Dear Fellow Children of God,
What are your plans for the New Year? Have you made resolutions? Are there some things about your life you
want to improve? Or, have you made
resolutions so many times before, resolutions you tried to accomplish but failed,
that you don’t want to try . . . and fail . . . again?
This past week I spent quite a bit of time visiting folks
in our local prisons. On Sunday evening,
Karl Kopperud and Sven Maakestad and I led worship at the Palmer Correctional
Center outside Sutton. About 8-10 men
attended the worship and we studied the Christmas story for God’s guidance.
Then, on Tuesday I drove out to the Goose Creek
Correctional Center at Point McKenzie to visit two young men. We talked about how they were doing and I let
them know they are not forgotten.
However, we also talked about future plans.
You might think that for those in prison the reality of incarceration
would take away motivation to plan for the future. But this past week I again found just the
opposite to be true. On Sunday night as
we spent time in Bible Study during the worship service the men were focused on
ways to grow in faithfulness as Christians.
The men in worship knew their mistakes and wanted to improve in their
walk with God.
But, I was even more impressed this week with the faith
of the young men I visited at Point McKenzie.
Both of the young men were focused on building their future, even if
their time out of prison was a long way off.
They had plans. They were working
on doing what they could while incarcerated to prepare themselves for the
future. And they were looking forward to
new behaviors they needed when they finally did get released back into society.
With both of these young men there were two steps that
helped them in their focus.
First, contrary to popular opinion, both men willingly
admitted their past transgressions and mistakes. Many people think that everyone in prison
claims to be innocent. Actually, prison
has a way of making people aware of their weakness and faults. And, both of these young men have admitted
their wrongs and the harm done by their past actions.
But secondly, both of these young men knew they needed
help to grow, and they are looking to God for the help they need. They are trusting Him for forgiveness. They are trusting God for guidance and
strength.
Actually, the reason we make resolutions is because our
weaknesses often become problems that we need to fix. And, the best help we have comes from our
Creator and Savior. The forgiveness of
God assures us we are loved, even when we have failed Him and failed
ourselves. The truth of God’s Word and
the gift of the Holy Spirit help us to grow as God’s children.
After writing two letters to Christians facing
persecution, Peter concludes his instruction with the following encouragement. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
In my regular
prayers I pray for many who are struggling, people who want better lives. The best our lives can be is when we admit
our struggles and look for God to help us be the people He created us to
be.
After admitted past mistakes, the men I visited in prison
this week had it right. They
acknowledged their weakness, and their need for God and His forgiveness and
help. As we begin a new year God has
wisdom for us in His Word through Peter.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
A Child of God, Trusting God’s Help for the Coming Year,
Pastor Jonathan
****
P.S. If you want
to help with prison ministry talk to Karl, Sven, Randy Luffberry, or Al Kastar
who are regular in helping with prison worship at St. John. The state requires a class in order to make
religious visits. But, those we visit
really appreciate the time given.
P.P.S. On
Christmas Day I took some family pictures, but in transferring the pictures
from my camera to my computer . . . I LOST them!!!! (Agh!!!)
However, I found my pictures in an unexpected file on New Year’s
Eve. Here are some pictures our family
Christmas celebration. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/Christmas2015#
P. P.P.S. Next
week’s devotion is already written. I’ll
share a grandfather experience and ask you to think about the patience of our Heavenly Father.
****
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 regularly 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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