About Rod Lindemann

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Rod Lindemann has created 455 blog entries.

March 2022

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 5

By |2022-03-26T04:42:54-05:00March 31st, 2022|GodConnect|

Matthew 6:16-18 | “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, deepen our focus on you.

DAILY THOUGHT: A MEDIA FAST
Many of our distorted desires are formed by the images we receive through different social media. These images bombard us with ideas about things we must buy, how we are supposed to look, clothes we have to wear, where we should eat, places we must visit, games we must play, and the list goes on and on. Our constant media exposure not only creates in us unhelpful appetites; they also rob us of time that we could have given to activities that are far more creative and life giving. For this reason a media fast could be a fun experiment. Not only may God use it to grow our Christ focus, it may also open our lives to a greater freedom and contentment.

DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray the daily prayer request. Today plan a media fast in the evening either today or tomorrow. This fast includes the Internet, television, newspapers, radio stations, video games, all use of iPhones and iPads, etc. Think about what you will do during this time of fasting – you may decide to play with the kids, have coffee with a friend, go for a walk, or maybe just be quiet on your own. This fast will be your way of saying “I refuse to live under the dominion of the media. I choose to live more freely and lightly with Christ.”

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 5

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 4

By |2022-03-26T04:41:25-05:00March 30th, 2022|GodConnect|

Matthew 6:16-18 | “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, deepen our focus on you.

DAILY THOUGHT: USING FOOD UNWISELY
Food is certainly one of God’s most special gifts to us. Jesus loved mealtimes. Often we read of him enjoying food and drink with his friends around the table. But like all of God’s gifts it is also possible to use food unwisely. This happens in so many different ways. Sometimes food becomes the main source of our pleasure and peace, or the way we comfort ourselves in our pain, or a strategy to win friends and influence people. Fasting has a way of bringing these things to the surface. It does this usually through those thoughts and feelings we have when we want to eat during our fast. This is why it is so important to reflect on what happens within us when we fast with the Lord.

DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray the daily prayer request. Today reflect on the place of food and eating in your life. What is your favourite meal? With whom do you love to share a meal? In what ways do you sometimes use food unwisely? In what ways could food possibly become a god in your life? How was it going without a meal yesterday? Use these reflections as a beginning point for thanksgiving and confession. Give thanks to God consciously for your food at one mealtime today. Let your meal be a sign of God’s goodness and provision.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 4

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 3

By |2022-03-26T04:40:04-05:00March 29th, 2022|GodConnect|

John 4:32-34 | But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

Matthew 6:16-18 | “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, deepen our focus on you.

DAILY THOUGHT: FEASTING
When Jesus tells us to look joyful rather than gloomy when we fast, he is not asking us to pretend. He knows from his own times of fasting that, if we fast with God in mind, we will not really be sad. We will begin to have experiences of God’s presence and resources that will strengthen our faith. We will discover first-hand how God is able to sustain our souls and bodies with spiritual food that the world does not know about (see John 4:32, 34). Experiences like these will certainly not make us miserable! They will put a smile on our faces. This is why, as Dallas Willard writes, “Fasting unto our Lord is therefore feasting – feasting on him and on doing his will.”

DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray the daily prayer request. Think about this phrase for a few moments, “Fasting is feasting”. As you do this, share your thoughts and feelings with the Lord. Listen also to what he may say to you. Make a plan that you will go without one meal in the next twenty-four hours. Try not to inconvenience others with your request, for that will simply draw attention to what you are doing! Use this time to read some Scripture, to pray for others and to be aware of your desires as you abstain from food.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 3

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 2

By |2022-03-26T04:37:37-05:00March 28th, 2022|GodConnect|

Matthew 6:16-18 | “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, deepen our focus on you.

DAILY THOUGHT: FASTING BEFORE GOD ALONE
In our Bible passage Jesus encourages us not to draw attention to ourselves when we fast. Don’t look morbid and sad when we fast, he says, so that others notice. Instead he tells us to “put oil on your head and wash your face” (Matthew 6: 17). In other words, “Take a shower and fix yourself up. Brush your teeth, put on deodorant and some nice clothes, so that no one else will know that you are fasting.” What’s the reason for this counsel? Jesus does not want us to fast in order to show how religious or devout or “good” we are. He wants us to fast in order to fix our focus on God and to strengthen our personal experience of God’s resources. Real fasting is always between God and us.

DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray the prayer request for the week. Read again the Bible passage for this week, paying special attention to the advice that Jesus gives for fasting. Can you think of any other reasons that Jesus may have had in mind when he gave his advice about not deliberately drawing attention to ourselves when we fast? Today commit yourself to go without food in between your meals. When you think about having a snack, direct your attention towards God and ask for his help in staying faithful to your little fast. Don’t talk about it with anyone else.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING – 2

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING

By |2022-03-17T05:16:25-05:00March 27th, 2022|GodConnect|

Matthew 6:16-18 | “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, deepen our focus on you.

DAILY THOUGHT: A CHRIST FOCUS
As followers of Jesus we are continually seeking to develop a “Christ focus”. One of the practical ways in which we do this is through the practice of fasting. To fast is to plan to go without food. We can do this in many different ways and degrees: by missing a meal on a particular day, by going without food for a day or two, or sometimes even planning to abstain from eating for a longer period of time. However we may decide to fast, we need to be clear about the purpose of this important spiritual practice. Fasting is never an end in itself. It is a means of grace towards an end. We fast in order to focus our hearts and minds on God in Jesus Christ so that we may live in faithful obedience.

DAILY PRACTICE:
Begin with the new prayer request for the week. Read the Bible passage for the week from Matthew 6:16–18. There are many points to consider in this passage and we will explore some of these during the week. What strikes you most in this passage? Speak about whatever it is with the Lord and take time also to listen to what the Lord may be saying to you. Share with him your own thoughts and feelings about the practice of fasting.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR FASTING

Timothy eNotes Friday, March 25th, 2022

By |2022-04-12T08:59:57-05:00March 26th, 2022|Timothy Connects|

View this email in your browser
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP
Please join us this weekend for worship.
Sunday 8 & 9:15 am, RD Mize Campus
Sunday 10am, Wyatt Campus 
Worship info on Timothy’s website (www.timothylutheran.com/worship/)
Live Stream worship on Facebook – Sundays 10am on Facebook page (www.facebook.com/timothylutheran) 
Recorded Worship Services | FaithRoots (www.YouTube.com/TimothyLutheranMinistries)

“God Wants You!”

What stories are worth telling over and over?  That’s a worthy question today as we encounter a familiar story from the Scriptures.  It’s the story of the Prodigal son or sons.   It’s a sad encounter where the two sons of the father take completely different courses in life but in many ways end up making the same mistake; that is, they’ve forgotten who their father is.  We, too, will wrestle with that reality as we see the richness of this story and the value of hearing it again and again.   So come and listen.

Scars Tell the Story:  A Devotion

We’ve all walked roads that have battered and bruised us deeply. We each carry scars. I’m learning that scars tell the stories of battles fought and won, of fears conquered, dreams chased, and of Jesus meeting us in the dry valleys.

Our scars tell our story, and although we are more than our past, more than what we have experienced, every moment has been used to shape us into a new creation, holy and blameless in the eyes of Him who sees our scars.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Cor. 5: 16-17

We have been given the task of telling everyone what God is up to in our lives. He has given us a story to live and scars to wear. Jesus calls us to speak from those places and glorify Him with each scar, daring to say He is beautiful and true, loving and kind, no matter what.

Lenten & Holy Week Updates

Wednesday Services:  March 30 and April 6, 5:30pm, RD Mize

Wednesday Non-Dinner Free-Will Offerings Opportunities:

  • March 30—School Ministry for TLS Scholarship Fund
  • April 6—OPEN (contact Diane Mayfield dianem@timothylutheran.com to reserve)

NOTE:  These free-will offering opportunities will also be available in RD Mize lobby on the Sunday following the designated Wednesday services. Thanks for supporting these ministries.

Maundy Thursday, April 14:  Service with Holy Communion, 5:30pm, RD Mize
Good Friday, April 15:  5:30pm, Wyatt
Easter Sunday, April 17:  7am (with Holy Communion), & 9:15am (no 8am service), RD Mize; 10am Wyatt

Celebration Chorus will sing at Wyatt on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Sanctuary Choir will sing at RD Mize on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The combined choirs will sing on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  Please join us for worship!

Timothy Welcomes Children & Middle School Youth Ministry Coordinator

Please join Timothy’s staff in welcoming Clancy Heisel as part-time Children & Middle School Youth Ministry Coordinator. Clancy and her husband John and their five children are in the process of transferring to Timothy from St. Matthew in Lee’s Summit. She is pictured here with their youngest daughter, Charlie. Welcome aboard, Clancy!

News from LCMS Deaconess Carol Halter
Serving the Lord and LCMS in Hong Kong


Below are paraphrases from a recent letter from Carol Halter as she brings the Good News of Jesus to the people of Hong Kong. Please keep Carol and her mission work in your prayers.

“Even though we are in the midst of COVID, I remain very busy with many activities. I have Zoom meetings about editing an evangelism book, hold weekly prayer meetings and bi-weekly evangelism meeting, conduct Bible classes for ladies’ and children’s groups, and share what I am doing in Hong Kong with people in the USA. If any church members are interested I having a special Zoom meeting with me about my work in Hong Kong, just let me know. If you are interested in contacting me about my work here in Hong Kong, my email address is carol.halter@lcms.org”

Girls on the Run

Calling all girls in 3rd through 8th grades! It’s time to register for the spring session! Timothy’s group will practice on Tuesdays from 4:30-6pm and Sundays from 3:30-5pm, starting at RD Mize Campus each practice. First practice is Tuesday, March 29th.  Spring session concludes with a 5K run/walk on May 21st. Go to https://gotrkc.org/Register-Now to register. Check out the available scholarship opportunities. Contact Sandy Gregory (sandyg@timothylutheran.com or 816-213-8237) with questions.

2022 First Fruits contributions total $69,000.59, as of March 20th! Thank you very much!

Raise the Roof contributions total $20,250.00, as of March 20th! Thank you very much!

Adopt-a-NYG Student (Pi Fundraiser) contributions total $6,486.47, as of March 20th! Total contributions for NYG to date total $14,120.97. Thank you very much!

Updates from Executive Board During 2022, Timothy’s leadership will share financial updates with the congregation in worship services on the fourth Sunday of each month, the first occurring this Sunday, March 27th. An oral report will accompany a PowerPoint slide on a quarterly basis, with a PowerPoint slide only on the “middle months.” Printed copies of monthly slides will be available at each Information Center. Thank you for keeping all of Timothy’s ministries in your prayers as we focus on Transforming Lives through Christ.

Next Generation Update Timothy’s leadership has been very busy with numerous details concerning the addition of the first trailer for classroom space at TLS. Projected occupancy is scheduled for on or before July 15th. Details about the outdoor storage building are also in process, and we look forward to sharing specifics regarding location, building materials & costs very soon. Fundraising for this project (Raise the Roof) is underway. Thank you for supporting this project!

Food Donations in March will be delivered to BS Community Services League. Your ongoing support is always appreciated. April donations are designated for Hillcrest Transitional Housing.

Job Opportunities Timothy Lutheran School has full-time kindergarten, third grade, and seventh/eighth (emphases in math and history) openings for 2022-2023 school year. If you are interested or know someone who would like to apply, please contact Ken Holland (kenh@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8015) with questions.

Volunteer Opportunity An individual or family to assist with RD Mize Donut & Bagel Ministry one Sunday each month; pick up donuts at HyVee by 8am; set up & clean up; convenient for attending 9:15 worship service; clean up usually completed by 10:45. Contact Viv Bradshaw (vivbradshaw@aol.com or 816.229.0397) with questions and for simple training. Thank you!

Ladies Book Club meets at home of Barb Kalbfleisch bi-monthly on second Thursday at 7pm. Contact Barb (barbkalbfleisch9@gmail.com) with questions. It’s not too late to join the group! Next session is May 12th.

TLS Trivia Night “A Night at the Movies” is TONIGHT, March 25, Wyatt Auditorium, doors open at 6pm, $20 per person or $150 table of 8; concessions, raffles & more! Childcare available. Proceeds benefit TLS Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets at https://timothylutheran.school/trivia-night/

Children’s Ministry Skate Party TOMORROW, March 26, 4:30-6:30pm, Rink Ratz, BS; $5 per skater. All children, students & their families invited! Bring friends! Contact Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) with questions.

KC Lutheran High Music Tour Concert is TONIGHT, March 25, 7pm, 12411 Wornall Rd, KCMO 64145. All are welcome and encouraged to attend to enjoy both sacred & secular pieces performed by the vocal choir, concert band, and hand bell choir at Lutheran High.

Caring for God’s House TOMORROW, March 26, 8:30am-12:30pm, RD Mize; volunteers appreciated to clean sanctuary & lobby. Can you donate some time? Contact Viv Bradshaw (816.229.0397) or Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8040) with questions! Thank you!

Spring Craft & Vendor Fair Do you like to shop? Mark your calendar to stop by this National Youth Gathering fundraiser on Sat., April 2, from 8am-2pm at the Wyatt Auditorium. Free admission. More than 35 crafters and vendors will fill the auditorium with a wide variety of goods.

Thrivent Choice Dollars If you desire to allocate your Thrivent Choice Dollars to Timothy, please do so by March 31 deadline. Go to your account at Thrivent.com or contact your Thrivent representative if you have questions. Thank you very much!

Easter Eggs-travaganza Sat., April 9, 2-4pm, Wyatt (outdoors, weather permitting); rain date, April 10 after worship service; enjoy FREE family games, crafts, & traditional egg hunt starting at 3pm; Rolling in the Dough KC available to purchase sweet treats from 2-3pm; donations of individually-wrapped candy to fit inside plastic eggs and prize-table goodies (full-size candy bars, small toys, small stuffed animals, etc) welcomed; drop off at either campus in plastic bins in lobby; contact Allison Spencer (816.695.0090) if you can volunteer to help.

LWML MO District South Zone Spring Rally Sat., April 9, Messiah Lutheran, Independence; Theme: “LUMA Live”; registration 9am; opening devotion 9:30am; cost $5 which includes lunch; Program: Kelsha James, LUMA Community Outreach Coordinator. Gifts from the Heart: laundry soap/pods, cleaning supplies, sponges, & baby wipes for LUMA Community Closet. Monetary donations also accepted, payable to LWML MO District KC South Zone. Childcare available upon prior request. RSVP to Carol Heisemeier (816.478.1659 or hhaesemeier@sbcglobal.net) by March 29.

“Thank you, Timothy, for giving hope and confidence by putting God’s Word in the hands of people around the world! Your financial support of Lutheran Bible Translators is a blessing. Peace be with you! “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. Romans 1: 8” From Yvonne M., a volunteer with Lutheran Bible Translators

LWML Ash Wednesday Ham Dinner Proceeds Thank you, LWML, for providing the ham dinner once again after a year off due to the pandemic. This year’s proceeds totaled $1,540.74, with 10% ($154.08) designated for mites (missions), 45% ($693.33) for National Youth Gathering fundraising, and 45% ($693.33) for the 2022 Live Well Community Fair. Thank you, Timothy, for supporting these ministries! A summary of the subsequent Lenten free-will offering opportunities will be shared soon.

Reaching Out to Welcome Inn Residents GIVE Commission appreciates your help with donating essential items going into the summer months for the Welcome Inn residents. Especially appreciated are toilet paper, cleaning supplies, paper plates, plastic silverware, canned fruits & vegetables, cereal, and toaster pastries. Bins at both campuses for drop-off until April 24. Thank you very much!

Women of Hope Spring Retreat Sat., April 30, 9am-4pm; all women & friends welcome to take a trip around God’s Wonder Full World; $25 cost per lady which includes catered lunch & all materials. This travel-themed retreat will be filled with laughter, Bible study, & reflection. Register now by contacting Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com) or Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com).

Save the Date! The drama department at St. Paul Lutheran High in Concordia, MO, will perform The Long Red Herring by Pat Cook at 7pm on Sat., April 2nd and 2pm on Sun., April 3rd. Congrats and thanks to Timothy members Malinda & Morgan Anderson for serving behind the scenes on the Properties & Production crews.

Save the Date! Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 711 Benton Ave., KCMO, will celebrate host a 100-year celebration on Sunday, May 15. Church tours at 9:30am, Joint service at 10:45am, 5-Star Jazz Band Concert at 12:30pm, Lunch from 12-2pm, and Raffle at 2pm. All are invited! Contact Lois Domsch (lois.domsch@gmail.com) or Donna Schmidt (donnajoschmidt46@gmail.com) with questions.

Save the Date! LUMA 90th Anniversary Celebration, May 18, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 700 NE Chipman Rd., LSMO. Registration 9:15am; lunch provided. Contact Lois Domsch (lois.domsch@gmail.com or Donna Schmidt (donnajoschmidt46@gmail.com) with questions.

DivorceCare meets on Mondays, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize. Childcare available upon request.

GriefShare meets on Thursdays, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize. Childcare available upon request.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “An Overview of the Old Testament”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1st & 3rd Mondays) various topics; 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood

Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study “Faith & Fire Elijah”; 6:30-8pm, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “Matthew 17-28: The Sacrifice of the King”; 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by various men

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Book of Revelation”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Pastor John

Wednesday Discovery Class 6:30-7:30pm, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Pastor Rod

Wednesday Cross Walk Pre-school through 5th grade; 6:30-8pm, begins in Fellowship Hall, RD Mize

Wednesday Confirmation 6th-8th grades, 6:30-8pm, begins in Room 501, RD Mize

Wednesday Senior High Revolution Bible Study 6:30-8pm, Youth Room (506), RD Mize; led by Carrie Hochgrebe, Becky Blatt, & Ryan Kuecker

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study, 6:30-8pm, Room 102, RD Mize; led by Miriam Lindemann & Becky Blatt; contact Becky Blatt (ebblatt99@yahoo.com) for current book

Thursday Evening JourneyMen Bible Study “Passionate Pursuit of God”; 6:30-7:30pm, through March 31, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; followed by fellowship at Applebee’s; led by Pastor Rod

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1st & 3rd Saturdays) 9-10am, Wyatt 4 G’s; led by Kaye Gray9-10am, Wyatt 4 G’s; led by Kaye Gray
Do You Have A Story To Share?
If you have an article or celebration you would like to share with the members of Timothy, please submit it to
Diane Mayfield at dianelmayfield@comcast.net,
DougF@TimothyLutheran.com or
Pastor Rod at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com.
Please keep your submission between 200-250 words.
Read More
Comments Off on Timothy eNotes Friday, March 25th, 2022

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-7

By |2022-03-17T05:12:44-05:00March 26th, 2022|GodConnect|

James 5:16 | Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Psalm 139:23-24 | Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Mark 1:14-15 | After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, help me to turn towards you.

DAILY THOUGHT: REDIRECTING OUR LIVES
To summarize: Repentance is all about rethinking the direction of our lives. It is not primarily feeling bad about ourselves, or wallowing in the mud of our sins, or thinking that we are worthless. Rather, it is about re-evaluating our lives on the basis that there is available to us another kind of life from Christ, life lived in the intimate presence of God. Lent is a time to decide where we really want to go. If we want to move more deeply into intimacy with Christ, we need to be willing to face our sins and turn towards God. Repentance is the way back to the Father. It is both the doorway and the pathway and there is no other.

DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray your prayer request. In your quiet time today write a brief letter to the Lord. Share with the Lord, as honestly and openly as you are able, your intentions in your relationship with him. What direction in life do you want to go? Would you like to move towards God or away from God? What sins hold you back and stand in the way of a surrendered life? Think about these questions as you write your letter. When you have finished think of one trusted friend with whom you can share something of what you have written.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-7

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-6

By |2022-03-17T05:10:01-05:00March 25th, 2022|GodConnect|

James 5:16 | Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Psalm 139:23-24 | Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Mark 1:14-15 | After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, help me to turn towards you.

DAILY THOUGHT: CONFESSION
Confession is very closely related to repentance. When we confess we let God and trusted others know about our failures and weaknesses. It is an activity that nourishes our experience of God’s grace and mercy, as well as our sense of being loved and accepted by those who walk with us along the pathway of repentance. In confession we let dear friends in Christ know who we really are. We lay down the burdens of pretending and hiding which use up so much of our energy. No wonder early followers of Christ were counselled, “Confess your faults to each other, and pray for each other, so you may be healed” (James 5:16). Confession can be one of the most healing things we ever do.

DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray the prayer request for the week. Read slowly today the words of the Psalm 139: 23–24. Then ask the Lord today to help you recognise where there is a gap between appearance and reality in your walk with God. Or to put it more simply, where do you sometimes pretend to be who you are not? Take time to come before the Lord and to confess whatever he reveals to you. Perhaps today you can also begin to think of some friend in Christ with whom you can become more honest about these gaps.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-6

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-5

By |2022-03-17T05:05:23-05:00March 24th, 2022|GodConnect|

Mark 4:17 | But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

Mark 1:14-15 | After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, help me to turn towards you.

DAILY THOUGHT: JOYFUL REPENTANCE
Often the word “repentance” gets bad press. Think of that unbiblical phrase sometimes used by Christians, “turn or burn”. This is certainly not what Jesus said. His message about repentance was constantly one of joy, “Repent, because the Kingdom of God is at hand” (see Matthew 4:17 too). Turning towards God opens our lives to new joy, and it also brings much joy to God. Remember how the father rejoices over the return of the prodigal in the parable that Jesus once told. God loves to redeem those who turn towards him and to restore lives that have been wasted. Have you experienced the joy of repentance?

DAILY PRACTICE:
Begin with your daily prayer request. Afterwards picture yourself as the prodigal coming home. Imagine the father running towards you, hugging you as you are, giving you new clothes, putting sandals onto your bare feet and then throwing a party for you. What does that feel like? This is how God relates to us as we turn towards him, come home and open our hearts to the gifts of his mercy and forgiveness and reconciliation.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-5

LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-4

By |2022-03-17T05:02:33-05:00March 23rd, 2022|GodConnect|

Mark 1:14-15 | After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, help me to turn towards you.

DAILY THOUGHT: THE PATHWAY OF REPENTANCE
We need to be clear that turning towards the Lord is never a once-off experience. Our conversion always continues. Hence we are invited to make repentance a daily way of life – a life-long process of turning toward God that happens one day at a time. As we do this, with the help of God’s grace, we find our minds and hearts being gradually renovated. We begin to think more and more with the mind of Christ and to love with the heart of Christ. This is why repentance must not only be understood as the doorway into our life with God; it is also the pathway along which we walk in the kingdom of God day by day.

DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray your daily prayer request. Put this question at the heart of your “desert space” time with God today: How do I need to turn towards God today? One helpful way to get practical about this question is to reflect on where in your daily life you often insist on your own way rather than follow God’s way. Allow your reflections to lead you into a time of confession and repentance with God. Know that as you do this you are deeply loved by God. Nothing can ever change this gospel fact.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App. Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics. W
Read More
Comments Off on LENT JOURNEY | LENT IS FOR TURNING-4
CONTACT US

301 E. Wyatt Rd.
Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 228-5300


SIGN UP FOR EMAIL NEWSLETTER ("TimothyConnects")
Copyright 2022 Timothy Lutheran
Go to Top