Let's Turn the Page, Together!

9/4/2019

Last weekend, Ethan and I were sent to pick up dinner. So, I took the opportunity to ask him what he thought about starting school in a few days. He said something like, "I'm pretty much excited. And a little bit scared."

"I'm glad you're excited, buddy. What are you scared about?", I replied.

After a pregnant pause, he responded, "I'm excited because it's a new school. But, I'm scared because I'll be the only new kid in my class".

In that moment, I experienced a taste of Ethan's feelings. Joy for something new and grief over missing what was left behind. Confidence in embracing the seemingly familiar and anxiety in the anticipation of something new. The reality is, like it or not, God was turning the pages of Ethan's life.

In Seline Shenoy's book, The Dream Catcher, she writes, "Life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy and some are exciting, but if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter has in store for you.”

What if God wants to turn the page in your life? Or, start a new chapter in your life? Believe it or not, He does.

God wants to give you a new heart: I will remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19).
God wants to give you a hope and a future: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
God wants to give you freedom: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. (Galatians 5:1).
God wants to give you so much more: God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).

Ultimately, God turns the pages of eternity by sending Jesus to die for you and me on the cross - to die our death, to experience our pain, to cry our tears, to experience our isolation, to deal with the weight of our sin. Indeed, God made Jesus who had to sin to become our sin so that we might receive the welcome, forgiveness, and love of God. And, we are alive because He is alive in us!

I wonder what page God wants to turn in your life, right now. Chances are, you probably already know because God has already been bringing it to mind. Maybe it's changing your perspective about someone; or your attitude towards a situation; or the way you think about yourself; or the way you live with your children; or the way you treat your parents; or ________________.

Starting this Sunday, we want to invite God to turn the pages of our life by turning the pages of His Word. Why? Because we don't want to miss out on how God wants to turn the pages of our lives. I'm so excited to see what God is going to do!

On Wednesday, Ethan started 2nd grade. He made new friends. He found his way through a new school. His initial fear is turning into confidence. God continues to turn the pages of his life as he grows in his new community.

Ready for God to turn the page in your life? Get connected in community at OSLC starting this Sunday. Bring a friend. Bring your Bible. And let's turn the page, together.

Pastor Tim

Meet Pastor Tim

Tim Bayer has served as Our Savior's Lead Pastor since September 2019. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Concordia University - Irvine, a National Leadership Facilitator and Resource, and with the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Tim studied sociology, psychology, and theology prior to earning his M.Div at Concordia Seminary - St. Louis. He also is a candidate for an Ed.D (ABD) in Transformational Leadership.

He is married to Beth and they have three children. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors, experiencing culture, and pizza and movie nights.

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