Blog (Page 192)
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…
Daily Devotions: March 26, 2018
March 26, 2018 Isaiah 42:1-9…“He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.” vss. 2-3 As Israel took stock of its situation in Babylon–their land of exile–the prophet reminded them of their calling. Using the image of a Suffering Servant, he says that they have a mission to all people and…
Daily Devotions: March 25, 2018
March 25, 2018 Mark 15:25-39…“‘Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.’ Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.” vs. 32 According to Mark’s account, as Jesus’ crucifixion wore on to its sorry end, there was also no end to the mockery and insults. The entire crowd, even the two thieves alongside him, were united in their taunting and scorn. Jesus was utterly alone, feeling forsaken…
Daily Devotions: March 24, 2018
March 24, 2018 Mark 15:16-24…“And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” vss. 17-18 Bullying has been getting a lot of press lately. People are rightfully beginning to pay attention to the horrible treatment children receive from their peers on a regular basis and many schools have attempted to develop a “no bullying” culture. But it’s hard…
Daily Devotions: March 23, 2018
March 23, 2018 Mark 15:1-15…“So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.” vs. 15 Pilate has been tough for historians to figure out. Aside from the gospel references, there’s not a lot of information available about his time as governor. What little we have from contemporary sources indicate that he was capricious and cruel in his dealings with the people. In Mark’s gospel he is pictured…
Daily Devotions: March 22, 2018
March 22, 2018 Philippians 2:5-11…“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave…” vss. 5-7a There is no doubt that Paul considered Christ Jesus as an object of worship. Indeed, he hoped that all humanity would one day bow down and give him praise and glory. But he…
Daily Devotions: March 21, 2018
March 21, 2018 Psalm 31:9-16 … “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also.” vs. 9 At times it may seem as though our lives are charmed–that by some sweet combination of genes and luck–we’ve been able to skate through the minefields of existence unscathed and unharmed. We see the hurts of others and are grateful that such calamities have not visited us. For one reason…