- a new you devotion
- advent devotion 2015
- advent devotion 2016
- advent devotion 2017
- advent devotion 2018
- advent devotion 2019
- advent devotion 2020
- after the bunny
- augsburg confession
- baptism
- being used by god
- confessionandabsolution
- dangerous prayers
- devotion
- encountering jesus heart
- everybody always
- faith for the reservations
- fnv
- fruit of the spirit
- generosity
- gerhard & prayer
- giving tuesday
- god our hope
- i am
- lent devotion 2016
- lent devotion 2017
- lent devotion 2018
- lent devotion 2019
- lent devotion 2020
- live by faith
- live like job
- making spiritual warriors
- Ministry Update
- my redeemer lives
- prayer
- sacred mysteries
- spiritual guidelines
- spiritual warriors prayer
- starting conversations
- suicide
- things that matter
- thirsty (for knowledge) thursday
- This Week in the News
- trunk or treat
- truth for the world
- unholy trinity
- video
- volunteer
- what do lutherans believe
- what is hope
- what to watch
Spring Update from Navajo
This year we baptized and confirmed three students the first Sunday of May. There really is nothing better in the work of the Kingdom than to see God claim a child as His own through the waters of Holy Baptism. It was also wonderful to hear the students give witness to their faith, in a public confession and a speech.
The Navajo Nation: Seek and You Shall Find
The mission trip to Navajo in October of 2017 was unlike any other mission trip in Concordia’s recent history. While there were no national borders crossed, upon arrival the team had entered a “country within a country.” The Navajo Reservation is only a turn off I-40, one of the main arteries of the southwest, but few travelers turn off the interstate to experience the largest Native Indian reservation in the United States, comparable in size to West Virginia.
My Soul is Overwhelmed (Lent) - Maundy Thursday, March 29
Knowing that Christ has gone through all of this for our salvation does not solve the problem of suffering, but it certainly gives us the assurance that no other religious system in the world does: God has suffered. God knows what it is like to be overwhelmed with sorrow. God knows what it is like to be terminally ill. God knows what it is like to be abused. Whatever suffering humanity has gone through, God knows.
Been There, Done That (Lent) - Friday, March 16
One of the members of our congregation, who once struggled with alcoholism (but has been delivered by God’s grace), shared his testimony with another young man going through the same trials. He said, “What Christ has done for me, He’s also done for you, just don’t be stubborn and refuse it!”
Yes, there is Good News! Through God's eyes, what may appear to be hopeless is a field ripe for the harvest!
The Time Has Come (Lent) - Monday, February 19
Lent is a penitential season, a time to remind ourselves of the unpleasant truth: without God, we would only be curved in on ourselves and would be seeking to crush others in pursuit of our own gratification.
What is your goal for the new year? We're sticking to proclaiming, healing, and discipling!
Many people make plans and programs, but ours remains the same in 2018 as it has been from the time we arrived in Navajo: make disciples by baptizing and teaching.
Hope When it Seems Hope is Lost (Advent) - Saturday, December 30
It is not unusual for people of faith to have very serious trials in their earthly pilgrimage. At the same time, we rejoice that God doesn’t abandon us, that we have a Savior who has come to us and restored our hope and our future.
The End of the World is Here! (Advent) - Thursday, December 28
We often get stuck between yesterday and tomorrow, either looking back or looking forward. We need to be reminded God comes to us in the here and now, and all we need to focus on is our life in Christ today.
Life After Seminary: The Work Continues
After four years of hard work, Pastor Tim Norton has been ordained and life continues on
One Day at a Time (Advent) - Monday, December 11
I’ve heard people ask the hypothetical question, “What would you do if you knew today was your last day on earth?” Paul’s point is to ask ourselves that very question every day. The knowledge that Jesus may come at any time helps us to live in the Spirit and to live in the moment.