In All Things God Works Good

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

This past week I was at Victory Bible Camp with the Alaska Lutheran church workers for our regular spring workers’ conference.  Victory is snuggled back in the mountains so cell phones do not work.  The wireless e-mail signal was not strong either.   Actually, it is nice to be able to get away at times from the constant contact of modern technology.  But, as the signal started to get through, I found I had a lot of messages.  I had a request for meeting to plan a wedding.  I had a message about the death of one of our members.  And I had a message about a new birth in our congregation.

 

That is a lot to catch up on.  But, it is interesting how these events run the full circle of life.  The death looks to the past.  The birth points to present joy and blessings.  The planning of the wedding points to future life together in God’s blessings.

 

In Romans we are told that God works good at all times in life.  In Romans 8:28 we are told, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  This verse is a real comfort, but some might ask, “Really?  Does God really work for the good in ALL things?”

 

We might understand how God can and does work for good in a marriage.  In marriage a couple seeks to live according to God’s plan and in His blessings as husband and wife.  The companionship of a spouse can bring friendship, love, and even adventure to our lives.  We can easily see God working for good in marriage.

 

In this specific birth I especially see the hand of God’s love.  David Bang and Ellen Lentz Bang found out last fall they were expecting.  But this was not just any pregnancy, they were expecting twins!  However, there were complications from the beginning that made the doctors warn of dangers for the pregnancy. Our congregation prayed for God’s blessings and we tried to help out with some meals over the months.  However, on Wednesday evening Nathan and Guiniveve Bang were born healthy and full of life.  Mom and babies are doing well, Praise the Lord!  We can surely see God working good in this situation of concern.

 

But some might ask, “How can God work good in death?”  Albert Romans is a member of St. John and the uncle of Marcy Sutton.  He had been in the Palmer Veteran and Pioneer Home for a number of years and came faithfully to worship on Sundays in our wheelchair van.  However, recently Albert’s memory was failing.  Then he fell and broke his hip.  He never recovered very well from his surgery.  For those who knew Albert he was always positive and faithful.  But life had become a real struggle.  However, Albert knew and trusted His Lord.  He knew that Jesus is his Savior who died to pay for his sins and rose again to win eternal life in heaven for him.  Life was not always easy for Albert.  In fact, at the end life was very difficult.  But today, by God’s grace, Albert is no longer struggling with life’s sufferings.  Albert is with his Lord in heaven where there is “no more death or mourning or crying or pain”.  (Revelation 21:4)  Yes, even in death, God works good for His children.

 

Does God really work good in all things?  The worst thing conceivable would be if God himself died.  Yet, Jesus, the Son of God and God Himself went to the cross and willingly died to pay for the sins of the whole world.  Jesus’ sacrifice offers forgiveness and love and life to all people through faith in Jesus.  Even in the worst of situations.  God works His good.

 

And in our lives, if we look in faith, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

 

A Child of God, Seeing God’s Hand for Good in All Things,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Nathan weighed 4 lb., 13 oz., and was born at 10:51 p.m. on Wednesday evening, May 28.  Guiniveve weighed 4 lb., 15 ½ oz and was born at 10:52 p.m. 

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of people preparing signs last Thursday night for our Colony Day’s Parade float this coming Saturday, June 7.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6019103448029985217?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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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!!

 

 

Feeding Faith through Christian Love

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Do you know who St. Adalbert is?  He was a Roman Catholic priest and missionary.  He worked to bring Jesus to Hungary, Poland, and Prussia.  He was martyred while bringing the gospel to the people of Prussia in April 997.  Why do I know this about a somewhat obscure priest from over 1000 years ago?  I read about St. Adalbert while studying about missions about 10 years ago. 

 

But, the thing that caught my attention as I was reading is that I had first heard Adalbert’s name about 35 years ago.  When I was first a pastor one of my members got me to play golf with him in the St. Adalbert golf league.  My member was a meat cutter and the members of this league were mainly railroad men and meat cutters, except for me.  You see, the league was started at St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church in East St. Louis, Illinois.  However, East St. Louis was a tough city in which to do ministry.  The church had actually been out of existence for over 10 years.  But, even though the church was gone, the golf league kept going.  The bonds of friendship and fellowship continued through the golf league even when the church was no longer doing ministry.

 

Last Saturday 25 members of St. John attended the Valley Performing Arts production of “See How they Run.”  Fourteen of us went out to eat before the play.  Most of the rest of us sat together in the theater.  We laughed and shared and had a good time together.  We built relationships with one another.  We weren’t attending worship at the time, but we were gathered because of our shared faith, and we showed care for one another.  That care is remembered even when not in worship.

 

You see, Christian love for one another is a powerful thing.  God begins faith in Jesus when He works in our lives through His Word and the Sacraments.  But, Christian love and fellowship help faith to grow and continue.  The friendship and encouragement we have from one another gives a sense of belonging and a joy in living.

 

St. Paul wrote about Christian love, 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 a)

 

What amazing love God has for us!  God gives of Himself to us, especially through Jesus, in acts that show patience and kindness and perseverance.  God also calls us to a similar love for others.  Churches may fail, but God’s love doesn’t fail.  God’s love grows as Christians spend time with and care for each other.

 

St. Adelbert Church was no longer in existence, but their golf league was.  It gave people a chance to talk and play and care for one another.   I’m glad we went to the theater last week.  The play was great.  And we got to spend time with one another eating, laughing, and caring for one another.  “Love never fails.”

 

A Child of God, Thankful for the love of other Christians,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I will plant my garden tomorrow!

 

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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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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!!

 

 

Bearing Fruit in God's Kingdom

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

This week I bought vegetable starts and ran a roto-tiller over my garden.  I know it is early.  I have often been told not to plant before Memorial Day.  I actually remember one year planting vegetables on May 11, and that night after I planted it froze.  I bought my vegetables this year where I have bought them for over 20 years.  Buying early gave me a good selection.  But, as we were talking about gardening this year the owner of the nursery told me, “You can buy them now, BUT, I recommend you still don’t plant till Memorial Day.” 

 

There is something wholesome and soul-restoring about tilling the soil, pulling weeds, fertilizing and composting, planting and harvesting.  Growing vegetables and other plants teaches patience.  Working with vegetables and plants also teaches that we rely on the Lord for the warmth, the rain, and the growth in our gardens.  There was a time, not so long ago in the history of our country, when the majority of people made their living by farming.  That’s not the case today.  In fact, today if you ask a child where food comes from they will often answer, “The store.”  When we lose the opportunity and experience of farming, the opportunity of waiting on and trusting in the Lord to provide, we can also lose the ability to see that God really does provide.

 

There are also other lessons to learn from farming.  I don’t just plant a garden because I like getting my hands dirty (though that does give me enjoyment).  I also plant my vegetable garden because I expect to harvest cabbage, and carrots and radishes.  I plan to eat potatoes, lettuce, swiss chard, and broccoli.  I am hoping that the labor I invest will result in fruits from my labor. 

 

God has similar expectations.  Jesus said in John 15, "1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. . . 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”  Jesus said that God expects fruit.  He cuts off branches that don’t bear fruit.  God even prunes those that do bear fruit. 

 

God has given His Son, Jesus.  Jesus gave His blood to pay for our sins and to save us for eternal life.  God calls us to faith as He plants the Word in our hearts, and He expects a response to His love.  Galatians says that fruit in God’s kingdom is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control.”  In other words, God doesn’t just lavish us with His sacrificial love. God also expects to see us respond to His love.  Have others commented about your integrity?  Has anyone said they would like the peace and joy you exhibit?  Has anyone told you that you make a difference for good in the world? 

 

I put a lot of time and even some financial investment into my garden (I probably spend more on the garden than the vegetables I harvest would cost at the store.)  But, I do expect a return on the investment of my work and my resources.  God has given the blood of His Son Jesus to love us, to save us, to call us as His forgiven children, and to send us as His redeemed disciples.  Is God’s love bearing fruit in your life?  “This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”  (John 15:8)

 

A Child of God, Desiring to respond to God’s love with Fruit for His kingdom,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I still have not planted my garden . . . YET!

 

P.P.S.  Here is a picture I cherish from a fishing trip this past Monday.  Do you see the smiles?  I think this kind of investment bears fruit in other ways.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6014205872188209249/6014205878911802162?banner=pwa&pid=6014205878911802162&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. . . 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 Loving Care - Moms . . . and the Good Shepherd!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Last week professional basketball player, Kevin Durant, was named Most Valuable Player for the past season in the National Basketball Association.  Durant’s acceptance speech has drawn rave reviews.  He brought tears to the eyes of many as he thanked his team mates and others who had helped him.  Then, at the end of his speech, Durant thanked someone who seemingly has little to do with basketball, but the person he had said made the biggest difference in his life, his mom.

 

“And last, my mom.  You made us believe.   You kept us off the street, put clothes on our backs, food on the table.  When you didn’t eat you made sure we ate.  You went to sleep hungry.  You sacrificed for us.  You’re the real MVP.”

 

Tears were flowing as the stage full of professional basketball players and other dignitaries rose to give Durant’s mom a standing ovation.

 

When we think of sacrificial caring we think of our mothers, or the moms in our lives.  My mom passed away about 3 years ago.  I continue to fondly remember her tender care and the way she defended me, even when I deserved the results of my behavior. 

 

But, the mom I see in action most these days is my wife, Kathy.  I gave Kathy her Mothers’ Day present last weekend.  She told me, “But, I’m not your mother.”  “No,” I replied, “but you are the mother to my four children and the grandmother to my six grandchildren.”  I have watched Kathy tenderly love each one.  She missed sleep to feed our hungry children and to comfort them when they cried, and then got up early in the morning to go to work.  She has bandaged wounds, cooked, cleaned, done laundry, and then worked away from home to provide for her children and grandchildren.  Kathy has defended them, even if they deserved the consequences of their actions, and taught them about life, and love, and about our Lord.  She has sacrificed and given of herself to love and provide for our children and grandchildren.  What a blessing Kathy has been and continues to be as mom and grandmother!

 

Many have similar memories of the moms in their lives.  It is good to recognize that mothers are a gift from God, part of His plan in creation.  It is God’s plan for mothers and parents to provide for and to protect, to love and to teach their children until they become adults.  What a blessing God has given in good mothers and good fathers.

 

But, God has another plan to care for His children.  This Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter, is also called Good Shepherd Sunday.  Christians around the world and those at St. John will also hear about God’s loving care for us in His ‘shepherding’ of us. 

 

In Psalm 23, we are told, 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  When speaking to His followers about God’s care for them, Jesus takes this figure of speech one step further, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

 

Shepherds provide for their sheep.  Shepherds guide and protect their sheep.  And we are told that good shepherds even sacrifice for their sheep.  In fact, Jesus is The Good Shepherd because He willingly laid down His life for wandering sheep like you and me, by dying on the cross.  Then Jesus, our Good Shepherd, gives eternal life to those who follow Him.  (John 10:27-29)  Do you see how God tenderly and faithfully cares for His children, even to the point of dying for them?  What a blessing to have God as our shepherd (and as our Heavenly Father)!

 

When people in Biblical times thought of care they thought of Shepherds.  In today’s world, when we think of sacrificial care, we think of our mothers, and the moms in our lives. 

 

Praise be to God that He provides care for us through our parents, and through the Good Shepherd, Jesus.  Thank you, Lord!

 

 

A Child of God, Thankful for God Care through Moms, and The Good Shepherd,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Another Bible verse about God’s care as a shepherd for His children is found in Isaiah 40:11.  Unfortunately, this verse is often forgotten.  “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”  

 

 

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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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Giving AND Receiving God's Love for Others

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Yesterday I was asked by a new friend, “Do you enjoy being a Pastor?”  I didn’t just answer immediately.  But, I knew my answer, and as I thought about the question I answered, “Yes.”  I do enjoy responding to the call of God and serving His people.

 

Then this new friend asked me, “What about being a pastor do you enjoy most?”  That was a tougher question.  I enjoy preaching and teaching.  I enjoy personal time with people in their homes, or in the office, or in restaurants talking about God’s love in our lives.  I enjoy planning ministry.  I thought for a moment about what I do enjoy most.  After a short period I answered, “I really enjoy making a difference for good in someone’s life with God’s love.” 

 

But, it is not just pastors who can help another individual.  Every person can reach out in kindness to others.  In fact, every Christian can share with others the love they have received from God.  St. Paul even says that is part of the purpose we have as Christians.  “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  There are many, many calls and encouragements in Scripture, commands even, to love others.  But this verse tells us we all have been equipped, by the troubles and trials we have faced, to help others.

 

There is just one “fly in the ointment.”  While God’s children are equipped to help and often want to help others, sometimes all of us feel funny about asking for or receiving help.  We like to feel strong.  We can be ashamed of our problems.  We all, even pastors, often hide our pain.  We hide our pain or troubles from God, which is foolish because God knows everything.  We hide our pain and troubles from others, which can also be foolish, because God has created people to live in relationship with others.  We are created to “carry one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2)

 

A week ago, after visiting with someone who was going through some medical trials, and then praying with them, this person asked me, “How are you doing, Pastor?”  I admit to being a little hesitant to share.  I like to help others.  Being helped is something else. 

 

Why is it that we don’t like to admit troubles and, therefore, we sometimes won’t accept help?  After all, we are all sinners. We have all rebelled against God’s law.  We have all hurt others.  We have all acted in selfishness.  We all need the forgiveness and saving of God’s Savior, Jesus.  If we know this, why do we struggle to admit our pain and accept help from others?

 

I have been at a Stephen Ministry training conference, with St. John Stephen Ministers Lisa Jenson and Cathy Grosz, since Sunday night.   The conference ends Saturday.  We have all learned not only how we can reach out to share God’s love and presence with others who are hurting, but we have also learned how we are wounded and broken ourselves.  We all need the care, the listening, and the help which others can give.  And, because we have suffered troubles, we are prepared to help others with the love and forgiveness God has given us.

 

Let me encourage you to love and help one another.  But, let me also encourage you to know your struggles and let your Christian brothers and sisters bless you with the love God has shown them.  That is part of God’s plan for sharing His love in this world.

 

A Child of God, learning to accept help as well as give help,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  When we return from Stephen Ministry training, we will recruit new Stephen Ministers for a class starting in October.  If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry, please speak to Lisa or Cathy, or one of our other Stephen Ministers.  Also,  if someone asks if you would like a Stephen Minister to listen and care and serve as a Christian friend,  please say “Yes.”

 

 

 

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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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