Dear Fellow Children of God,
On Friday morning I attended graduation for the 8th
grade class at Palmer Junior Middle School.
I happened to have the privilege of presenting outstanding student
awards on behalf of the Palmer Kiwanis Club.
In the program I counted 242 names of 8th grade students who
graduated. I was impressed by the general
courtesy, and the obvious accomplishment of the students.
As pastor here in Palmer I also happen to personally know
and have taught a number of these students in Confirmation Classes. In addition, even though my children are now
past this age, I have met a number of the other students through our own
members and in the community.
One thing that has struck me over the past years is that
today’s students face many challenges that those of us who grew up 50 years ago
did not face. Maybe America has invited
the world to our country and to our freedom, and some of the problems of the
world have come along. Obviously our
world and our culture are changing and becoming more complex. But, there are difficulties facing today’s
students that were not the norm years ago.
When you face a challenge in life, what do you hope
for? Personally, when I face a challenge
I hope for a listening ear and a helping hand.
Having someone listen concerning the troubles or the difficulties we
face helps us to think through the struggles ahead, and helps us to act in the
most faithful and effective way. But,
having someone who really listens can be rare.
And, we can all use a helping hand. If we are honest with ourselves we know we
have weaknesses and shortcomings. It is
always good to have assistance from someone whose strengths fill in our
weaknesses. It is always good to have a
partner or partners in facing life’s difficulties. Then the challenge is divided and can seem smaller.
So, I would like to share what I couldn’t share at the
graduation. Even I know that graduations
are not the place for sermons.
First, students, you already have obvious God-given help
when life presents trials. The student
speakers on Friday all thanked parents and teachers. Imagine that, students thanking teachers! I was impressed. Family, friends, and responsible adults are a
real help when life throws a curve.
Don’t be proud, but go to these people who care about you when life is
hard.
But, (here is the sermon part) the best help we have
comes from our loving, all-powerful God, and from His church. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble.”
When troubles come along in life, God has not left
us. In times of trouble he is really
there. He is “an ever-present help in trouble.”
God is willing to listen without end, and His wisdom
surpasses any in this world. In 1
Corinthians 1:25 God tells us, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's
wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.”
And
God’s wisdom and help and strength are found, surprisingly, in the cross of
Jesus. God also moves Paul to write in 1
Corinthians 1, “. . . we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and
foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and
Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)
When life brings trials, what a blessing to have the
Almighty Creator, what a blessing to have the Savior of the World who gave His
life, and who is willing to listen and to help!
What a help and strength God is for students facing new and more
complicated challenges.
However,
there is one other source of help when facing the trials of life. I know a local social worker who often sees
people who have big troubles, and little help.
I and others have heard this person say, “Everyone should join a church.
Then when you have troubles there are people who care about you and who
can help.” God’s plan for His church
is that we are a family who can face the failures and trials of life
together. Paul tells the church in
Thessalonica which was facing persecution, “Therefore
encourage one another and build
each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:11) That is God’s plan for all people as
we face the trials of life. And, what a
blessing when we can encourage one another with the all-powerful, all-loving
grace of God in Jesus.
So, 2016 graduates, congratulations. I am proud of you and impressed. And, 2016 graduates, remember, “God is
our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
A Child of God, Praying for today’s students,
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. Sven Maakestad preached on Wednesday, May
18. After worship, instead of a
“selfie”, Sven asked to have a “robie.”
(That’s Sven!) Here is a link to
one of his pictures. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/6286888440727382705#6286888440105854322
P.P.S. THANK YOU to everyone who helped make
last Sunday’s “Sharing Jesus Together for 25 Years” celebration such an encouragement!!
The plan for this celebration was always that it would celebrate how GOD has
worked and blessed pastor and people for an extended period. However, I
personally feel blessed and loved by so many who helped make this a celebratory
event. Thanks to:
- Those organizing, Donita Odland, the Christensens, the Elders, and others.
- The cooks and kitchen help. (I saw so many!)
- The Youth who helped serve the meal.
- Those who set up, decorated, and took down from the meal.
- Those who helped in worship, Pastor Allen, Hunter Richards, Gerry Zellar, President Linnemann, our Elders, Acolytes, Altar Guild, and Ushers
- Those who provided special music, Moli Ellis, Grace Miller, Dave Nufer and Garry Forrester, our accompaniests, Joyful Noise, and the St. John Choir.
- Those who shared at the meal, and those who shared in cards and gifts.
The celebration was a blessing to me and my family. I
pray the event was a blessing to you.
Here are some pictures people took that I can share. I hope others have pictures to share.
****
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 regularly
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.
****
No comments:
Post a Comment