You may have heard the rumor that Lutherans are strong and silent types. None of this gushing about Jesus to people — no, we’re more comfortable dishing up a good casserole or barbecuing some tasty brisket with a smile that shows the love of Jesus. But recently I visited a
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You’ll never guess what Cindy and I received during the pastors conferences in October. At one of the sites near the end of our journey, a member of the congregation turned to us and asked, “Do you want a big, stuffed unicorn?” I looked at my wife as her eyes
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Area C of the Texas District includes Georgetown south to the Rio Grande Valley, and Del Rio east all the way through Fayette County and down to the Coastal Bend. The area is seeing some changes in personnel to help individuals and churches with mission and ministry needs. Three part-time
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Over the past weeks, I’ve been encouraging pastors and servant leaders to think theologically. As storms rage in the culture, as rhetoric rises to a fever pitch, as we become confused by daunting questions about the Christian’s role in our swiftly changing and dangerous society, and as our hearts break
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Who would have thought that the Confessions and my visits with servants of Jesus around the district would teach me this profound truth: “This little Gospel light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine!” The preface to the Book
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In 1955, Rev. Harry Fricke composed these words: “In fervent gratitude for the Savior’s dying love and His blood-bought gift of redemption we dedicate ourselves to Him with all that we are and have; and in obedience to His call for workers in the harvest fields, we pledge Him our
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Nearly 200,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, nearly 100,000 in the Houston metro area alone. Something had to be done. So three congregations took the lead in providing long-term aid and relief for those deeply affected by the hurricane and its significant flooding. The rainfall that totaled
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One week of adventure traversing the great state of Texas has taught me something about our Texas District: Every ministry is a story of the Gospel; every person can be Jesus’ story of grace. My visits reminded me of the faith “hall of fame” in Hebrews chapter 11: “And what
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What is striking fear in your heart these days? You may remember Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew chapter 25: A wealthy business owner entrusted his employees with treasure. Two of the employees invested the treasure, but one was filled with fear and buried the treasure in order to
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The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy saying, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry,” 2 Tim. 4:5 Even though all Christians are to be witnesses to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, not all are given the gift of the evangelist. The
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