Sharing What's Really Important

Friday, November 18, 2016

Thanksgiving

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Which is your favorite holiday? Christmas? Easter? Thanksgiving? Perhaps you know, that Thanksgiving is different from these other holidays. Christmas and Easter celebrate events of importance in Scripture. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and Easter His rising from the dead. But Thanksgiving does not celebrate a specific scriptural event. Thanksgiving is a national holiday and was established by decree of our country’s leaders, by decree of congress and various presidents.

Have you ever read the decree of George Washington which established the first Thanksgiving celebration for our country?

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection, aid and favors. . .Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which H has been pleased to confer upon us." - George Washington, 1789

So, the Thanksgiving holiday is an opportunity to remember all the grace and goodness of God, especially His eternal grace and love in Jesus. As we are told in the Psalms, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1 and other psalms). God is so good, and we have so many reasons for thanks!

But, Thanksgiving is also perhaps especially an opportunity to give thanks for the temporal blessings God has given us in our country. The Thanksgiving holiday is also an opportunity to pray for God’s continued grace and direction and blessings on our country.

God has blessed people of all times in the countries where they live. Governments are established to provide law and order so that God’s people can live as His children. And, every land has good things to provide to its inhabitants, as God Himself provides daily bread.

But, living in our country, in the United States of America, and celebrating a holiday established by our own government, what blessings cause you to give thanks for this land and for this country? Giving thanks for our own country can be dangerous, because we could end up patting ourselves on the back in pride, rather than giving humble thankfulness to God for His goodness.

But, there ARE obvious blessings we have received in America. So, for which blessings through our country are you thankful? For the wealth of the land? For the opportunity for prosperity?

The words of the Declaration of Independence point me to the greatest reason I praise God in our nation. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Personally, I am thankful for freedom, for the freedom of speech, for the freedom of the press, for the freedom to assemble. I am especially thankful for the freedom to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth, as Jesus calls us to do in John 4.

Here is why that is so important to me. In 2 Timothy 2:2 God calls us to pray for our leaders “so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” God intends for government to provide citizens the opportunity for peaceful and quiet lives so that we can then worship and serve our Lord in godliness and holiness. The freedom to worship accomplishes God’s intent for government, so that we Americans then have the opportunity to do what God intends for us to do, to worship and serve Him. Thank you, Lord, for these freedoms!

Thanksgiving Day is not so much a religious holiday as a National Holiday. Nevertheless, it is good to give thanks to God for His blessings in our country. And, it is good to pray for God’s direction, His grace, and His continued blessings for our country.

A Child of God, Thankful for the blessings of God in America,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. An opportunity for Thanksgiving worship will be offered at St. John on Wednesday evening, November 23, at 7:00 p.m.

P. P.S. Here is a picture from the baptism last Sunday of Jessica Schoener and her son Bridger Schoener. https://goo.gl/photos/Zoajq4fzq2HMd48B8

P. P.P.S. I did go ice fishing last Monday for the first time this fall, but only caught one small fish, and threw it back.

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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 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.

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Friday, November 11, 2016

Thankful the Lord is God

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This past week I visited the homes of a number of people who were seriously ill, or home bound for some reason. In order to bring strength in the midst of trials I read Psalm 46, one of my favorite Psalms. When we look at verses 1-3 of Psalm 46, I think a person can see why these words of God are appropriate in times of personal crisis.

“1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

In other words, when I am in trouble God has not left me. In fact, God is “an ever-present help in trouble.” When I really need Him, He doesn’t just help. He is an ever-present help. When my world is falling apart and it seems “the earth gives way”, God has not forgotten me. His love in this life and His gift of eternal life in Jesus can be, and should be, my “refuge and strength!” Ultimately, when trouble comes I can face those trials because God loves and strengthens and helps me.

Sometimes we are all surprised by the trials of life. But, the Lord has not promised us a world with no troubles. The world God originally created was good. But God’s children, through the deceit and encouragement of our enemy, the devil, rebelled and acted in pride. Through this rebellion and pride, our world was afflicted and cursed with selfishness, disobedience, pain, trouble, and death.

God knows we face suffering, pain, and trouble because we live in a sinful and rebellious world. (For example read Psalm 50:15, John 14:1-2, John 16:33, Romans 8:35-39, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.) So, knowing we live in a world of trouble, true wisdom is not found in trying to escape reality. True wisdom is finding how we can live with integrity, with faithfulness, and with character in those times of trouble. Again, God says we can face life’s troubles because HE is our refuge and strength.

As I was reading through Psalm 46 with our people this week, in the background to their trials was the whole drama of the national election. I was struck with how this Psalm also spoke to the election surprise many experienced this week.

“6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.”

In other words, kingdoms rise and fall. Leaders come and go. Political turmoil and surprises are nothing new.

In the midst of this turmoil, however, God acts. Our Heavenly Father sent His Son to save the world from its selfishness and sin. When we rebelled, God fought that rebellion in love. As kings and nations move to exert power in acts of war, God acts in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to defeat the forces of sin and death. In fact, the ultimate reality for life is the love of God. So, we can face the trials of life in the strength of His love. We can face illness, we can face life or death, we can face political turmoil and nations rising and falling, because God is “an ever-present help.”

That is why God tells us, 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Life can overwhelm us. Many can and do claim power. But, only the Lord is God. So we can be still in the noise of this world. 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

A Child of God, Thankful The Lord is GOD!

Pastor Jonathan

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Friday, November 4, 2016

Praying for My Leaders and Praying for My Country

Dear Fellow Children of God,

November is the month of our national Thanksgiving celebration. Often I will write in November about all the reasons we have for giving thanks to our gracious Lord. But this year, November is also the month of a national presidential election.

And this year we have an election that seems to defy previous American history. I have heard complaints from many about this presidential race. But, the detailed negative descriptions of the candidates I recently read from the previous president of our denomination, President Jerry Kieschnick, cemented in my mind how different this election is. Many are worried for our country because of those who are running for office. I confess that my desire to exercise my Christian faith through voting in this election is seriously challenged as well.

However, God gives us His wisdom and advice when facing political concerns. “1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4) God’s plain and simple wisdom for His children is that we pray for our leaders.

Actually, praying for our leaders makes sense no matter who the leader is. When we have leaders we respect we need to pray for them. Being a leader is always difficult. Leadership requires making decisions for people, often making decisions for people who have different opinions or who disagree. Even a person of character and integrity needs the help and wisdom of God to lead a city, or a state, or a nation. No wonder, when God asked young King Solomon what he desired as Solomon began serving as king, Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule. (1 Kings 3:4-15)

Therefore, how much more do leaders whom we don’t totally trust need our prayers! Leaders whose wisdom and integrity are in question can really use the help and direction of God. Paul actually wrote these words about praying for leaders when Nero was emperor of the Roman Empire. If you know anything about Nero, you know he seriously needed the guidance of God. I can only imagine how bad life would have been for God’s people in Nero’s time if they had not been praying for him.

As an American, and as a Christian, I intend to exercise my right and responsibility to vote. (Please remember, there are more races and issues on this ballot than just the presidential election.) But, I will continue to spend much more time praying to the Lord, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, that He will guide our leaders and give them wisdom to follow His guidance.

Did you know Jesus shared how He exercised His leadership as God’s promised Messiah? After some foolishness by His disciples, Jesus teaches them, saying, “. . . You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28) Jesus’ leadership style was not one of authoritative, forced compliance. The leadership of Jesus was sacrificial servanthood, even to the point of giving His life on the cross.

My prayer this November is that our gracious God makes servants out of our leaders.

A Child of God, Praying for my Leaders, and for my Country,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Maybe we do have a reason for thanks this election month. We can be thankful we’ve never had a Presidential election like this before.

P. P.S. Don’t forget that Daylight Savings time ends this Saturday evening. We “fall back” one hour for Sunday, November 6.

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Friday, October 28, 2016

Thankful for my Lutheran Heritage

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you know what day we celebrate on Monday, October 31? That’s an easy question for most. October 31^st is Halloween*. Right? Yes, but more importantly, October 31 the anniversary of the day that Martin Luther nailed The 95 Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany, where Luther was a professor at the University. These theses, or statements, were simply meant to debate the practice of that time of selling indulgences. These theses or statements were also meant to look at the larger issue of how God works to save the world. But, in Luther’s time as the printing press was just coming into use, these 95 statements, written in a backwater town in Germany, spread quickly. It has been estimated that most literate people in Europe had read these theses within 30 days of their posting!

Therefore, the posting of these theses began what is known as “The Reformation”, which still affects and influences our world today. In fact, in 1999 when lists were being published, Life Magazine named Martin Luther as the 3^rd most important person of the millennium. Time Magazine named him number 4. And, worth noting is that Luther posted these theses on October 31, 1517. This year, 2016, is 499 years since this important event. Next year we celebrate 500 years since the beginning of the Reformation!

This may all be good information about history, but you may wonder what this has to do with our own lives, and our own faith. The Reformation was an outward expression of Luther’s inner spiritual struggle about sin and salvation. Ultimately, the principle issues of the Reformation were described in the phrases, “Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura.” Or, translated from Latin, the motto of the Reformation was, “By Grace Alone, By Faith Alone, By Scripture Alone.”

So, I will share with you how this affects me personally. These statements continue to be my understanding of what God’s word says about His work in Jesus, and how He saves and guides us today. These principles of “By Grace Alone, By Faith Alone, and By Scripture Alone” continue to guide me as a Christian and as a pastor. Or put in another way, when life gets complicated I find that it is important to go back to the basics, back to the foundation. So when church, or politics, or personal life is difficult, these principles are basics that guide me.

These principles guide me because I believe they actually state what God’s word says. There is an inner voice in all of us that constantly asks, “What must I do to please my Creator?” That was the struggle Luther had. The church of Luther’s time taught the salvation was gained as people kept various laws and ceremonies of faith. But, in Ephesians 2 we have God’s answer to this inner question and struggle. “4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved. . . 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Luther learned that Scripture teaches that all are sinful and have rebelled against God. No one deserves or can earn salvation by their own good work. It is only by God’s grace, His undeserved love and mercy in Jesus, that people are forgiven and saved. It is only by faith that people receive this gift, not by works.

So, when I wallow in guilt, or when I swell in pride, it is humbling, freeing, and empowering to know that my eternal life in heaven is not something I earn. O, what a fix I would be in if my eternal life depended on my own good works! Forgiveness and salvation have been won for me by Jesus’ death and rising. I can’t trust myself, but I can trust God! My eternal life is a gift I receive as I believe or as I trust in Jesus as my Savior from sin! What a gift!!

Part of Luther’s struggle was also where to find believable truth in the midst of many competing claims in the church of his day. Does that sound familiar? Luther saw that Scripture, in many places, claims to be the very word of God Himself given to His people. His experience proved this claim to be true. Luther found that when other teachings or claims are confusing, or can’t be trusted, Scripture alone is from God alone. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

So, when there are questions or disagreements today, my practice is to go to the word of God. I don’t just look for one verse, but for what all of Scripture says. Even if I don’t totally understand in my human mind, I trust God to guide me by His word!

All of this may seem to make Martin Luther some kind of super hero. But, like all the other characters in Scripture, Luther was a man who struggled with temptation and failures. So, another “sola” came to be stated. “By Christ Alone.” It is Jesus who is the center of Scripture and the center of history. It is by Jesus that God has saved me, and the whole world. And, when we are struggling and the world is going crazy, it is in Christ alone we find hope and strength and life.

So, now how do you answer? Do you know what day we celebrate on October 31?

A Child of God, Thankful for Luther’s Contribution to Biblical Christian Faith,

Pastor Jonathan

* Halloween by the way is derived from the title for this day as “All Hallows’ Eve.” The church celebrates November 1 as “All Saints Day”, a day to remember those the Lord has called home. The night before All Saints’ Day is “All Hallows (saints) Eve.” How different is our cultural celebration of Halloween compared to this religious observance!

P.S. Here are some pictures from last Sunday’s “Alaska Potluck” on Discipleship / Stewardship Sunday. (I should have taken pictures of the food too.) https://goo.gl/photos/hUefn7SvoYKbFEDS6

P.P.S. Martin Luther did not, by the way, want the church that followed his return to Scripture to be named after him. He wanted it to be called, “The Evangelishe (or Gospel) Church.” However, after Luther’s death his followers called it the “Lutheran” Church.

P.P.P.S Twice in the last 15 years Kathy and I have toured Germany and sites of the Reformation. Here are some pictures of important places. https://goo.gl/photos/GqESkRtsgR9Qs6PR9

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Friday, October 21, 2016

THANKFUL for God's Faithful Mercy and Love

Dear Fellow Children of God,

A couple of weeks ago the assigned Gospel lesson for worship was Luke 17:11-19. You know the account from Jesus’ life of the 10 leprous men. Jesus healed all ten, but only one man returned to give thanks. And according to Jesus, this was the one man who might have been expected not to give thanks because he was “a foreigner.” (Luke 17:18)

How often do we forget to give thanks? Or, what does it take to help us realize how gracious and good God is to us?

On Friday morning I heard “praise and thanks” to God from 3 people who might not have been expected to say “thank you.”

First, I received a thank you for prayers from a person who has recently been diagnosed with cancer - for the third time. It seems to me it would be natural to react with anger, or sadness, or disbelief, that such a diagnosis was given. But, what came to me was thanks, thanks for prayers to God for His mercy.

Second, I got a Facebook message of thanks from a family who went through the trials last year of having a baby born almost 17 weeks early. There were many times that the life of this child was not assured by the doctors. There were many times of desperate prayer and serious concern. Many, many friends joined in prayer for this baby and this family. But, on Friday, about 13 ½ months after the birth of this baby I received a message of thanks from this family for the privilege of seeing God work in their lives, and in the lives of their son. It seems to me it would be natural to wonder why God allowed this to happen and affect their lives. But, the message I received was a message of thanks, thanks because God showed His love and power in their lives and in the life of their son. They were thankful because they saw God working. By the way, this child is now big, and healthy, and growing! God IS good!

Finally, I had someone share with me thanks for another answer to prayer. On Wednesday noon in Bible class we prayed as our session ended. Before our prayers I asked if anyone had concerns for which we should pray, and there were many. In fact, in our group of 8 people, there were four of the families whose loved ones were facing serious family stress. We prayed for these concerns and today one of those for whom we prayed stopped by and shared that God had given relief and peace. Even in the midst of continued concern, this person was not complaining to God, but thanking Him.

Thankfulness really comes from the heart of a grateful person. Often, when we don’t expect to see God work, but we see His loving hand, the thanks pours out of our hearts.

In truth, God is always watching out for those He created. Psalm 145 says, “15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.” But, even though God is always taking care of us, sometimes we forget His love, or take it for granted and like the 9 leprous men in Luke 17, we also forget to give thanks. Why does it often take unexpected goodness for us to see God’s love and give Him thanks?

God’s greatest gift of unexpected love comes in Jesus. We don’t deserve God’s love. Our selfishness and rebellion and sin deserves punishment. But instead, God sent His Son, HIS SON, to live and suffer and die for us, so that we might receive His mercy and forgiveness and life through faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, we sometimes take this amazing grace of God for granted too and forget to give thanks.

How about you? When has God surprised you with His mercy and love? Do you see God’s love in every breath? Do you see God’s love in His promise of eternal life through Jesus? “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

A Child of God, Thankful for God’s Faithful Mercy and Love in My Life, and those around us

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Please remember that this Sunday we have an Alaskan Potluck Meal after late worship to celebrate God’s faithful love. (See below)

P. P.S. On the morning of the first snow, Jerry Christensen and Cliff Proetz were out cleaning the sidewalks! THANKS, guys!! https://goo.gl/photos/xVBcv7dxokxD5xy36

P.P.P.S Here is the Face book message I received from Dave Neslund

I am thankful for these yearly reminders- to see where God can take you in the course of a year, or a day, an hour or a second is humbling.

The NICU allowed us the opportunity, the BLESSING, to actually see our baby boy at 23 weeks and watch him grow stronger every day. There was life in him well before August 31, 2015, and he continues to amaze me with each breath.

If you are reading this, YOU had life before your first memories were imprinted, YOU had life before you could open your eyes, YOU had life before you could breath. YOU were loved before you could open your eyes. YOU were loved before you could breathe, YOU were loved, YOU have life!!!!! God is real...he knew you before you were you were born!

"I knew you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart for me before you were born..." Jeremiah 1-5

Maybe you are having a rough day, or a rough week...if you need a smile, or if you need some one to listen, reach out by searching inward and realize just how special you truly are.

Know that no matter what circumstances you are facing YOU ARE life and you ARE loved - YOU are a miracle!!

God Bless

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Friday, October 14, 2016

Turning to My Lord for Help with Life's Craziness

Dear Fellow Children of God,

How do you make sense of a crazy world?

Does life today seem to move too fast? When I asked a mother this week how she was doing, the answer was, “Always busy.” I am finding that this mother is not unique, but busy-ness is today’s norm, and struggle.

On Thursday night I was at the fundraising banquet for Heartreach Crisis Pregnancy Center. In the middle of a moving witness to the love of God, the speaker, Stephen Arterburn, also shared frustration. He shared his frustration with the current presidential election. However, I am finding out that such frustration is not unique, but is the norm.

As a pastor I get to listen to and care for families and individuals in regard to their hopes, their fears, and their prayers. My experience as pastor is that troubles are the norm with which God’s people live, not the exception. It has always been that way, but it seems more so in these times.

Christians should not be surprised at life’s struggles, frustrations, and trials. The results of sin and rebellion against the Lord and Creator of our world show themselves only too plainly. Sinful behavior on our part, and on the part of everyone else, leads to lives that struggle with time challenges, or to lives that struggle with political frustrations, or to lives full of family and individual challenges.

So, how does a child of God and believer in Jesus make sense of a crazy world? Jesus gives us an example of how He dealt with this world’s challenges. At the beginning of His ministry, after Jesus called his disciples, he went to his ministry home in Capernaum. There Jesus encountered a possessed man in the Synagogue. There Jesus healed Peter’s mother in law. And then Jesus was confronted with the overwhelming needs of the people of Capernaum. We are told in Mark 1:33-35

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Imagine having a whole town show up at the home where you are staying, and everyone expects you to help with their individual needs for help. Obviously, as the Son of God, Jesus healed and helped many of the people that evening. Yet, Jesus was also a man who had a bigger mission from God than to just help one town. How did Jesus deal with the onslaught He faced? Perhaps verse 35 struck you as it does me. 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Jesus left the “craziness” of that town behind for a time, and spent time alone with His Heavenly Father in prayer. Time alone with God is such a privilege. Imagine, the Lord and Ruler of the universe has time for us! But, God does call us to come to Him. Going to our Lord makes sense in a world made crazy because of our sin. When life seems out of control, what wisdom to go the one who is our rock and foundation!

When the sin and rebellion of our world cause confusion and frustration, what a blessing to be able to go to our Lord and Savior. The cure for sin against God is forgiveness from God. God gives us that forgiveness through repentance and through faith in His Son, our Savior, Jesus. The world may still seem out of control, but we can live in the peace of the love and forgiveness God gives in Jesus.

And, I am convinced that time with God Himself, alone in prayer, is one of the under-used gifts that God’s children have. God promises to listen when we pray. He promises to answer our cries for help. I have seen God answering prayer again this week in amazing ways. What a powerful help for a crazy world – time with our Lord and Savior in prayer!

When Jesus faced the overwhelming needs and demands of the world around Him, we know what He did. 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

When your world is crazy do you spend time alone in prayer with your Heavenly Father? Morning is my favorite time. How about you?

A Child of God, Turning to My Lord for help with Life’s Craziness,

Pastor Jonathan

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Friday, October 7, 2016

Thankful that God is in Charge, and that His Love is SURE!"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Sometimes life is tough and comes at you faster than you can anticipate, faster than I am personally able to deal with the trials and challenges.

In all of life’s trials I am thankful for the truth God shares in His Word and for His eternal love in Jesus. Romans 8:38-39 says, “38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” When life’s challenges are bigger than I am, I am comforted and strengthened to know that nothing can separate me from God’s love in Jesus!

When a close friend and mentor is going through serious surgery, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When loved ones and friends may be in the path of a dangerous hurricane, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When family concerns tear at your heart, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When the world around us is turning away from God, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When medical concerns occur in our lives and in the lives of family, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When a friend and colleague faces the realities of cancer, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When we have concerns about the economy and finances, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When the church as we have known it faces truly difficult challenges, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When a loved one is called home and we will no longer see them in this life, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This Friday I, to some extent, had all of these concerns on my heart at once. When all of these trials are happening at the same time in our lives, and when we know that we don’t personally have all the answers, “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

But, I am not alone. All of us face life challenges from time to time. But, the word “challenge” seems somewhat tame when talking about cancer, or family concerns, or death. These times of pain wrench at my gut and can make us all question where God is, and if he loves us. For these moments when life seems overwhelming, God gives strength and hope in the midst of the worst that life can throw at us. “Nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As you face the pain, the challenges, and the trials of life may the assurance of the love of God give you strength and hope. “38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

A Child of God, Thankful God is in Charge of this Life and that His love is Sure!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. I took two of my grand kids, Jackson and Kendall fishing on Saturday and invited along Leif Neslund. It was an interesting time. Here are some pictures. https://goo.gl/photos/RYNUDvH9XHUcXJAF8

P.P.S. I did some harvesting last Saturday and Monday. Here are a couple of pictures. https://goo.gl/photos/Cg2ZxZqS7Qvh1puAA

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