God makes the sun rise on everyone – the evil and the good, he sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Pray that as God’s children we would show love and forgiveness toward all, including those who are against the gospel, just as Jesus did.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-49
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
We are living in a time when we sanitize everything.
Almost every place you enter has the obligatory bottle of squirt hand sanitizer.
And then we are washing our hands more than ever.
No more just running your hands under the water for a few seconds.
No.
We scrub and use soap for at least 20 seconds.
We sanitize surfaces.
We make sure everything this clean.
This post is not about sanitizing.
We live in an era of…
racism
hatred
political tensions
fears over COVID-19
& economic struggles
& much more
But one of the thing that we need to be careful of, is that we don’t sanitize Jesus in this season. That we keep rooted and grounded in what the Scriptures say. As we saw on Sunday, we are to be Strong and Courageous, we are to be followers of Jesus, being and making disciples. And we cannot do that apart from allowing the Holy Spirit to take the Scriptures and make them come fully alive in us. And part of what that means is that we cannot sanitize Jesus. We need to let him speak and shape us, mold us and transform us, so that we reflect more and more the character of God.
Trusting in the Lord forms stability in our lives through the steadfast love of God. Pray that as God’s people we will build our stability on the solid rock of Christ and his love.
For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. Psalm 21:7
This Sunday, we’ll be regathering at OCC at 10 am!
To help us adhere to the 30% maximum capacity requirement, those who wish to attend must register either online through the link below, or by calling OCC. Registration will close Friday morning at 8 am, to give us time to set up properly. If we reach capacity, those hoping to attend will be added to a waiting list. Those on the waiting list will be given first chance at registering for the next Sunday (and will be contacted if there are any cancellations). Please plan to come a bit early to facilitate the seating process. The doors will open on Sunday, September 20 at 9:30 am.
We’ll continue to have the service and OCCKids resources posted online for those unable to join in-person right now.
(If you do not feel well – or anyone in your home is exhibiting any COVID symptoms – we ask that you choose to join us through our online resources.)
For answers to some frequently asked questions see the attached document. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send an email back this way.
P.S. If you’re scheduled to serve in a ministry role on Sunday you will automatically be added to the attendance list. However, if you have family members who would like to attend please register them through the online link.
God wants his children to boldly proclaim His love to others. Pray for all believers to not withhold His love from others, but to declare the good news fearlessly.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. Psalm 40:10
Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:20
Today – 13 September – we are officially meeting together in our building.
There are some things we have to do (i.e. wear masks, keep physically distant) and some things we can’t do (no hugs or handshakes, no coffee, no singing).
We are limited in the number of people that can attend – so we will have a registration process set up (you can sign up with Eventbrite or call that church office).
We praise and thank you Lord
for this grace,
for reaching down from heaven
& touching our lives.
Thank you Father
for sending your Son into the world,
not to judge the world,
but that the world might be saved.
Thank you that you know us as we are,
yet you love us.
Wherever we go this week,
may you open the eyes of our heart.
To see your kingdom come, your will be done,
on Earth as it is in heaven.
Wherever we are today
and wherever we go this week
may we offer ourselves to you
and trust you with all our heart.
Amen
The psalmist declares that we can hope in God’s unfailing love. Pray that this will be a reality in our lives and in our churches and city as we live out this truth.
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love Psalm 33:18
When we recognize that God is the source of our strength, protection and love, our hearts are filled with praise. Pray that as followers of Jesus we will enter into an increasing understanding of God’s presence with us.
But I will sing of your strength,in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:16-17
Enter his gates with thanksgivingand his courts with praise;give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5
When we trust in God and his love for us, we have reason to rejoice. Let’s pray that rejoicing will increase in our city because more and more people experience God’s love.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6
We come before the Lord, based not on our righteousness, or our good works, but on God’s redemptive love. Pray that as followers of Jesus, we would be aware of this.
But I, by your great love,can come into your house; in reverence I bow downtoward your holy temple. Psalm 5:7
he sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Pray that as God’s children we would show love and forgiveness toward all, including those who are against the gospel, just as Jesus did.
