Truth in Love | Hearing the Truth in Love

Kayla Erickson October 28, 2022

I don’t know if anyone saw me (since y’all supposed to be praying, too), but I seriously ugly cried a few Sundays ago in church. I don’t know what we were supposed to be praying about (maybe reconciliation?), but as you know, God does what he will. As I closed my eyes and asked God what He would like me to pray, I began to think about my early days at South Hills Church, when Shannon spoke in tongues and even occasionally cursed. I was still young and figuring out who I was, but I was suddenly in a church of people who were really honest and really courageous about seeking the Lord. Memories washed over me of so many people who were a part of that time, and everything seemed bittersweet in my heart as I thought about all that had been familiar and would never be again.

Then I thought about the years when my babies were born. We had just returned from Tanzania, and my spirit was broken. I returned pregnant, depressed, and feeling as if God had failed me. I now recognize I likely experienced postpartum depression, which had only made things worse. But we came home to South Hills, and two wonderful spiritual mothers in the church heard me, treated me gently and tenderly, and helped me start to heal. One of those wonderful women is at home with Jesus now.

So here I am back home, at a place where some are known, and some are new. And I myself am new again. It’s a very strange thing.

But it’s also wonderful, because, as I cry and mourn what I’ve lost, I also cry in awe of what I’ve gained. (Just FYI, I almost always cry when God’s talking to me, so don’t mind me.) I’m still getting to know most of you, but I can already tell that I’m still home. We are brothers and sisters. We won’t agree on everything, but my spirit resonates every time I am The Church with you. The truth is, I was struggling with this, though I hadn’t realized it. I was struggling to let go of how things were before, and release my expectations of what my church family was going to look like. Holy Spirit was speaking to me, but gently because he knows me so well. I think he knew I wasn’t ready to face all my emotions yet. But as I allowed his love to hold me, I was able to grieve what was lost from before. In releasing that, I’ve become more aware than ever of the truth that all of you, here and now, are exactly the people I’m supposed to be with.

This experience of God’s gentleness reminded me more than ever of the importance of listening. God knew I needed to be pushed into thinking about these things, but only when I was ready, when I was feeling safe in his love and safe in this new (old) place. He knew the time was right because he knows me, and cares about me, and sees my heart. He’s the perfect listener, who knows our needs before we say a word. I was able to receive his Truth joyfully because I felt safe in his Love.

I pray that we can embody this gentle and humble spirit. My God waits to speak truth until I’m ready. And when another person feels safe and loved by me, I can speak truth in love and hope to be heard as well.

Ephesians 4:1-2
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:11-16
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Psalm 145:4-9
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

About the Author

Kayla is is 37. She has been married to her husband, Joel, for 17 years and she homeschools their two energetic boys. She loves stories, being out in nature, meeting interesting people, and seeing others grow in their freedom in Christ.

Truth in Love | Exposure to the Light

Mike D'Eliso October 21, 2022

Being a part of the Christian subculture, the term Truth in Love is nothing new. I think my knee-jerk assumption is that it’s a free pass to tell people things they don’t want to hear, but in a nice way. But what if there is a broader way that the Church, God’s people, brings truth to our community? Truth - honest reflections of where evil, brokenness, and selfishness ravish God’s good creation - are spoken not in judgment and shame inducing “other-izing,” but with invitational love.

I was caught up in a rabbit trail this morning (as I often am), learning about the 1919 Elaine Massacre. I had never heard of this mass destruction of black bodies in rural Arkansas that took place over 100 years ago. A post on social media shared at the right time of day was all I needed to send me into investigation mode to learn what they were talking about. One thing led to another …you know the drill. I invite you to explore that Wikipedia rabbit trail on your own time.

With Truth in Love on my mind, I was very interested to learn about the memorial for this tragic event that was actually built pretty recently. The website of the Elaine Massacre Memorial leads with a quote from author James Baldwin: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Now regardless of your familiarity with or opinions about James Baldwin, this quote took me right back to scripture’s usage of light and dark. The way of bringing the gross, dark, shame-filled things to the light and exposing that which was hidden, brings the opportunity for healing.

In Ephesians 5, Paul is talking about “walking in love,” rather than how we used to walk, and “walking as children of light,” rather than in the darkness we once walked. He then builds the case for how to walk in this new way in verse 13: “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”

Exposure to the light! The light of truth exposes these horrible sins and only then do we have a chance to mourn, repent, reconcile, and heal. The way of love leads us to the light.

I know my gut reaction to my embarrassing behavior is to hide it. I saw it in my children when they were toddlers because it is what’s natural to us. I know I do it now in my 30s. When I trip, I look around to make sure no one sees it. When I fail, I hope no one will know it was me. On a larger scale, we as a nation attempt to bury our hate-filled histories like that of the Elaine Massacre and The Red Summer of 1919…not to mention the hate-filled racial history here in Eugene, from the burning crosses on Skinner’s Butte to the segregated Ferry Street Community across the Willamette. (Consider a walking tour of Eugene’s black history https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/take-a-walking-tour-of-eugenes-black-history/)

It wasn’t until 2019 that the 1919 tragedy was formally memorialized. Before the concrete memorial was built, a willow tree was planted on site, which only months later was cut down and the memorial tag stolen. People kept trying to keep this story hidden. But this hiding is not the way of Jesus, not the way of truth in love, and not the way of healing and wholeness.

When the truth is exposed to the light we can see it, address it, and repent from it. This is why Auschwitz and other internment camps are available for tours to this day. And this exposure of evil to the light was the invitation from the prophets to Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations. This is the invitation to healing today. Without bringing these histories to the light there can be no healing.

The light is God’s light. If it were not, then the light would be dangerous. But this light is the light that can handle the truth with love.

Pray with me:

Psalm 139
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

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.

Truth in Love | Water of Life

Terry Sheldon October 14, 2022

Truth and love are likely the most essential pair of words in our scriptures, and even better, they go hand in hand. Ephesians 4:14 refers to them in tandem - as truth IN love. I instantly had an image of a jug of cold, fresh water. When combined, both the jug and the water become so special and more than the sum of their parts.

But can’t we also say the opposite - that when separated, truth and love become LESS than their individual best? I think so.

Consider truth as water.

They were certainly woven beautifully together between metaphor and hard reality in Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. He asked her for a drink, even though he could have served himself. It was all about the conversation. They discussed the truth of her life's struggles, and of water - living water.

The very nature of water is fluid. It can be a perplexing paradox of life-giving or life-taking, depending on the circumstances. A massive waterfall can be breathtaking in both senses of the word. Truth can also have two outcomes. Real truth can set us free, but someone's immature version of the truth can be wielded as a sword that can maim and kill.

And the jug is love.

Love is truth’s container. Water NEEDS a container, or it can be lost and unusable. Think about how our culture misuses and abuses the very idea of love. It's romantic or patriotic, passionate or proud, and all too often, self-serving. But consider the humble, utilitarian JUG. So useful, so practical, yet so vital!

The Apostle Paul’s description of perfect love in Corinthians 13 is basic and useful as well: "Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for itself. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head. It doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first." It doesn't fly off the handle, and it doesn't keep score of the sins of others. It doesn't revel when others grovel but takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. It puts up with anything - trusts God always and always looks for the best. It never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies!"

Wow, that must be one beautiful jug, right?

Back in Ephesians, Paul combines truth and love: "Know the whole truth and tell it in love (like Christ) in everything." He uses phrases like "be mature" and "grow.” At the end of Corinthians’ love chapter he tempers truth a bit: "We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled."

Seek the truth and grow up. And love really well. Got it.

Carry the jug everywhere and keep it full. But I bet that real truth and real love cannot be separated. For me, they seem like the two boundary edges of my faith that I am constantly hitting, nudging me back towards the middle. Truth without love can be stark, lifeless and lead to idolatry. Love without truth can be shaky, shallow and self-serving. But when combined - it's life in the Lord fully realized!

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.

Truth in Love | Truthing in Love

Aaron Friesen October 7, 2022

In Ephesians 4, Paul shares a vision for how a Christian community can become mature in Christ. Paul says that God has provided apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip and build up God’s people. He goes on to say that as the body of Christ grows and becomes mature, it will no longer be blown around and tossed back and forth by whatever cunning or crafty teaching that comes our way. In contrast to that way of living, Paul describes a different way of being in the world. The phrase that Paul uses to describe this way of being is most often translated “speaking the truth in love.” What does Paul mean by this phrase?

Often, I have heard people appeal to this verse in defense of a moral obligation that they believe Christians have to speak up, proclaim and preach biblical truth no matter how difficult or uncomfortable or harsh it might seem to other people. In this line of interpretation, the “in love” part of the verse is usually applied to the motives behind one’s decision to speak up. In short, our love for God’s truth and our concern that people not be deceived should compel us to speak up and profess truth (as we have defined it) whenever we have the opportunity, no matter how unpopular it might be.

While honesty, truth-telling and speaking up about injustices and wrongs is an essential part of community building, I don’t think that our words are the only (or even the main) thing that Paul had in mind with this phrase. In Greek, the phrase that Paul uses is alētheuein en agape. The Greek word for speaking or saying (laleō) is not used here. Instead, Paul simply uses the verb form of truth (alētheia), which certainly could include speaking honestly (it is used in this way in 4:25) but is much broader.

John Stott presents this argument in his commentary on Ephesians, “’Speaking the truth in love’ is not the best rendering of [Paul’s] expression, for the Greek verb makes no reference to our speech. Literally, it means, ‘truthing (alētheuontes ) in love’, and includes the notions of ‘maintaining,’ ‘living’ and ‘doing’ the truth.”(1) Peter Williamson and Mary Healy’s commentary on Ephesians also picks up on this point of translation and they explain Paul’s main idea in this way:

Rather than being deceived and unstable, Christians should be living the truth. The Greek here uses the participle of a verb derived from “truth”– comparable to “truthing” – that contrasts with the “trickery,” “cunning,” and “deceitful scheming” that precedes it. Paul calls us not only to be loyal to the truth, but to do so without being arrogant or harsh: he urges us to live in the truth out of a desire for the good of others, acting in love.(2)

Although this may seem like a minor point of translation, I think it has significant implications for how we might apply Paul’s words to our everyday lives. Theologian Miroslav Volf identifies some of these points in his book Exclusion and Embrace:

Commentators usually render this term “speaking the truth in love.” But the verb used in the original is not “to speak” but “to truth,” which in addition to speaking the truth may mean cherishing, maintaining, doing or living the truth… [Paul’s point is that] untruth holds captive both minds and lives and therefore cannot be overcome only with right thoughts and right words. It takes a truthful life to want to seek after truth, to see the truth when confronted by it, and to say the truth out loud without fear.(3)

If Paul’s accent is not on the words that we speak (although it certainly includes our words), but the way that we live our lives, then the most important question we should be asking ourselves in response to this verse is not, “What should I say because I love God?” Instead, the key question may be something like, “What should I be doing in order to align my life to the truth of God’s love?” Sometimes, this aligning of our lives may involve speaking up. At other times, it may involve shutting up. The important thing is that in whatever we are doing, we are allowing our actions to be shaped by the bigness of God’s love for the world that surpasses all knowledge (Ephesians 3:17-19). I think this way of interpreting this phrase makes so much sense in the context of this section of Paul’s letter – a section that is focused on articulating a new way of living that corresponds to all the grace and love that we all have received from God in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-3) in contrast to a life that is governed by a deadened sensitivity toward others (Ephesians 4:17-18).

Thanks to the internet and social media, there are now many platforms and digital spaces available to us where we can post/speak our opinions, thoughts, and beliefs for others to read/hear. These tools open up amazing opportunities to share things that are important to us with others across huge geographical distances, but if we feel a sense of closure or completeness in simply posting (speaking) our truth for others to read, we have missed the point of what Paul is talking about. The power of whatever truth that we have to share will only be realized as we do our best to work it out through concrete actions in our daily lives and relationships. This action, and the corresponding good fruit that comes from it over time, is what authenticates a message that is really true in contrast to other messages that we might speak or hear that prove to be false or unreliable. I think this is what John was getting at when he wrote, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth” (1 John 3:18-19, NIV).

As somebody who has spent a lot of time in school researching, writing, reading, analyzing, and discussing words, I realize I can get pretty fixated on trying to say things just right. The words we say to ourselves and one another are certainly important, but I can let the task of careful and precise talking and thinking distract me or, even worse, excuse me from the most important task of putting those ideas into practice. I need to be reminded that the most powerful witness to truth that I have is not my words but my life. A life shaped by love is the truest, realest thing in the world, and a life shaped by love can communicate truth powerfully whether or not I have exactly the right words to go with it.

John Stott, The Message of Ephesians (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2020), 131.
Williamson, Peter S., and Mary Healy. Ephesians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2009), 122-123.
Miroslav Volf, Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), 256.

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 co-leads the CitySalt Kids’ Ministry along with his wife, Heather.

Ephesians 4 | Living Out Our Deepest Values

Leona Abrahao September 30, 2022

In my walk as a Christian and my journey through this life, I’m always looking for direction and reminders for living out my deepest values and allowing them to guide my choices, big and small.

How wonderful that we have the bible to guide us! The second part of Ephesians 4 in the New International Version, is clearly subtitled, “Instructions for Christian Living.” If you’re on a mission to live well as a Christian too, I’d say “look no further;” although the bible is full of these instructions, so do look further! For now, here is what Paul instructs us to do in Ephesians 4:

Speak truthfully to your neighbor
In your anger, do not sin
Do not steal, do honest work
Have something to share with those in need
Speak “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs”
Do not grieve the holy spirit
Get rid of bitterness, rage and anger
Be kind and compassionate to one another
Forgive one another

I feel like when I was young, I was taught to be kind as if it was easy, and for the most part I found that it was. I may have a selective memory, but I don’t remember having any significant conflict of my own. My siblings and I got along well (until the summer we spent playing Nintendo). But as I got older I found myself facing conflicts and feeling angry. Even in my desire to be kind, I found myself hurting others with my words and actions. Being kind suddenly wasn’t so easy. As adults, we are challenged by this world and the instructions Paul gives us become more like instructions for putting together furniture, simple pictures that don’t pan out so well when put into action.

Looking at these instructions as an experienced adult, familiar with many of life's challenges, I notice how these instructions are saying so much more. Three stand out:

“In your anger, do not sin.” Paul acknowledges our anger and that we do have it, that it is a reality in this world. I appreciate that recognition so that we can learn to face it with good choices, learning how to respond “in our anger” so that when it bubbles up, we do not sin.
Speak “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” This is written as, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29.
What really speaks to me here is that he adds “according to their needs.” I hear Paul telling us to choose our words carefully, recognizing who we are speaking to and how those words will be received, to use words that “benefit those who listen.” This is a wonderful reminder for me when I feel convicted in my truth and want to share “my wisdom” with my children. They may not hear it as I intended if I am not careful to choose words that are “helpful for building others up,” specifically words that will land well with the person I am speaking to.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger.” Now this is a project. I also just shared how grateful I am that Paul recognizes that we do have anger, so what does that make us if we feel anger, yet are also instructed to “get rid of all .. anger?” It makes us a work in progress. This may mean we are working through old traumas or simply replacing a sharp reaction with a deep breath and a smile. Either way, the end goal (that we may never reach) keeps us progressing and living out our deepest values, by bringing God’s grace and love to each choice we make, big and small.

In summary, Ephesians 4 reminds me to strive for a pure heart with no bitterness, rage or anger by speaking words that are helpful in building others up, so that in moments of anger I will not sin. This helps me live out my deepest values of contributing kindness, sharing God’s love and encouragement with others, and living with a positive perspective and a deep gratitude to our Lord. And when I stumble, I can remember that I am a work in progress and be kind and encouraging to myself! I hope you will do the same.

About the Author

Leona is a wife, mother and traveler who is intrigued by how different people live. Her latest project is exploring ways that different walks of life can simplify, in order to live a fulfilling journey.

Ephesians 4 | The Signet Seal of the Holy Spirit

Mike Wilday September 9, 2022

In biblical times, kings would use hot wax or clay and a signet ring to seal vital items. The seal carried the authority and validity of the king. Anyone who viewed that seal knew the king had authorized the document or was guarding the content within. In the fourth chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul references this imagery.

Ephesians 4:30 (NASB)
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

This imagery carries many connotations, which we will consider in this blog post.

Holy Spirit is a promise. Signet rings were often used in royal transactions as a promise or a pledge that whatever was contracted would be carried out. In Ephesians 4, Paul indicates that the Lord seals us with his spirit as a promise of what’s to come. The Spirit’s presence and power pledge to us that the day of redemption will come. The blessed day when Christ returns in glory and redeems his people, when we become fully like him, and when his power transforms us fully into his likeness is yet to come, but we have the Holy Spirit and his power to imbue us until that day arrives. (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:14; Eph. 4:29)

Holy Spirit is an impression and impartation of God himself. At its base value, a king’s seal was an impression left by a ring or a specially made tube on wax or clay. Holy Spirit, who is entirely God, is likewise impressed on every believer; a marking of the power and presence of Christ. The fullness of God comes to dwell within and imparts us with everything we need for life and godliness. We are duly marked and impressed with all our King's markings. And as we allow Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we become more and more an impression of who our King is. (1 John 3:24; Tit. 3:4-7; Eph. 1:13; 2 Pet. 1:3)

Holy Spirit is a witness to whoever encounters us. Those who would encounter the signet seal of a king were witnesses to the authenticity of whatever was marked. The impression was clear and identified with clarity to whom the document belonged. The work of Holy Spirit in our lives, his gifts, his fruit, and ultimately our transformation into God’s likeness is a witness to those we encounter. It is a witness to them of whom we belong to and of the reality of our loving father. This is the very reason God sent his Spirit. The disciples received the gift of Holy Spirit to empower them and set them apart as God’s witness. To empower us to be his witness is still his Spirit’s purpose in our lives today. (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:7-12; John 15:26-27)

Holy Spirit is a symbol of God’s power and authority. Those who carried their king's seal possessed the full authority of the king. Whatever message they brought, transaction they were representing him in, or promise made under that seal carried the full authority and power of the king to act upon it. Likewise, the King of all Kings has empowered us with his own Spirit and has given us authority over the heavens and the earth. He has empowered us to be his witnesses and walk boldly upon the earth. God has granted us authority over the powers of this world and the strength to resist the devil who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He has freed us from the power of death, sin, and our sinful nature and freed us to follow him and his leadership. (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 3:16-18; Gal. 5:16-25; 2 Tim 1:7)

Holy Spirit is the ratification of God’s covenant with us. A signet seal was a mark indicating the validity of a treaty or a king's work. The Lord has signified the work he is doing within us by sealing us with the promise of Holy Spirit. His presence in our lives indicates the work the father has begun in us. We can rest in his work as we surrender to his Spirit and allow his fruit to bear in our lives. As we allow the Holy Spirit to confirm the word of the Lord and transform us into the likeness of Jesus, we can rest assured in our hope in Christ and our complete redemption.

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.

Ephesians 4 | Spirit Filled Thoughts

Mollie Havens August 26, 2022

Ephesians 4 is a calling to live a sanctified life. We are to “live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1), exhibiting godly character, moral courage, personal integrity and mature behavior. In order to have actions and words that represent Christ and his love for humanity, we need to have a thought life that is honorable to Christ. Verse 23 of Ephesians 4 prompts us to continually renew the spirit of our minds and put on the new self that is created in the image of God, thinking of things that are righteous and holy and true, and being thankful to God for all he has done for us.

In Philippians 4:8 it says
“Finally believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things.”

For us to live a life of joy and peace, we must think of things that are true and lovely to God.

My mind is prone to anxiety, doubts and a lack of self confidence. It is easy for me to play the “what if” game in my mind and not trust God with my future. I start to think about worst case scenarios and worry about my finances, health, or relationships. However, God calls me to control my thought life and think about his plan and purposes and peace. So now, when I begin to get anxious I think about the character of God. Psalm 86:15 describes God as a loving, compassionate Father who is slow to anger and is always faithful. This reminds me that even when I do face hardships, God will be there with me to provide comfort and He will never give more than I can handle. To think continually on the things of God, I need to have a healthy prayer life and be in constant communication with Him. Later in Philippians 4, it discusses how not to be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything. It is easy for me to depend on my own strength to get things done. Instead, I should be dependent on the Lord and seek his wisdom and guidance.

In my own power I cannot live a godly life with God-filled thoughts. I am a depraved human that is made new by the power of the Holy spirit, who dwells in me. He is the great counselor and helper who directs my thoughts as I submit to Him. He transforms me into the image of His Son and purifies my mind. He knows my thoughts from afar. We cannot flee from his Spirit. He is the still small voice inside of us prompting us to think how He would think, say what He would say, and do what He would do. So how do we live a sanctified life? We get to know the Spirit better, be in tune with Him, spend time with Him, worship Him, have conversations with Him and be sensitive to where He leads.

Romans 8:5-6 states
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on things of the Spirit. For to set the mind that is set on the flesh is death, but to set their minds on things of the Spirit is life and peace.”

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.

Ephesians 4 | Grieving the Holy Spirit

John Rice August 12, 2022

Ephesians 4:30 NKJV
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The idea that God is Three-in-One and One-in-Three will most likely always be a mystery to me …and I’m guessing to many other people as well. It’s a little helpful when I consider how much bigger God is than we humans are and, because of that, He doesn’t easily fit into the logical boxes we construct to try and understand things. To be honest, I’m glad I can’t completely understand God! If I could, I’m not sure He would be such a big God. And even though I know He is much more than a Father, Son and Holy Spirit, these familiar names are helpful to me to get some kind of idea of what He’s like.

Toward the end of Ephesians 4, which speaks mostly about keeping unity in the Body of Christ, Paul makes an interesting command. He says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.”

What? The Holy Spirit of God can grieve? How is that possible? And we have the power to grieve the Holy Spirit? Oh no! That sounds like something we should really look into. Surely no one really sets out to grieve the Holy Spirit. But if we can, then apparently sometimes we do, and if that is true, then what does it mean, how do we do it and how can we not do it?

Before looking into this, there are a couple of other commands in the Bible that seem related to how we can affect the Spirit of God: do not quench the Holy Spirit (1Thessalonians 5:19) and do not blaspheme the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29). So we can grieve, quench and blaspheme the Holy Spirit. I think these are topics we would do well to look into.

To grieve someone means to cause them sorrow. An online definition of the word I found on helpguide.org states, “Grieving is the natural response to loss.” If the Holy Spirit is responding to a loss of some kind, what kind of loss is it? I’m thinking it’s most likely a loss of closeness to us or a rift between us in some way. Could it be that the Holy Spirit loves nothing more than to be close and connected to us? God expresses His love for his creation when He says in Genesis 2, He created light and it was good; He created the earth and all its natural movements and He called it good; He created light and oceans and animals and humans; and He called them all very good. God is love and He loves all His creation.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments we see God’s love at work in various ways: He provides for us, He liberates us, He teaches us, He guides us and He warns us of dangers to us and to those around us. It’s no wonder He is often represented as the good father (though He could also be, and sometimes is, represented as the good mother.) So if God loves us so much, it would make sense that He would grieve over anything that would disrupt our relationship with Him.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he mentions some of the things that can grieve God’s Spirit: being ignorant of God and having a hard heart, being greedy, impure in thought and deed, lying, allowing our anger to go unchecked, stealing, speaking ungraciously, holding bitterness, squabbling or fighting, slandering, and acting maliciously in any way.

And why does God hate these things? Because in practicing these things we disrupt our relationships with other people…the very people He loves! And in doing so, we injure our own souls as well. This is the opposite of what the Spirit wants for us. So He grieves. But He doesn’t just say to not do these things. He also shows us the ways that please Him: speak the truth in love, build up one another, grow in Jesus, be renewed in your mind, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another. Be imitators of God, live in love. This is our new self, mirroring God’s love back to Him, as well as to others and to ourselves.

I mentioned that the Bible also notes that we can quench the Holy Spirit. In 1Thessalonians 5:14-22, Paul admonishes us to encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak and be patient. He says not to repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. He exhorts us to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing and to give thanks in all circumstances. Hold fast to what is good. Do not quench the Holy Spirit.

The ideas of quenching and grieving are really very similar, but they offer different images: grieving is to cause sorrow to someone; quenching is a word used when talking about putting out a fire. The Bible often refers to the Holy Spirit as fire. Remember the “tongues of fire” appearing over the disciples at Pentecost in Acts 2? Or the burning bush that spoke to Moses in the desert in Exodus 3? The Spirit is like a fire in our souls, giving us warmth and energy that never burns out. Apparently Paul is wanting to say that, although we can never diminish the Holy Spirit Himself, we can certainly diminish the fire within our souls by making ourselves insensitive to the grace and power of the Spirit that is within us.

It seems to me, the most serious of all admonitions in the Bible is Jesus warning that “anyone who speaks a word against (blasphemes) the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32) What can this mean? How very sobering! Commentators have said that the difference between “blaspheming” as mentioned by Jesus in Matthew and “grieving or quenching” as mentioned by Paul, is that Jesus is referring to someone who forever and ever despises the Spirit of God, despises all things good, and set their hearts to do evil constantly. Grieving and quenching are simply the results of our ignorance or weak humanity, but with someone whose true desire is to follow God and be like God, in other words, a person directed by love.

God is love. His love never fails. We are the ones who can distance ourselves from Him and His love by our thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. Thankfully, knowledge of this reality is mentioned in the Bible all the way through by the Prophets, in the Psalms and Proverbs, by the Apostles and by Jesus Himself. Love gives wisdom and knowledge. Love warns. Love forgives when we mess up “seventy times seven times.” And Love gives us the power and strength to live a life that builds up, instead of diminishes, our relationship with our good God. Thank you, Jesus!

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!

Ephesians 4 | Re-Sensitized by the Spirit

Aaron Friesen July 29, 2022

I remember when our kids were little, they were quite sensitive to the background music playing in stores in a way that I was not. There were multiple times where I noticed my one-year-old child bopping to store music while sitting in the grocery cart when I hadn’t even noticed that any music was playing. Over time, I guess my brain learned to filter out the music. Apparently, the playlist on the overhead speakers at Fred Meyer wasn’t nearly as important as other things like which kind of cheese to get or finding the garbanzo bean aisle. But the brain of the child sitting in the cart right in front of me wasn’t doing that kind of filtering. They were noticing and hearing every note played and word sung, and it was causing their whole body to move to the beat.

Just like my brain now has a deadened sensitivity to store background music, we can have our senses deadened to other more important things. This is the reality that Paul describes in Ephesians chapter four. Paul says,

17-19
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

Here, Paul describes a significant problem that he has observed among the Gentiles. He says that they have lost all sensitivity. Sensitivity to what? If you look at the whole chapter, it becomes clear that what Paul is concerned about is a loss of sensitivity to how one’s actions - words, sexual practices, spending habits, work ethic, etc. - can tear down or build up other people. Paul says that this desensitization, over time, has separated them from the life God intended for them - a life of “good works” (2:10) and “works of service” (4:12). Paul goes on to explain that this desensitization has led to all forms of greed (wanting to take more for oneself at the expense of others), unwholesome talk (words that tear people down), and sexual practices that are impure (focused on one’s own pleasure at the expense of another).

Sidenote: the NIV translates a phrase in v.19 “given themselves over to sensuality,” but that may not be the best translation because it can give the impression that one’s bodily senses are bad and lead us astray, which seems to contradict the “loss of sensitivity” Paul describes in the previous verse. The Greek word there is “aselgeia,” which literally means “self-abandonment” or “a complete lack of self-constraint.”* The idea is that the Gentiles have lost sensitivity to how their actions affect other people (the common good) and have given themselves over to an attitude and way of life where certainly bodily urges are leading the way without boundaries or restraint. Paul’s point is that our bodily senses are good and helpful gifts from God, but when they are put solely in the service of what makes me as an individual feel good in a moment, they will destroy the very things that God intends to build up in my life.

Paul contrasts this way of life with the new kind of living toward which God leads us in Christ. One way we could summarize this new life is a renewed sensitivity to how our actions and decisions are connected to and affect the plight and wellbeing of other people. The Holy Spirit reactivates our senses (senses that God has given us all from the beginning but that have been deadened over time) the way Jesus’ senses were activated – re-tuning our ears to the needs and cries of the people around us.

Think about how many times Jesus stopped and paid attention to people that had become background music for other people. Remember the story when Jesus was walking in a sea of people and suddenly, he stopped and asked, “Who touched me?” His disciples were like, “What are you talking about? Everybody is touching you!” But Jesus, whose senses were not so deadened, knew different. He knew something significant was happening to somebody in the moment and he stopped to find out who it was and address it.

This is the kind of re-sensitizing that the Holy Spirit is ready to do in us if we are open to it! The Holy Spirit inside of us wants to awaken our senses to the reality that we are on this earth to build up others, to encourage others, to care for the needs of others, to lift others up, to be agents of healing and hope, and to love one another honestly and deeply. Paul’s urgent plea to the Ephesians, and to us as the church, is that those who are moved by the Spirit in a new direction with these new sensitivities should take on new actions that are consistent with them.

I’m confident this is the way the Holy Spirit slowly and surely builds a community of love in our midst:

Individuals become re-sensitized to God’s love through Christ
They catch a vision of what life could look like if it was governed by Christ’s love
They learn ways of being, acting and decision making that do and do not correspond to that way of love embodied in Christ
They begin to align their way of living to this new way of living – the way of love, the way of Christ

The good news is that the Holy Spirit intends for this re-sensitization to happen within community. We need apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists to teach us and show us, in different ways, how our lives are connected to the lives of others so that we truly are prepared and equipped for works of service (4:11-13). Each, in their own way, help us to do this. The apostles among us, like Paul, help us to catch a vision of what could be in the world if we each take the call of Christ seriously. The prophets among us help to uncover individual and systemic injustices that do not truly embody Christ’s love. The pastors and teachers among us come alongside to elucidate, clarify, and demonstrate this new way of love. And the evangelists among us remind us that the community of Christ’s love is intended to be ever-expanding and growing to include more and more people.

During the past two years, I think the Holy Spirit – through the input of many prophets, apostles, evangelists, teachers, and pastors – has been re-sensitizing me to certain needs in our larger community that had become background music. It’s amazing to me that as I’ve become more attuned to certain needs around me God has also helped me to see how I can play a small part in addressing those needs. This is how God works!

*Frederic W. Danker, Ed. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature, Third Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2001.

About the Author

Community Prayer Guide | July 2022

Darla Beardsley July 21, 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.

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel…”
2 Timothy 2:8

Church
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to receive encouragement, joy and wisdom to lead.
Pray for kids and youth camps: for God’s presence to fill every heart and transform every life.
Pray for your church to be equipped in the Word, filled with the Spirit and sent into our community.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit on everyone in our community and draw them to follow Jesus.

Education
Pray for educators to experience rest and soul care this summer.
Pray for job openings in schools to be filled by Jesus-followers who have wisdom and solutions.
Pray for churches to have the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to support educators and students with God’s grace.
Pray for school leaders to have wisdom to rebuild teams and “communities of trust” with parents & teachers.

Family
Pray for every home to be filled with God’s shalom that brings healing for parents, kids & singles.
Pray for families to maximize quality family time this summer through recreation and communication.
Pray for God to raise up and connect more local role models with both kids and parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and hope for the future.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for God’s blessing to be upon the creation of the “Mental Health Crisis Center” that is in development.
Pray for the Lord’s shalom to be upon government & private sector efforts to host the world this month, and improve our community for the long-term.
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 empower local business leaders with wisdom to navigate uncertain economic times.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for the World Championships and beyond.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses despite the labor shortage.
Pray for God to join together Jesus-following workplace leaders with His vision for our area.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Arts
Pray for more children’s books to be written that highlight true and life-giving virtues.
Pray for God’s Spirit to fill “outdoor landscape painters” (en plein air) as they paint God’s creation.
Pray for artists who don't know Jesus to discover the Creator, and then engage the creative process.
Pray for God’s blessing to be upon Jesus-following musicians who perform to reach people with God’s love.

Health Care
Pray for an increase of funding for “more beds” for residential treatment programs for substance abuse.
Pray for God to provide more “in patient” nurses, as there is a significant staffing shortage.
Pray for God to provide more mental health case managers and counselors.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to be filled with Jesus’ love and show it to others.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for God to provide encouragement and wisdom to the leadership teams of all local first responders.
Pray for God to provide plans & abundant personnel for Community Safety for the World Championships.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene & Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.

Media
Pray for God’s Spirit to move upon all of the staff at The Register Guard.
Pray for community-building and Jesus-glorifying stories to be reported through local T.V. stations.
Pray for local media leaders to have clear vision, blessing and protection, & report all sides of the stories.
Pray that God will use local media to bring hope and direction to those struggling with depression & suicide.

Sports
Pray for God’s peace, protection, and blessing to be on the World Championships.
Pray for all the athletes at the World Championships to be drawn by God’s Spirit to follow Jesus.
Pray for God’s shalom and wisdom to be upon the “decision makers” of all local athletics.
Pray for youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletics.

“They will proclaim my glory among the nations.”
Isaiah 66:19b

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

Letter from Pastor Mike | Sunday Services - July 17th and 24th

Darla Beardsley July 8, 2022

July 7, 2022

Hello Church,

The WORLD is coming to Eugene. Have you heard this expression lately? It’s beginning to sink in. And when the world comes to Eugene they will be at Hayward Field about 9 blocks away from where we gather on Sunday Evenings for worship.

The staff and I have been digesting the realities of this global event. While thrilled our beloved city is showcased in this way, and humbled to have so many visitors, the campus area is simply going to be unpredictable and full. 25,000 attendees per day, 2,700 athletes (plus their coaching teams), 300+ news outlets from every corner of the globe with an anticipated 1 billion viewers. Roads will be closed around the campus, shuttles will be transporting people, and the buzz will be palatable.

This extrovert is pretty excited about it all and looks forward to diving in and absorbing the event. AND The Box will be shared by the OneHope Network to host “An evening of Inspiration and Empowerment with Olympic High Jump Silver Medalist Nicola McDermott” leading up the the Worlds. I hope you can make it to the worship event. Mark your calendar for 6:30pm on Thursday, July 14th. I know many of you have met Nicola when she visited CS in May!

All that said, when it comes to Sunday Worship Services the scale of this event will undoubtedly make it a logistical challenge for our members to gather in worship.

We have made the decision to “lean into our strengths as a small church” and nimbly move our gathering out to the country. Specifically to Pastor John’s property, in Pleasant Hill. Which has affectionately served as a living room for CitySalt over many many years.

If you are one of the newer faces in the congregation since the pandemic you may not have been to Pastor John’s property yet. While I prefer to not publish his address on such a public platform, I’d love to share it personally and make sure you make it! My cell phone number is 541-505-6770. Text me!

I am genuinely excited for these two special Sundays that we are calling “Backporch Church.” I really look forward to worshiping under the oaks on a beautiful summer evening with you all.

Sincerely,
Pastor Mike

The Details:

Two impacted Sundays, July 17th and July 24th
Bring your own picnic dinner from 4:30-5:30pm
Special intimate service will be from 5:30-6:30pm
Service will be live streamed via Facebook Live
Families will be together
Worship will be acoustic
Prayers for the world
Sharing will come from multiple voices

Ephesians 4 | Automatic Responses

Darla Beardsley July 1, 2022

Years ago I was listening to Beth Moore, a women’s bible study teacher and something she said stuck with me. I don’t remember the exact quote, but she said something about praying that her automatic responses would be godly ones. Do you know what I am talking about?

The other day I was driving home and was stopped at a light. I was turning left across traffic, so when the light changed I took a second, literally just one second, to make sure I had an arrow before turning. In that second, the person in the car behind me honked impatiently. Was my automatic response godly? Umm…no.

I managed to hold it together and made no gestures to my impatient fellow driver, but it really chapped my hide and I struggled the rest of the way home, with steam coming out of my ears.

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV says:
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

The Amplified bible puts it this way:
Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.

The Message:
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

This was just a brief interaction with someone I was never going to see again. It took only a short time to realize that this was a slight offense, to let it go, consciously forgive and move on. But it wasn’t automatic.

There have been times that slight offenses have taken longer for me to let go of.

Then there are the not-so-slight offenses–the repeated offenses, the deep offenses, the ones that threaten my self-esteem, the heart-breaking ones. My automatic response? To defend myself. To justify myself. To at least ponder retaliation. If nothing else, to voice my dismay about my offender.

But honestly, despite all that, I really do want to be a person who forgives, who has grace, who wants healing on both sides of the relationship. It’s just obvious that it doesn’t come naturally and I can’t do it on my own.

A few years ago, during one of our church prayer night gatherings, I had an epiphany! Jesus finally drove it home to me, that it was never intended that I go it alone. That is why Jesus made a way.

John 17: 20-23 NKJV
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Romans 7:21-25 NKJV
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

In verses 4-6 of Ephesians 4 the word “one” is used 7 times to describe our life in the Spirit, as a church, in God. And how can we be “one” if we can’t forgive each other and leave the judging to God.

Jesus is not unaware of our difficulty in forgiving others, especially when our offense is justified. Can you imagine the number of times Jesus was offended by others walking around on this planet for 33 years? His response was to give His life for them.

A life of forgiveness is a huge ask. But it is essential to God’s plan for our being “one”. For our well-being. And He didn’t leave us to tackle it alone. We have His example, and more importantly we have His Spirit! Jesus lives in me.

I don’t want to be flippant and pretend that it is easy. It’s not. I don’t know if forgiveness will ever become automatic for me in this lifetime, but I do believe it is worth the struggle to be a part of what God has in store for us–for the oneness he promises us. I pray for me and for you that He will give us the grace to always be able to come to a place of forgiveness just as He has forgiven us.

Colossians 1:27 NKJV
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

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.

Unity | Essential Duality

Terry Sheldon June 17, 2022

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," said Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln in his 1858 Illinois convention speech, amidst the backdrop of slavery and the boiling tensions that later led to the Civil War. He realized the essential importance of national unity.

With our cultural and political climate on flashpoint sensitivity these days, I believe unity has become even more important than the issues that divide us. Like a marriage, if you cut off all communication, we simply cannot function. And we all know what the result will be.

Let's drill down deeper into unity.

There seems to be a mistaken impression that we all have to agree for us to be unified. Or we have to be great friends. God boldly asks us to love one another, but in a nuts and bolts way, what does that mean? To me, it's where duality comes in.

Roughly defined, and for this discussion, duality refers to two opposing groups who ironically share the same needs. Each may prefer different methods for achieving solutions, but also share essential common ground. A positive duality brings the two sides together to accomplish good things that serve the common good. We're seeking common ground here, so what's our shared baseline?

An unavoidable truth - we are all connected.

Created in God’s image, we are related – ALL of humanity. But our shared spiritual DNA does not mean sameness. There's so much variation in our life experiences, and that diversity can foster adversity. Everyone's unique consciousness is their own world filtered through unique upbringing, experiences, cultures and emotional traumas. We are all shaped by the sponge that is our human mind and heart. We soak up every tiny bit along the way.

We are all at the same time both the problem and the solution. Our insecurities are unanswered questions about our inherent value and the quality of our love. That inner uncertainty can produce a silent suspicion, an animosity towards people groups we don’t even know. We stay in our tribes, aligned by similar assumptions, and clouded by emotional bias. It’s really not surprising that it’s such a challenge to come together.

So what is the solution?

We need to realize the essential importance of our connectivity. Again, we're all God's children and we are all on that path - understood or not yet realized. Strife and division works against all of this. Our relationships are polluted, our ministry thwarted and the enemy wins. We need a way out. A way back to the Father.

The scourge of sin didn't cut off anyone's birthright, only our knowledge and correct vision of him, and therefore our access - from OUR dim-glass perspective. After the prodigal son humbled himself and returned to the family farm, his father received him exuberantly, with open arms. It was only about love. The son didn't have to first pay back his father's money that he squandered.

So why does God ask us to love others?

Back to the nuts and bolts, duality can benefit both sides in a marvelous tactical way. On the Survivor TV show, every strong alliance is based on skill, hard work and expertise brought to the table - not necessarily on fondness for each other. They set their differences aside and join together to win the prize, creating mutual respect along the way. This is the real bedrock of our country’s democratic ideals and processes. Abraham Lincoln understood that.

We’ve all been through a lot of trauma these past few years, and Covid really has underscored our connection - as a planet! The pandemic has asked, even begged all of us, for a global understanding and cooperation. It’s now so essential to put aside our pride, challenge our assumptions, and ask the Lord to heal our cynicism. Help us Lord regain our compassion for all. Let's reach out in wholesome dialog with others, no matter where they come from. We need a church with no walls, and hearts with no boundaries!

Ephesians 2:16-18
"Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father."

About the Author

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 | June 2022

Darla Beardsley June 16, 2022

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
Genesis 1:3

Church
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to receive the Lord’s wisdom and power to lead & equip.
Pray for local pastors to love each other and walk in unity, so Jesus can be more clearly seen and known.
Pray for your church to be equipped in the Word, filled with the Spirit and sent into our community.
Pray for Overflow Hope: for local churches/people to communicate the Gospel together in love & power.

Education
Pray for God to lead the process & selection of the next 4J superintendent.
Pray for wise, visionary leaders at the highest levels of each district to bring clarity, hope and decisive leadership that is needed for languishing educators.
Pray for churches to have the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to support educators and students with God’s grace.
Pray for the job openings in schools to be filled by Jesus-followers who have wisdom and solutions.

Family
Pray for people struggling with suicidal thoughts to find hope, help and loving connection.
Pray for families to engage recreation and play time together to bring life, emotional & physical health.
Pray for God to raise up and connect more local role models with both kids and parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and hope for the future.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for better communication and agreement among local government and private agencies.
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 join together Jesus-following workplace leaders with His vision for our area.
Pray for God to empower local business leaders with wisdom to navigate current challenges.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses despite the labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for the World Championships and beyond.

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

Salvation & Prodigals
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit on everyone in our community and draw them to follow Jesus.

Arts
Pray for the increase of God’s vision and a deeper sense of co-creating with God for all local artists.
Pray for artists who don't know Jesus to discover the Creator, and then engage the creative process.
Pray for art and performance venues to have enough support staff to fully open to capacity.

Health Care
Pray for an increase of funding for “more beds” for residential treatment programs for substance abuse.
Pray for God to provide more mental health case managers and counselors.
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 Jesus’ love and show it to others.

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 & abundant personnel for Community Safety for the World Championships.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene & Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.

Media
Pray for those in media to have first-hand experiences of God’s love through the church.
Pray for community-building & Jesus-glorifying stories to be reported through local TV stations & newspapers.
Pray that God will use all local media to bring hope & help to those struggling with depression & suicide.
Pray for local media leaders to have clear vision and report all sides of stories.

“Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
2 Timothy 1:10b

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

Unity | Living in Unity with Who You Are

Mike Wilday June 3, 2022

As an artistic child, I was always fascinated with butterflies. I enjoyed how they fluttered around the yard and brought splashes of color and beauty to an otherwise dusty and drab city landscape. I was equally moved when I learned that those beautiful creatures developed from a less-than-striking caterpillar. The DNA that made those creepy, crawly, sometimes furry worm-like creatures was the identical DNA that produced those intensely beautiful butterflies I admired. How could something so beautiful exist entirely within something so… well… not beautiful?

The caterpillar paints a lovely picture of the Christian faith and a somewhat realistic view of how two dynamically opposed things (beauty and the lack thereof) can exist simultaneously. Paul discusses this reality several times throughout his epistles. In Romans 7:4, Paul mentions that we stand unified with Jesus, who is raised from the dead (NLT). But he also reveals his present reality of inevitably doing what is wrong when he desires to do right; the consequence of his sinful nature (Romans 7:24). He expresses this unity of realities in the book of Colossians as well. In Colossians 2:9-10, Paul describes a sense of completeness that exists now in our union with Christ, and in Colossians 3:3 indicates that our real life is hidden with Christ in God. These ideas are our present, right now, realities. Today, at this very moment, we are unified and complete in Jesus. Because of our faith in Christ, the DNA of Christ himself (all the fullness of God) dwells within us, and we are free from the power of sin (Romans 8:2). We stand entirely right with God but are also working out our salvation by embracing our weakness and choosing to let the Holy Spirit lead our thoughts and actions (Romans 8:4, NLT). We are complete in Christ, yet Paul calls us to continually put on our new nature and become (a reality not yet realized) more like Jesus (Colossians 3:10).

Jesus depicts this same reality in the book of John. In John 15:5, Jesus describes his followers as fruit-bearing branches, fully grafted into himself as the vine. But he prefaces this reality by first introducing the gardener, his Father, who prunes fruit-bearing branches so they may produce more fruit (John 15:1-2). There is existing within this reality of being fully attached to the life-giving vine, subtleties of our nature that prohibit us from being as productive as the vine itself. There is a present reality of fruit in our lives and a not yet realized potential of abundantly more fruit.

The caterpillar is NOW as much a butterfly as the one already metamorphosed with sprouted wings. Likewise, we sinful and broken beings are fully saved, set apart, and filled with the fullness of God. As the caterpillar allows the fullness of what God has put within it to work internally and cause him to become a butterfly, we also must accept the realities of what is (who we are in Christ) and what is to be (becoming more like him). We realize the unity of these two truths as we submit ourselves fully to the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The Lord has released us from the power of our sinful nature (which still exists), and as we choose to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit and submit our thoughts and actions to him, we become more like the beautiful reality hidden in Him (Romans 8:4-10; Col. 3:3). Let’s respond with a simple and consistent yes to the constant prompting of the Holy Spirit’s voice. We can embrace that we are both sinful individuals yet have everything we need for life and godliness in Christ. Let us choose together to walk wholeheartedly toward who we are becoming in Him.

About the Author

Unity | Prayer of Unity

Mollie Havens May 20, 2022

Have you ever prayed for something so fervently that you could not think of anything else? Something that consumed you? Think back to that thing.

Did you ever attain it? How did it feel if you did?

For me the thing I prayed for and longed for was a husband. Two years ago, I pursued that with all I had. That was all I wanted. I prayed for it daily. I made a list of all the things I wanted in a husband and sought long and hard after that. Little did I know that my future husband was also praying to find someone. He got down on his knees every night and prayed to find a wife.

What if we as the church were united in our prayers? What if we longed to be one and prayed for it daily? What if we valued unity as much as Christ does? How would this change our lives and prayer habits?

Christ wanted something so much that when he prayed for it he sweated blood. His desire was unity for believers. In John 17:20-23 it says,

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who believe in me through their message, 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 sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them, you in me, so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

He desired for us to be one as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. They are in perfect unity.

One always pursues the best for the other. They are never seeking their own interests because they trust that the other will take care of them. This is how it should be with the church.

The bible describes the church as a body. The body needs every part to function properly. Each piece cannot be of any good on its own. It requires the whole body to achieve its purpose. In the same way, the church needs every member to fulfill its purpose. Unity is an act of worship and it is spiritual warfare. Satan wants us divided – he wants us to argue about small disagreements in theology. He wants division in the Church, while Christ wants fellowship.

I’d like to share my prayer for unity to inspire more prayer amongst us and bring us closer together as the body of Christ.

Dear Lord,
I lift up the church as a whole to you. You see the cracks amongst us. I pray that you will mend us and make us whole. Bring us together Father. As you are one in the trinity, I pray that we would be one with you and with each other. Give us eyes to see one another and look for each other’s needs. Let nothing divide us. Let us look past our differences but instead look at each other in love. Unite us as one body of believers. Give us vision for your church. Let us be united in our passion. Give us grace that abounds. Lord, we desire what you desire. Show us your heart for unity and let us pursue that and pray for that as you did.
Amen

About the Author

Community Prayer Guide | May 2022

Darla Beardsley May 12, 2022

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13

Church
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to receive the Lord’s wisdom and power to lead & equip.
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 your church to be equipped in the Word, filled with the Spirit and sent into our community.

Education
Pray for God to lead the process & selection of the next 4J superintendent.
Pray for wise, visionary leaders at the highest levels of each district to bring clarity, hope and decisive leadership that is needed for languishing educators.
Pray for God's love and power to break through the weariness and discouragement of educators.
Pray for churches to have the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to support educators and students with God’s grace.
Pray for the job openings in schools to be filled by Jesus-followers who have wisdom and solutions.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for this month’s elections: for God to guide the process and selection of local elected officials.
Pray for better communication and agreement among government and private agencies.
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 Biblical 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 despite the labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
John 15:14

Arts
Pray for the increase of God’s vision, and a deeper sense of co-creating with God for all local artists.
Pray for artists who don't know Jesus to discover the Creator, and then engage the creative process.
Pray for art and performance venues to have enough support staff to fully open to capacity.
Pray for all school spring concerts to bring joy, celebration, and beauty to all who participate.

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 & abundant personnel for Community Safety for 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.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene & Springfield Fire Chief.

Sports
Pray for God’s shalom and wisdom to be upon the “decision makers” of all local athletics.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers how to serve during the Championships.
Pray for youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletics.

Media
Pray for God’s Spirit to move upon the Register Guard staff.
Pray for community-building and Jesus-glorifying stories to be reported through local TV stations.
Pray for local media leaders to have clear vision and report all sides of stories.
Pray that God will use all local media to bring hope & help to those struggling with depression & suicide.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”
John 15:16a

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

Unity | Unity Begins with a Paradigm Shift

Kaylee Luna May 6, 2022

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:

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.
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?

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

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

John Rice April 22, 2022

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.

About the Author

Community Prayer Guide | April 2022

Darla Beardsley April 8, 2022

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.

The Details:

Community Prayer Guide April 2022

CitySalt Church

Celebrate Goodness