Sharing What's Really Important: 2014

Saturday, December 27, 2014

New Year Resolutions for a Child of God

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Have you ever built a new home? As Kathy and I were talking the other day we were amazed that it has been almost 9 years since we moved out of our previous home, with many older home issues, and moved into the home that Gary Foster built for us. It is exciting to watch your home grow from the ground up. Our new home has been a blessing as we have raised our family and entertained guests and family. We have had little if any problems with this new house. But we have learned that one of the important steps in building is to start with a solid foundation. Obviously, our home was built on a solid foundation because it has served us so well.

I ask these questions because we are approaching the New Year. In many ways people hope to build a new life in the coming year. Sort of like moving from an older home to a new one, people hope to leave the problems of the past behind and begin a time of life that has more health, more blessings, and hopefully fewer problems. And, like building a house, building healthy lives as God’s children means building on a solid foundation.

So, as we approach the New Year, on what foundation do we build our lives? We are told in Ephesians 2:19-20, “you are . . . fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Obviously from this verse, the ultimate foundation on which to build our lives is Jesus. We build our lives on Jesus because this sinful world does bring problems and death, and we need the forgiveness and life that only come through Jesus.

According to Ephesians God builds us on Jesus through the apostles and prophets, through His Word. So, using Scripture through worship and personal devotions is a way to build our lives as children of God.

In addition, we build relationships with others when we spend time with someone and when we talk and share with them. Our relationship with God is also built when we spend time with our Lord through prayer.

So, as we approach a new year and seek new opportunities and blessings, there are some simple practices we can follow that can build us up.

Are you regular in worship with God’s people? One person reminded me on Christmas Eve that God’s word tells us, “Let us not give up meeting together . . . ” (Hebrews 10:25) When God’s people gather around the word and sacraments in worship we are pointed to Jesus, and we are built up in Jesus who is the cornerstone of our faith. We are built up for lives that receive health and blessings in this world of sin and death. That is why I like another verse that talks about worship even more. Psalm 122:1 says, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’"

Since we are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, on the Word of God, will you take time for Bible class and a regular devotional life in the coming year? Regular, personal time in God’s word also helps build our faith in Jesus.

Since we hope to face a new year with the love and blessings of our Lord, will you be regular in your conversations with the Lord? Will you go to Him in praise and thanks, with your fears and your hopes? Will you go to Him for yourself and others? Prayer builds our relationship with Jesus.

Perhaps you are making resolutions for the coming year. Why not consider these three habits of faith: faithfulness in worship, faithfulness in Bible Study and devotional life, and faithfulness in prayer? These may not sound life changing. But, these behaviors will build us up on a firm foundation on Christ Jesus. In Jesus we will know the blessings of God’s love in the coming year, even in the midst of this world’s trials.

I pray your Christmas brought you peace and joy and love through worship and through family time as you again received the gift of God’s love in Jesus. I pray that in the coming year you may build on this gift of Christ Jesus as God reveals Him in the prophets and apostles, as we find Him in God’s word and through prayer.

New Year’s Blessings, from one child of God to another,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here is a picture from our family Christmas gathering. On Christmas Day. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6096996096671504081/6096997938277958114?banner=pwa&pid=6096997938277958114&oid=114993745799525883148

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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. . .

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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Prayers of the Christmas Carols

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I have 2 Christmas questions for you. First, what are your favorite sounds of Christmas?

Do you enjoy the laughter of children? I think everyone does. Does the blanketing quiet of a new snow enchant you? Some connect the jingling of bells with the Christmas season. Personally, the music of Christmas speaks to my heart and lifts my spirit. The traditional hymns and carols of Christmas bring good news and great joy in the familiar melodies that share the good will of the season. Christmas music is my favorite Christmas sound.

Also, do you have a Christmas gift list? I mentioned recently that our family exchanges lists to help each other with the giving of gifts. However, when Kathy asked me this year for a list I told her, “I really don’t need anything. I just want to worship God and be with family.” (Maybe that is a list of sorts.)

However, on second thought I do have a Christmas list. This list is really the requests or prayers found in Christmas music and prayed to God. For example, do you know the ancient plainsong hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”? The fourth verse is a prayer which asks,

O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight

Yes, Lord, bring joy and life through Jesus, our Dayspring from on high. I am thinking now of people facing death. I pray the joy and eternal life of Jesus for them, and for all people.

Do you know the familiar carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”? The peaceful melody helps us pray the prayer of the fourth and final verse.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel!

Yes, Lord, Immanuel, cast out our sin and live in and with each of us. Make us more like you!

Most people know the children’s cradle song, “Away in a Manger.” The final verse of this Christmas carol teaches children to pray

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care

And take us to heaven to lice with Thee there.

I pray this prayer for my children, even though they are grown. I pray that Jesus would bless my grandchildren with His tender care and eternal life in heaven. It is a Christmas request of mine that God would so bless all children with the knowledge of His love in Jesus.

Martin Luther wrote a Christmas song for his children, “From Heaven Above, To Earth I Come.” This hymn has touched my heart since I was a child. In the 13^th verse of this song we hear the following prayer.

O dearest Jesus, Holy Child, Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,

A quiet chamber in my heart, For you to dwell within my heart.

Jesus was born in a manger that first Christmas. I do pray that my heart is prepared to receive Him this Christmas.

On the first Christmas the Shepherds heard one of the greatest concerts ever, as the angels of heaven praised God, singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14) In a way that concert continues as we sing the praise of God and rejoice in His love through the music of Christmas.

And, in the words of our Christmas carols and hymns you will find my Christmas list. My Christmas list is a prayer for the joy, for the eternal life, for the presence of the Christ child in my life, in my children’s and grandchildren’s life, and in the lives of all people.

A Blessed Christmas, from one child of God to another,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. In our 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight worship we will sing and pray the Christmas prayers above as part of our worship.

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Saturday, December 13, 2014

I Saw God at Work Today

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. As a child I could hardly control my excitement as Christmas day approached. But, even as adults many continue to look forward to this celebration of the Savior’s birth. Families gather at Christmas. Worship is full of good news and joyful music. We celebrate that in Jesus’ birth God has come to us in the middle of this troubled world, a blessing truly worth celebrating.

But, you don’t have to wait till Christmas to see to see God present in your life. Yes, Jesus, the Son of God, did come to earth that first Christmas. But Jesus’ promise is that He is with us “always, to the very end of the age.” Let me share some events from my week, if not sharing names, to relate how I saw God in action this week in my life and in the lives of His people around me.

I saw reconciliation begin between people who had been separated, and God was in the middle of this reconciliation.

I saw more than one family begin a meal in prayer, and continue boisterously in love. God was there in the loud laughter and heartfelt prayer.

I saw a man who had been in ICU, but was now home recovering well. God was present in his recovery in answer to many prayers.

I saw a Christian woman of faith comforting another person who was grieving deeply. God was there for the comforter, and He was there for the one grieving.

I saw a man who had been near death last week, greet me with a smile and gladly grab my hand. God was there in mercy.

I saw a large number of God’s people gather around His word and praise Him for His love. The Spirit of God was moving mightily in that worship service.

I saw the Talkeetna mountains shine brightly with the pink alpenglow of the mid December dusk. God was displaying His handiwork.

I saw people reach out in love and donate about $2,000.00 to help the homeless in our valley. God was the source of that love.

The Gospel writer Matthew tells of the coming birth of Jesus and quotes a prophecy from Isaiah to explain what God was doing. “21 She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel--which means, God with us.’"

As Christmas arrives it is a joyful blessing to remember God’s coming to us in the birth of Mary’s Son, Jesus. But, while we celebrate our Lord’s coming at Christmas, the good news from God through Jesus is that God is with us at all times. He is with us in times of illness, and trial, and heartache. He is with us in times of love in family situations. God is with us in His creative care in the world around us. He is with us in times of worship with fellow children of God.

Jesus is Immanuel--which means, "God with us." The birth of Jesus encourages us that God is with us in His guidance, His forgiveness, His love, and His salvation not just at Christmas, but all year long.

Now, can you think of a time that you saw God acting in your life this past week?

A Child of God, Thankful that Jesus is “Immanuel”, and that God is always with us,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. The Offering at the Wednesday’s Community Advent Service was $1975.44. This will be given to My House - MatSu.

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

"No Room in the Inn"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

The Saturday night after Thanksgiving I was privileged to give the invocation at the candle light vigil in downtown Palmer for MyHouse – MatSu. Many of you know that MyHouse works to help homeless teens in the Valley. The figures I have heard say we have around 700 homeless teens in the Mat Su. That doesn’t include the adults with no place to stay. While MyHouse helps homeless teens, Family Promise is a ministry that works in the Mat Su to help homeless families get permanent housing. I’ve heard the stories. An Alaskan winter night spent in a baseball dugout or a car or a sleeping bag can be very cold!

For the invocation at the vigil I read from the Christmas story. In Luke 2:6-7 we are told about Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Every year people’s hearts are touched that there was no room for the baby Jesus. People are moved that Jesus had to be laid in a feed trough for animals. Couldn’t someone find a place for this family at the urgent time of bringing a new child into the world? We wonder that someone in Bethlehem did not see their predicament and find a way to house them.

Actually, this humble birth also shows the depth of the love of God for the people of this world. This baby is the Son of God himself, born as a human through Mary. This baby is the Creator and Lord of the universe. But, He is also Jesus. The name Jesus points to this child as the promised “Savior.” So, God Himself, the Lord of all, humbled himself to be born human with no place to stay and laid in a manger. He did this because He loves us and came to earth to save us. We can begin to understand the depth of this love of God for us, but we can only begin.

What we deserve from God is punishment for our selfishness, our greed, our rebellion, our hatred, and our pride. However, God does not give us what we deserve. Instead of punishment He first gives us love. Instead of what we deserve, God gives His Son, born in a manger.

Every year millions of hearts are touched again as they hear about the baby who was born in a stable because there was no room in the inn. They wish they could have been there to provide a place. But, Jesus calls us to love Him by loving others. So, if we want to help the baby who had no room in the inn, one of the best ways to do this is to help the homeless in our area, in our time.

As you buy Christmas gifts this year, maybe you can make a donation to MyHouse so a homeless child has help in finding a place to stay. Maybe you can give a gift to Family Promise so families can find a place to stay this Christmas as they get their lives together. Or, you might put a nice donation in a Salvation Army kettle. By serving those without a home we are serving our Lord, Jesus, who was placed . . . in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

A Child of God, Amazed by the Loving Humility of our Lord Jesus,
Pastor Jonathan

P.S. The Offering at this Wednesday’s Community Advent Service will be given to MyHouse.

P.P. S. Another Opportunity to help the Homeless - We have a request and an opportunity to possibly help with homeless families this Christmas season. The Palmer United Protestant Church is hosting Family Promise families, the week of December 7-13. St. John has agreed to partner with them in helping homeless families. They have holes in their schedule and need someone to stay overnight at the UP Church with the family or families staying there on Monday night, December 8, and Thursday, or Friday, or Saturday night, December 11, or 12, or 13. If you can help, please call Judy at St. John and let her know. Better yet, The UP contact is Barbara Brown and her home phone is 745-7784.

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ANNUAL VOTERS’ MEETING AND POTLUCK-

Every year we hold an annual Congregational Meeting to plan our work for our Lord Jesus Christ. This year our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held with a pot luck meal after late worship on Sunday, December 7. Among the issues we address at these annual meetings are our budget for the coming year and the election of those to serve in leadership.

Please bring a main dish and side dish to the pot luck. Please pray for God's blessings as St. John works for Him, please look at the proposed budget, and please plan to attend the Congregational Meeting on December 7.

DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

· We are in need of someone to help with PLOWING the parking lot. Please call Judy at church.

· We need a 4^th and 5^th grade Sunday School Teacher, and substitute teachers. Please see Jamie if you can help.

· Boards will be asking people to serve the Lord at St. John by serving on one of our 11 boards and planning ministry and activities. Please consider serving if you are asked.

· The 80^th Anniversary Committee is seeking someone to coordinate volunteers for the float at Colony Days parade in June. Our Theme, “St. John Lutheran – 80 years of sharing God’s love with Palmer, AK.” See Barb Thomas or Diana Christensen if you can help.

SPECIAL ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – St. John provides many special worship services held to help God’s people celebrate God’s love in Jesus and share that love. Please see the list of special services below.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

MID WEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES will be held in December on Wednesdays December 3, and 17. These services help us to prepare our hearts for the coming of God’s Christmas gift of His Son, our Savior, Jesus. This year’s services are based on Jesus’ call to be prepared, “Repent and Believe.” These services will be held at 7:00 p.m. following the Advent Meal.

MID WEEK ADVENT MEALS will again be offered. A sign up sheet will be placed on the table in the Narthex. These meals become a real time of fellowship for our congregation.

· THE COMMUNITY ADVENT SERVICE will be held on Wednesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John Watch the bulletins for more details. A meal will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the Worship Service will take place at 7:00 p.m.

Also, everyone is asked to bring ‘Christmas goodies’ to share after the worship service. Offerings at this year’s service will go to a local charity.

· THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM will be held in late worship on Sunday, December 14. Practice for the program is happening during the Sunday School. Plan now to attend!

· CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE-LIGHT WORSHIP will be held again at St. John on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24. A Children’s Christmas Eve Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. A Traditional Christmas Carol Candle-light worship will be held at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Plan on attending and inviting your friends!

· CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP – Christmas Day worship will be held on Christmas morning, Thursday, December 25, at 11:00 a.m. Our worship is a quieter opportunity to share with one the good news of God’s Christmas love. Often, after the large Christmas Eve services, the quiet meditation of Christmas Day provides a time of peace and quiet joy. Pastor Allen will be preaching at this service this year. Plan now to attend.

· NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP will be held at St. John on Wednesday night, December 31, at 7:00 p.m. This is a good way to end one year and begin another, with the Lord and His blessings. This also will be a communion service.

OTHER OPPORTUNIES FOR CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

Offering for the Needy - A SPECIAL OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN FOR THE NEEDY AT ST. JOHN after worship on December 7, and 14! This offering is used to help people in our congregation and in our community during life’s difficult times.

Christmas Baskets – St. John has encouraged members to make donations to the Palmer Food Bank to help provide holiday food baskets to the needy.

Christmas Caroling - A Christmas Caroling Outing will be held on December 14, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Watch for more announcements. These caroling events have been times of joy which have brought the Christmas joy of God’s love to people who are housebound. We have many people to sing for this year. Come and join us!

A SPECIAL MANGER SCENE IS AGAIN DISPLAYED THIS YEAR IN THE ENTRY WAY. A stained glass manger scene was donated to St. John by long-time Palmer resident, June Tull, when she was helping an elderly friend break up his home. Thanks, June!

DEVOTIONS FOR 2014 - This year I am encouraging everyone to use “Who I Am in Christ" by Neil T Anderson as a devotion to use once a week with other devotional materials you may be using. The first 3 devotions are “I am Accepted,” “I Am God’s Child,” I Am Christ’s Friend.” I have found these devotions personally helpful.

However, 2 years ago I asked people to read The Today’s Light Bible for daily devotions. This Bible takes two years to complete, but sometimes longer. Using “Who I am in Christ” will allow folks to continue to finish the Today’s Light Bible, and do devotions with other members of God’s family at St. John.

There is a special unity of faith and mission that happens when a whole congregation of God’s children study His Word together.

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP continues. However . . . from November 26 to December 31 Wednesday Worship will change for a time as mentioned above. Below are our Wednesday worship options starting November 26.

· November 26 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Worship

· December 3, 10, 17, 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Advent Worship

· December 24, 6, 8, and 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship

· December 31, 7:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Worship

Regular Wednesday worship will continue on Wednesday, January 7 at 6:30 p.m..

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DID YOU KNOW THAT MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT ST. JOHN is available on our church website? On our web page you can find sermons, newsletters, and these weekly devotions. The link is: http://www.stjohnpalmer.org/

In fact, IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE YOUR MONTHLY CHURCH NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL please e-mail Judy Stahancyk and let her know. You can call at 745-3338, or e-mail Judy at judy@stjohnpalmer.org. If you receive the newsletter by e-mail it saves printing, postage, and time compiling the newsletter. Also, you receive the monthly newsletter more quickly!!

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Saturday, November 29, 2014

Hope, Because He has Come and Is Coming

Dear Fellow Children of God,

The Thanksgiving holiday is over and this Sunday begins the season of Advent, the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus. Advent prepares us for the celebration of Christmas.

What are your plans and hopes for Christmas this year? Like many families we worship, we decorate our home, and we plan a family get together. And, like many families we celebrate Christmas as we exchange gifts. Kathy and I have already received a couple of lists from family. Obviously, these lists are appreciated because they help us to shop. But, just because there is an item on someone’s list, does not mean the person receives that item. Sometimes there may be more gifts on a list than we could buy. Sometimes we may think we have a better idea. So, lists share the list writer’s hope, but receiving the items on the list is not a sure thing.

This past week in my personal devotions I was reading from 1 Peter. In chapter 1, verses 3 and 4 tell us, 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you. The devotional writer used these verses to point to a different view of hope. “How do you define hope? While some in our culture frame the word in terms of wishful thinking, the Bible uses it to refer to certainties we have not yet received.”

The people of Jesus’ time hoped for the Messiah. They knew God had promised to send a Savior. They hoped he would come. But, they did not know how God would send the one for whom they waited and hoped.

Even though the answer to their hopes was unknown, God’s promises were sure. The Savior came in a miraculous birth as a baby in a manger. He came to live in obedience to His heavenly Father and in love for all. Jesus came to die on the cross and to rise again. The Messiah did not come as the Jewish people expected. But, God promised and His promises are sure.

Advent prepares us for all the ways that Jesus comes to us. Christians don’t just celebrate the wondrous birth of God’s promised Messiah. We celebrate that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us always. We rejoice that Jesus will come again and bring us to ”the inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.”

The trials of life may cause us to be unsure God’s love or His presence in our lives. But, God’s promises are sure. Jesus did come. He is with us. He has heaven waiting. The assurance of God’s presence and love gives us sure hope in a world that is unsure.

When it comes to Christmas gifts a person is never sure what their gifts will be. But, the love of the giver is sure, no matter how big or how expensive the gift. In Advent we remember the promises of God which are not uncertain, but sure. God’s promises fill us with hope that helps us to live each day in the love of God.

A Child of God, Living in a Sure Hope of God’s Coming for our Lives,

Pastor Jonathan

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

"What Jesus We Have in Friends!"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Wow! Have I had a LOT of help! You probably know I had shoulder surgery last Wednesday, November 12. I was told by the doctor and others about the coming regimen of recovery which would include a sling for 4-6 weeks, pain management, physical therapy, and no driving for a period of time. Thankfully my recovery has not been as bad for myself as for some others.

However, staying at home and not driving, even for a week, is a little tougher than I expected. I have always been pretty active. I like to think I can get things done to help share Jesus and His love with others. I find joy in preaching, but last Sunday Pastor Allen filled in for me. And Karl Kopperud and Gerry Zellar led worship the last two Wednesdays. I like to teach, but Mary Jo Lentz and Temple Christiansen led our Wednesday Bible Class. And Mary Rockey and Jim Summers taught Confirmation.

Not driving is really tough, but Pastor George Rakos drove me to surgery. My wife Kathy, Pete Probasco, Jerry Christiansen, Jim Summers, Herman Griese, and Gerry Zellar drove me to the doctor, to church, to Promise Keepers, and to multiple therapy appointments. That doesn’t count the visits I received at home. Nor does it count the offers to drive by the Odland and Grosz and Sutton families that I did not need to use.

Do you see all those names? Perhaps with me you are amazed at how so many have helped me so much?

But, I confess, the same inner voice that makes me feel good about preaching and teaching and sharing the love of Jesus, sometimes makes me think twice about asking for help. I like to help others. I don’t always like to admit that I need help myself. Yet, none of us makes it in life alone. Where would we be without parents, or teachers, or family, or friends?

But we actually need more help. Our sin separates us from God and eternal life in heaven. It is impossible for any of us to live the sinless life the Lord God demands. So, Jesus Himself lived a life of love and obedience for us, so that His righteousness and His death could pay for our sins, and His rising could give us eternal life. On our own we earn judgment. By the help, by the saving love of Jesus, God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. God forgives us and makes us righteous and saves us for eternal life in heaven. Knowing how much we depend on God and on others, perhaps none of us should be hesitant to accept help.

This Sunday’s Gospel lesson is from Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus talks about Judgment Day and how people live when they have faith in Jesus. In verse 41 Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” There are two sides to a helping relationship. One side is the person who is helping, and the other side is the person being helped. How can someone serve Jesus if those in need will not allow us to help them?

Actually, I have been blessed to be helped by these fellow children of God and I have been blessed to spend time with these friends. A bond develops when someone goes out of their way to fill in for you, or when someone takes time and spends gas money to take you places. It is a blessing to realize you have friends as people give of themselves and share Jesus’ love.

A couple of months ago I heard missionary David Grosz talk about Christian outreach. He said, “One of the ways to know ‘what a friend we have in Jesus’ is to experience ‘what a Jesus we have in friends.’” I have been blessed by the love of Jesus through His followers who are my friends. Thank you!

A Child of God, Blessed with Jesus’ Love by Friends.

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. My plan is to visit the doctor for a scheduled appointment on Friday and to hopefully start driving again on Saturday.

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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

When Its Good NOT to Catch a Fish

Dear Fellow Children of God,

So, if you have gone fishing, when is it good to not catch fish? You might think there is never a good time not to catch fish. But, my answer to this question is, “The time it is good to go fishing and not catch fish is when you get to teach your grandchildren about God.”

Friday was our grandson, Henry’s, 3^rd birthday and there was a party on Saturday. After talking with Henry’s dad I bought Henry an ice fishing pole, a tackle box with some hooks and bobbers, and an ice spoon (which he brought with him to church on Sunday). Somehow on Monday I got to take Henry and his older brother and sister, Jake and Emma, fishing. Go figure.

As we were driving north to the lake where we fished, I asked the kids, “Why do you think Poppy likes to go fishing?” Jake and Emma answered, “Because you get meat.” “Because you like to eat them.” “Because it’s fun.” I told them these were all good answers, but not the main reason I like to go fishing. “Who made the mountains?” I asked. “Who made the rivers and the lakes and the fish?” Jake knew. “God made them.” I told Jake and Emma and Henry, “I like to go fishing because I like being outdoors. God made the outdoors and when I’m outside fishing it teaches me about God.”

So Monday afternoon we went fishing. There was about 10” of ice on the lake, but when you take care of a 6 year old, a 5 year old, and a 3 year old it can be hard to get much fishing done. On the lake I baited four poles and drilled 4 holes. Jake was missing his gloves and hat. I fixed him up, but the wind was blowing. Henry was hungry so I handed out snacks. The kids splashed in the water and got a little wet. Emma had to go to the bathroom. Then Emma said she didn’t need to go. The fish weren’t biting near our parking spot so I asked my grandchildren if they wanted to go across the lake. But they all agreed they were cold and wanted to go home. We packed up the auger, the poles, the bait, the food, the clothes and we walked to the truck.

On the way home I asked my grandchildren again, “Why does Poppy like to go fishing?” Jake was quick to answer. “You like the outdoors because God made it.”

Jake actually had learned a lesson we find in Scripture. Creation around us teaches us about God. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Creation tells us the glory of God our Creator. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. . . .” The majesty and beauty of creation does teach us about God and his wisdom and power. It IS a joy to spend time outdoors growing in the grace of God found in creation.

Actually, others have told me they enjoy the outdoors too. Sometimes I have talked to people about God and worship and they tell me, “I don’t go to church. I can worship God in the woods.” So I have asked, “Do you?” Usually I get a quizzical look so I ask again. “Do you worship God in the woods?” I seldom get an answer to the question.

Imagine what the outdoors does tell us. Monday we drove by a river rimmed by ice. We fished below stark mountains capped with snow. We walked on a beautiful lake covered with ice. We saw a moose, an Eagle, and some other wildlife. This beauty and the order and the diversity found in the world around us is not an accident. God is the author of the beauty and order and diversity found in creation.

But there is more God does not teach us through nature, His saving love in Jesus. We learn God’s grace in the word of God, especially in Jesus who is called ‘The Word of God.’ This undeserved love of God changes my attitude. When I know God created all things I should worship Him. When I know God’s sacrificial love for me in spite of my failings, I want to worship Him. So I worship God to thank and praise Him that He loves and forgives a sinner like me though the gift of His Son, Jesus. I worship, and God strengthens me to serve my Creator, my Shepherd, and my Savior.

On Monday we didn’t catch any fish, so it really was the outdoors I enjoyed. I think my grand kids enjoyed the outdoors with Poppy too, even though we did not catch a fish. Actually, I also enjoyed time with my grandchildren. So, usually you’ll find me on my Monday’s off fishing and talking to my Heavenly Father. On Sundays you’ll find me in worship, thanking God that His love is not just in this created world, but eternally with God in heaven because of Jesus.

A Child of God, Grateful to Have Caught no Fish Last Monday,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here is a picture of the crew, AFTER fishing. We have poles, but no fish. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6080323093322306945?banner=pwa

P.P.S. I’m sending this out early because of my shoulder surgery coming up tomorrow, November 12.

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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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Saturday, November 8, 2014

"In Jesus' Loving Hands"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This week I have served as volunteer chaplain at Mat Su Regional Health Center. I usually hand out a prayer card which shares Bible verses and prayers, if a patient would like one. But on Friday, in room after room, I found myself sharing with patients a verse which was not on the card I handed out. This verse spoke God’s love to difficult situations beyond the patient’s control. In John 10, the Good Shepherd chapter, Jesus tells his disciples. “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

Think of how comforting it is to be one of Jesus’ followers, one of his sheep. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

For the person facing surgery, or for the family facing imminent death, “no one can snatch them out of my hand.” For the person undergoing treatment for cancer or injury, “no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

This does not mean that in life we do not face trials and difficulties and injuries, even death. In this world of sin and rebellion against our Creator, suffering and disappointment are only too common. But Jesus is telling us that through life’s trials He is with us. Even more than being with us, Jesus is lovingly holding us through the worst of times, and through the daily grind.

So on Friday, after visiting about 40-50 people in the hospital I visited 6 member of St. John in their homes. These people are unable to get out on their own because of life’s trials in old age. Actually, none of these people were angry or depressed. Life had changed. But when I shared Jesus’ words from John 10, these people already knew the comfort of these words. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

This past week elections were held in our country. I do have a personal political affiliation and philosophy for how our country should be led. But as pastor I don’t tell people how to vote. First, I know what I think, but I have often been wrong. So, as pastor I encourage people to consider what God says in Scripture and vote their conscience. Yet, I have been voting in elections since 1971. I have found that no matter who is elected, whether someone I voted for or their opponent, there are times that all politicians disappoint me in some way with their decisions. I guess this shouldn’t surprise me. We are all sinners. Some leaders disappoint in small ways, some in important ways, some disappoint me in ways that cause me to worry for the future of our country. What does a citizen do if they have voted, and been active for the good of their country, and things still go in a direction that concerns us? I continue to act and then I trust God who says, “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

Life is often bigger than we are. That fact does not take away our need to act responsibly, faithfully, and lovingly. But, what a blessing to know that in our weakness God has us in His hands, now and eternally.

Friday night our family learned of a serious health concern for one of our family members. It is a shock to go from health one moment to facing illness and possible death the next moment. How does a person deal with these enormous ups and downs in life? When I don’t have the answer myself I have learned to trust my Good Shepherd who tells us, “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

A Child of God, Finding Comfort in the Loving Hands of my Savior,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. As I go in for shoulder surgery this coming Wednesday, I also find comfort in the loving hands of Jesus.

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