Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Dear Friends in Christ,

Hebrews 10:24 is one of my favorite verses in the New Testament! "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds." I think it's because of how it gives a different nuance to the word provoke.  We usually think of provoke as eliciting a negative response, but in this letter to the Hebrews it is clear that our actions should instead be about stirring people to love and good deeds.

The very first summer that I was at Bethlehem I signed my kids up to attend Vacation Bible School. My oldest was in 7^th grade at the time-too old to participate as a student, but young enough to be interested in helping out in some capacity. As we were driving home after the first day, she commented about Clyde, an older man who volunteered to serve snacks to the kids during their break.  His service made a huge impression on her. "I think I'm going to like it here, Mom." she said.  "Being around Clyde inspires me. I hope that when I'm his age I'm doing just what he's doing-acting like I'm not old and serving snacks to kids. How cool is that!"

I don't think Clyde was intentionally provoking my 12 year-old daughter to love and good deeds, but as he lived out his faith in serving others, that's exactly what happened. I have no doubt that years from now, Clyde's actions will shape choices that my daughter makes. I heard a pastor once say that "faith is not about how we feel. It's about how we live." It makes me think of Clyde.  Many of you in this community of faith give tirelessly of your time, energy, and gifts through service and prayer.  Thank you for that. Thank you for being an inspiration to people when you don't even know it and for provoking others to love and good deeds. Keep up the good work.  It's work we're called to do because it's work that gives glory to God, the one who never quits provoking us to reach out to others in his name.

As we enter full swing into summer, many of us get excited about all the ways in which to enjoy the warmer temperatures. I pray that you will also be excited about God's gift of faith that is alive in you. Let this verse from Hebrews live in you and challenge you. There are countless opportunities for us to provoke others to love and good deeds, both in the church and out in the world.   Don't miss out! Look for new ways to live out your faith and through you, others will be blessed by God's love.

Blessings-Pastor Mary