"Pray for Us"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

While I was hunting last week I received a number of comments by e-mail or text about me praying through our church directory, and praying for our members.  I have a confession to make.  While I have prayed on past hunting trips for all those in the church directory, I forgot to bring my church directory this year.  However, I did have my prayer list.  I did pray through that list a number of times.

 

You see, our method of hunting is to sit hidden by some meadows and ponds and call the moose to us.  Usually we sit by the pond for 2-4 hours each morning and each evening.  Many times we see no moose at all during our time of sitting.  That leaves a lot of time to wait and listen.  That also leaves time to quietly pray and to read.

 

I confess I didn’t pray through the directory this year.  But, I did pray for all those on my prayer list, and for those whose messages I received, and I prayed for some others as well.  The last time I counted there were over 150 entries of personal concerns on my prayer list of people and families of St. John and their friends.  When people ask me to pray for them I put them on this prayer list.  I don’t pray through the list each day, but I do pray through it regularly. 

 

Why would someone spend so much time praying for others?  First of all, I believe that God hears and answers our prayers.  I care about the people for whom I pray and believe that God is the best answer for any concerns and reasons we have to pray.

 

But, I’ve also been taught through Scripture and through my education that pastors have a responsibility for those they shepherd.  That is an awesome responsibility.  I’m not sure everyone realizes the depth of that responsibility, but it overwhelms me at times.

 

The writer to the Hebrews expresses this pastoral responsibility and has a request for God’s children because of this responsibility.  In Hebrews13:17-18 God speaks through this writer saying, “17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. 18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.”

 

So, one of the reasons I pray for others is that God says here that pastors and leaders “must give an account.”  In other words I hear God saying I have a responsibility to care for the spiritual welfare of others. 

 

But, there is also a problem in this responsibility.  My prayer list is divided into categories, like illness, or trouble, or church issues.  I also have a category for my own personal concerns.  You see, pastors are people and they struggle too trying to live as a child of God.  I pray for my own wisdom, and faith, and righteousness, and love, and many other spiritual needs.  The problem is this.  If I have my own struggles, how can I realistically look after the spiritual welfare of so many others who have their own issues?  I do know that in my own weakness I have made mistakes at times.

 

That is why the writer to the Hebrews asks God’s people to “Pray for us.”  Pastors struggle too.  So a pastor needs help to live a life that leads by example and He needs help to provide care for God’s people through prayer and the direction of Scripture.

 

Thankfully, pastors are not alone in caring for the lambs of God.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  He is the one who loved the sheep so much that He laid down His life for them.  Pastors are called to shepherd Jesus’ sheep under His leadership and grace and forgiveness and love. 

 

This devotional message doesn’t just go to members of St. John, but many others read this too.  I personally covet your prayers so that I may have God’s help in my weakness to be faithful and effective in providing spiritual care and leadership to the people of God.  I know I need it.  If you attend another church, please pray for your pastor.  God’s help is the best help we can get.  I know other pastors would covet God’s help through your prayers too. 

 

A Child of God, Seeking God’s help for an over-whelming responsibility,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  I did see 7 or 8 moose this year, including 2 bulls.  However, I could not be sure they were legal, so I did not shoot a moose.  Here is a link, however, to scenery on the drive to moose camp, and scenery from the drive home.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5928732352889346913

 

 

 

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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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The Blessing of Christian Friends

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

When you read this devotion I will have left for my annual moose hunting trip.  This is perhaps my favorite season of the year.  I love autumn in the Alaskan woods.  There are times that the yellow leaves on the birch trees seem to light up a dark evening.  You can smell the rotting leaves and the pungent cranberries.  The hills seem to be painted with the colors of gold and red.  The warm days and cool nights bring a pleasant contrast.  And the wildlife is active, preparing for the winter.  The bleating of the sandhill cranes and the trumpeting of the swans are shouting that winter is on the way.  The call of the raven seems to be telling every other animal what is happening in the woods.  And we see porcupine and lynx and even bear sign.  Usually I see many moose, mainly cows and calves, wandering about and eating.  That list doesn’t even describe the grouse, the hare, the owls, the squirrels, and the other wildlife with which God populates the forests.  No wonder so many Alaskans enjoy hunting.  It is not only an opportunity to fill the freezer, but it is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

 

With all that said, do you know what I enjoy most about my hunting trips?  I find real blessing in sitting around the fire and talking with fellow hunters.  We discuss our hunting experiences, and politics.  We discuss family and our faith. In fact, my experience in moose camp for 20 plus years has been that we enjoy a daily devotion which leads to more discussion.  When I return from hunting I often tell my wife that we solved all the problems of the world in camp this year, if only the rest of the world would listen to us.

 

God intends for men and women of faith to be a blessing to one another.  The Scriptures are full of references to friends.  Perhaps the verse that best describes to me what happens in moose camp comes from Proverbs 27:9. There we are told, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.”  What a blessing to be able to talk earnestly, to talk honestly about topics that are important to our lives.  And when we realize while talking that we share a best friend, Jesus, our talk encourage us through the trials of life with the help that faith in God gives.  Around the campfire we can be talking about the present, but building for eternity, as we assure one another of God’s help and forgiveness and love.

 

Going into the wilderness to live in a tent may sound like roughing it to many.  But, when you mix the glory of God’s creation with the blessing of Christian friends, this becomes one of my favorite times of the year.

 

A Child of God, Thankful for time in God’s beautiful Creation with friends.

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I leave today for 10 days of moose hunting.  This is my “Thoughts from the Pastor” devotion for the week of September 15-21.  After that, the next message you receive will be on September 27 or 28 after I have returned from hunting.

 

 

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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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God's Forgiveness helps us to e Honest

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I was recently driving toward Palmer across the hay-flats on the Glenn Highway.  It had been raining, which seems to have been our weather pattern for the last month and a half.  However, on this day there was a break in the clouds and I noticed some white on the top of the mountains.  I told my wife there was new snow showing.  Her response was, “I don’t want to hear it.  Don’t you mention that ‘S’s word!”  Maybe you have heard, or have even had, the same reaction.

 

My wife may not have wanted to hear about the snow, but you know and I know that whether she wanted to hear it or not the snow was on the mountain.  Yes, winter is coming.  The colder temperatures, the icy roads, and the long hours of dark are on the way.  Denial may be a coping mechanism, but not very effective.

 

Snow is not the only thing people deny.  Among other things, we do not like to hear about our failures, our selfishness, or our sin.  This is one reason some people stay away from a relationship with God.  Sometimes God is perceived as the great fault-finder, who punishes those he catches.  This is not an accurate portrayal of God, but can lead to people denying they may have issues in their lives to deal with.

 

Even Christians who might have a better understanding of our Lord can and do have trouble facing our sin.  We like to focus on the good we have done, not our failure.  Such self-righteousness creates barriers between ourselves and others, and between ourselves and God.  When we deny our sin, we don’t deal with issues we may have with others.  When we deny our sin we don’t think we need a Savior, and we may not even want one.

 

God has something to say to us about denial.  In 1 John 1:8 we are told, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”  If we deny winter is coming we are unprepared when it arrives.  If we deny our sin we don’t deal with our problems and failures.  If we deny our sin we also miss the sacrificial love of our Savior.  We don’t think we need one.

 

That is why it is so important to see who God really is.  He is not primarily the great punisher.  God is the one who primarily reaches out with Jesus, offering forgiveness those who have fallen and sinned.  In the verse after 1 John 1:8, we are told,  “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”   If you think about it, God’s grace and forgiveness can make us willing to confess our failure, because we know God is there to forgive.  When we don’t deny, but admit our struggles, it also helps us to deal with our troubles in this life using the help of God.

 

I don’t mind snow.  There are other things I don’t like to talk about, like car repairs.  But, I enjoy skiing, and snow-machining and ice fishing.  So I can admit and even anticipate that winter is approaching.  When we know that God loves us enough to have sent His son to pay for our sins, and when we know that when we admit our sins God reaches out with His love and forgiveness, it can help us to face our failures.  We can admit our sin because we receive His forgiveness, and we can deal with our issues in the love of God.

 

A Child of God, Thankful that God’s forgiveness helps me to be honest about my failures,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I leave for 10 days of moose hunting on Sunday afternoon or Monday.  I will send out my next “Thoughts from the Pastor” for the week of September 15-21 soon.  After that, the next message you receive will be on September 27 or 28 after I have returned from hunting.

 

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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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He Knows My Name

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Have you ever been to a family reunion, or a high school reunion?  It is good to re-connect with loved ones and friends.  But, it is embarrassing if someone says, “Hi,” and we forget their name. 

 

This past week I have had 3 people come up to me and greet me.  I knew their faces but I did not remember their names.  Some of these folks even asked about family members by name, and talked about recent events in the life of our family.  So, these people knew me, and they knew my name, but I had forgotten theirs.  This is embarrassing for me, in part because I have a ‘reputation’ of remembering people’s names.  But, I didn’t remember these three times.

 

This Sunday is a “Family Reunion” of sorts.  Sunday School starts with a full schedule of Adult Bible Classes.  For those who have been occupied elsewhere with summer vacation, or with fishing, or even with the Alaska State Fair, we get to return through worship and Sunday School more fully to the presence of the Lord, our Heavenly Father - the one who loves us most.

 

And, while we may forget the names of others, God never forgets our names.  In fact, He takes the personal relationship He has with each of us very seriously.  Just consider what the following verses mean.

 

In Isaiah 43:1 God tells the Israelites, “But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’” Your friends and acquaintances may forget your name, but God calls us, by name.  He knows us and cares for us.

 

In Isaiah 49:1 God tells the Gentiles, the non-Jews, (that’s us by the way.)  “Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.”  God has called us before we were born, and known our name.  He does not forget us.  He knows us and cares for us!

 

And, in John 10:3, when talking about being the Good Shepherd, Jesus talks about how shepherds treat their sheep.  “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”  God knows us individually and calls us by name.  What a blessing!  The Lord of the Universe knows each of us personally.

 

The amazing thing is that God does know us.  He knows who we are and the special people He made us to be.  He also knows where we have failed to live up to our promise and have turned out backs on Him and others.  But, God still cares.  He cares so much He sent His Son to pay for our rebellion and to save us so we can have an eternal reunion with God in Heaven.  In spite of our sin, God still keeps calling us to repentance and faith, and to His eternal love.

 

We may forget the names of others.  Others may forget or ignore us.  But God always remembers and cares and calls us to Himself.  And, tomorrow we get to attend that reunion, to begin the process again of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  May you find joy that God Himself knows you, and calls you by name back to Himself in Jesus.

 

A Child of God, Thankful for the Personal Love of God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Fishing has been good this year.   Here are some pictures from August Silver Salmon trips.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5921001414319839281?banner=pwa

 

P.P.S.  We have recently had some new challenges in our family.  Thank you for everyone who has kept us in prayer.

 

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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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God's Help for My Life of Discipleship

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

The Labor Day Holiday is celebrated this weekend.  That means school has started.    The approaching holiday also means the State Fair is almost finished.  But, we all know that with the end of the summer activities the full work schedule begins in earnest.  Schools, businesses, even churches get in to the swing of their full schedule at this time of year. 

 

So, what is the work that God’s people face?  In worship the last few Wednesdays we have been focusing on the assigned epistle lessons from Hebrews.  God has expectations for His people and in these lessons God speaks plainly about the discipleship He expects from those who follow Him.  This week’s lesson is from Hebrews 13, which is also read this Sunday.  In Hebrew 13 we heard about God’s expectations for his people in regard to loving those around us, even those we don’t know.  We heard about God’s expectations in regard to sex and marriage.  We also heard about God’s expectations in regard to money, and faith, and the church.  Sometimes when God’s people hear of His sacrificial love we can forget God’s continuing call to serve and obey Him.  Unfortunately, none of us are perfect when it comes to God’s call to faith and love and righteousness.  Life as a child of God is a struggle, but that doesn’t free us from God’s call that being His children brings.  The call to obedience is real.

 

This week I took Friday off and played golf with Ryan Strehlow, the Director of Christian Education from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak.   My golf game is a struggle.  My shots seem to travel shorter distances these days and my scores seem to go higher.  But, there are some things that could help my game.  Lessons would help.  Good equipment helps.  Practice helps.  My struggle is not without some hope.

 

God has real help for our struggles to live as his children.  That is part of what happens in the full schedule of activities in the church.  In addition to worship opportunities where we hear God’s word and bring Him praise, Sunday School and various Bible Studies are offered.  Worship and Bible study help God’s people with the struggle of discipleship.

 

But, there is one more powerful help for God’s children as we seek to fulfill God’s expectations.  That help is God’s love and forgiveness.  It can be discouraging as a golfer to try to hit a good shot and fail time after time.  It can cause a person to consider giving up the game.  But, one little tip that leads to one good shot makes me, at least, want to keep playing.  It can be discouraging to know God’s expectations for our lives, and to know our failure.  But, God forgives us and continues to offer His love without fail.  So, even in our failure, God is there.  God’s presence and love and forgiveness strengthen us for discipleship when we might want to give up in discouragement. 

 

In Hebrews 13, after calling God’s people to love, faithful marriages, and a proper attitude toward possessions, we are assured, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ 6 So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

 

I pray that you see the coming activities of the church as opportunities for strengthening your faith and your life as God’s child.  I pray that when you struggle with God’s expectations, His forgiveness gives you reason to keep seeking to serve Him.

 

A Child of God, Needing Help, and Finding it in God’s Church,

Pastor Jonathan

 

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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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The Blessing of Human Kindness

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I recently had an experience with a large business that was frustrating and maddening and left me shaking my head.  I had trouble with my cell phone and I experienced a run around I couldn’t believe.  I walked into the location where I had purchased my phone in December in order to deal with my problem.  After waiting about 40-45 minutes, I had someone help me, sort of.  The representative looked at my phone and told me I had not damaged it.  This person and their supervisor, however, then told me why they could not help me.  They also could not put my on the line to talk to someone else who could help me, unless I paid $20.00.  I had to go to Anchorage to deal with another business partner of theirs.

 

Being very busy in the coming week, I went to Anchorage that night, assured this would take care of my problem.  When I arrived at the Anchorage store the manager of that store told me why they could not help me.  Their rules required an appointment and I had just showed up, encouraged by the first company to do so.  I would have to return to Palmer and come back the next day.  When I said I was willing to stay late, the man looked at the phone and then told me, contrary to my first stop, that I had damaged the phone and there was nothing they could do.

 

However, this 3 ½ hour period of time was not the end.  I went home and, using my computer, communicated with someone with the first company who tried to help, but did very little.  Finally, the next day, with more information in hand, I returned to the first place of business, and, after 3 hours, had a new phone, and some help for the problem.  I believe that from when I left my home to when I returned, including time on the computer, I spent a minimum of 9 hours trying to be helped.  After this experience I was worn out, frustrated, and even a little angry.

 

I can tell you this story because I had the exact opposite experience with another business.  My boat needed some work for 3 small problems, so I went to where the boat was built.  The owner met with me personally for 2 hours.  We not only fixed those three items, but he found 2 other areas of need and took care of them.  We didn’t just talk the technical issues of the boat, but talked fishing, and life, and faith.  At the end of two hours of time, where more problems were fixed that I knew I had, the charge was minimal for the parts.  Actually, this experience refreshed me to return to the phone store and finish my business there.

 

The lesson I learned by experience is that it makes a difference how we are treated, and how we treat others.  A willingness to listen and some common kindness go a long way.  This is not just true in business, it is true in all relationships.  Sometimes all of us struggle with kindness.  But, God reminds us the real source of kindness.  Ephesians 4:32 says, 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  In other words, God has been forgiving and kind and compassionate to us.  His kindness and compassion are the power and the example for our relationships with others.

 

Our relationship with Jesus, our Christian faith, is not just something to talk about inside a church building.  Because we are loved by God, we can put love and faith into practice throughout our community.  What a blessing it would be if we remembered God’s love and were always able to treat others in the same way.

 

A Child of God, Blessed by God’s Kindness and that of His people,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

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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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Pray for our Schools

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What is the role of a child of God in the public schools run by our local government?

 

Public schools began classes again this week in our area.  The beginning of school is one of the most important days in any community calendar.  When school begins, the whole pattern of community life changes.  Families return from summer vacations.  Children go to bed earlier so they can rise early and get to school on time.   Teachers and bus drivers and support staff are back on the job.   Even traffic patterns change.

 

But, in addition to the business and societal impact of school, there is the personal impact.  The beginning of school is also the beginning of the whole process of helping children grow in knowledge and growing toward maturity.  While the work of the church has eternal impact, I am not sure there is anything more important that our culture does than the nurturing of children which is done by our schools.  Our children are the future of our community and our nation.  It is a vital work to help our children grow toward life as healthy and productive adults. 

 

But young children are also vulnerable.  That is why headlines about bullying, and headlines about abuse, and headlines about school shootings are so devastating.  From a cultural point of view children are innocent victims when these tragedies take place.

 

It is because of this important impact on the children of our community that I urge fellow Christians to think about the role of God’s people in the process of education.  Time and again Jesus talks about His special love for children.  We are told in one account of Scripture that, when parents brought children to Jesus, He took them into his arms and blessed them.  (Mark 10:13-16)  In another Bible verse Jesus warns against harming children or leading them astray.  The judgment from God for such harm is dire, according to Matthew 18:6.  But, perhaps my favorite verse that talks about God’s love and our responsibility toward children is found in Matthew 18:10.  Jesus says, "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” So, Jesus says we have a responsibility for the “little ones”, but God is also providing extra special care.

 

So, what is the role of a Christian person in the education of our children?  The schools are run by our government, and the government is by law separate from the church.  But, that does not mean that God’s people don’t have an interest in this important work that happens in the schools. 

 

Here are some steps Christians can take to help the schools in their jobs of educating our children.  First, Christians should work to provide stable homes for our own children.  The foundation of good education begins in homes.  When children know they are loved they are secure enough to risk learning.  When they know they are loved by God, they can face the challenges that schools will bring.  Stable homes help the education of our children.

 

Secondly, Christians can and should pray for our schools.  Pray for and encourage the children.  Pray for and encourage the teachers and staff.  Learning takes work and discipline, and it can be difficult.  God does hear our prayers and He answers them!

 

Finally, Christians can volunteer in schools.  Jesus calls us to serve others as he served us and gave His life for us.  We can volunteer and serve in schools, no strings attached, just because it helps in the important task of educating our children.

 

The beginning of school also has a special place in my heart this year.  While my daughter, Mary, has taught in Chevak for two years, this year she began her job as a teacher in our local school system.  And, while all of my children have finished public school, my first grandson, Jake, begins kindergarten this year, with 5 more grand children on the way.  So, I have a personal interest in the welfare of our schools.

 

Children are precious and important to God.  Our schools are important to our children.  I encourage you to reach out in faith and service to make our schools a place where children can grow in knowledge and maturity.

 

A Child of God, Praying for God’s Blessings on our Schools,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Please remember the church picnic this coming Sunday.  Please see the information below.

 

P.P.S.  There was another Rockey baptism in worship on Wednesday, August 14.  Here are some pictures.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5912858676456024145?banner=pwa

 

P.P.P.S.  Fishing has been good recently.  Here are some pictures of some silver salmon fishing.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5905392385835642545?banner=pwa

 

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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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