Unity | Unity Begins with a Paradigm Shift

What if unity isn’t something we create, but rather it’s something we enter into?

In polarizing times like these, honest Jesus-followers who want to live in unity as Jesus desired must ask questions like these.

Ephesians 4:3-4
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope.”

Keep; Not Create.
The very word “keep” implies unity already exists – that unity is not something Jesus’ followers are to obtain, but rather it is already inherent to our salvation. If this is the case, perhaps unity is something we yield to rather than strive to create.

If unity can be ours, through Jesus, what kind of unity are we talking about?

The unity of the Spirit.
Are we looking for man-made agreement, conformity to the likeness of men, or the unity of the Spirit? The scripture makes it clear. The unity Jesus desires for His church is not within the realm of human capability to create. Rather, it is a unity that exists in God himself, and it is available for all who are born again through His Spirit.

Since this is true, perhaps unity begins with agreeing with and yielding to the commonalities we have with every follower of Christ.

Two Reasons why, in Christ, we are already Unified:

1. There is one body and one faith.
   There are not many faiths, but one faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus by which we were saved. We were all saved into one body – not many. And Jesus is coming back for one bride, not a whole company of women.
   
   Whether we live like it or not, from heaven’s perspective, we are already one body, united by one faith.

2. One Spirit. One Lord. One God and Father of All.
   Jesus’ dying prayer was this, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

God is One – Unified. It’s who He is (Deuteronomy 6:4). His Unity is perfectly reflected in the union of the Trinity. According to Genesis 1, it’s what we were created in. And according to Jesus’ prayer, it’s what we were redeemed for.

“just are you are in me, and I am in you.”

And that’s the paradigm shift. Unity isn’t just a good thing to add to our faith, it is who our God is and a central expression of our faith.

What then is required? Make Every Effort.

Back to the original question: Is unity something I am responsible for? Or is it a work of the Spirit? The answer is yes and yes.

God wants His people to recognize the unity He has brought us into by yielding and agreeing with it. At the same time, Paul charges us to also “make effort” to keep it.

What then are practical ways this week we might make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit?

1. Reconcile & Forgive.
   Within CitySalt, former church members, the Church Lane County, and our own families who might we need to reconcile with and forgive?

2. Love, Honor & Know.
   You can’t really love without knowing. Who might we intentionally reach out to who expresses their faith in Jesus differently than you? How might you hold them in honor in your heart and speech?

3. Join in Unity in Faith & Prayer.
   Every Jesus-following church in Lane County is called to contend “as one man for the Gospel” in our community, and pray to the Lord for its peace. Every month, when we pray with the One Church – One Day Community Prayer Guide, we’re agreeing with 52 other churches in prayer. Next time you pray, let your faith be encouraged, knowing your very act of prayer for our community is an act of unity.

4. Expect Him to Reveal Himself to the lost through our unity: Practically, Overflow Hope!
   Jesus promised the world around us would believe when they saw His followers act like we’re one. Check out onehopenetwork.org/overflow-hope for practical ways to join in unity by Speaking the Good News to our whole community. YOU can partner with hundreds of Jesus-followers by watching and sharing weekly testimony videos from local people on social media!

May we embrace the reality of our unity in God and with His body.
May the division of our day seem less insurmountable, and may keeping the unity of Spirit get that much more paramount.
May the world see Jesus because we are one.

And may we be deeply satisfied, because our unity pleases our Father and fulfills the desire of our Savior (Psalm 133 & John 17).

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About the Author

Kaylee is One Hope Communications Director She was born and raised in the Eugene area. She’s served with One Hope for more than 7 years, and has a love for the church, the Lane County community, and a great expectation of what God can do through unified prayer!

Unity | Invitation to Community

There are a lot of lonely people in the world. And I’m not just talking about the intense loneliness many people experienced during the recent time of Pandemic shut-down and isolation. I’m talking about the existential loneliness experienced by many of us every day – by not feeling connected, not being understood, not being accepted, not being loved. Loneliness is a powerfully devastating state which can lead to insecurity, fear, anxiety, stress, depression, antisocial behavior and a host of physical, mental and emotional illnesses. Studies show that many youths join dangerous street gangs simply because they are lonely and are offered a community to belong to. Spiritually speaking, loneliness can pervert a person’s view of God and rob their lives of any meaning.

You may remember one of the Beatles’ songs, “Eleanor Rigby”. The lyrics go like this:

Ah, look at all the lonely people
Ah, look at all the lonely people
Eleanor Rigby
Picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been
Lives in a dream
Waits at the window
Wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for?

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

Father McKenzie
Writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear
No one comes near
Look at him working
Darning his socks in the night when there's nobody there
What does he care?

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

Ah, look at all the lonely people
Ah, look at all the lonely people

Eleanor Rigby
Died in the church and was buried along with her name
Nobody came
Father McKenzie
Wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave
No one was saved

All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all belong?

Sorry for the depressing song! But I think it paints a good picture of a world full of lonely people.

I recently returned from a CitySalt Staff Retreat where we spent a good portion of our weekend just sharing our life stories with one another. That proved to be a rich time, and even though we didn’t get as much practical work done as was planned on the agenda, it seemed somehow more important. We came away more like a team, more like a community, rather than just a group of individuals with ideas.

One thing shared during the retreat really caught my attention. Talking about the Church at large and the way Christian culture has developed over the centuries, it was mentioned that often a person must first Believe (all the right things), then secondly Become (more like the predominant Christian culture around them), and finally then they are allowed to Belong (to the community).

It was pointed out that this is exactly backwards!

If a person is first invited to Belong (just because Christ loves them), then they will start to Become more like Jesus (as God’s love and the Holy Spirit work in their lives) and then Belief will more likely flow naturally, as the person experiences the goodness and love of the Lord through the community.

Isn’t that a fantastic way to look at it!

And what is then our charge as individuals and as a church? Practicing hospitality and extending invitations of belonging to our community, are sacred practices. Think of how Jesus invited everyone he met to come to him, spend time with him, follow him: lepers, prostitutes, tax-collectors, and those demon-possessed were included. He even invited the most resistant class of all, the Pharisees who opposed him and were trying to destroy him (think Nicodemus in John 3).

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus is inclusive, not exclusive.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

One of the most poignant instances of Jesus’ invitation to belong is found in John 14:1-3. Speaking to his followers, he says:

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

What an invitation! How personal and relational this is! Can you sense the emotion, the love, that Jesus is expressing with these words?

We all have a fundamental need to belong to a family, a group, a community. Loneliness and isolation are not healthy places to live. If we can do anything at all to help those suffering in that way, even as small an act as giving them a drink when they’re thirsty, Jesus says we are “giving a drink of water” to Jesus himself! He identifies that closely with the suffering of the lonely and the outcast! (See Matthew 25:35-40.)

It seems to me that we can best follow Jesus’ call to love our neighbor by hearing our neighbor’s story, respecting their story, and wherever they may be on life’s path, inviting them into our fellowship to whatever degree is possible. That alone just might be enough to awaken a hunger and thirst for more, a hunger and thirst for Him who truly can satisfy our longing for connection and our need for belonging.

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About the Author

John lives in Pleasant Hill with his dog, Gunnar, and a multitude of guests who enjoy the peace and beauty of the Cascade foothills. With three children and three grandchildren all living in Oregon, he is continually blessed with their company and the good food that always accompanies their get-togethers!

Community Prayer Guide | April 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide April 2022

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
Luke 24:5

Church
Pray for your pastor and church to be filled with the Holy Spirit as they prepare for Easter and follow-up after.
Pray for local pastors to love each other and walk in unity, so Jesus can be more clearly seen and known.
Pray for Overflow Hope: for local churches to communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for people to return to church, and then be relationally connected.

Education
Pray for God to lead the process & selection of the 4J superintendent; pray also for unity for the school board.
Pray for holistic solutions for students with mental health strains and learning gaps.
Pray for God to rescue and heal students struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Pray for churches to support fatigued teaching staff and to begin volunteering in schools again.
As schools reopen campuses to volunteers and re-engage activities, pray for a sustainable pace and more staff capacity, so it won’t create an even greater workload.

Family
Pray for God to raise up and connect more local role models with both kids and parents.
Pray for families to engage recreation and play time together to bring life, emotional & physical health.
Pray for God to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and hope for the future.

Government
Pray for the upcoming elections: for God to guide the process and selection of local elected officials.
Pray for better communication and agreement between public and private agencies.
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.

Business
Pray for God to give business leaders new vision for community flourishing via kingdom principles.
Pray for God to empower local business leaders with wisdom to navigate current challenges.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses during the current labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”
John 11:25

Arts
Pray for local artists in every medium to have God’s perspective and create excellent, encouraging art.
Pray for the Pacific Rim Art Guild to be guided by the Lord as they begin teaching art classes.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for art teachers and students to be inspired by God and encouraged in their artistic development.

Health Care
Pray for God to provide more mental health case managers and counselors.
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for every open position to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to be filled with and show Jesus’ love.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for the leadership teams of local first responders to be led by God’s wisdom and His encouragement.
Pray for God to provide plans and abundant personnel for Community Safety during the World Championships.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.

Media
Pray for God to guide and work through all of our local radio stations.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit on all of the staff of the Eugene Weekly.
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.

Sports
Pray for God’s guidance to be upon the leadership of KidSports, the YMCA, soccer and baseball leagues.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.

“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21

Find answers to prayer on website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.
For Spanish and Kid's Prayer Guides visit onehopenetwork.org/community-prayer-guide.

Unity | The Triple-Braided Cord

At age twenty, I moved from home to attend college, a two-hour drive away. I needed the distance to assert independence from my parents.

Consequently, I knew no one at the University or in the surrounding town. Having a circle of friends has always been a priority for me, so I quickly got to work at meeting people in my new community.

After the first week, I realized that I shared a swimming class with a friendly woman I had not met before. We happened to choose lockers in the same row, and would exchange small talk as we dressed down and walked to the pool. I learned her name was Shelly. As the weeks progressed our conversations grew longer. She was easy to be around and we chatted about a variety of topics.

By the end of the semester, we discovered we shared similar opinions and values. In one conversation, I mentioned a story I heard in a sermon. Further discussion revealed we both attended well-established churches in the community. I was glad to know that we had Christianity in common.

With happy enthusiasm, I asked her “So you’re a believer, too? We share faith in Christ?” My unspoken thought was, ‘What a happy coincidence!’

Shelly smiled warmly as she replied, “Yes! Couldn’t you tell?”

Immediately I knew what she meant. My brief silence in that moment of realization resonated loudly in my spirit. My faith in Christ was only a few years old, and there was so much I did not know. But I recognized that an important truth had just been added to my faith’s foundation.

My agreement with Shelly in the Lordship and sovereignty of Christ caused a supernatural connection. With Christ in our hearts, all believers are part of the intimate family of God. This was my first experience with the instant unity of spirit that followers of Christ can share. I have experienced it many times since.

A friend recently asked me what I’ve done with the knowledge I gained since that time. The mystery of the undeniably strong bond between the family of Christ drove me to search my Bible for more detail on this subject.

Ephesians 4:2-4 NLT
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”

For me, this verse provides a short list of the qualities needed for an individual to participate in unity. The combination of personal experience and scripture strongly motivates me to initiate contact with people I cross paths with – to more confidently seek out further connection with the family of God. Friendly conversation is my preferred way to make sure other people do not languish and suffer as outsiders. There are no outsiders in God’s Kingdom, all believers are part of God’s family! And the principle of unity encourages me to more swiftly overcome any differences between myself and any other believers.

Matthew 18:19-20 NLT
“If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

The unity of agreement in prayer continues to be a welcome sanctuary and safe haven for me from anxieties that would hold me captive. I am quicker to call a friend to pray with me, instead of suffering in silence and isolation. God has always been faithful to bring me the peace and comfort I have asked Him for.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

The juxtaposition of the two analogies in this verse grabs my attention. The image of two soldiers fighting back to back against a surrounding army reminds me to not be disheartened by what I see when facing daunting life-challenges. The soldiers’ shared purpose of surviving existential threat, exponentially increases their joint efforts. This scripture drives me to never stop fighting the darkness of discouragement that would seek to hold me captive.

And the image of the triple-braided cord gives me such peace of mind. A separate length of cord or rope is a helpful tool, but when woven with two others, their combined strength is tripled. This verse reminds me to accept help when offered.

Several years ago, I accepted a challenging new job as a Resolutions Specialist at a large, corporate call center. The job involved working with irate customers to resolve their Customer Service issues. After an intensive 3-week training, we shifted to the next phase - our first live calls. Our employer provided experienced representatives from its call centers in other states to serve as floor-walking advisers. We simply put the caller on hold, raised our hands and waited for the adviser to walk over with much-appreciated guidance. I vividly remember the sage advice our Supervisor gave us before the calls were routed to our phone queue. We were assured that our advisors would try very hard to be available for as many questions as possible. But in the event they were all busy, our Supervisor directed us to look at the co-worker on our left and right sides. She stated, “the best and most immediate resource we can give you is sitting on either side of you. Be sure to reach out and benefit from their help!” This advice has served me well for many years!

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About the Author

Sara has attended CitySalt Church since 2004, the year it was founded. She studied Journalism, wrote for her college newspaper, and is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Sara also enjoys singing hymns with friends: “there is a sermon in every hymn waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”

Unity | Surprising Flavor Combinations: Unity in and through Our Diversity

One of the best salads I’ve ever eaten was a salad that originated at a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona called the ORIGINAL CHOPPED SALAD (the salad has a Facebook fan page if you want to look it up!). It consists of an unlikely and surprising combination of ingredients:

• Smoked salmon

• Israeli couscous

• Arugula

• A mix of dried black currants, pepitas and grated asiago cheese

• Freeze-dried corn

• Diced tomatoes

• A buttermilk-pesto dressing

I would never ever think of eating this combination of ingredients! By themselves I don’t think any of them would taste very good, and my initial thought of eating all these together in one bowl was, “Gross!!!” But, let me tell you, one taste and I was hooked. To my amazement, all those flavors tossed together tasted wonderful! There was an unexpected unity in them that I could never have imagined.

In his book, A Fellowship of Differents, Scot McKnight uses the metaphor of a tossed salad to talk about how the church, as God intends it, is a collective of people with a lot of differences (backgrounds, social locations, ethnicities, genders, languages, etc.) coming together with a common transcendent purpose. In our coming together, just like all the flavors in the original chopped salad, the whole is much greater (more beautiful, more tasty, more exciting) than the individual parts.

I love this imagery. God is a culinary artist who has the knowledge and perspective needed to concoct unexpectedly wonderful flavor combinations. The Holy Spirit is God’s appointed chef who puts all the ingredients together however she sees fit. And us humans, in all our variation, are the ingredients God uses to create these amazing flavors.

I think this is also a helpful metaphor for thinking about unity in the church. Unity does not achieve its best flavors in a local church community when one or more of the parts are overpowered by the others. That would be like taking a beautiful mixed salad and dumping ranch all over it! Unity, in a church as God intends it, is achieved through all the parts fully expressing themselves.

This is the kind of unity that we see present in the earliest days of the church. In Acts 2, on the Day of Pentecost, people gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem “from every nation under heaven.” As the Holy Spirit moved in the room, they began to hear sounds and words that they did not expect. They heard the wonders of God declared in their own native languages. Beyond anyone’s wildest predictions, the Holy Spirit determined that God’s wonders would be expressed, not through one person or language, but through many. Although the scene was chaotic (some thought they were all drunk!), it was a scene of profound and deep unity as all of the diversity present was channeled toward a single purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I recently read a book that captured this point well:

“The Spirit of Pentecost works through many tongues and many voices, some of those we would expect and a goodly number of people we might not otherwise include. One Lord, one baptism, one body made up of many different parts. The unity is in the diversity, and it is not for one part to silence either the voice or priorities of the others. The work of God is not ours to control. Where the Spirit works, we must listen.”

Patrick Oden and Peter Goodwin Heltzel, The Dialogic Evangelical Theology of Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen: Exploring the Work of God in a Diverse Church and a Pluralistic World (Lanham, MD: Fortress Academic, 2022), 3.

There is a kind of unity that we might be able to achieve by simply avoiding situations, conversations and decisions where we disagree with one another. But this is not the kind of unity that the Spirit of God wants to create. The unity that the Holy Spirit moves us toward is a unity in and through the various expressions of our diversity. It is not a unity we can achieve by playing it safe or keeping things under tight control. It is a unity that only comes to those who willingly enter the risky and uncharted spaces of listening and being together, with new and different people, for the sake of a new kind of community that God wants to create.

I wonder what new and wonderful flavor combinations might the Holy Spirit be preparing for us to enjoy together if we will: 1) make intentionally safe spaces for different people to gather, 2) humbly and confidently testify to the wonders of God through our unique stories, 3) carefully listen to and receive the testimonies of others, and 4) trust that the Holy Spirit is creating something new and wonderful through the whole process beyond what we can imagine?

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About the Author

Aaron is a passionate seeker of God and truth, and he enjoys encouraging others in their own pursuits of the same. He especially likes to think about how God is at work in the most ordinary and mundane aspects of our existence. He loves going on adventures to new places with his wife, Heather, and four kids and his perfect day would involve an excellent cup of coffee (or two!), a hike to somewhere beautiful and serene, and some good conversation over a pint at a warm pub. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland Seminary and a licensed minister in The Foursquare Church.

Community Prayer Guide | March 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide March 2022

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35

Church
Pray for God to reveal Jesus and the Gospel to all people in our community.
Pray for local churches to love each other & communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to be filled with the Holy Spirit as they prepare for Easter.
Pray for people to return to church, and then be empowered to live like Jesus.

Education
Pray for the Lord to lead the process and selection of the new 4J school superintendent.
Pray for holistic solutions for students with mental health strains and learning gaps.
Pray for unity and trust to be renewed within all schools: Christian and public.
Pray for churches to support fatigued teaching staff and to begin volunteering in schools again.

Family
Pray for God to give peace, grace and love to families.
Pray for families to enjoy time together and cultivate good relationships with one another.
Pray for God to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and a stirring toward a hopeful future.

Government
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for better communication and agreement between public and private agencies.
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.

Business
Pray for God to give business leaders new vision for community flourishing via kingdom principles.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses during the current labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
Mark 12:29-30

Arts
Pray for the Lord’s Spirit to touch all who are connected to the Oregon Contemporary Theater.
Pray for God to inspire and guide the leadership of the Lane Arts Council.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for art teachers and students to be inspired by God and encouraged in their artistic development.

Health Care
Pray for God to provide a new nurse practitioner for Dove Medical, our local pregnancy resource center.
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for open positions to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to show Jesus’ love.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for God to provide plans and abundant personnel for Community Safety during the World Championships.
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.

Media
Pray for God to guide and be present in all of our local TV stations: KMTR, KEZI, KVAL, and KLSR.
Pray for local media to promote and equip community members to listen and understand one another better.
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.

Sports
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.
Pray for God’s guidance to be upon the leadership of youth athletic leagues, high school sports and the UO.

“‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.’”
Mark 12:31

Find answers to prayer on website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.
For Spanish and Kid's Prayer Guides visit onehopenetwork.org/community-prayer-guide.

Unity | (Practically) Loving One Another

Humanity is navigating an era of uncertainty, distrust, and dissension. We've seen so much tragedy and it's left us with a deep felt need for reconnection. The CitySalt blog team will take the next few months to examine where and how we might find opportunities to unite and commune, and in that, how we can heal.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

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Jesus commanded us to love one another. A perfect idea if there ever was one. But what about the HOW, in today's fractured world?

The concept of duality was quite vague as I started writing this. But as I investigated it more, something fascinating began to emerge (more on that later).

I just have to share.

I learned that duality is where two opposing parts are by nature, in conflict with each other. They represent two sides of a coin - often occupying unhealthy extremes. But duality also dictates that the two sides share many commonalities (common ground) as well. And because both sides represent a rich, full spectrum of ideas, experience and even motives, both sides end up needing each other - to even exist!

When it’s functioning well with honest debate and mutual respect, our political system is the perfect example of duality. I’ve joked that it’s why God invented both men and women (and democrats and republicans)!

But the hard part is working out disagreements.

If the process fails, then constructive work stalls. But when people identify each other's extremes and adopt a mindset of coexisting and duality, real change can happen. They have to "understand themselves and the complexities of life", as many have pointed out. Each has to know and appreciate the other's back stories that led them to their point-of-views.

Goodbye cynicism, enter empathy.

I've long believed that because of our tendency towards emotional biases, triggered from past experiences, with most issues the best solutions (and the best workable truth) frequently lies somewhere between the extremes. None of us has enough in the tank to see it all and know it all.

An emerging, and important distinction:

Disagreement is emotionally taxing, but maybe we have a simplistic idea that in order to love, we have to always agree. Or be best friends. But actually I don't think we do. In my profession some of my best workmates have been people very different from me. But we learned to appreciate the passion and skills we both brought to the table. There was mutual respect.

The tension we instinctively feel with hard relationships certainly happens because of our differences. But we need to realize that deep down, we all need and want the same basic things. And it all starts with personal and mutual acceptance, which provides emotional safety. When we can move in parallel towards a shared solution, we actually grow closer. Could real, authentic love happen in this space? Sure, why not?

A final thought: In our current Christian/political climate, duality thinking might be construed by some as "watering down the truth" and "fraternizing with the enemy". First, I would never, ever want to accept a dangerous essential lie. God calls us to earnestly search for him and ultimate truth.

Secondly, I absolutely believe it's our Jesus-appointed task to sup with the sinners (because honestly, we're sinners too). Truth is, none of us believers can really influence anyone for good without first gaining a relationship with them.

Micah 6:8 | MSG
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

Luke 6:38 | MSG
“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Rhema | We Will Know His Voice

How do I know that what I am hearing is the voice of God? If you have been a christian for more than a week, you have probably asked yourself or someone else that question.

If I were to answer that question today, I could have more than one response and they have been about 40 years in the making, with me as an active participant. I know God has been talking to me my whole life, but I didn’t always know how to participate.

I believe it is God’s voice when it sounds like the God I have come to know in the bible. Maybe it is something I have read in the bible that suddenly “makes sense” or I see something in a passage that I hadn’t seen before. Or maybe it just sounds like something God would say.

Faith is definitely a factor.

John 10:3-4 NKJV
To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. (emphasis added)

God said in His word that we will know His voice. If He tells us that we will, I believe He is able to reveal Himself to us in such a way that we will recognize Him when we hear Him. I have faith that He is a big enough God to make me see and hear Him. Sometimes that looks like just “knowing” in my heart, in my being.

Can we misunderstand or misread what God is saying? Of course we can. Each of us are fallible and we each have our own “filter” through which God’s voice passes. Often emotions can really wreak havoc on my ability to hear. So yeah, sometimes we will get it wrong. But if we never take a chance and trust what we hear, God won’t be able to tell us anything or help us to get better at recognizing His voice. Here again I lean on faith to believe that God’s ability to make Himself heard is greater than my ability to hear. And I hope that I am not so arrogant that I can’t be corrected if proven wrong.

Sometimes I don’t know and I just go with what seems right in my heart. I might have to make an agonizing choice or decision and trust that God will honor my faith and help me out.

Two scriptures help me here:

Romans 8:28 NKJV
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

So I believe God has my back.

And Proverbs 9:9 NKJV
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

So number one, I believe you are only as wise as you are convinced that there is more for God to teach you. Two, I believe this verse applies to a wise woman as well as a man.

Another contributing factor to hearing God’s voice is the fact that God is really in favor of community. There are probably hundreds of reasons for this, but I believe one reason is to challenge each other and our convictions. Basically to ”keep us honest.” This can be very messy. What was God thinking?! But it is an effective tool. I believe we hear God’s voice better in community. And I believe it is by design.

Finally I will share a verse that literally changed my life.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (emphasis added)

This epiphany, if you will, struck me one night after a church service, probably at least 25 years ago. It has never left me and I have made it a life commitment. “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

It seems like most of the church is stuck on memorizing verse 11. But I find verse 13 equally provocative. God’s promise to me, and everyone else who receives it, is that if I search for Him with all my heart, I will find Him.

So I commit myself to give Him room, to give Him time, to give Him space to talk to me. I fellowship with the body of Christ, I read the bible, I spend time praying, I shut up and listen. I do all these things imperfectly, but I am committed to do them, because I want to seek Him with all my heart. I believe He talks to me when I make room for Him.

One time, in the midst of very imperfect behavior on my part, I heard God’s voice in my heart as clear as I have ever heard anything, “You see Darla, I don’t need perfect people, I just need faithful ones.”

I have counted my use of the word “believe” 10 times. This is what I believe that God has spoken to me about hearing His voice over the last 40 years. It has taken time, faith and practice. My confidence is in Him, wanting me to know Him. God did say that I would know His voice. And if you are a sheep, you will too.

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About the Author

Darla loves God and is the Digital Media & Communications Director for CitySalt Church. She is a graphic designer and an entrepreneur. Always learning. Eternally grateful for her wonderful and supporting husband Mark and faithful friends who are are pillars of encouragement in all her endeavors.

Mark and Darla have no children but have the privilege of loving a gaggle of ever expanding nieces and nephews.

Community Prayer Guide | February 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide February 2022

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”
Ephesians 3:17b-18

Church
Pray for people to return to church and then be strengthened, loved and empowered to live like Jesus.
Pray for your pastor and church leadership team to have the Lord’s vision, joy & wisdom to lead in 2022.
Pray for local churches to communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for God to reveal Jesus and the Gospel to all people in our community.

Education
Pray for God to refresh, encourage, and strengthen educators who continue to endure through long and unprecedented circumstances.
Pray for brave innovation and creative solutions to arise at every leadership level in the school districts.
Pray for churches to be prepared and equipped for the new & effective doors of serving that God will open.
Pray that God would raise up men and women of peace, wisdom, and solutions in every district to overcome fear, mistrust and division.

Family
Pray for God to give peace, compassion, grace and hope to every family.
Pray for families to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Pray for God to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, power and direction.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for higher quality communication and agreement between public and private agencies.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.

Business
Pray for God to give business leaders new vision for community flourishing via kingdom principles.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses during the present labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
Ephesians 3:20

Arts
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for art teachers and students to be inspired by God and encouraged in their artistic development.
Pray for the Pacific Rim Art Guild to receive new vision and plans from the Lord.
Pray for the Lord’s Spirit to touch the cast and crew of “Radio Redux” at the Hult Center.

Health Care
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for open positions to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for God to provide an increase of Behavioral Health funding and workers for our community.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to provide resources and solutions for organizations to address the mental health crisis.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions (Five new quality deputies were hired, but there are a few dozen open positions).

Media
Pray for more relevant and important local stories to be reported, so that our community can be informed.
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.

Sports
Pray for God’s guidance on the leadership of the YMCA, KidSports, youth soccer leagues & high school sports.
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.

“…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Rhema | A Word Spoken in Real-Time

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

The bible is a funny thing sometimes. There is nothing like it on our bookshelves. What else do you have in your home that is a collection of volumes written over a span of thousands of years by scores of authors in different geographic regions and languages? I’m assuming not much. So it’s safe to say that maybe we can’t simply approach it in the same way as our news apps and paperbacks.

I know I’ve said this repeatedly before. I don’t do so to intimidate anyone from reading scripture, but to hold it more appropriately when reading it. This blog series on “Rhema” is a great example of this.

This blog digs into the usage of this foreign (to us) word. By looking at how it was used originally by the authors in the past, I think we can unpack the deeper root of what they were getting at when telling the story of Jesus. My hope is that as we, 7,000 miles away and 2,000 years later, hear the message of Jesus we also can hear the word of Jesus!

Going back to those couple of verses referenced above, the word “word” used in both Hebrews 4 and Matthew 4 both lose something in their translation. The original word in the first passage is λόγος “Logos” and in the 2nd is ῥήματι “Rhemati” (a form, think tense, of the word Rhema that we are discussing). Don’t be mistaken, I am no Greek scholar. I have just a rudimentary understanding of the value of this in biblical study, and I use a couple of online tools like www.biblehub.com and www.biblegateway.com.

Logos and rhema, both mean “word” and that is why translators being more knowledgeable than I translate these to our word “word” when building English bibles for us to use. But in the way “world” and “earth” are different or how an Oregonian knows the difference between showers on Monday versus rain on Tuesday, the words “logos” and “rhema” have different nuances. Nuances that have value.

Check out these examples:

“In the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with God, and the Logos was God” John 1:1

The word logos here is the everlasting word, never fading word, the thought and essence of God, from which all things were, are, or will ever be. Powerful, beautiful stuff.

But Rhema is a word spoken. In the spiritual sense, the word of God speaking and moving in real-time. Moving with the authors when they were writing, as well as with us now as we are living. The rhema of God speaks today. When we share encouragement or blessing inspired by the Holy Spirit the rhema of God is in action.

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Rhema that comes from the mouth of God.” is used in Matthew 4 when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.

Peter responded to Jesus after many others left in John 6:68 - “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Rhema of eternal life”

Take a minute to re-read Acts 11. This is when Peter recounts to the Christians in Jerusalem his experience of the gentiles receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit just as they had. A pivotal moment in the church affirming that the salvation in Jesus is for the whole world!

First, they hear that the gentiles receive the word ‘logos’ of God. Then Peter explains how the Holy Spirit opened up the opportunity for him to go to their home (the house of Cornelius). Then ‘rhema’ comes in. “Simon who is called Peter; he will declare to you a message ‘rhema’ by which you will be saved”.

What are we up to today? What is the word (or rhema) by which we are saved? How do we live not on bread alone, but by every rhema from the mouth of God? This stuff isn’t just for history books. The Spirit of the Living God dwells within you! You have access to hear the active rhema words of God. You have rhema words to speak.

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About the Author

Mike is CitySalt's Lead Pastor. Mike is married to Britni and together they have two awesome elementary school-aged children. He loves working in his garden and connecting with people over coffee. One of his greatest joys in pastoring is helping others discover the fullness that God has for them through His Scriptures and His Spirit.

Rhema | Sorrowful Joy

Hebrews‬ ‭4:15-16‬ ‭AMP
“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”‬‬

Ever since I was in high school I have felt the calling of the Lord heavy on my life. The Lord strengthened me with verses like Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” He sent me out on mission trips and I was able to see and be a part of great works that strengthened my faith. This last September, I experienced another life-changing experience in my life that built my testimony.

It all started with getting married and dedicating my life not only to the Lord but also, to my husband, Dustin, and what the Lord wanted for our lives, as one body. Unfortunately, a time that was meant for joyous celebration and deep union was traded for intimate sorrow. During the second day of our honeymoon we had to return home and I was hospitalized for a week for mental health reasons.

My testimony since I was 18 has somewhat reflected that of Paul’s. I have a thorn in my flesh that keeps me humble and dependent on God. In college, I was diagnosed with a chronic mental health illness. With time and the help of God, I have learned to find strength in my weakness and sufficiency in His grace.

When I got out of the hospital, God started to emphasize the book of Isaiah in my life. It started with Isaiah 43 and God revealed to me that he was refining me through fire and filling my broken cracks with his gracious gold. He mended me daily with love from others and scripture. Unfortunately, the same week I was released from the hospital I was also faced with the dilemma of possibly not having a job to return to. I decided to go on a prayer walk and upon returning, looked at what jobs were available and updated my resume. I saw a job posting as a Wound Care RN at McKenzie Willamette Hospital. Two years ago, I was a Wound Care RN at a long term care facility and I had always dreamed of this position that was now available. In faith, I applied and began seeking the Lord daily for wisdom, guidance, and strength.

I was able to return to work as a dialysis RN, but every day I was off work, I would fast from TV and instead seek quiet time with the Lord whether it was meditating on scripture or listening to sermons. The Lord seemed to speak to me in resonating ways each day. He had Rhema words for me.

Before this season, my love for scripture was dying like embers on a fire. Now scripture is like a dancing flame spreading like a forest fire, not only in my life but in the lives of those around me as God has placed in me a passion to share his words.

The Lord answered my prayer and I was offered the job at the Wound Care Clinic. I have worked there for a little over a month now and I am loving it. The Lord has granted me a job that I am good at and enjoy, with great hours. So, what started out as a very sorrowful and unexpected trip to the hospital ended up in a rewarding surprise. The Lord truly works in mysterious ways.

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About the Author

Mollie is recently married to her wonderful husband Dustin. She is a Wound Care RN at McKenzie Willamette Hospital. She enjoys being creative, getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Community Prayer Guide | January 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide January 2022

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”
Psalm 96:1-2

Church
Pray for local churches to communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for your pastor and church leadership team to have the Lord’s vision, joy & wisdom for the new year.

Education
Pray for overflowing joy, connection, and shalom for teachers and students in every classroom.
Pray for all those leading in schools (superintendents, administrators and teachers) to have brave and innovative strategies to educate in new ways, meet students right where they are, and help them holistically grow and learn.

Family
Pray for families to discover ways they can serve together and bless the community around them.
Pray for families to spend quality time together & find their “family purpose & direction” for the coming year.

Government
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for the local housing crisis:
For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.
Pray for new community partners to continually come to the “table” with solutions.

Business
Pray for God to raise-up business leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through business.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Psalm 96:3

“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
Psalm 98:1

Arts
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for local artists to experience the power and truth of the Gospel and connect with local churches.

Health Care
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for staffing to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, energy and joy amid the staff shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.

Media
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.

Sports
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.

“The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.”
Psalm 98:2

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Rhema | Listening for the Living Word

In our current blog series, all of the blog writers are looking at the concept of “rhema,” a Greek word meaning “the living word of God.” I really like the definition given by the pastor and author, Bill Hamon. He states "A rhema is an inspired Word birthed within your own spirit, a whisper from the Holy Spirit like the still, small voice that spoke to Elijah in the cave. It is a divinely inspired impression upon your soul, a flash of thought or a creative idea from God. It is conceived in your spirit, but birthed into your natural understanding by divine illumination. A true rhema carries with it a deep inner assurance and witness of the Spirit."[1]

I was privileged to experience the “living word” of God as a fairly young follower of Jesus. At that time I was an extreme loner, going days without speaking to anyone, a “rock and an island” as the old Simon and Garfunkel song went. But meeting Jesus was a genuine life-changer for me . I wanted to know Him better and better, so I spent a good bit of time reading the Bible. One day I was reading Matthew 22:36-40:

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

To my great surprise, when I read the last verse, it was as if a neon light was flashing to get my attention (figuratively, not literally, I’d better add). But at the same time, a thought came into my head like a voice from outside, asking me “How can you love your neighbor if you are never with him?”

This was not a thought I generated. I was happy to love my neighbor (as if I really had a clue what that entailed) from the solitude of my own little quiet world. This voiced question was challenging me to join the human race, to start moving within the circles of other people, to establish relationships. I was not to be a “rock and an island” anymore. That’s the message I got that day. Though it was encouraging me out of my comfort zone, it rang true, like a witness in my spirit of THE Spirit. I believe it was God and the very fact that He would communicate something to me was truly awesome. I knew He cared, like a good Father.

Over the years I have had a few more of these experiences, but what I’d like to share now is that I’ve learned a way to encourage God’s living word to us. It’s called “Lectio divina” which is Latin for “sacred reading.” The Latin name reflects how old this type of Scriptural reading is (from the 6th century), but it continues today to be a blessing in our personal relationships with God. A short description of the practice speaks of taking just a few verses of the Bible, reading them several times very slowly, while asking God to show you what He’d like you to see. When you’ve settled on a word, phrase or concept, you meditate on it, thinking of everything you can that is related to it. Then you speak to God about it. You listen for Him, you share your thoughts, you listen, you pray, back and forth like a real conversation. It’s often at this point where you understand why you were supposed to stop and focus on this particular verse and what, if anything, you are to do about it. Then finally, you just sit quietly in the Presence of God for a bit, like you would in the presence of a good friend, where nothing is required, nothing is judged, just enjoying each other’s company.

To close, I’ll share a quick “sacred reading” from the other day. I was reading John 15:1-4:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I felt I was to focus on the phrase that is in bold above. I began to recognize some things I was doing out of habit that weren’t helpful in my desire to abide in Jesus. They weren’t especially bad things, only distracting things that subtly bumped me off center. My prayer was then to ask Jesus to go ahead and prune those things from me and show me how I’m supposed to participate!

God is so good. He wants relationship with us more than any perfection in our behavior. He wants our participation and seems to honor even our stumbling attempts at it. He truly wants to transform us from the inside out to be more like Him, when we’ll experience ever greater freedom and love.

1. Bill Hamon (1987). Prophets and Personal Prophecy: God's Prophetic Voice Today Volume 1. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, Inc.

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About the Author

John lives in Pleasant Hill with his dog, Gunnar, and a multitude of guests who enjoy the peace and beauty of the Cascade foothills. With three children and three grandchildren all living in Oregon, he is continually blessed with their company and the good food that always accompanies their get-togethers!

Advent | Prince of Peace, King of Kings

I need to confess something and I hope you’ll keep reading even if your opinion differs: I strongly dislike football. I do, American football that is. Soccer, aka football-to-the-rest-of-the-world, is okay. I have tried to watch football many times, but it turns out I’m not interested enough to learn the rules. If I’m going to watch men dance around in tights, my preference would be ballet. It’s very boring to me, and the games are so long. And why is it called football when the ball is rarely kicked?

If you do like football, would you still consider being my friend?

What if we weren’t talking about football at all, but about public health policy or (insert political issue here)?

The circumstances surrounding the pandemic and our current political climate have been challenging and divisive. We’re exhausted. Our relationships have been strained and some of them have not survived this season. I’ve heard the pandemic referred to as “the relationship accelerator,” because it led many new couples towards marriage and some long-term couples towards divorce.

This season has also led me to re-examine and question my relationship to American Christianity. Christians have been a significant contributor to the divisive environment we find ourselves in today, and I am very saddened by this.

If you, like me, are disturbed by the divisiveness we’re seeing now in our culture and the Church, perhaps the solution can be found by going back to the basics of our faith.

Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. And the government shall rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

During the season of Advent, we remember the miracle of Christmas: that God loved us enough to come and dwell among us in the form of baby Jesus all those many years ago. He was and is and always will be, the Prince of Peace.

If we seek to follow the way of Jesus, this Prince of Peace, what should that mean for us? In the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:17, 20)

Later in the New Testament, Paul revisits and expounds the metaphor of fruit, when he writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

I believe Jesus would caution all of us from pointing fingers at other believers who we perceive as part of the problem, without first examining our own hearts and (in)actions. How have our own actions demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, or not? What about the large and small ways that we’ve chosen not to act? Have you ever wanted to tell someone that their joke or comment was inappropriate, but lacked the courage to do so? How well have you loved your neighbor?

To follow the Prince of Peace means to follow the path of love and to turn the other cheek when we are insulted. And yet, I do not believe that the call to follow Jesus is a call to become a doormat, to let others walk over and take advantage of our kindness.

Bringing peace necessitates restoring broken relationships. I believe that broken relationships can only be restored when we stand up for truth and justice, and people are held accountable for their actions. Following Jesus and working to bring peace through restored relationships and accountability is a difficult and scary process. It takes strength and courage. Perhaps that’s why C.S. Lewis chose to depict Christ as a lion in the Chronicles of Narnia.

“‘Aslan is a lion — the lion, the great lion.’

‘Ooh,’ said Susan. ‘I’d thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.’

‘Safe?’ Said Mr. Beaver. ‘Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king, I tell you.’’

- C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Jesus isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king, I tell you.

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About the Author

Ursula and her husband Spencer have two young children, and their family enjoys playing hide-and-seek and dancing in the living room. She works as a communications and events coordinator with the University of Oregon.

You can read more from Ursula at motherbearblog.com.

Rhema | The Voice That Sounds a Lot Like Me

God talks to me, and I hear his voice.

I’ve learned to be careful how I say that and to whom, but it’s true. One of the best explanations I’ve heard is that as a Christian, I can learn to hear the still small voice within me that sounds a lot like me.

I know that feeling. On the verge of sleep, I sometimes “hear” words or see images that feel like they belong in the dream realm. I recognize a similar feeling when I daydream.

As I’ve had more experience, I can now receive this information while I’m fully awake. Single words, sentence fragments, and fuzzy mental pictures, which may reveal a special meaning for me. In the early days of my learning process, the words “sounded” like my own intuition. I was often tempted to dismiss them as not real, and not to be trusted. But I’ve since realized that sometimes, within this soupy thought-swamp, lies a jewel.

Instead of discarding this incomplete information, I’ve slowly pressed in and seized these words and images as opportunities. I pause and give them time to expand. At this point, the single words can become a complete sentence, and the snapshot-like images can become a paragraph.

A confirmation that it’s God’s voice and not my own, is that often a complete, multi-point thought will drop into mind, quicker than my breath. This complex thought can appear in my mind faster than I could ever attempt to create it. This Rhema experience is life-affirming and exhilarating, but humbling at the same time. Glory to my loving and faithful God, because it’s definitely not from me alone!

As I mature in this skill, I hear him talking to me in a more personal and intimate manner. I was on a deadline to turn in a finished written essay, but was stuck in getting started. I found myself pacing back and forth at my desk wondering what I could write about, when I heard the following complete thought: “Sara dear, if you want me to help you, you need to sit at your laptop and put your hands on the keys.” I’m still laughing at God’s wonderful sense of humor! I followed His guidance, and Christ abundantly provided an answer to my prayer. The words poured into my mind, and I finished the essay on time.

This experience taught me to relax and let go of the false burden of thinking I have to do it on my own. It also taught me to show up, breathe, and wait for God’s faithfulness to arrive, right on time!

At this point in my life, the words of knowledge I receive from Christ comfort and keep me moving forward with hopeful expectation. I liken the spiritual impact of these messages to feeling Christ’s hand slip into my own and give my hand a loving squeeze. I am not alone.

I invite you to close your eyes, quiet your mind, take a deep breath, and listen. In His perfect timing, Christ will begin a life-long conversation with you in your own voice. Your internal voice which is familiar and assuring. A wonderful new depth of intimacy with Christ awaits you! Jump in, and start right away. You don’t want to miss a minute of it!

1 Samuel 3:1 & 3:7-9 NLT
Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.

… Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”

Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’”

So Samuel went back to bed.

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About the Author

Sara has attended CitySalt Church since 2004, the year it was founded. She studied Journalism, wrote for her college newspaper, and is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Sara also enjoys singing hymns with friends: “there is a sermon in every hymn waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”

Advent | Everlasting Father | The Road Back

I will admit that I’ve been late to the party with our annual Advent celebration, distracted by the cute calendar with the little windows. Is this culturally related to the 12 Days of Christmas? Not sure. Anyway, Advent has been a delightful revelation to me in recent years as I've discovered it anew.

I love that the very idea of Advent is so rich with meaning. Not at all static, and not just history, but a beautiful story of redemption that keeps on redeeming. Our modern Advent is alive and therefore full of the same hope and joyful anticipation, 2,000 years later. The story is active love stretched out over our time, and into the future. Yes it is a remembrance of the events of that time, but please, let's not stop there.

It's so much more. It's about family.

God's marvelous plan for healing up our diseased and hopeless souls was staged in a far away culture, and ushered in by shepherds, farm animals, a carpenter and a virgin. A perfect and oh so humble beginning for what was to come. In some ways, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were our real first family.

Like a massive glass prism, God is so many facets at once. He is the Creator of this beautiful, vast and complex world. He is the humble servant Jesus. And he is our personal messenger and counselor, the Holy Spirit. He is alive, eternal and timeless. And he is a father. Ours. That isn't just theology, my brothers and sisters, it's why we are all here. It's relational in the absolute largest sense of the word. His existence, and therefore ours, is wrapped in the historical, yet timeless framework of family. God is our father. We are his sons and daughters - literally his spiritual offspring!

He's not just a Dad, but an Everlasting Father.

That title is my absolute favorite in scripture. It encompasses all - a grand design, a spiritual lineage, strong and thoughtful care and the best possible love. It's the ultimate fatherly ideal - a perfect mix of strength and tenderness. Even so, all that God is, quickly becomes too big for us to comprehend. I think he needed to simplify his story for us, and make it real. Yes we needed a savior, but who? Someone we could relate to, and with, on the most human level. A father and son!

I have known about Jesus all my life. I have sung countless songs and have heard so many historical accounts of his actions, and the reactions of people around him. The ideas his parables spelled out have helped me with my own relationships in life, but to be honest, it all didn't fully resonate with me until I experienced fatherhood. With all the joys and heartache.

I have a father. I am a father.

These days, I am feeling closer and better connected to Him, on my step-by-step pilgrimage back. The prodigal son's return. I'm getting to know him again. The work is hard, because of my failures and because of the collective wounds shared all around me. But now those hurts serve to give me perspective, and empathy. And my love is stronger.

Our paradox: we are all entangled in our closest and most essential earthly relationships - for the great, the good, and the not so good. But for now, I think it’s supposed to be that way in a family. All roads back to the Father are lined with the people closest to us, whom we are to interact with, and who partially hold the keys to our eventual fullness. We've learned how to harm. Now we can learn to love.

It's complicated and it's messy.

We may not always connect closely and agree, but as we learn how to love and be loved, the lessons learned and the Spirit's fruit basket reward will make it all worth it. And we will be freed. I believe that!

May we push forward with the Holy Spirit to continue our work, and let Advent stir up our hearts this season!

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Community Prayer Guide | December 2021

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide December 2021

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14

Church
Pray for times of refreshing for your church and for all churches in our community.
Pray for your pastoral and church leadership teams to have the Lord’s wisdom and plans for the coming year.
Pray for the Lord to send harvesters into our local harvest, and for people to turn and have faith in Jesus.
Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill every local Jesus-follower to both love and speak the truth in love.

Education
Pray for all those leading in schools (superintendents, administrators and teachers) to have brave and innovative strategies to educate in new ways, meet students right where they are, and help them holistically grow and learn.
Pray for overflowing joy for teachers and students in every classroom with laughter, connection, and shalom.
Pray for increased unity and support between educators and the families they serve.
Pray for qualified people to fill all vacant positions in schools.

Government
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for every local governments’ mayors, commissioners, councils and staff to have God’s wisdom.
Pray for every government leader to lead from a place of selfless love.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people. Pray for new community partners to continually come to the “table” with solutions.

Business
Pray for peace and kindness to fill businesses who are short-staffed; pray for effective hiring.
Pray for God’s grace for business leaders navigating the season: supply chain, COVID-19 issues, hiring, etc.
Pray for God to raise-up business leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through business.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.

“His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

“Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation . . .’”
Luke 2:28-30

Arts
Pray for the Lord’s anointing and drawing power to be on every Christmas and New Year’s artistic effort.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & theater.
Pray for people who are struggling with mental health to express their emotions and find healing through art.

Family
Pray for every family to love & encourage each other actively during the holiday season.
Pray that families would open their homes and hearts to the lonely (seniors, singles, widows, etc.)
Pray for parents to have peace and wisdom to make decisions for their children's highest good.
Ask God to show you how to encourage your family, and bring peace and reconciliation this holiday season.

Health Care
Pray for local health care leadership to have the Lord’s healing plans & wisdom: Lane County Medical Society, Lane County Health, Peace Health, McKenzie Willamette & Local Clinics.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of HCPs (Health Care Professionals).
Pray for God to bring hope to people who are in a “despair epidemic” and for HCPs to effectively treat them.
Pray for HCPs to have peace, wisdom and biblical solutions to treat those suffering from mental illness.
Pray for God’s healing hand to be upon all people suffering with COVID-19.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to move people of noble character to apply and be hired as first responders.
Pray for first responders and their families to have peace and joy.

Media
Pray for God to guide local media leaders with His wisdom: in radio, newspaper, television and social media.
Pray for local television stations to air local stories that highlight virtue and character.
Pray that the local media would be used to promote stories that help build-up the community.

Sports
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships:
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers and churches how to serve together at the Championships.
Pray for all youth coaches to be equipped to lead their teams with encouragement and skill.
Pray for God’s favor and protection for chaplains and Jesus-following coaches serving in university athletics.

“‘…which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!’ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”
Luke 2:31-33

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Advent | Wonderful Counselor

As Advent presents a time to pause and reflect, the CitySalt Blog team has crafted some additional writings to accompany our church services in preparation for Christmas. In addition to the regularly scheduled blog posts every other week, we are aligning with the sermon series derived from Isaiah 9:6 and sharing personal reflections each Sunday of Advent.

Isaiah 9:6 ESV
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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When I first heard about the unique way our pastors were going to be approaching advent, I was immediately taken back to a profound revelation I received from the Lord about 20 years ago. It was one of those life altering moments that dynamically shifted the course of my relationship with God. Its effect reverberates today and continues to be worked out daily as I choose to embrace its truth.

As a young kid, I grew up in a Christian home with parents who professed faith in Christ and went to church on most occasions. But as I personally began wrestling through life’s challenges, I would read scripture and wish that I could have Jesus physically present with me to tell me how I should respond to each trial I was facing as a young man. I envied the disciples who could ask Jesus any question they wanted and receive his wisdom.

It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I went on a journey through John 14-16. Within those chapters, Jesus, the disciples’ Wonderful Counselor, breaks the news that he has to “go away;” that they won’t see him anymore. I had never seen it before, but like walking into a telephone pole while sending a quick text, there it was. Jesus shares the following truth:

John 16:7 (NLT)
“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”

This simple sentence upturned all my pubescent apple cart desires for the physical incarnate Jesus. “It is better for you that I go away…” I reread that sentence multiple times and another proverbial pubescent quote came spilling forth from my lips: “Whatchu Talkin’ bout Willis?”

Throughout these chapters, Jesus breaks down the importance of the coming of the Holy Spirit. He reveals that he now wants to lead his disciples through the indwelling presence of this Holy Spirit. Take a look at

John 16:12-14 (NLT)
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.”

Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be the one to lead, to guide, to counsel us into all truth, and that what the Holy Spirit reveals to us, is coming straight from HIM. Our wonderful counselor is not so far off as we might sometimes imagine him. He has offered his wonderful counsel to us moment by moment, via the Holy Spirit; and the same Spirit that marked the apostles on Pentecost dwells within us today.

May we all take a moment as we enter this advent season to thank the Father for sending us his Son. Let us take another moment to thank Jesus for sending us his Spirit. And may we also thank the Spirit for revealing the wonderful counsel of the Wonderful Counselor, while giving him a moment to speak truth and lead us through whatever life circumstance we find ourselves in this Holiday season.

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About the Author

Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He loves Jesus, art, music, and poetry. He currently works as the Manager of Learning Technology Solutions for Los Angeles Pacific University and is passionate about adventuring outdoors.

Rhema | Listening For God

For me, it is sometimes hard to see the Word of God active and alive in the world. There are conflicts and wars and pandemics and it all just seems to be too much. All of these noises and distractions can drown out all the signs of the Word and that Still, Small Voice.

But it does not drown it out completely. The Word and The Voice are steady and strong, if I take a Selah breath and listen. If I pause the video and stop bringing up the TikTok and the YouTube views and playing on the PlayStation, I can hear His Voice and feel His Presence. In this space, I can think back through the day’s events and see God’s Word at work.

I see it in the interactions I have at work with customers (even frustrated ones) and my co-workers. We celebrate each other more, I think, than when we could be physically in the same space together. This week we are helping a coworker to raise funds for her daughter’s sports trip to Europe next summer.

I see it when we meet up with family, in spite of some differences in opinion around the Pandemic. We can interact with and appreciate one another. My brother-in-law was rather talkative at our last gathering. It was good to chat him up and hear about his life.

I see it as we are helping my mother-in-law find a new place in town. Really, this effort has all been on my wife and mom-in-law as they look around town at the many communities available, but I’ve tried to step it up and make dinner more often and keep up the chores as they look.

And I see God’s Word alive in the people around me. The way they have hearts for people and joy in life in spite of the trials they face. Like the terrific people of our church body when they love on each other and the community we serve.

What it all comes down to, for me, anyway, is going back to Matthew 22:37-40, which, in the briefest of terms is: Love God, Love People. When I feel like I’m not hearing God, or the world is just too much, I try my best to love God and the people I interact with. And, I feel for myself, this brings me in alignment with God enough that I start to hear Him again and to feel His Presence.

Take care of yourselves and take care of those you interact with on a daily basis and, I believe, you will start to hear more clearly from God.

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

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About the Author

Mark lives in Oregon with his lovely wife, Darla and enjoys reading, writing, playing games and working to make the world a better place. He currently serves CitySalt church as a sound engineer and on the church council.

Rhema | Getting Real with God

Rhema

Rhema is a Greek word used throughout scripture to mean “spoken word.” The idea communicates a fresh word, resonating in your heart and spirit in a specific and meaningful way. We invite you to turn a listening ear to consider what The Holy Spirit is stirring in your spirit, mind and body this season.

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Hello my friend, I want to tell you that God is speaking to you. How does that make you feel? Anxious? Comforted? Or maybe as a long-time believer, you've heard it a million and one times. Maybe its effect has become too worn with age.

Perhaps you've discovered that God doesn't yell (except through pain and suffering). That was a joke (and likely you're nodding your head right now). Most of the time, his voice is soft and subtle, and unfortunately drowning in our constant distractions.

If this blog title "Rhema" seems foreign, it's because it's an ancient root word from the Greek, used by both Plato and Aristotle to describe sentence structure. It's seldom used today, but in our Christian heritage, it translates to "God's word spoken to you."

But hold on, there's a crucial distinction between past and present here. Our “historical” vs our "right now."

We believers are taught that God HAS spoken through the ancient texts of the bible. And our modern brand of Protestantism teaches us that he also speaks to us in REAL TIME. Our faith is not just a historical belief structure, but an ongoing relationship with two way communication. Jesus is the Word made flesh, and The Word of God is active and alive in the present.

That's amazing and life-changing, as it should be.

But what about when it's not? In other words, how do we get stuck, mired into something far less than God intended? If I may, let me describe this in two words - knowledge and revelation. An unintended consequence of our life-long church attendance is a kind of "social familiarity" with the Word of God, and with the accompanying language (Christianese, as we jokingly call it).

I know that idea may sound off-base, but hear me out.

Unfortunately our human nature dictates that familiarity breeds taking something for granted. Knowledge can get tucked away and unused, in our mental archives. Plus it's all too easy, as we hurry through our daily lives as simply doers, to just check things off our to-do lists (or those To-NOT-do Ten Commandments). Staying busy can be emotionally easier than personally relating to our Abba Father. You know, hiding behind our workaholism.

Knowledge is not the end-all.

We also need revelation. An earlier pastor of mine used to refer to a "quickening of the spirit." Like a sudden wake-up call, it usually happens for me WHEN I'm too busy. It could be a new idea (an "ah ha" moment), but mostly it's something I've been dealing with for quite some time, but now I suddenly get it.

But here's the thing: we MUST take the time to listen.

And for that we need to not just slow down, we need to stop. And sit at his feet. Truthfully, we don't have unlimited capacity to pay attention. The white noise chaos even seems to invade our sleep and our dreams. Spending quiet awake time with God helps clear the clutter and quiet the noise.

But it's not a formula, nor should it be. It requires dialog - talking and listening. And best of all, it produces an authenticity in our relationship with our Father God. And that's when it gets real!

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.