Posts from 2018 (Page 24)
Daily Devotions: April 3, 2018
April 3, 2018 Psalm 133…“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” vs. 1 Our rugged individualism can be a big problem when it comes to our relationship with God. Often it leads us to emphasize our personal connection to Jesus, as though that were the only thing that mattered. Obviously, there is a personal element to faith that cannot be denied, but scripture consistently stresses the importance of life in community. The psalmist, writing…
Daily Devotions: April 2, 2018
April 2, 2018 Acts 4:32-35…“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.” vs. 34 For many American Christians, capitalism and individualism have become central tenets of faith. Among some, there is even a general suspicion of welfare and governmental programs to help the poor and needy. According to them, people have to learn how to take care of themselves without outside assistance.…
Daily Devotions: April 1, 2018
April 1, 2018 Mark 16:1-8…“So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” vs. 8 The three women, two Mary’s and Salome, were completely flummoxed by their Sunday morning encounter with the young man at the tomb. Since Saturday had been the Sabbath, this was their first opportunity to do one final act of love for Jesus. They’d awakened before dawn, purchased spices,…
Daily Devotions: March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018 Isaiah 12:2-6…“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.” vs. 2 For some, the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter is undefined and we’re not quite sure what to do with it. In our culture, because Easter is usually given holiday status, it can be a day to deal with families, spring break, play-off games, and any…
Daily Devotions: March 30, 2018
March 30, 2018 Isaiah 52:13-53:12…“But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” vs. 5 The message of Good Friday can be overwhelming and it’s hard to know what to make of the central story of our faith. Each of the gospels tells the story in slightly different fashion, and much has been made of those differences, but there is no denying…
Daily Devotions: March 29, 2018
March 29, 2018 1 Corinthians 11:23-26…“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” vs. 26 Families that eat together have amazing resiliency and develop connections that last for a lifetime. The same is true of our faith communities, as we gather regularly for the eating and drinking that is so central in our life together. Way back at the very beginning when Jesus gathered his disciples around the…
Daily Devotions: March 28, 2018
March 28, 2018 Hebrews 12:1-3…“Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.” vs. 3 From time to time we encounter people who have grown weary or lost heart as the years go by. They’re discouraged by the direction of politics and sense that things are changing quickly. Very soon, they tell themselves–and whoever will listen–this country will fall apart and everything we’ve held dear will be lost. They’re…
Meet Al Warnier, Maintenance & Facilities Manager
Al Warnier, Spirit in the Desert’s Facilities Manager, was asked what is the most important part of his job, and surprisingly, he didn’t initially mention buildings, grounds, or maintenance. He said, “The core of my job is making sure the guests are taken care of by responding to their needs.” Al’s business card says, “Just let me know how I can assist you.” He added, “Of course maintaining in top condition the facilities and equipment, as well the swimming pool,…
Daily Devotions: March 27, 2018
March 27, 2018 Psalm 71:1-14…“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.” vs. 9 None of us can avoid the process of aging, but we tend to do whatever we can to slow it down. We eat natural and organic foods, take our vitamins and supplements, make sure we get plenty of exercise, and hope that we can get a few more healthy years under our belts. It…
Learning that Deepens My Faith and Feeds My Soul
, “I began to realize I had an adequate amount of money for my own needs, and Spirit in the Desert is one of the faith organizations for my stewardship. What I have is a gift from God and it is incumbent upon me to share it.”
Lutherhostel Retreat
Asked what he was hoping for at the retreat, David said, “My expectations weren’t well defined but I wanted an experience that would stretch me and that happened.”
Charitable Funds are Oxygen
“Spirit in the Desert is one of the most exciting and dynamic ministries of the church.” That is the informed assessment of Paul Evenson who has spent years supporting Lutheran congregations, camps, colleges and institutions. When Paul was asked to serve a second term on Spirit in the Desert’s Board of Directors he enthusiastically said, “Yes.” He did so because he knows that the retreat center provides spiritual hospitality for guests of all people of faith. He said, “We believe…