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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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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"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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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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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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"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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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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Thank You, Lord, for Examples of Faith and Love In Our Lives

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

We had an interesting exercise in Bible Class last Sunday.  In our Sunday Bible class entitled “Discovering God’s Vision for your life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts”  we were asked, “Name 5 people you admire, and list 3-4 characteristics about these people you admire.”  The people we named could be people we know, people from the past, even fictional people.  The lists were quite revealing.

 

Who do you admire?  My list of the people I admire includes my wife, my dad, my childhood pastor, one of our St. John members, and even a fictional pastor character, Father Tim.  So, who would be on your list?  What is it you admire about them?  Perhaps an equally important question is, ‘How have these people blessed your life and your faith?’  You see, in many ways we have been taught, loved, and strengthened by those in our lives.  We have learned to trust God and love others through those who love and trust Him.  As Christians we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us.

 

There is another way to consider this question.  Sunday is the first Sunday in the month of November.  This is the Sunday often celebrated as “All Saints Sunday,” a time of remembering the faithful who went before us.  So, thinking of those in your life who have gone to heaven, who has most influenced you, and how?  My list of these people looks different than the other list.  This list includes a grandfather and an uncle, a pastor, and even Martin Luther.

 

The book of Hebrews points to blessings of faith we have received from those who came before us, and how those blessings impact our life of living as a child of God.  Chapter 12 begins, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”  We have been blessed when others trusted God’s love and showed love, even when they may have been facing the trials and pains of life.  Their examples help us to live and persevere in faith.

 

The best help for faithfulness to God and perseverance in love comes from Jesus Himself.  Hebrews 12 continues, “2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

 

We know that we have been blessed by others’ lives of faith.  We want to be a blessing to others around us, whether family or friends or neighbors.  But, we are weak and do grow weary. That’s when the grace and forgiveness of Jesus and His promise of eternal life give us strength to keep living for our Lord.  He forgives our failure.  He loved us through His suffering.  Jesus promises eternal life to all who persevere in faith.

 

As All Saints Day approaches it is good to remember those whose faith and lives have blessed us.  Who would you like to bless and encourage in faith?  As we look to Jesus, and the example of others, we can persevere, and we pray that we may be a faithful witness to others.

 

A Child of God, Personally blessed by the faithful example of many other Christians,,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  This modern song asks God’s help so that our lives are a blessing to those who follow us.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zesV09UAytk

 

 

 

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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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