Saturday, August 30, 2014

Praying for Students AND Teachers


Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

In the last two weeks two of my grandchildren have started school for the first time in kindergarten.  Josh’s daughter, Emma, began attending kindergarten at Sutton Elementary on August 14.  Andy’s son, Jackson, started kindergarten this past Wednesday at Birchwood Elementary.  We are all excited for this big step in life for Emma and Jackson.  But school is more than just a new adventure.  Starting school is an entry into much a bigger world around us. 

 

Jackson and Emma know they will be studying about letters and numbers and colors.  They don’t know they are also entering the world of discussions about student funding, and “No Child Left Behind,” anxious thoughts and feelings over “Common Core” curriculum, and much more.  That is a big arena for a 5 year old!

 

So, I prayed for Jackson and Emma, AND I prayed for their teachers.

 

Do you remember when teachers were respected?  When I got in trouble in school as a child, and it happened often, I would get more punishment at home than I did at school.  My parents trusted and respected my teachers.  From what I read today, when teachers discipline students, so that everyone can learn more about reading and writing and math, teachers are often challenged by parents. 

 

And teachers are being asked to do more than to just teach academics.  More and more teachers in schools are being asked to provide values and nurture that sometimes children are not receiving otherwise.  Most teachers I know care about children and want to help children grow into maturity toward adulthood.  But, while teachers are being asked to do more, there are things teachers now cannot do, and teachers often receive less respect for the job that they do.  Maybe you understand why I prayed for Jackson and Emma’s teachers.

 

Yet, teachers are not the only ones whose jobs have become more difficult in our country.  Law enforcement officers do not receive the same respect I remember from days past.  Doctors and health care professionals are often questioned.  And, imagine being a Christian and trying to serve as an elected official!  I know some people who say it is impossible to live one’s Christian faith and to serve in office.  But personally I am thankful for Christian people who struggle with the political system in order to bring honor and values to our society.

 

Jesus knew about the struggles of His disciples to live in this world.  He talked to our Father in heaven about such struggles.  On the night before He died Jesus prayed with his disciples and John recorded this prayer.  In part of Jesus’ prayer He asks His Father, “15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”  (John 17:15-17) 

 

Many have taken the words of Jesus’ prayer to describe the struggle Christians face.  We are “in the world, but not of the world.”  In other words, instead of serving just ourselves using the values of the world around us, Christians are called to serve God and others, following God’s guidance and trusting His help.

 

As Jackson and Emma enter this larger world they do have help.  They have help from their Creator, and they have help from the one who loved them and died for them.  As teachers and policeman and lawmakers and all who might be God’s children seek to serve the Lord in our sinful world they need help too.  That is why I prayed for Emma, and I prayed for Jackson, and why I also prayed for their teachers.  After all, that is what Jesus did for His disciples.

 

A Child of God, Praying for my grandchildren, and their Teachers,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are some more pictures

 


 

Fishing

·         Silver salmon fishing this summer with 2 new pictures at the end.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6042629097376762289?banner=pwa

·         First fish caught by Jackson and Kendall, and first fish caught fly fishing by William Nakajo (Noel Woods’ grandson), https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6050530304028568641?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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Friday, August 22, 2014

Christian Response to Religious Violence


Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Have you been troubled, or saddened, or angered even by the events of violence that have taken place recently in the Middle East?  We learned this week of a gruesome beheading of an American journalist by the same group in Iraq that has been executing people who will not renounce Jesus as Savior, nor renounce their Christian faith.  This religious violence comes on the heels of the kidnapping of Christian girls in Nigeria, and even violence in our own country.  The destruction of the world trade towers, the shootings at Ft. Hood, and the Boston Marathon bombings are all acts of evil violence which often include the word, ‘jihad.’  How should Americans, how should Christians respond to this growing religious violence?

 

It is important to differentiate how our country will respond from how Christians react.  Governmental reaction will be different from Christian reaction.  America is not a theocracy, though the large majority of Americans still claim to be Christian.  Christians believe that God has established government to promote justice and peace.  We are told in Scripture that the government is to reward those who do good, and to punish those who do wrong (Romans 13), while promoting peace (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  Where the weapon of the church is the Word of God, the weapon of the government is the sword.

 

Effective response by the government is understandably difficult.  What can the government of our country do that promotes justice and safety for our citizens, but also acknowledges that some of these acts of violence were perpetrated outside our borders?  Sometimes no specific action accomplishes the goal we seek as a nation.  Peace on earth is a fleeting hope when sinful people choose to act in ways that do not love God nor love others.  So, we can pray for our leaders that our government will act with wisdom which promotes peace and justice.

 

But, how about Christians?  What is the proper response for children of God’s to these evil acts of violence that target innocent people? 

 

First, we should not be surprised.  Jesus does tell us to expect persecution.  In John 15:20 we are told, “Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.’”

 

It is, however, acceptable to call evil, evil.  There is no other name for the slaughter and attacks on innocent people.  Murder is sin against others, and sin against God our Creator and Lord.

 

It is also acceptable for Christians to seek appropriate governmental response.  While people who are called to faith and love do not take up arms to avenge these evils, we can ask our government to do what God has established the government to do, to promote justice and the peace and safety of our people. 

 

At the same time we can pray for the victims, and even also for the perpetrators.  In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shares the ultimate demands of God’s law and shows our shortcomings, Jesus says, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  Consider St. Paul.  He persecuted the early Christian church and personally stood by at the murder of Stephen.  But, God called Paul to faith, and Paul turned from persecution to a faithful Christian life. By God’s grace Paul became a great evangelist sharing the love of God through Jesus’ sacrificial death with the whole world.  It is amazing what God accomplishes in response to faithful Christian prayer.

 

Finally, in the midst of these difficult times we trust in the Lord.  As our government faces a difficult task in determining if any appropriate response will bring the desired result of justice and peace, Christians face similar difficulties in our lives of faith.  This Friday in my devotions I read Romans 5, where verses 3 – 5 say,  “. . . we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”  Even in our sufferings and difficulties God helps us grow in His love.  So we trust Him!

 

Many times the issues in this world are too big for us.  But, God who is Creator and Ruler of all has overcome sin eternally in the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.  Those who believe in Jesus will have peace after this life in heaven.  But, God who has worked the forgiveness of all in Jesus, wants us to seek His peace and justice in this world too.

 

A Child of God, Praying for God to Work Peace and Justice in our World too,

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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Saturday, August 16, 2014

Love for "The Least of These"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

When was the last time you visited someone in a nursing home or an assisted living home?  Maybe you have a relative or a friend living in a home.  Often there is no choice for people but to live in such a place.  The person’s health may be such that it is difficult or even impossible to provide adequate care for them at home.  But, their situation is also such that they do not require the intensive care given in today’s hospitals. 

 

We actually have some true quality homes in our area.  In most places I visit staff genuinely care about their patients and provide good care.  Kathy and I found this to be true first hand after her mom’s leg was amputated in 1999.  After that Alice lived in a couple of assisted living homes and then in our local Pioneer Home, receiving excellent care.

 

But, even in the best situations nursing homes and assisted living homes can be lonely places.  Some elderly receive loving care from the home and also receive visits from family and friends.  But still they spend hours away from those they know and love.  Others live in places that are not the home where they lived their adult lives or raised their children, and they may seldom see someone they know.  It is a real act of love and mercy just to make a visit and spend time with someone in a nursing home or assisted living home.

 

I share this because of what I witnessed this past Wednesday.  It was an unusual day for a number of reasons.  First, I planned on that day to visit a large number of St. John members and friends who live in such a home or are homebound.  With many weddings in July I was behind on my visits and Wednesday was a day open for visits.  But, I had not planned on taking care of my oldest son’s two oldest children on that day.  Josh and Erin were working and the baby sitter was sick.  So I took care of Jake and Emma and took them with me on my visits. 

 

On Wednesday, along with my grandchildren, we visited 10 different people.  That’s quite a day!  As Jake and Emma entered each home they said “Hi” and shook hands with those we visited.  When we left they said “Good by” and shook hands again.  For the most part they watched and listened as I visited with our members, and as I read from Scripture, gave communion, and prayed. 

 

At one home we visited a member who is near death.  Jake and Emma asked why this lady could not talk and they bowed their heads and prayed with me as we prayed.  However, this member has a roommate who is very concerned about our member.  But this roommate does not have the family that our member has.  While I was reading and praying with our member my grand children visited with the roommate.  When we left they shook her hand.  But then as Jake left Emma turned around and gave her a hug.  Do you know what a hug from a little child can mean to a lonely, sick, elderly person who is living in an assisted living home?  I think I saw a tear in the lady’s eye as she told Emma after the hug, “That made my day.”

 

Jesus calls us to love all people as He has loved us.  That is quite a responsibility, especially considering that Jesus loved us by giving his life for us.  And, Jesus doesn’t just want us to care for those who care for us.  In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable of Judgment Day.  He told his disciples to love everyone.  In verse 40 Jesus says, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

 

In America today some of “the least” are those in nursing home s and assisted living homes who are often lonely as they face illness and the end of life.  It truly touched my heart to see my granddaughter pray for one elderly person, and then show love and compassion for another lady who was not expecting a hug.  I know it touched the heart of this lady.

 

Are there ways you can reach out to someone in need with the love God has given you?

 

A Child of God, Touched by God’s compassion shown by a child,

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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Saturday, August 9, 2014

Beside Quiet Waters


Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On a Monday evening in early June I took my daughter, Mary, fishing for king salmon on the Little Susitna River.  We did not catch any fish that day.  But I was excited to hear Mary’s reaction.  “I’d rather go fishing and catch fish.” she said, “But it is nice just to be out on the river.”  Yes it is.

 

In recent weeks I have taken other church members fishing for silver salmon and heard similar reactions.  On a sunny day in July Diana Christensen commented how beautiful it was to just be on the river.  Unfortunately sunny days are not always great for getting the salmon to bite, but the day was truly an enjoyable time outdoors with some of God’s fellow children.  I have also heard like-minded comments from David Heck and Dylan Larson, from Jim and Lara Stanley, and from Hunter Richards and friends.  There is something peaceful and heart filling about spending time outdoors in God’s created beauty. 

 

I have personally shared the same experience.  In fact, like Mary says, I really do enjoy catching fish. But just being on the river reminds me of Psalm 23.  David shares his God inspired praise of the Lord by saying, “1  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  3 he restores my soul.” 

 

I find time outdoors to be soul restoring and a wonderful way to experience the creative love of God.  I have even heard those who may not be Christian praise the beauty of creation.  There is an order, a beauty, and a strength in nature that points to the person of God the Creator.  While I may find this love beside the quiet waters of a fishing steam, others experience God’s love through a hike in the mountains, or on a hunt in the woods, or by simply enjoying the beauty of the wild flowers.

 

But, God’s ‘salvation love’ is even more amazing than His ‘creation love.’  God’s love seen in creation is a gift from our heavenly Father that does restore our souls.  But, God’s love in Jesus is sacrificial.  In order to reach out and offer forgiveness to the world God sent His own Son away from home.  In order to offer eternal life God’s Son lived as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep.  No one else has sacrificed so much, nor given so much.  But God loves us in this giving way in Jesus.

 

I hope you have had an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation this wonderful summer.  But, I pray that the beauty of God’s creative love points you even more to His sacrificial redeeming love.  The Lord IS my shepherd, and He laid down His very life for you and for me.

 

A Child of God, Thankful for a beautiful summer, and God’s Sacrificial Love,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I have updated these pictures from recent fishing trips with church members and friends with a couple more pictures.   https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6042629097376762289?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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Friday, August 1, 2014

Pray for God's Church


Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Last Sunday we had a treat in worship.  St. John member, Hunter Richards, preached on the assigned Epistle lesson, Romans 8:28-39.  Not only was I blessed by Hunter’s sharing of God’s word, but I had many people share with me how good a job Hunter had done and that they too were blessed.

 

Hunter has just finished his vicarage, his year of internship, on the long educational road to being certified as a pastor.  Next May Hunter will graduate after 8 years of college and seminary and should receive a call to serve as pastor in a church.  But, Hunter is not the only St. John member finishing their studies to serve in God’s church.  Brittany Arlow has just finished a year of internship in Florida as a Director of Christian Education (DCE).  After another year of schooling she will be available to serve the Lord in a congregation.  We are truly blessed to have two young people from St. John who will serve in the church to bring the good news of Jesus to others in the coming years.

 

But, did you ever consider what the church will look like in which Hunter and Brittany will serve?  Our country is changing rapidly.  The change in our country is also affecting the church and the way God’s church does it’s ministry.  But, we shouldn’t be surprised.  Jesus promised that His church would endure (Matthew 16:18), but He also promised hatred and persecution for God’s people as they do God’s work.  (John 15:18 ff) 

 

Matthew 6 is just one example of where Jesus teaches His people to pray for the church and it’s work.  This section of Scripture is what we now call, “The Lord’s Prayer.”

9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” (Matthew 6:9-13)

 

Have you thought recently that the prayer Jesus taught us is as much a prayer for His Church and the work of the church as it is for each of us individually?  We don’t pray, “My Father”, we pray “OUR Father.”  We don’t pray “Give me my daily bread,”  we pray “Give US today OUR daily bread.”  When we pray this prayer Jesus taught us we are praying for all Christians and for God’s work among us.

 

And, when we pray, “Your kingdom come” we are asking God to spread the good news of Jesus, to spread faith, and to spread forgiveness and eternal life throughout the world.  We are praying for God’s church and the work God has given His Church to do.  But the work of sharing that we are all sinners in need the Savior God has sent has always been difficult.

 

Thank you, Hunter and Brittany, for being willing to serve Jesus in His Church.  We will continue to pray for all Christians as together we serve the Lord.  And, we will specifically pray for each of you.

 

A Child of God, Praying for God’s Church,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here is a picture of Hunter and Brittany after worship at St. John from Christmas 2013.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6042633067331152785?banner=pwa

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures from recent fishing trips with members and friends.  https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6042629097376762289?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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