Unprecedented times call for unprecedented prayer!
God is the only one who can give hope and healing and he invites us to pray. Eugene Peterson once said, "We want life on our conditions, not on God’s conditions. Praying puts us at risk of getting involved in God’s conditions" (Working the Angles, 1989). Let us unite in seeking and getting involved in God’s conditions - that we may be empowered as both individuals and as a collective community to bring the love and hope of Jesus to those who need it most. Our pastors and elders have written a prayer guide that includes scripture, encouragement and short prayer to help guide you in your personal prayer time. In addition to this prayer guide, let's come together online and be a part of one of these two events on May 7th:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Jesus in John 8:12
I have no doubt that our community isn’t just seeing “Our Savior”, they’re seeing “The Savior”, Jesus, Himself in you… and through you.
Jesus is still writing His story through you – even in this unique time!
Stories inspire me. Currently, Noah’s favorite story is Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller. Arnie’s relationship with Mr. Bing moves from almost being eaten to being friends. I love stories like that. Do you know what I love even more? Stories that both inspire and motivate me toward a greater purpose. After all, Jesus is alive and we have “the” story of Living Hope to tell. Stories like...
You see, stories like these invite us to see and experience the living, beating heart of Jesus, today. And did you notice that each of them are stories of people like you and me living a life on mission? For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) Have you seen or experienced God work in a surprising way? Has Jesus' love motivated you to intentionally choose doing something for somebody else in these challenging times? How have you seen Jesus alive in the world around you? Share your story at go.oslc.com/tellyourstory. In the meantime, check out this COVID-19 Art of Neighboring Toolkit (PDF from artofneighboring.com) to discover more ways to be the heart of Jesus – His presence and power, right where you are. Write your story by living out "the" story of your Living Hope, today.
Jesus is very much alive, right where you are. We just need to point Him out.
Check out this video to learn how our ministry team has seen Jesus alive this past month. Toward the end of the video, I also share a brief financial update. I wonder what you see God doing. Let me know by going to: go.oslc.com/tellyourstory. I can’t wait to hear about it! May you and your family have a rich and meaningful Holy Week experience and a joy-filled Easter! |
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Pastor Tim Meet Pastor TimTim 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. Archives
December 2024
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