Pastor John’s View

In February, we spent our Sundays together talking about prayer; why we pray, having a love for prayer, and having a burden to pray for others. For some, prayer comes  very  naturally,  easily flowing into a conversation with God, but for many prayer takes a bit of preparation, work, and planning. If you missed one or more of these messages, they are available in the Archives, along with a large library of other information, videos, and activities.

We gave out small “prayer dots,” little stickers to put up in different places to remind us to pray regularly and often. There are more stickers available at the welcome wagon in the sanctuary. I have dots on my tablet, laptop, rear-view mirror in my truck, and on my coffee pot. It may seem like a little gimmick, but sometimes those little gimmicks help build a lifelong habit (we call it a lifelong spiritual discipline). Pastor Terry Teykl notes in his book, The Presence Based Church, that

“Prayer has everything to do with the Presence of God, and the Presence of God unfolds in answer to prayer.”

How are you doing in your prayer life? Has the teaching been helpful? Have you made any breakthroughs in prayer or received answers? I’d love to hear from you and learn what you have experienced.

Easter is our great celebration this month. During Lent we are studying Spiritual Gifts, those special abilities and talents which are the tangible and practical work of the Holy Spirit in our lives for the benefit of the church and the world. These gifts from God deserve our attention as we learn to use them in ways that become a blessing to others so I encourage you to explore your gifts and even if you have done so previously, it is always good to revisit and keep on growing.

Right before Easter, we’ll be offering a short-term study to dive deeper into the spiritual gifts so you can expand your understanding and fully discover where you can use your gifts in the life of your church – Lakeview! So watch for opportunities to join in that study and keep growing closer to God and find ways to use your gifts.

Some of you make Lakeview your seasonal home church and will be traveling back to your summer home or summer adventures in the near future. I want you to know that I consider your seasonal participation, whatever that might be, to be important to the life of Lakeview and the ministries we share and I want to encourage you as you find ways to ‘plug in’ to the life of the church while you  are  with  us. I  would  ask  that you remember us daily in your prayers and watch on-line, either YouTube or Facebook to help stay in touch and don’t forget, you can continue to give electronically through the website, it’s safe and secure. We will keep you in our prayers while you are gone.

From Matthew 5:14-16,

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. … Let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Wherever you are; at work, recreation, traveling, teaching or taking a class, being a ‘helper’, or home-bound, you are a light bearer to those you encounter even to those who may be ministering to you. Listen for God’s voice, offer encouragement, bless those about you, share your faith, and what God has done for you!

Until we meet to worship the One who first loved us and who gave himself for us; peace and grace go before you.