Live Loved

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

As I share today’s “Thoughts” I’m sitting in the cool air-conditioning of our hotel in the early morning.  But my legs show the places where we missed with the application of sun-screen in yesterday’s 100 degree heat here in San Antonio.  Today (Saturday) the forecast is for a high temperature of 104!  I’ll do better with the sunscreen. 

 

However, in spite of the heat I am excited to know the joy that is coming.  The National Youth Gathering of our denomination starts on Monday and will take place July 1-5 here in San Antonio.  About 25,000 people will gather under the theme, “Live Loved.”  Included in this number are 10 youth from St. John, 3 adults with them, and 5 other adults from our congregation  (Kathy and I included) who are working at the Gathering.

 

After attending past Gatherings I expect this to be a life changing experience.  The Young people will celebrate and grow in new ways as they learn God’s love for them in Jesus.  The town of San Antonio will be changed as well as this throng of Christians seek to share the love of Jesus with this city.  The youth will go into the city and help in shelters and food pantries, and even work on a Habitat for Humanity House.  All this occurs while celebrating in worship each day with the 25,000 others. 

 

As a pastor I pray for our people that God may somehow make His love in Jesus real to them, to you.  I know that in the difficulties and pain of life, God’s love in Jesus transforms life.  Because of God’s compassion for us in Jesus in the midst of the trials of life, and because of the sure promise of eternal life for those who know and believe that Jesus is our Savior, we can live in joy and hope.  I begin the coming week knowing that this will happen for our group.

 

As a pastor and missionary Paul cared about and prayed for His people.  In Ephesians he prayed for those he had previously taught.  “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1: 18) 

 

You see, God’s love changes situations.  Instead of dreading a week in the heat, I am excited about a week of learning that God’s love is real, and we can “Live Loved.”

 

A Child of God, Living in God’s Love in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

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P.S.  After today, the temperatures are supposed to drop with highs only in the low 90’s.

 

P.P. S.  Here are some pictures as we to and from registration for the event. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5894882288488240833?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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A HEALTHY New Grandbaby - Reason for Praise and Thanks

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I can think of at least 3 times in recent years that I have been called to the hospital for the death of a child.  The recent situations I am remembering are from my volunteer service as chaplain at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.  But, I can also remember quite a number of situation s in which children of various ages who are members or friends of congregations where I have been pastor have been called home.

 

I know of no more devastating tragedy.  In many ways children hold the hope we have for the future.  We know the struggles and failures in our own lives.  But children have their whole lives in front of them.  Christians believe that every life is sacred and, with that future, we see in the life of a child the presence and the help and strength and love of God.  So, in many ways children are a source of joy and hope.  The death of a child is an unspeakably devastating loss.

 

With that recent personal history I want to share with you reason for thanks and praise to our loving Lord.  Many of you know that our 6^th grandchild was scheduled to be born by C-section this past Monday, June 17.  But, even though God calls us to not worry, I confess to having been worried concerning this birth.  We have 4 children of our own, and this was to be our 6^th grandchild.  But Kathy and I have never experienced a pregnancy with so many warnings and cautions from the doctors.  There were times during this pregnancy the doctors did not expect the baby to survive.  There were times in this pregnancy the doctors seriously wondered if the child would be healthy.  So, it was with prayer to God and hope and trust in his goodness that we gathered in the hospital waiting room at 7:00 a.m. on Monday morning.

 

At 8:13 a.m. (it’s on my phone) we started getting texts from our son.  The baby was born.  Then we got pictures. What a beautiful baby!    (Sometimes technology is an amazing gift.) Then about 8:30 a.m. our son came out of the delivery room and told us everyone was well and healthy.  Having been worried, I wanted to see for myself.  So I waited my turn and brought my camera in to see our newest grandchild.  Annabelle Marie is a beautiful healthy baby.  I counted 10 fingers.  She has a full head of dark hair.  What a moment of relief and joy!  Praise the Lord for His answer to prayer!

 

I confess to feeling a little guilty, or selfish, or privileged.  Throughout my life I have prayed for many people.  Many times God has answered those prayers in ways I had hoped, even in ways the doctors don’t understand.  But, I can also think of many for whom I prayed in which God’s answer was different than my hope.  I trust that God in His wisdom and love and mercy always to work good for the eternal purposes of His people.  But, why were our prayers answered in this way?

 

I think I know how King David felt when He wrote Psalm 30.  David indicated that he had been ill to the point of facing death.  But God healed David and saved him from the grave.  (Psalm 30:2-3).  Therefore, Psalm 30 is full of praise and thanks, especially the last 2 verses.  “11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

 

Actually, even in the cases of those children God allowed to be called home He has love and mercy and salvation.  God allowed His own Son to suffer and die, and then rise, so when death does come those who are His by faith have eternal life in heaven.  Even when it seems God’s answer is disappointing, He is still merciful and loving.

 

So, five days later I sit here still with tears in my eyes again and I praise God with King David.  “11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

 

A Child of God, Living in His Mercy and Love,

Pastor Jonathan

 

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P.S.  Annabelle Marie was 7 lb., 12 oz., 20 ¼ inches long.  If you want to see some pictures of Annabelle you can look at this link.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5890718792318213185

 

P.P.S.  However, I am also attaching to this e-mail two of my new favorite pictures.

 

 

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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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One Blessing that Does Not Change

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I’m thankful, but perhaps also a little confused.  I confess that I really enjoy this recent period of warm weather, but 3 ½ weeks ago there was snow in my yard and, from what I read, we had endured the longest winter on record.  From the first measurable snow in September, to the last measurable snow on May 18 was over 232 days.  But, even though I’ve only lived in Alaska 22 years, I don’t ever remember a warm streak like we are experiencing now where temperatures were this warm for this long.  So we went from the longest winter to the warmest summer in about a day.  That can be a little confusing.

 

Yes, after this past winter (and the recent previous cold summers) I AM thankful for the current string of warm days.  But the quick change and going from one extreme to another has me scratching my head.  I heard someone say on Friday, “It’s hard to know what’s coming next.”

 

In all honesty all of us realize that change is actually a constant in life.  We change physically.  The world around us changes.  Other people change.  Life circumstances change.  Not all change is bad.  But, even though we should be used to change, change it is often painful and difficult. 

 

For example, when economies change there can be upheaval which can hurt people financially.  When politicians and politics change stress levels can rise.  When relationships break up, families and friendships can be hurt.  We have had a number of deaths in our congregation earlier this year and people are still grieving.  Such change is difficult to endure.  Sometimes we just wish there was something we could count on.

 

So, as I was confused about the weather, I was also thankful for one blessing that is constant, God’s love in Jesus.  In Hebrews 13 we are told, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)  When finances go badly, or when relationships suffer, or when politics frustrate us, or when loved ones die, God’s love for us in Jesus always has been and always will be. 

 

The love of God was promised in the Old Testament by the Savior who would come.  The love of God took flesh when Jesus was born as the promised Messiah and lived as the Suffering Servant, dying for the sins of the world and rising again. God promises His eternal love in heaven to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior from sin.  The world around us may change.  We may be confused.  But we can build our lives on the love of God which never changes.

 

When we know that God’s love for us in Jesus does not change, we can face the surprises of life with praise for God and love for others, because we know that God who has loved us, continues His love in Jesus.  So, enjoy the beautiful weather.  It is a gift from God.  But know that when the weather changes, God’s love continues.

 

A Child of God, Confused but Thankful for the Recent Beautiful Weather,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

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P.S.  The recent warm weather has allowed some fishing.  These were caught Thursday, June 13.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5889730882076590593?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.

 

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Help for Families

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

A number of years ago, when he was in high school, our son Tim served a term as youth representative on the Alaska State Board of Education.  This opportunity came about because Tim was involved in student government at Palmer High and on a state level as well.  (We are proud of all of our children, and we are proud of Tim.)  After meeting with the board at various sites around the state Tim would come home and tell us of the many efforts the Board of Education was pursuing to improve the education received by the students of Alaska.

 

After listening to Tim talk about the plans and efforts of the Board one night, I told him my opinion.  “Tim, I believe the best thing the Board could do to improve the education of Alaska’s children would be to strengthen the homes and families in which children live.  But, I know what I’m saying is not necessarily politically correct.” 

 

We held Vacation Bible School at St. John this past week.  It was wonderful to watch the children learn about God’s love, and grow in that love through their lessons, activities, and the singing.  Families brought their children to VBS because they wanted the best for their children. 

 

But watching the families and knowing many of the situations they face, I was struck by the realization that families face more stress today than at any time in my experience and memory.  In addition to the struggles that have always been present for families, stresses such as financial worries, illnesses, or school worries, there are new stresses.  Schedules are busier than ever.  Our culture no longer believes there is such a thing as right and wrong.  The media is pervasive in promoting values of selfishness and materialism instead of values of faith and love and sacrifice.  Families are facing stresses that make it difficult to live in love and faith as a family.

 

However, this week in churches around the world people will hear Bible readings that tell about God helping families.  The Bible readings appointed for this Sunday share accounts of both Elijah and Jesus encountering families facing loss.  These were not what many consider traditional families.  In both cases the only son of a widow had died.  And, in both cases God reached out and acted in compassion and love.  So, at St. John we will hear about Jesus encountering the widow of Nain.  Her only son had died.  We are told of Jesus, “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don't cry.’" (Luke 7:13)  Jesus then raised her son from the dead.

 

God cares about families. God cared about families in Elijah’s day, and in Jesus’ day.  He cares about families today.  God cares about husbands and wives, mothers and father, children and parents, brothers and sisters.  Sometimes the stresses of life can overwhelm families.  But in the midst of life’s challenges God genuinely cares.  Our heavenly father loves us so much He sent His Son for us.  Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the forgiveness and love of God that overcome our failures and help us through life’s trials.  The love of God is the best help and strength for families today. 

 

It is also God’s plan that the church is His family where His love is shared.  Hopefully, in churches people grow in God’s love and encourage one another in that love.  Being involved in God’s church can help families know and live in the powerful love of God.  Actually, two separate moms shared with me this week how God had helped and blessed their families through the church. 

 

Families face tremendous stress today.  I know this truth from personal experience.  But, there is someone who cares about families and is stronger than the failures and stresses we face.  He has helped families in the past.  God’s love in Jesus is the best help strength for families today.

 

A Child of God, Praying God’s help for families today,

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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Vacation Bible School - Christian Parenting

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Do you ever look at Facebook?  Sometimes in their posts people make somewhat revealing personal statements about the stresses of life.

 

I saw a Facebook post (Actually, I’ve seen more than one such post.) in the past year where someone posted about being a “bad mom.”  Let me say I know this person and they are a good mom, loving, responsible, and attentive.   However, in this instance the mom had tried to take care of her children but, in spite of her best efforts, the children still encountered some difficulties from which mom had been trying to protect them.  Her words about being a “bad mom” were more words of frustration than they were words of fact.

 

With all that said, what does it take to be a good mom or, for that matter, a good dad? Actually, God talks a lot about being a good and godly parent throughout the Bible.  There are obvious jobs of a parent like providing for children and protecting them, and having compassion on one’s children.  (e.g. Matthew 7:10-11, Psalm 103:13).

 

However, there is one role for parents that God states again and again in Scripture.  A parent who follows the direction God gives teaches their children about God.  Perhaps the best known verse that shares this direction which God has for parents is found in Proverbs 22:6.  “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  However, you can also find these instructions in Deuteronomy 6:1-7, Mark 10:13-15, Ephesians 6:4, and many other Bible verses.

 

Teaching children about God makes sense if you think about it.  Since God gives life and health, love and forgiveness, where else would I want to bring my children than to the presence of God?  Teaching children about God and His love for me in Jesus gives my child what I really want for them ; God’s love in this life and eternal life in heaven.

 

I share these thoughts on parenting because St. John is offering Vacation Bible School again this coming week, Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 7, from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.  What a great help to parents as they seek to teach their children about God!  There will be singing, stories, crafts, games, and snacks at VBS.  I have heard many parents over the years say how much their children enjoyed the experience.  Some parents have told me how their children continue singing the songs they learn.  Friendships have been made that help children continue growing in Christian faith.  Vacation Bible School can really help a parent teach their children about God!

 

As a father, and now a grandfather, I know that many times I have come up short in what I would like to do as a father and for my children.  What a blessing to know that Almighty God cares about our children and wants them to live in his eternal love.  What a great opportunity to share God’s love with our children and grandchildren, bringing them to VBS!

 

I hope to see you, your children, and your grandchildren at VBS this coming week.

 

A Child of God, Seeking to be a Faithful Parent and Grandparent,

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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