Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. (vv. 8-9)
— Psalm 33
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— Psalm 33 Resource Archive: Newsletter Archives |
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The RevWriter Resource (ISSN 1545-939X) A publication of RevWriter Resources, LLC September 2009 Volume 8, Number 8 Susan M. Lang, Editor and Publisher <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Dear Friends: I remember attending Sunday school when I was a child. Every week we'd focus on a Bible story in class and were given take-home papers that we could color or work on through the week. As I grew, I'd often get excited when I heard those same Sunday school stories being read in church. They nurtured my faith then. They still do. Today things have changed. Many adults have not grown up reading the Bible or even hearing its stories. Consequently, many adults are unfamiliar with some of the most basic stories of our faith. I've recently been hearing this from Sunday school teachers of adult Bible study classes who have discovered that they can no longer assume their students have a basic knowledge of the Bible. These teachers have found they have to explain what they'd always considered rudimentary faith stories. The increase of biblical illiteracy is one of the reasons that my denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), developed the Book of Faith initiative focusing on increasing fluency in our first language of faith, the Scriptures. Shirley Brosius, the author of this month's article, gives us another way to connect more deeply with Scripture. In "Keeping Scripture in Mind," she encourages each of us to begin to internalize a passage or biblical narrative and she gives us tips on how to accomplish it. You may, or may not, have grown up in the church as I did, but remember that it is never too late to engage in Bible reading or study. The Bible is a book of faith that can, and should be, returned to again and again because it will continually deepen our connection to the meaning of God's Word in our lives. It's a gift that keeps giving so take the time to engage it. For more information on the ELCA's Book of Faith initiative visit: http://www.bookoffaith.org/default.htm Blessings upon your journey of life, RevWriter Sue Lang sue@revwriter.com If you need a leadership or other retreat facilitator, contact Pastor Sue Lang at sue@revwriter.com or call 215-453-8128. While Sue does have a list of previous workshop topics, she can create a retreat or workshop to meet the needs of your congregational leadership. Sue can also develop group leadership/learning events for a cluster of congregations that would like to increase the learning capacity by interacting with others and discovering what they are doing in their ministries. Contact her to learn more about congregational cluster workshops! Additional information on Sue's consulting work is also located at: http://www.revwriter.com/congregational/churchconsultant/index.shtml <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17) <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Theme: Connecting More Deeply with God's Word Who would benefit from this issue? Pastors, church staff, all congregational leaders, Sunday school teachers, summer church program directors, and parents Table of Contents 1 - Devotion: Psalm 33 by Susan M. Lang 2 - Keeping Scripture in Mind by Shirley Brosius 3 - Suggested Passages to Internalize 4 - Additional Resources 5 - RevWriter News 6 - Announcements 7 - Publications Still Available 8 - Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 1 - Devotion by Susan M. Lang Read: Psalm 33 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. (vv. 8-9) As a professional writer, I find that people frequently refer to me as a "wordsmith." I suppose that's an acknowledgement that it takes hard work and skill on my part to write everything from a brief devotion to a book or curriculum. Or maybe they call me that because I've been known to make up new words or use old ones in unusual ways. The funny thing, though, is that I've never thought of any of my writing as something that I've accomplished or crafted entirely on my own. Not only does it take a team of writers, editors, copyeditors, and more to produce a book, but I've always considered writing a spiritual gift. That means that the gift doesn't originate with me, but with God, the only true creative source. In Psalm 33, the writer praises and celebrates our creator God, who brings the heavens, the seas, and all things into being through his word. God speaks and it all happens. And the psalmist goes on to remind us that the Lord always keeps watch on all that he has made. God's love and continuing care for his creation truly are things to be thankful for and deserve our grateful praise at all times. It's why this psalm summons us to rejoice, play instruments, and sing songs in God's honor and praise. God's Word creates--our words are meant to honor God and to celebrate all that he has made. O Lord, we thank you for the creative power of your word in our lives. May we use our words to love and honor you at all times. Amen. Copyright © 2009 Susan M. Lang Keeping Scripture in Mind by Shirley Brosius When I offer dramatic presentations of the entire book of Philippians or the first three chapters of the Gospel of John from memory, people often tell me they hear things they never noticed while reading scripture for themselves. God speaks to them through my words--well, actually, his words. So if the oral tradition of presenting scripture can be so effective, why have we abandoned it? Probably for the same reason many people watch television rather than read: We find it easier to do something that requires less thought and energy. However, there are huge benefits to memorizing Scripture, even if you never get to the point of publicly presenting it. For one thing, you notice every word and phrase. If the writer uses the conjunction "and," you know that what follows adds information, whereas the conjunction "but" indicates a contrast with what came before. This is especially helpful when reading books such as Psalms and Proverbs. You also notice the writer's choice of words. For instance, it has been "granted" onto the Philippians to suffer for Christ (Philippians 1:29). That helps you realize that suffering for Christ is a privilege. All this adds to a deeper understanding of Scripture. As you continue to review a passage, you internalize it, and the scripture affects your values and beliefs. Once you've internalized Scripture, you become keenly aware of the importance of its message when you read similar Scripture elsewhere. Paul greets his readers with "grace and peace" in several epistles. What is the significance of that particular phrase? If you have internalized one portion of Scripture, you'll notice other similar portions. For instance, Paul prays similar prayers for Christians in several epistles. We would do well to notice his pattern. Another benefit of internalizing God's Word is that you never lack Scripture--while stopped in traffic, while speaking with a neighbor about a problem she is facing, and especially when the lights go out at night and your mind is still in high gear, mulling over a daytime problem of your own. In the silence of the night, God helps you apply what you recall. He sometimes guides me to a familiar verse to speak to my current situation. A ready reference to God's Word also keeps us from sinning: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11,NIV). Just think how dwelling on the Sermon on the Mount might purify our lifestyle. Just as we can repeat the words of songs we hear repeatedly, so frequently verses and passages wear themselves into our brains. Here are some tricks I’ve discovered to help you master internalization. 1. Choose to internalize God's Word from a translation that you enjoy and understand. Each translation or version has a beauty of its own. And don't fret if you can't remember precise wording. It doesn't really matter if you say Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus, or Christ. The meaning remains the same. 2. Find a time when your hands are busy but your mind is free. I work on Scripture as I take daily walks for exercise. The first day on a new passage, I study the first verse. The second day, I review the first verse and add the second. And so on down the passage. Sometimes remembering a verse seems especially difficult, but I find that if I march on to the next one, in a few days, the obstinate verse will be firmly planted in my mind as well. Somehow, like little toy soldiers, the verses line up behind each other. 3. Say the verse out loud, using the same phrasing and rhythm each time you repeat it. Just as the rhythm of a song helps you remember the number of syllables on a line, so does the rhythm of a verse. If you get stuck on a word, you will know how many syllables you’re looking for. Sometimes the evasive word pops up if I just change the position of my head while lying in bed. 4. Look for words with similar sounds and stress them. For instance, Philippians 1:17 contains several "s" words: "The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains" (NIV). One "s" sound leads me to the next. Internalizing Scripture adds so much insight that it’s like seeing the words in color rather than in black and white. My cache of passages equips me to hear God's voice whenever I so choose. And now that I've become confident enough to speak the words to others, they are blessed as well. One woman recently told me she will never read the Bible the same way, because my dramatic presentation helped her to realize how relevant and alive the words of scripture can be. Experts tell us our brains are capable of doing so much more than we think. Keeping Scripture in mind is not as hard as you may think. Try it. Copyright © 2009 Shirely Brosius Shirley Brosius is the author of Sisterhood of Faith: 365 Life-Changing Stories about Women Who Made a Difference (Howard Books, 2006). Her website, www.shirleybrosius.com, contains information on her speaking ministry. She is a member of Friends of the Heart, three women who share God's love through testimony, drama, and song. Shirley can be contacted by e-mail at sbrosius@epix.net. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 3 - Suggested Passages to Internalize Shirley says that the following passages have ministered to her heart at various stages of life + Psalm 23: Offers comfort and encouragement in times of loss or need + Psalm 42: Reminds us to cling to God when facing problems and to + Psalm 139: Reminds us God made us, knows us, and is with us in every + Chapters from the book of John: Showcase the life and ministry of + The Epistles: Offer sound theology and practical guidelines for <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 4 - Additional Resources Cyber Resources The Network of Biblical Storytellers International is comprised of diverse groups of people united by their love of the Bible and the telling of its stories. For more information visit: http://www.nbsint.org/ The Academy of Biblical Storytelling offers both standard and advanced certification in Biblical storytelling. For more info visit: http://www.nbsint.org/moreacad.html GoTell offers resources for Biblical storytelling for the global village. To learn more, visit: http://gotell.org/ Print Resources The Storyteller's Companion to the Bible is a series of commentaries by Abingdon Press for those wanting to internalize and re-tell stories from the Bible. The series includes books on Genesis, New Testament Women, Synoptic Gospels, Parables of Jesus, Old Testament Women, and more. The Art of Storytelling: Easy Steps to Presenting an Unforgettable Story by John Walsh (Moody Publihsers, 2003) <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 5 - RevWriter News A- Recent RevWriter Sightings: +Sue will be facilitating a vision process for a congregation in the +Sue is serving as a coach in the ELCA Board of Pensions' Journey of B- Just Released! +John (Learner Guide and Leader Guide) by Susan M. Lang (Augsburg <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 6 - Announcements Financial Contributions Welcomed Costs to produce and manage The RevWriter Resource will increase for me this year as the subscriber base continues to grow. Writers of devotions and main articles have always been, and will continue to be, paid. In the past, this has come out of my personal writing income, but as this ministry continues to grow, the cost to me will also continue to increase. In the effort to maintain the ministry provided through the publication of The RevWriter Resource without requiring a subscriber's fee, I am now welcoming contributions from subscribers. Contributions may be sent to: RevWriter Resources, LLC Or through Paypal to sue@revwriter.com Most importantly, I appreciate your prayers as this ministry continues to grow during its seventh year in publication. Blessings, Sue <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 7 - Publications Still Available: +Our Community: Dealing with Conflict in Our Congregation by Susan M. +Welcome Forward: A Field Guide for Global Travelers by Susan M. Lang +Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work (Augsburg Fortress +The Lutheran Handbook: A Field Guide to Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff +The Christian Handbook: An Indispensable Guide to All Things Christian +The Christian Handbook for Pastors (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +Christian Handbook on Marriage (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +The Lutheran Handbook for Pastors (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +Lutheran Handbook on Marriage (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +Akaloo Guidebook (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN 10-0-8066-537-5). Sue +The Lutheran Marriage Course (Augsburg Fortress, +The Abingdon Children's Sermon Library, Volume 2 (Abingdon Press, 2007, +The Abingdon Children's Sermon Library, Volume 3 (Abingdon Press, 2008, +The Lutheran Handbook II (Augsburg Fortress, 2007, ISBN 9780806670379). +Questions for Life: Luke's View, an Akaloo Handbook (Augsburg Fortress, +Questions for Life: John's View, an Akaloo Handbook (Augsburg Fortress, +Sue has contributed to the online Here We Stand confirmation resources <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 8 - Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info I maintain a strict privacy policy and will not sell or share my subscription list. The RevWriter Resource is sent to you at no cost. If you know of someone who might be interested in receiving The RevWriter Resource, you are welcome to forward it. Please do so only in its entirety, including my copyright information. If someone has forwarded The RevWriter Resource to you, I invite you to subscribe. To do so, visit my website at: http://www.revwriter.com/congregational/resource.shtml#signup Copyright 2002-2009 RevWriter Susan M. Lang. All rights reserved. For permission to quote or reprint, please contact me for written consent at sue@revwriter.com or The Rev. Sue Lang www.revwriter.com
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