Dear CTK Family,

 

Everything is closed!  What do I do?

 

Well, I can’t solve all of the corona-problems.  I wish I could.  BUT I can speak for our church and our faith.   

 

This is not just a battle against germs and viruses.  The devil wants to use this opportunity to drive you further from your Savior Jesus Christ.  He wants to keep you from Scripture, prayer, worship, praise, sacrament, forgiveness, fellow Christians, and even simple conversations of faith.  The temptation during this time will be to say that we are “free” from Christians obligations because there is no public worship taking place.  “I can’t do anything.  We’re being ‘prevented’ from practicing our faith.”  NO!  Take your faith home with you!  Personal Devotions.  Family Devotions.  Online Services and Podcasts.  Free Bible studies, etc. 

 

Christians have ALWAYS had the opportunity for family devotions.  However, a survey recently showed that only 10% of American Christians have personal or family devotions in the home.  That Needs to End Here and Now! 

 

Okay, Pastor, what are these resources?

1. www.worshipanew.org  This was formerly called Worship for Shut-Ins.  Check it out!  It’s a 30 minute worship service provided by LCMS pastors around Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 

 

2. Devotional Resources:

• Portals of Prayer.  (stop by to pick up a copy, if you want.)
• FREE Around the Word Devotions  www.whatdoesthismean.org/devotions
• FREE devotional resources from Concordia Publishing House ... www.cph.org/t-bestill-home
• FREE Bible study resources from Concordia Publishing House ... https://www.cph.org/t-bestill-study
• FREE pdf of Daily Prayer orders (morning, noon, evening, end of day)

 

3. Podcast Resources – the following can all be found through your usual podcast apps, or on their respective websites

• “A Word Fitly Spoken” – 3 LCMS pastors with some really strong content.  It’s my new favorite Lutheran podcast. Biblical topics.  Lutheran history.  Faith and practice.
• "A Christian History Almanac” – usually about 6 minutes long.  The host has a fun, dry sense of humor that sneaks in occasionally.
• “Daily Chapel Sermon from KFUO” about 15 minutes or so from the LCMS headquarters chapel services.
• "Daily Devotions from the Lutheran Hour” – about 4 or 5 minutes.
• “Higher Things Daily Reflections” – actually targets teens and young adults but doesn’t talk down to anyone.  Older Adults can also appreciate these too.
• "Issues, Etc.” – you’re heard me promote this for years.  It’s the most well known Lutheran podcast.  Very good.
• “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever” – a 15 minute daily Bible Study.  Just started the Book of Hebrews.
• “Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio” – 1 chapter of the Bible every weekday.  1 hour format.

 

4. Feel free to become my Facebook friend or like the page “Christ The King Lutheran, Riverview, FL”

 

I hope this helps.

 

Stay strong.  Rest in Christ’s promises.

 

 

Pastor Kevin Yoakum
Christ The King Lutheran Church
Riverview, FL

"Advance boldly, dear brother. Be of good courage, let your heart be strengthened, and wait on the Lord." Martin Luther