We operate in a frantic and anxious world that seldom slows down. We rarely have a moment to take inventory and create space to reflect and realign our hearts around God’s heart and vision for us. There are lots of ways to do this, but historically a season to experience this for Christians is called “Lent.” Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18 this year) and is a 40-day heart journey in preparation for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Christmas traditions have a way of grounding us—baking the same cookies every year, watching the classic movies, hanging familiar ornaments, or driving around to see lights. These simple moments slow us down and remind us what Christmas is really about.
On Sunday we were thrilled to celebrate with Jim Lamb, his daughter Kaitlyn and son-in-law Esley as they got baptized! This was a special day to testify to the powerful ways the Lord has been moving in Jim’s life and throughout his family as well. I’m thrilled that Jim has shared a detailed account of his journey below—a testimony of the the faithfulness of the Lord is in his life. It’s such a great reminder of how the Lord is at work in and through ordinary people, pursuing us with His love and grace and forgiveness.
This year we have been praying this Breakthrough Prayer together: Father, give 50 of us the courage to lead a discipleship group for the first time. As of this writing, we have 38 of the 50 first time disciplers we’ve been asking for. We are trusting the Lord to give us the opportunity to equip and encourage 12 more in answer to this request! Why do we talk so much about discipleship? Why does it matter? As we think about these important questions, I’d like to share with you three ways discipleship makes a difference.
When I was 10 years old, I remember playing Atari (the game of “tanks” to be exact) and my mom called me to her desk in the living room. I can still picture this moment, because I was worried that I was in trouble for something I did earlier.
It is such a joy to continue to hear your testimonies of how the Lord has encouraged you and shown His faithfulness to you and your families. I’m excited to share yet another story with you – this one from one of our Church of the Open Door staff, Lisa Joens. May these stories encourage your hearts and bring glory to our extraordinary God!
Summer might be coming to an end, but the testimonies of God’s faithfulness over the past couple of months keep coming. Below are a few highlights from our junior high and high school summer camps in July, shared by Junior High Lead Alli Elder. I think it will encourage you!
As we mark our anniversaries this summer and fall (40 years on the hillside and 110 years as a church), we are so encouraged to recall the faithfulness of God to us as a church. It is incredible to get to hear some your experiences of God’s faithfulness as well.
One hundred and ten years ago this fall (on September 15, 1915) Church of the Open Door (COD) began on 6th and Hope St. in downtown Los Angeles. The church ministered there for 70 years. And 40 years ago this summer, Church of the Open Door moved from downtown Los Angeles to our current campus here in Glendora.
