Seeking to Follow God's Guidance

Dear Fellow Children of God,

A number of weeks ago I was entering the Palmer Post Office and I saw a lady who was also approaching the door.  I waited for her and held the door open so she could enter.  She said, “Thank you,” and then went into the entry way and held the door for me saying, “Let me return the favor.”  I also thanked her.  But, as she walked away I muttered under my breath, “I guess I’m old-fashioned.  I’m used to holding doors for the ladies rather than the other way around.”  Another man who was there and heard me, commented, “But, that’s not the way it’s done these days.”

Are you old-fashioned?  I know that is a loaded question.  I am sure all of us are influenced by the way we were raised and the customs of our youth.  Just blindly following the customs of the past is not necessarily a safe thing.  Martin Luther saw the reliance on custom and tradition in the church of his time and worked for reform or change.  This reform brought the church more in line with God’s Word.  I am not a proponent of the racial prejudice I saw as a child in the south.  I am glad that custom of racism has been reformed and is not the accepted practice in our society any longer.  Maybe there are some customs that are good, and some that aren’t.

But, there is a way in which I am old-fashioned.  I personally believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God Himself, and therefore is the basis for my faith and life as a Christian, as a husband, and as a pastor.  You see, I believe God is smarter than I am.  I believe that God is wiser than I am.  I believe the words of Isaiah 55 where God speaks to us saying, 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

So, when it comes to behaviors like speaking the truth, respecting authorities, being merciful, practicing godly chastity, refraining from greed, supporting God’s church, setting priorities, and other behaviors, I seek to follow what God says to me in His Word.  I believe the words of Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

This attitude of looking to long-written words of Scripture is considered old fashioned in many arenas these days.  And while I don’t want to blindly follow customs and traditions of the past that may not necessarily serve God or may not be appropriate in our modern times, there are some things that don’t change.  Trusting God’s wisdom and trusting God’s love, I also trust His Word for guidance.

That may be why I continue to believe that a good mission statement for God’s church, and a good mission statement for St. John is the motto of the Reformation, “By Grace Alone, By Faith Alone, By Scripture Alone.”  I believe this is God’s direction as revealed in Scripture.

There are some places where I have become part of the new culture.  I’ve become part of the new computer and communication age.  But, I still think I should hold the doors for the ladies.  I guess in some ways I am old fashioned.  My kids just call me a “putz.”  I’m just trying to follow the guidance of God and to live in faith and love.

A Child of God, Seeking to Follow God’s Guidance in my Life,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  I love the Alaskan summer, even a cool and rainy one like 2012.  I also listen to the words of Psalm 127 about rest and re-creation.

“1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.  2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves.”

P.P.S.  On Sunday our God-son from Jacksonville visited us and worshiped at St. John.  Kathy and I were god-parents to Scott Plymill and his sisters almost 30 years ago.  Here are 2 pictures of most of our family and Scott and his friends.  https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/VisitByGodSonScottPlymillJuly82012?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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