Redeemer Connects

Pastor Tim offers a devotion based on James 2:14-18 titled, "Good Works, Lutheran Style."

James confronts a faith that is all talk and no action, reminding us that real faith is alive and active. He also exposes the quarrels, pride, and self-reliance that wage war in our hearts. But in the middle of this hard truth comes a greater promise: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The Reformation reminds us of the good news that this grace is not earned—it is given freely...

Words have power—to build up or to burn down. James reminds us that the tongue, though small, can steer the course of a life or set a whole forest ablaze. But Jesus teaches that our words reveal something deeper—they flow from the abundance of our hearts. If our speech is to be tamed, our hearts must be tended. The Gospel doesn’t just give us new words to say—it gives us a new heart from which tho...

When the lawyer of Luke 10 asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” he was really asking, “Who can I leave out?” James leaves no room for such limits. Favoritism, partiality, and judging by appearances stand opposed to the mercy we’ve been shown in Christ. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shatters our boundaries, showing that true love moves toward the one in need—no matter their status, back...

Life’s trials can either break us or strengthen us. James reminds us that faith is tested in the furnace of hardship, producing endurance and maturity. But this resilience isn’t something we muster up from within—it’s the fruit of a living faith given by God. In Christ, we stand justified, at peace with God, and confident that even suffering serves His purposes. Our true religion, James says, is n...

Pastor Tim offers a devotion on Jesus' words in Luke 9:23 entitled, "Follow the Leader."

Jesus calls us not to be spectators, but to be followers. In this final message of our series, “Growing Up in Christ: Know. Love. Follow.”, we reflect on the call to walk where Jesus walks, live as he lived, and trust Him through all things. When the first disciples dropped their nets, they left behind comfort and security to pursue something far greater—life with Jesus. As we conclude this series...

Jesus doesn’t just want our admiration—He wants our hearts. In Growing Up in Christ: Know. Love. Follow., we come this week to the heart of discipleship: love. When the risen Jesus restores Peter in John 21, His question is not about knowledge or performance, but affection: “Do you love me?” Real love for Jesus goes beyond words—it reveals itself in obedience, in service, and in a life transformed...

Pastor Tim Runtsch offers a devotion titled "Pressing On to Know Jesus" based on Hosea 6:3.

What does it really mean to know Jesus? In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep—and whose sheep know Him. This isn’t casual familiarity; it’s deep, relational knowledge rooted in trust, intimacy, and love. Paul echoes this longing in Philippians 3, declaring that everything else in life pales in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. To kno...

Pastor Tim Runtsch offers a devotion title, "Growing Like a Tree" based on Jeremiah 17:7-8.

As the school year ramps up and schedules get hectic, our attention is pulled in a hundred directions. It’s easy for Jesus to get squeezed out by sports, assignments, work demands, and screens. But He gently reminds us that only one thing is needed. In this message, we’ll explore what it means to reset our focus—not just as individuals, but as families—with Jesus at the center of everything.

In this devotion based on Luke 10:38-42, Pastor Tim offers some thoughts about the "One Thing" that is most important.

As the school year ramps up and schedules get hectic, our attention is pulled in a hundred directions. It’s easy for Jesus to get squeezed out by sports, assignments, work demands, and screens. But He gently reminds us that only one thing is needed. In this message, we’ll explore what it means to reset our focus—not just as individuals, but as families—with Jesus at the center of everything.

In this devotion, Pastor Tim offers thoughts about how "Subtraction and Addition" can help us in our life with Christ. The devotion is based on Psalm 46:10.

As a new school year begins, families often feel like they’re jumping onto a treadmill at full speed—juggling school schedules, sports, rehearsals, and responsibilities. But in the middle of the rush, Jesus offers a different way: a rhythm shaped by grace, rest, and purpose. In week one of our two-part series, Reset: Starting Fresh with Jesus at the Center, we’ll explore Jesus’ invitation in Matth...

In this devotion, Pastor Tim shares a powerful story from Walter Wangerin, Jr. titled, "Ragman."

One of Satan's most deceitful lies is the thought that "You Are Too Dirty, Broken, Flawed, and Sinful to be Forgiven." In our guilt, he whispers that God could never forgive someone like us. But God's Word speaks truth to the contrary. God removes our sin and clothes us in righteousness. Join us as we confront the lie of unworthiness and embrace the boundless grace of God’s forgiveness.

Pastor Tim Runtsch offers a devotion titled, "Abide With Me" that is based on the old hymn of the same name, as well as Psalm 46:1.

Loneliness is one of Satan’s most painful lies. He whispers in our struggles: "You Are Alone." But God’s Word speaks a different truth. God assured us that he would never leave us nor forsake us, and he proved the promise by sending us his Holy Spirit. Join us as we confront the lie of loneliness and find comfort in the unfailing presence of God.

Pastor Tim Runtsch offers a devotion titled, "Grace Was Always the Plan" based on Psalm 103:8-12 and Romans 3:23-24.

Satan tells us, “You Can and Must Save Yourself." Work harder, be stronger, take control—this lie leads to exhaustion and despair. But Scripture reveals a different truth: salvation is not our work but God’s. Join us as we expose Satan’s lie and rest in the truth that God saves in Christ alone.

Pastor Tim offers a devotion based on the powerful words of Romans 5:8 titled, "Loved Because He is Love."

When suffering comes, when prayers seem unanswered, when life feels lonely—Satan whispers his most painful lie: "God Does Not Love You." This deception strikes at the heart of faith, tempting us to doubt God’s goodness. Our suffering seems to suggest God has abandoned us. Yet, Jesus reveals the ultimate proof of God’s unending love for us. Join us as we expose Satan’s lie and find unshakable assur...

When we sin, our first instinct is often to hide it. We think if we cover it up, we can avoid consequences, maintain our reputation, or even fool God. But this is Satan’s lie: "You Should Cover Up Your Sins." God’s Word makes clear that concealed sin only leads to deeper destruction. But there is good news—God calls us not to hide but to confess and receive his mercy. Join us as we expose the lie...