. Think back to a book you read, a movie you saw, a news event—the details of which have stuck with you over time.

Stories have the ability to inspire, inform, pierce your heart, educate, fill you with hope.

Stories draw you in. They draw you closer. Close enough to see. See that the neighbor who seems unfriendly has recently received a devastating diagnosis. That the coworker you find hard to get along with is going through marriage struggles that are tearing her family apart. That the other dad on your child’s youth sports team lost his job and doesn’t know how he’s going to make ends meet. That the mom you see on her phone while her kids are at the park feels so alone in this season that she is grasping for lifelines to feel connected in this world. People you know have dealt with these situations and more: chronic illness, infertility, broken relationships, depression, just to name a few.  

Some people are in the valley of their struggle and desperately need a hand to hold or to pull them up. Others are still in the midst of the fight—some days they persevere and some days they feel weighed down. There are still others who have made it through a hard time and are praying for the opportunity to make some beauty out of the ashes by walking alongside someone else in a similar circumstance.

More recently as our country seems to be ever more divided, I think of another aspect of our personal stories that is so important to redeeming the brokenness. We can easily look at the neighbor, coworker, friend or relative that votes differently than we do or holds a position different from ours and boil down our opinion of them to their vote or their position, instead of seeing what lies beneath the surface that has led them to that decision. If we took the time to ask questions and hear someone’s story, it may begin to change things. This doesn’t mean either person’s views have to change, and sometimes there is true evil or deep hurts that need a lot of work to heal, but in many cases, understanding what matters to another person will only help in the work of healing division. When Jesus tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself”, He is not only suggesting that command for when we like everything about a person. We have, in many ways, lost civility and kindness, and I believe the Church is the best equipped—and most called—to lead the charge back. Sharing stories is not the answer, but it is an important step in the right direction.

The fact is, we all have stories. We all have circumstances of our lives that, along with how we walk through those seasons, contribute to who we are becoming. Some are beautiful celebrations and cause for joy, others are more of a challenge, a trial. As I’ve gotten older and my relationship with Jesus has grown—and the stories that make up my life have grown, I began to see that God has given each of us our stories for three reasons: up, in and out. First and foremost, our stories are for His glory—an upward focus. There is also a personal, inward focus to our stories—to teach us something, to grow us and stretch us. The third way our stories can be used is in an outward direction—to walk alongside other people who may need to lean on what we’ve learned along the way or need a hand to hold as they walk a hard path.

Last year, I began reading through the Psalms. As I continued through, I began to note all the times that the Psalmist said to recount, tell, declare, remember, proclaim or in some similar way speak of instances of God’s faithfulness (40:5, 9-10; 44:1; 66:16; 67:2; 71:15, 18; 73:28; 75:1; 77:11; 78:5-7; 89:1; 90:16; 96:3; 105:1-5; 107:22; 111:4; 126:2-3; 143:5; 145:4, 10-12 if you’re curious!). Very notably in contrast, in Psalm 106, verses 7, 13, and 21 all speak, in reference to the Israelites wandering in the desert, as a time that they “did not consider” or “did not remember” God and His works. There is a very real connection to losing our way and forgetting God’s faithfulness. Sharing our stories with one another will encourage our faith and spur each other on when we walk through our own hard times so that we don’t lose our way.

Pastor Joe recently preached on Hebrews 11 in our series, Defining Moments. He talked about faith stories and how they allow us to go to deeper places with God. He posed four questions at the end of the series:

1. What is your faith story and who is Jesus to you?

2. How has God met you in your successes?

3. How has God met you in your suffering?

4. What areas of your character and relationships is He seeking to grow?

With this all setting the stage, the Riverbend writing team is excited to start recording our own Riverbend “Hebrews 11” stories, stories of God’s faithfulness within our community. We hope, as we begin sharing stories over the coming weeks and months, He will get much glory and you will be encouraged by hearing how God is at work in the lives of our church family. Also, in this strange season of Covid, we hope these stories will serve as a way of getting to know others in our church who you may not currently get to see, but who you could say of, as C.S. Lewis wrote, “What! You, too? I thought I was the only one.” If you are interested in sharing a story of God’s work in your life with our community, be on the lookout in the coming weeks for ways to volunteer.  

You have multiplied, O Lord my God,

 Your wonderous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

 None can compare with You!

I will proclaim them and tell of them,

 yet they are more than can be told.

Psalm 40:5

Easter Sunday

“And then, on Easter Sunday, God broke the silence. He awoke. He spoke. And for those of us who walk (however reluctantly) in Jesus’ footsteps from Gethsemane and Golgotha to the Garden tomb, Easter Sunday offers irrepressible hope. That one ultimate miracle—the resurrection of the Son of God from the dead—assures us that every buried dream and dashed hope will ultimately be absorbed and resurrected into a reality far greater than anything we can currently imagine.” Pete Greig, God on Mute

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is why we celebrate Easter every year. Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again. Death had been defeated once and for all. It is truly something to celebrate. Churches fill with triumphal music, they are donned with flowers that signal hope and new life, we feast with our families and rejoice, “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” And yet, if we look to the Sunday that immediately followed the crucifixion, rather than celebration, we find fear, trepidation, disbelief, and doubt.

 The women who were the first witnesses of His resurrection were told by the angels, “Don’t be afraid…” and that, “…they were frightened but also filled with great joy.” (Matthew 28:1-10)

The guards that witnessed the resurrection were fearful, so they told the priests what happened.  The news concerned the elders and the priests who met and decided to offer a bribe to the soldiers to tell others that Jesus’ disciples stole the body during the night. They could not be proven wrong that Jesus was who he proclaimed to be. (Matthew 28: 11-15) 

“The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.”

“When she [Mary Magdalene] told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her.”

“He appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.

“Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.”  (Mark 16:8-14)

“That Sunday evening, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.” (John 20:19)

I find it so interesting and comforting that two events in history—Christmas and Easter—that we now celebrate as joyous events were originally marked with people who wrestled with disbelief, doubt, and having to be reminded, “Do not be afraid.” It’s easy to read these accounts and not understand how His disciples struggled so much with disbelief of His resurrection when they walked with Him daily and He told them specifically that these things would happen.

And yet…how often are my days riddled with fear and anxiety, causing me to forget His promises to me? How often do I allow my cynicism and skepticism to take over my mind because of past disappointments, losses, and hurts that cause me to question if God is good and whether or not He can actually be trusted? How often do I scroll through news and social media feeds and see a broken world, with broken systems, injustices, and violence, and too easily give up hope? How often do I see my own failures and shortcomings, and the shame and guilt whisper lies to me that I am unworthy of His love?

But as we look at Jesus’s response to those closest to Him as they grappled with the events surrounding the resurrection, we see how with each doubt, disbelief, and fear, He comes close. He walks with them on the road to Emmaus; He allows them to touch His scars; He eats with them; He calls them by name. And as He comes close, that is when they finally see - they recognize how He calls them by name (“Mary!” John 20:16), they were filled with joy when they saw the Lord (John 20:20), their hearts burned within them, and when they broke bread their eyes were opened (Luke 24:30-32).

 As I come close to my Father and spend time with Him, He opens my eyes to really see Him and how the power of His resurrection transforms everything for me. He takes my fear and anxiety and gently reminds me of His promises, His faithfulness, and quiets my fears with His love. He takes my cynicism, skepticism, hurt and disappointment and sits with me in the doubt and sadness. I am reminded that while I may have to endure suffering in this life, He IS with me and can provide a supernatural peace and joy. He shows me the broken world, broken systems, and broken people, and shows me that it was in His death and resurrection that wholeness and restoration are now possible. He is establishing a new kingdom where all things will be made new. He takes my failures, shortcomings, shame and guilt, and reminds me that I am His beloved child and that because of Jesus, He only sees righteousness, holiness. He tells me I am worthy and that nothing can ever separate me from His love.

So, as we celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, may we know that we can come to Him with our fears, doubts, and disbelief, but may we also not forget to come close to Him, look at His scars, and be reminded that His perfect love came to cast out all fear. And that is truly reason to celebrate. He is risen…He is risen indeed!

Holy Saturday

“On Holy Saturday, the hopes and prayers of every disciple lay dashed and broken in the grave. But God did nothing. Said nothing.” Pete Greig, God on Mute

Terrified.  Jesus’ disciples were terrified. With hearts racing, each of them trembling with fear. So many questions filled their minds. Was Jesus really who he claimed to be, the Son of God? Was what he showed and taught them really true, or was he just another teacher?  Had they really witnessed his brutal execution? Jesus’ disciples found themselves facing these questions immediately following his crucifixion. After spending three years witnessing his miracles and being changed by him, they were facing the harsh reality that he was dead and buried in a tomb. The Saturday following his crucifixion, also referred to as Silent Saturday, had to be the longest, darkest day of each of their lives. So many questions. So many fears. What was next?

As if that wasn’t enough, they were being pursued by both the Roman authorities and Jewish religious leaders who had crucified Jesus. The Saturday following his death, Jesus’ close followers were feeling both helpless and hopeless. Little did they know that God was still at work, even in the midst of this tragic situation; that their pain, fear, and heartbreak was part of his greater plan to bring lasting hope and eternal life to the entire world.

For on the next day, Jesus would rise from the dead and reveal himself to each of them. He would build his church through them, as they proclaimed who he is and what he did all over the world. He would command them to do so boldly and fearlessly, assuring them that he would always be with them. This empowered them to boldly proclaim Jesus all over the Roman Empire. They would make thousands of new disciples in places no one thought possible. In the face of persecution and fierce opposition, they prayed, loved, and served as he commanded. In the time following his resurrection, Jesus’ church would be built and expanded, and still is all over the world. Even though each of them faced dark moments of being imprisoned and executed for his name, his followers were not shaken. 

This shows us that even in our darkest moments, God is still with us and at work. Each of us face circumstances where we feel helpless, overwhelmed, and hopeless. This pandemic has magnified our difficulties and challenges, yet our current frustrations do not have to be the end of the story. Even though God doesn’t operate according to our timetable, he is still with us and working. Psalm 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me.” 

Jesus himself told his disciples before his death that “In this life you will have many troubles but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

What we see is that God does not operate on our American timetable of instant gratification. As we wait on him, he does not leave us. We can find ourselves like Jesus’ disciples full of fears, doubts, and questions. It is critical that we remind ourselves of his promises and celebrate the way he’s already shown his goodness and faithfulness in our lives. These hardships are things we don’t have to be afraid to share with him and one another. Each of us has the choice to magnify our circumstances or magnify Jesus, who is far greater. This doesn’t mean we have to deny the pain and frustration, yet he is inviting us to give him our burdens, and trust him to pull us through. Jesus has modeled this trust for each of us. Even though he was facing death, he still trusted his Father.

You may be facing the loss of a loved one, a job layoff, or the painful heartbreak of a failed relationship. In the darkness of this moment, you may be feeling much like Jesus’ disciples on the Saturday before his resurrection—helpless and hopeless, waiting. Jesus, trusting his father to the point of death, shows us that God does his best work in hopeless situations. These dark moments are part of a greater story that God is writing through each of us.

What would happen if we sought to know him in all seasons? By spending time in prayer and reflecting on scripture at all times, we are reminded of his promises and goodness. We don’t have to wait to hit our lowest moments to seek him. Jesus was always pulling away to be with his father. When we do this, our identity and confidence is fully in him. This builds our constant trust and reliance on him at all times, no matter the season or event. So, “take heart for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Good Friday

On Good Friday, we witness unanswered prayer. Nailed to a cross and slowly suffocating, the Son cried out to the Father with a chilling question: “My God,” He gasped, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” And there was no response to the “why”. No dove descending. No booming voice.” Pete Greig, God on Mute  

Jesus was sent from heaven to earth to live and die for our sins.  That was the Father’s plan all along.  Jesus, son of God, would be born in a lowly manger and grow up the child of a mere carpenter.  When he came of age, he began teaching and preaching about God and his plan to redeem his people, including of course, that he, the Son of God, would die and be raised again.  Jesus would also perform miracles in God’s name.  All of this and yet people did not really understand who he was, chose to ignore it, or call him a liar for claiming to be the Messiah.

Jesus had many followers, including his twelve disciples, Jesus’ closest friends.  Regularly they were witnesses to his awesome miracles and teachings, and yet still they didn’t fully understand.  When Jesus told them that he would need to be killed and then raised again on the third day, his disciple Peter actually got upset with him for saying this (Mark 8:31-33). Mark 16:10 tells us that those who were his followers were mourning and weeping after his death. 

These followers of Jesus gave up everything to follow him: families, homes, material possessions.  They were devoted to him, to his teachings and to following him physically- telling others about the good news and the coming Messiah. So how did the followers and friends of Jesus process watching their teacher, their friend, die on the cross?

Many were probably at the scene of the cross; watching him suffer and ultimately die.  The one they had invested everything in, devoted their lives to, became close to even as a friend and confidant was now gone.  Many probably felt lost.  Their sense of purpose was gone.  The man that they thought was going to save them and become their Messiah was gone.

They met together to mourn this loss.  They cried and probably asked each other and God, “Why?” and “What now?”.  Maybe they felt angry at God, trying to reason with him, saying, “This wasn’t what was supposed to happen.  He was supposed to save us and be our mighty Messiah.” 

But what they didn’t realize is that it was never about their idea of what Jesus should be or do.  It was God’s plan.  His plan has always been to provide a Messiah, to save and redeem. 

Jesus revealed God’s plan to them many times, but they were blinded to the whole truth by their idea of what God’s plan should look like, not what it would actually look like. 

How many times have we been disappointed by God?  How many times have we questioned God’s will and goodness?  “God, you promise good to your people, you promise to give us hope and a future, but this can't be good,” or “God, why would you allow this to happen?  How could this horrible loss be part of your will?” 

Many of our questions to God are the same his followers had at the time of Jesus’ death. We can ask those questions, but eventually, we have to recall the truths we know about God.

God is a good God (Psalm 100:5).  He does love his people (Psalm 86:15).  He promises to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11), but it doesn’t always look the way we feel it should look. 

You see, God can see the big picture.  We only see a pinhole of what he sees.  He has a plan for his people, his creation.  One that is beautiful and filled with his glory, but we might not get to see his vantage point this side of eternity. 

Jesus’ followers had to wait three days.  Three days of darkness, sorrow, confusion and disappointment.  At the end of those three days there was beauty- Jesus was raised from the dead and God’s plan for redemption was revealed, but first they had to sit in the heaviness of their confusion and loss. 

God promises that all will be revealed to us, but it may not be until we get to heaven (Luke 12:2).  He may ask us to sit in the sorrow, disappointment and confusion for some time.  He warns us that this world will give us trouble (John 16:33), but he also promises to be with us (Joshua 1:9). Our creator, our Heavenly Father, who loves us so much that he sent his son to die for us (John 3:16) so that we could be saved from the bondage of sin and live in communion with him, promises to walk with us.  He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to bring his peace and joy (John 15:11; Romans 15:13), even when it seems impossible.  We can come to Him with our sorrow, our confusion, and our disappointment.  He promises to comfort us and to give us rest (Matthew 11:28).

The waiting is hard.  The loss often feels unbearable.  But we are never alone and we will one day see the big, beautiful picture of God’s story.  Your disappointments, your losses are not for nothing.  They are part of the beautiful story God is writing.  Take heart that God is always good, even when we don’t understand it. 

Reflections for Lent: Psalm 22

Editor’s Note:

Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we have shared a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. This is the final week of Lent reflections*, and as we read the passage and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.

The final reflection comes from Psalm 22. Written by David, in the most general sense, this psalm reflects his cry to God to save him from his enemies and ends with him thanking God for that salvation.  In a larger sense, this psalm, better than any other psalm, serves as a direct link between the Old Testament and Jesus’ passion.

Psalm 22

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

    Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,

    and by night, but I find no rest.

3 Yet you are holy,

    enthroned on the praises of Israel.

4 In you our fathers trusted;

    they trusted, and you delivered them.

5 To you they cried and were rescued;

    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,

    scorned by mankind and despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me;

    they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;

8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;

    let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;

    you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.

10 On you was I cast from my birth,

    and from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11 Be not far from me,

    for trouble is near,

    and there is none to help.

12 Many bulls encompass me;

    strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

13 they open wide their mouths at me,

    like a ravening and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water,

    and all my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like wax;

    it is melted within my breast;

15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,

    and my tongue sticks to my jaws;

    you lay me in the dust of death.

16 For dogs encompass me;

    a company of evildoers encircles me;

they have pierced my hands and feet—

17 I can count all my bones—

they stare and gloat over me;

18 they divide my garments among them,

    and for my clothing they cast lots.

19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off!

    O you my help, come quickly to my aid!

20 Deliver my soul from the sword,

    my precious life from the power of the dog!

21     Save me from the mouth of the lion!

You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!

22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;

    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!

    All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,

    and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

24 For he has not despised or abhorred

    the affliction of the afflicted,

and he has not hidden his face from him,

    but has heard, when he cried to him. 

25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;

    my vows I will perform before those who fear him.

26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;

    those who seek him shall praise the Lord!

    May your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember

    and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations

    shall worship before you.

28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,

    and he rules over the nations.

29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;

    before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,

    even the one who could not keep himself alive.

30 Posterity shall serve him;

    it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;

31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,

    that he has done it.

Reflection questions:

1. Jesus quoted David’s words in verse 1 while he was on the cross [Matthew 27:46]. What other verses in Psalm 22 point to the events of Good Friday?

2. Even as David is in distress, he chooses to praise God and remember His goodness. What characteristics of God does David reference in this passage?

 3. While praising God, David points to the finished work that will ultimately come through the cross. Through Jesus, salvation is available for all. How can you live in light of this truth this week—is there some truth you need to remember in your own walk with Jesus? Is there someone in your life who you can pray for, remind, tell for the first time, or in some other way show how greatly they are loved by the Savior?

*Although this is the final Lent reflection, check back next week, as three of our writers share thoughts on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.