Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
My father and mother read. Dad read the paper. Mom read the Bible. Therefore, I asked myself, “What shall I read?”
First, I discovered comic books and found I love stories. That led me to Louis Lamore’s westerns. I still reread them because I see something I have forgotten or discover something I did not see before. I began to realize that I loved learning, and I started reading biographies in junior high for the same reason.
Then I gave my life to the Lord. And the adventure and pleasure I have had in reading and asking questions about life that are answered in God’s Word are more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.
What’s the point of all this? In every season, questions about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going demand answers. When I began reading the Bible, it was to answer points made in a sermon, like a reference book. Then I started asking questions.
I asked questions like, “How do I stay in harmony with God’s intentions, for He created us for this life?” I asked, “Is the God of the Old Testament the God of the New Testament?” And, with study, I slowly realized the answer is “yes.” That changed everything. Now I read a passage and correlate it with other passages. I began to see the world as God sees it, and to use His wisdom to address the confusion and division that is so prevalent in our times.
Each generation has affirmed that knowing God’s wisdom for life and His promises are essential to understanding who God is, who we are, and how to navigate this world successfully with hope and confidence.
The Bible does not just tackle one subject, like sin and repentance, but addresses how to live as God’s people in a sin-filled, chaotic world, that we might have life, an abundant and fulfilling life. (John10:10)
This is why I have been writing a weekly Bible reading plan for you. Each week, I look at the message for Sunday and pick passages that relate to it, then I look at where we are going the following Sunday and choose passages that I hope will prepare us. I hope this is rewarding for you.
This wintertime, please develop a habit of reading and reflecting on what you read, and how it might apply to how you think about yourself, others, and the world. I believe you will be impressed by God's love, wisdom, and mercy. And finally, I believe you will be surprised to find that His guidance leads to hope and peace in this life.
Blessed reading,
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
