Dear Fellow Children of God,
How does God share His love with people today? Sometimes people learn and grow in God’s love
through reading the Bible. Sometimes God
shares His love through worship, or the sacraments. But, sometimes God shares His love through a
word of encouragement, or a hand of love on the shoulder from one of God’s
other children. And, it is not uncommon
for God to prepare His children to show His love when we go through life’s
trials.
Karen was a friend of Norm and Barb Dietz. They shared with her through some struggles,
and they invited Karen to receive the comfort of God’s help and love by worshiping
with them. So, sometimes Karen came to
worship with the Dietz’. Then, when Norm
became ill and it became more difficult for the Dietz’ to attend worship, Karen
continued to attend, pretty regularly.
Now instead of riding with Barb and Norm, Karen came on the St. John
wheelchair van.
In fact, Karen didn’t just attend worship, but she
actively sought God’s help during the week.
It was common for Karen to call me three or four times during the week
and ask for prayer. We would pray over
the phone about her illnesses and ailments.
We would pray for Karen’s family.
We would pray for God’s strength and help. So, Karen had gone from little or no
connection with the Lord, to actively and regularly worshiping God. Karen went from little or no connection with
the Lord to regularly seeking the love God gives through Jesus. All this happened because of the loving and
quiet encouragement of friends who were kind to Karen in a time of struggle.
Have you ever thought of your struggles as God’s training
so you can share His love? 2 Corinthians
1:3-4 tells us that is one of the ways God uses our trials. “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who
comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Sharing Jesus is not always done
by a 15 minute sermon. Sharing Jesus love
can and does happen through an act of kindness or a loving word of comfort and
encouragement.
Karen then responded in kind. She took the comfort of God’s love and
forgiveness she had received and shared it with another. When Karen’s daughter went through trouble,
Karen prayed for her, helped her, and asked me to visit her. During Bible class on March 9 Karen called me
to tell me she would not be in worship that day because her back was
hurting. On March 10 the Lord called
Karen home. But, as Karen passed away
she knew from faith and from experience God’s love for her in Jesus.
How has God loved and helped and comforted you? Who do you know who needs the same help you
have received?
A Child of God, Thankful for the faithful encouragement
through Christian friends,
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. STEPHEN MINISTRY is a ministry of
uniquely Christian care and comfort in a confidential relationship. Stephen Ministers are holding a meal and
silent auction this Sunday. In addition,
while I am in Spokane performing the wedding of Jared Berberich, Stephen
Minister David Grosz is leading worship.
P. P. S. Here are
some pictures from last Sunday.
·
Here are some pictures from last Sunday’s
baptisms. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5992968565926145745
·
Here are some pictures from last Sunday’s Shane
Woods ice fishing outing. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5992971313678001201?banner=pwa
****
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.
******
No comments:
Post a Comment