Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
I remember a time when Dad gave me a list of chores to do while he was working in the field. Because he was far away, I slacked off until I heard the sound of his tractor. I suspect I’m not that unusual. In my youth, I saw church as a place much like school. There were rules, and if you minded the rules, you would stay out of trouble.
Let’s ask the big question. What is Christianity - a religion, a set of beliefs we follow so that we are welcome in Heaven? I believe it is much more than that. God’s Word provides significant direction for daily life because it is a way of living a life that God intended from the very beginning —a life of wholeness, goodness, and peace.
What I didn’t realize in my youth was that “In the beginning, God created life and a way of life for God’s people.
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (meaning the devil, the ruler of this world) I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:10–11, ESV)
This fall, we are looking at Genesis as a prequel to Exodus, where God rescues His chosen people from slavery and false gods in Egypt, just as Jesus rescued us from bondage to sin and death and the false gods of this world.
Genesis answers fundamental questions that give life meaning, direction, and purpose. Where do we come from? Why are we here? And where are we going?
Through a series of stories, we learn that there are fundamental principles that become statements of faith, moving us into harmony with God’s will and helping us navigate a world hell-bent on destroying itself.
My challenge for you each week is to read chapters from the Bible that are connected to a theme or principle titled ‘A Daily Encounter with God.’ You will find the assignment in the bulletin and in the Happenings email.
For instance, the first principle, based on Genesis 1:23 and 2:7, is “all of us are created in the image of the Lord God,” which addresses the question of how we can live in peace with one another, particularly with the stranger among us.
You are encouraged not only to learn these principles but also to discuss them with friends and family, moving from a worldview focused on fear and anxiety to one that encourages living in confidence and peace in the Lord God.
Your pastor,
Dennis
Welcome!
I welcome your comments regarding our shared ministry at Our Savior's.
If you would rather comment privately; please, email me at prshepherd@westriv.com
I deeply desire to bring Christian comfort and the power of prayer to those who are challenged with sickness or circumstances in life.
Neither the hospitals or care centers are allowing visitation.
If it a matter of life and death, call me and I will contact them.
Pastor Dennis
Pastor Dennis R.
We have had our share of challenges this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fear and despair, I invite you to lay your hands on a copy of Max Lucado's book
Anxious for Nothing:
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.
We, also, have a helpful copy of "Cancer. Now What?"
available in the church office.
Of course, please contact me if you would like to chat or meet for a cup of coffee.
Pastor Dennis
