Olivia
Online
Northern IL District
@LCMSNID
Filled with living hope in Christ, Confessing, Praising, and Advancing His Kingdom
River Forest, IL
Joined November 2011
437 Following
955 Followers
2.3K Posts
Early Bird Registration is now available for the 2026 Lay Leadership Summit!
Plus check out the positions available in our June 1, 2026 Email Newsletter at https://t.co/QwGksQ1M2x
#AdvancingHisKingdom
June Communications Theme: As Christ continues to build and strengthen His Church, He graciously raises up servants to proclaim His Word and care for His people. Through the ministry preparation of our seminaries, new pastors, vicars, and deaconesses are equipped for lives of faithful service in congregations and ministries across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We rejoice with those receiving assignments to serve within the LCMS Northern Illinois District and give thanks for God’s continued provision of church workers. As they begin these new chapters of ministry, we pray the Lord would bless their service as they help build up the body of Christ.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness
WEEKLY DEVOTION: Living Stones by Rev. Kris Whitby, LCMS Northern Illinois District
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:4-5
I’ve heard it said that if you want people to do great things, don’t tell them about the great thing you expect them to do. Rather, tell them who they are at their best and the great thing will follow. I’m not sure that’s always the case, but the Apostle Peter in I Peter 2:2-10 certainly tells us who we are at our best. He says that we are, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his [God’s] own possession.” [I Peter 2:9a] With these grand ways of describing us, he goes on to say that we are these things for a great purpose, “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [I Peter 2:9b] What honors our Lord bestows on us in this verse! What a great thing to proclaim His excellencies as our Redeemer, Savior, Friend, and Lord!
Yet, for our focus in this devotion, I’m drawn to how Peter compares us in verse 4-5. He says we’re like “living stones” who are being built into a “spiritual house.” Stones doesn’t sound like such a noble description. You don’t expect stones to do great things. Likewise, besides keeping the weather out, it may not seem like houses do great things either. Yet, as we inwardly digest what Peter is saying here, it is a lavish gift!
In these verses, Peter first tells us who Jesus is. He is a living stone. Stones aren’t alive. Neither are people who have been crucified. Yet, Jesus is alive! A good stone can serve as a foundation for a building. Who we are, at our best, is solely built on who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Jesus is rejected by men; by our sinful nature we do not believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him. Yet Jesus in His Father’s sight is also chosen and precious.
As Peter tells us who Jesus is as a living stone, he then tells us that we are like living stones! How am I, how are you, as a sinner described with the same terms as our Lord Jesus? Our Lord graciously covers us in Himself in the waters of Holy Baptism where we receive a new identity. The Temple in Jerusalem was the place where God said He would cause His Name to dwell [Deut. 12:5]. He’d be where His Name is, with His redeeming grace. Now, His Name is on us, and we are built into His House, His Temple, where by His same grace, we offer spiritual sacrifices, declaring His excellencies, telling the nations of His blood-bought gift of eternal life for us…for all!
Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://t.co/Yfd3BTEHdo.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord
![LCMSNID's tweet photo. WEEKLY DEVOTION: Living Stones by Rev. Kris Whitby, LCMS Northern Illinois District
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:4-5
I’ve heard it said that if you want people to do great things, don’t tell them about the great thing you expect them to do. Rather, tell them who they are at their best and the great thing will follow. I’m not sure that’s always the case, but the Apostle Peter in I Peter 2:2-10 certainly tells us who we are at our best. He says that we are, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his [God’s] own possession.” [I Peter 2:9a] With these grand ways of describing us, he goes on to say that we are these things for a great purpose, “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [I Peter 2:9b] What honors our Lord bestows on us in this verse! What a great thing to proclaim His excellencies as our Redeemer, Savior, Friend, and Lord!
Yet, for our focus in this devotion, I’m drawn to how Peter compares us in verse 4-5. He says we’re like “living stones” who are being built into a “spiritual house.” Stones doesn’t sound like such a noble description. You don’t expect stones to do great things. Likewise, besides keeping the weather out, it may not seem like houses do great things either. Yet, as we inwardly digest what Peter is saying here, it is a lavish gift!
In these verses, Peter first tells us who Jesus is. He is a living stone. Stones aren’t alive. Neither are people who have been crucified. Yet, Jesus is alive! A good stone can serve as a foundation for a building. Who we are, at our best, is solely built on who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Jesus is rejected by men; by our sinful nature we do not believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him. Yet Jesus in His Father’s sight is also chosen and precious.
As Peter tells us who Jesus is as a living stone, he then tells us that we are like living stones! How am I, how are you, as a sinner described with the same terms as our Lord Jesus? Our Lord graciously covers us in Himself in the waters of Holy Baptism where we receive a new identity. The Temple in Jerusalem was the place where God said He would cause His Name to dwell [Deut. 12:5]. He’d be where His Name is, with His redeeming grace. Now, His Name is on us, and we are built into His House, His Temple, where by His same grace, we offer spiritual sacrifices, declaring His excellencies, telling the nations of His blood-bought gift of eternal life for us…for all!
Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://t.co/Yfd3BTEHdo.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJbYxIfWIAYzvcn.jpg)
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
From rural to urban ministries, small to large congregations, whether you are new to church leadership or a seasoned veteran, we are grateful for each of our lay leaders. We know you need support and encouragement as you serve where the Lord has placed you.
With the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the Lay Leadership Summit designed to bring together lay leaders from all parts of the District to:
Worship our Lord
Build one another up in our given talents
Provide best practices for effective service
Provide practical application across a number of disciplines
This year's keynote presenter will be the Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Our third annual Lay Leadership Summit workshops have options ranging from best practices in congregational administration to the latest in healthy small church ministry ideas. There is also a special Youth Ministry (with sessions led by the Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, the LCMS Director of Youth Ministry) track for lay members who serve those vital areas of congregational life.
Register Now! https://t.co/OwKzmQFhYk
#AdvancingHisKingdom
Early bird registration is $25/person. Early bird registration CLOSES July 3, 2026. Regular registration of $40/person begins July 4, 2026. Registration deadline is August 10, 2026.
Who to follow
MN South District
@MNSDistrict
The Minnesota South District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod cultivates leaders intentionally engaged in the mission of God. A district of @thelcms.
CTSFW 
@CTSFWedu
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, forms servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.
Missouri District
@LCMS_MODist
Congregations of the Missouri District-LCMS partnering as one church, united in doctrine, ready, equipped and acting to fulfill the Great Commission.
WEEKLY DEVOTION You Know the Way by Rev. Joel Hess, St. James Lutheran Church, Chicago
A young boy and his father were walking through the woods at the edge of their property. The sun had just set, and it was getting dark. The boy thought they were definitely lost. As the trees all started to look the same and darkness crept in, panic set in: “What’s the way back home??”
His father didn’t pull out a map or point the way. He simply took his son’s hand and said, “I’ll get you back. Trust me.” And suddenly, even though nothing had changed, everything had changed. The boy was safe, not because he knew the way, but because he was with his father.
On the night before His death, Jesus’ disciples felt the same way - lost, confused, afraid. When Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus didn’t give directions. He gave Himself. He simply said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:5-6)
We spend so much of life trying to figure things out - trying to map our way through fear, failure, suffering, even death. But Jesus doesn’t hand us a plan. He takes our hand.
When you don’t know the way—
When life doesn’t make sense—
When you feel lost in the dark—
When you feel the weight of your sins and don’t know how to get out of your failures—
The answer isn’t a better map. It’s Jesus.
He is the One who has already come down to you, carried your burdens to the cross, left your sins in the grave, and walked out alive. He doesn’t just show the way - He is the way.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You actually do know the way. You know Jesus. You know God. You know Jesus.
So just hold on to His hand.
Or better yet, remember: He’s already holding you.
Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://t.co/Yfd3BTE9nQ.
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord
WEEKLY DEVOTION: Hope Beyond Headlines by Rev. Jay Klein, Ordained Emeritus
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
In a world filled with constant noise, it can be difficult to find peace.
Every day brings another headline, another controversy, another reason to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. With so much competing for our attention, many of us find ourselves emotionally drained.
One of the burdens of social media scrolling and the constant news cycle is that, too often, we’re left empty.
I must confess that after watching the news or setting down my phone after reading a post from a public official, I often feel anxious, angry, or unsettled rather than encouraged.
For many of us, what’s really missing is hope.
Yes, every now and then there’s an uplifting story. We see people helping one another in times of crisis, and we’re reminded that kindness still exists. But those moments can feel rare amid the constant storm of outrage, division, fear, and bad news.
What we need is more than wishful thinking or the vague hope that things will somehow get better.
And it certainly isn’t confidence that humanity will always do the right thing. We need a hope rooted in something greater than ourselves.
Christian hope is not built on optimism or positive thinking.
It is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the assurance that sin, death, and despair do not have the final word. Because He lives, we have the promise of eternal life, but also the gift of grace, forgiveness, and renewed strength for today.
A living hope in God brings fresh strength to the soul.
It awakens a deep desire for what truly lasts, and, in comparison, the things of this world begin to lose their hold. What once seemed all-consuming can suddenly feel temporary and unable to satisfy.
As this hope grows, the heart begins to loosen its grip on the things of this world.
Status, possessions, success, and fleeting pleasures no longer carry the weight they once did. Instead, the soul learns to rest more fully in the promises of God.
And when our hearts are anchored in that hope, the noise and pressures of the world lose much of their power over us. Fear and anxiety no longer need to rule the heart.
Even in uncertain times, we can remain steady because our hope rests in something eternal.
This is why Scripture calls hope, “the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17).
Just as a helmet protects the head in battle, the hope we have in God guards our minds and hearts. It protects us from becoming consumed by fear, bitterness, temptation, or despair.
And it lifts our eyes beyond the troubles of the present moment, reminding us that God is still at work and that our future is secure in Him.
Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://t.co/Yfd3BTEHdo.
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord
Reverend Bob Geaschel was recently elected to the LCMS Northern Illinois District Board of Directors. He steps in to the position left vacant when the serving member took a call to another District. Here's a Spotlight on Ministry: Rev. Bob Geaschel and Trinity, Burr Ridge.
Read more at https://t.co/vcMNXLc1hy
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness
Reverend Bob Geaschel was recently elected to the LCMS Northern Illinois District Board of Directors. He steps in to the position left vacant when the serving member took a call to another District. Here's a Spotlight on Ministry: Rev. Bob Geaschel and Trinity, Burr Ridge.
Read more at https://t.co/vcMNXLc1hy
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness
As the 2026 Pastoral Conference in Dixon (May 4–6) comes to a close, pastors from across the District reflect with gratitude on the time the Lord has given them together.
From the opening sessions with Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb to the continued teaching from Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, they have been richly fed through God’s Word, thoughtful conversation, and shared fellowship.
Gathered around Word and Sacrament in Divine Service, they received the Lord’s gifts together—hearing His promises, joining in prayer and song, and being strengthened through Christ’s presence.
Throughout the conference, “Rejoice with Me Brothers” gave voice to the joys of ministry—highlighting God’s gracious work among them—while “Bear One Another’s Burdens” created space to share challenges, offering encouragement, prayer, and mutual support.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
As they conclude today, they give thanks for the ways they have been strengthened—called to serve together. They return to their congregations renewed, encouraged, and reminded that they are not alone in this work.
#StrongerTogether #CoWorkersForTheKingdom
As the 2026 Pastoral Conference in Dixon (May 4–6) comes to a close, pastors from across the District reflect with gratitude on the time the Lord has given them together.
From the opening sessions with Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb to the continued teaching from Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, they have been richly fed through God’s Word, thoughtful conversation, and shared fellowship.
Gathered around Word and Sacrament in Divine Service, they received the Lord’s gifts together—hearing His promises, joining in prayer and song, and being strengthened through Christ’s presence.
Throughout the conference, “Rejoice with Me Brothers” gave voice to the joys of ministry—highlighting God’s gracious work among them—while “Bear One Another’s Burdens” created space to share challenges, offering encouragement, prayer, and mutual support.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
As they conclude today, they give thanks for the ways they have been strengthened—called to serve together. They return to their congregations renewed, encouraged, and reminded that they are not alone in this work.
#StrongerTogether #CoWorkersForTheKingdom
We welcome Rev. Huffman and his family to his new call in the LCMS Northern Illinois District!
Read more at https://t.co/qxsoeFCDlP
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness
We welcome Rev. James May and his family to his new call in the LCMS Northern Illinois District!
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness
Full Armor of God by Rev. Erik Gauss, Cross Lutheran Church, Yorkville
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
“How do I deal with…???” Life in this world is a journey with many ups and downs. Sometimes it feels like the ups are few and far between, and the downs seem to hold on much longer. How do we deal with the roadblocks, challenges, and frustrations that come our way?
The Full Armor of God is a gift to every believer because we need it. Verse 13 uses the word when evil comes our way, not if evil comes our way.
When we ignore the reality of the spiritual world - when we downplay the impact of an active army of evil with its arrows pointed at us; when we deny the presence of the liar, accuser, deceiver working tirelessly to cause division between us and God, or us our neighbors - we give the Devil unearned influence.
The Full Armor of God is a comprehensive defense against the schemes of the Devil. Breastplate, Shield, Helmet, Shoes, and even a Belt to hold it all together. Nothing can penetrate this defense! We can stand our ground and remain unscathed from whatever comes our way.
But “stand and endure” is not the only plan God calls us to. The final piece of the Full Armor is a Sword. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God and is the only attack weapon we are given. Putting the Word of God into practice destroys the power of any assailant, including the Devil himself.
The Word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12) The name of Jesus, spoken as words, causes every knee to bow, including every knee under the earth. In other words, the Word of God is too powerful for any foe!
Putting the Word of God into practice is the difference between your house standing firm and your house falling flat in the storms of life.
God is real. His Son, Jesus, is real. The Holy Spirit, living and active in the Word of God, is real. And the Devil and his attacks are real. None of us like conflict, and we would rather pretend things are “OK” than focus on the negative. But ignoring it won’t make it disappear. In fact, ignoring it gives it more power.
What destroys the Devil, all his works, and all his ways? The Full Armor of God!
Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://t.co/Yfd3BTE9nQ.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord
May Communications Theme: Lay Leadership Summit
We know you need support and encouragement as you serve where the Lord has placed you. This is why the LCMS Northern Illinois District is once again hosting a Lay Leadership Summit on August 22, 2026 at Walther Christian Academy, 900 Chicago Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160.
With the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the Lay Leadership Summit seeks to gather lay leaders from all parts of the District to worship our Lord, build one another up in our given roles, and provide best practices in order to better equip you to effectively fulfill your service to our Lord and His people.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness #LLS2026
WEEKLY DEVOTION: To Be Determined? by Rev. Ethan Boester
St. James, Chicago
And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.
Luke 24:19-21a
We live in a world of “to be determined.” Plans change, answers take time, and clarity always feels just out of reach. Without realizing it, we bring that same uncertainty into our faith. We know what God has said about forgiveness and salvation, and yet we find ourselves waiting for something more. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we say, “We had hoped,” even when the promises of God are already fulfilled. The problem is not a lack of evidence, but a lack of faith. We begin to treat God’s promises as if they are still TBD.
But in Christ, nothing about your salvation is uncertain. The cross was never a question. The resurrection was never in doubt. Your sin is not pending review. In your Baptism, God has already acted – joining you to Jesus’ death and resurrection, and giving you forgiveness that does not depend on how you feel. Even when doubt lingers, Jesus does not leave you to figure it out on your own. He comes to you through His Word and through His Sacraments. Just as He was made known to the disciples in the breaking of the bread, so He makes Himself known to you. Not through stronger feelings or better understanding, but by giving Himself to you.
Because forgiveness is already determined in Christ, it can be spoken with certainty. Not with a nonchalant “it’s fine” or “don’t worry about it,” but with an earnest, “I forgive you.” These are not just words describing forgiveness – they are words that give it. And this is how Christ continues His work among you: His forgiveness spoken, received, and shared. You are not waiting for God to decide your future or your standing before Him. It is already done and given. Your role as a Christian is simply to receive. So hear it declared to you even now: You are forgiven in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://t.co/Yfd3BTEHdo.
#AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord
Last Seen Users on Sotwe
SOCIETY LOKAL
Seen from Turkey
Lo Mejor Del Porno
Seen from Mexico
TÜRK KONULU VİDEO
Seen from Turkey
Hijab NSFW 700
Seen from India
Blake Sharpton
Seen from Brazil
Serdar
Seen from Turkey
แอบเย็ดกับแม่ยาย
Seen from Thailand
Phill Jj
Seen from Belgium
Hahahhah
Seen from Indonesia
Anuchat Butudom
Seen from France
Most Popular Users
Elon Musk
@elonmusk
240.2M followers
Barack Obama
@barackobama
119.3M followers
Donald J. Trump
@realdonaldtrump
111.6M followers
Cristiano Ronaldo
@cristiano
108.8M followers
Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
106.9M followers
Rihanna
@rihanna
97.2M followers
NASA
@nasa
92.1M followers
Justin Bieber
@justinbieber
90.5M followers
KATY PERRY
@katyperry
86.7M followers
Taylor Swift
@taylorswift13
80.5M followers
Lady Gaga
@ladygaga
72.1M followers
Kim Kardashian
@kimkardashian
69.3M followers
YouTube
@youtube
68.6M followers
Virat Kohli
@imvkohli
68.4M followers
Bill Gates
@billgates
63.4M followers
The Ellen Show
@theellenshow
62.5M followers
CNN
@cnn
61.9M followers
Neymar Jr
@neymarjr
61M followers
X
@x
60.9M followers
CNN Breaking News
@cnnbrk
59.9M followers