Sharing What's Really Important

Saturday, July 13, 2013

God's Plan for Passing on Faith and Values

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Last night, Friday night, I took a journey through the past. After my uncle and aunt died last year my cousins took responsibility for selling his home and disposing of and distributing my uncle and aunt’s possessions. My sister, Martha, traveled to Massachusetts recently to get the family records and remembrances. Uncle Sonny was the last remaining Rockey in Massachusetts, so there were memories from parts of 3 centuries!

So, last night, while on vacation, I started going through the pictures and documents and treasures from the past. I examined my grandfather’s baptismal certificate, and for the first time I can remember I saw pictures from his wedding to my grandmother. I saw the bill for my great grandfather’s funeral in 1918 for $175.00 from the same funeral home where my uncle was buried in 2012. I also examined many receipts from the mortgage payments on the family home by my great grandmother. (Interest was $3.37! I spent many hours in that home.) I saw pictures of my uncle and my dad as children, and examined my uncle’s discharge papers from the army after WWII. And, contained in the boxes of memories there were certificates, lots of certificates, mainly baptismal certificates for many in my family.

I’m not sure what one does with all these aging memories. Do you keep them and then pass them on to your children? Already I don’t know many of the people in the pictures I saw. My children may know only two or three family members in the pictures. But, it would feel funny, even disrespectful, to throw away these memories from my family.

As I look at the boxes of material, a very small portion of the mountains of possessions left by my uncle and aunt, one thing I do see is that the values of my ancestors have been handed down to me and my family. It is pretty easy to see from the family records that faith, family, and country were valued and lived in the Rockey family of the past 4 generations. I hope those same values have been taught to my children, and now to my children’s children.

The practical application of this lesson is that the home is the best place to teach what is important. It is God’s plan in the Old and New Testaments that the home is the chief place where faith and values are taught. In Deuteronomy 11:18-21 God tells the people of Israel, “18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”

In Ephesians 6:4, God speaks through Paul to the Christians in Ephesus, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

It seems to me that in today’s culture we often pass off responsibility for teaching values. We expect the schools to teach values, or the government to do it, or even the church. Perhaps that is because values are not always taught in the home. All of these institutions have been established by God their place, but God’s plan is that faith and values are first taught in the home.

So, what do you do with all these records and memories? If nothing else they remind me that my job is not done. I need to continue teaching my children and now my grandchildren about the love of God, the bonds of family, and our responsibility to our county.

A Child of God, Blessed by the faith and values of my ancestors,

Pastor Jonathan

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P.S. I am on vacation with family in Florida, in a time between the Youth Gathering and the Convention of our church. Today is my mom’s birthday. She died, January 17, 2011. Here is a picture of the last time my mom and dad and all their kids and some of the grandkids were together on mom’s birthday, July 13, 2010. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5494326049523439297/5494327108295685618?banner=pwa&pid=5494327108295685618&oid=114993745799525883148

P.P.S. Here is a picture of our family in Alaska (minus new born Annabelle) this past Christmas. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5828765800444931457/5829793849510128962?banner=pwa&pid=5829793849510128962&oid=114993745799525883148

P.P.P.S. Here is a picture of the funeral bill. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5900124889107276225?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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Saturday, July 6, 2013

Walking the Walk with Jesus

Dear Fellow Children of God,

In April of 2012 the cover of a Newsweek magazine had a picture of Jesus on the front cover with the headline, “Forget the Church, Follow Jesus.” That headline was not a suggestion but a description for many. People who say they believe in Jesus are not necessarily participating in the church with the regularity of past times.

There may be many reasons that the church seems to have diminished in importance in people’s lives. Major reasons for this trend are that western cultures are more affluent and very busy. The church and its ministry are just one of many choices for people’s time, instead of the center of what they do.

But, perhaps the reason stated most often that people are “forgetting the church” is that Christians can “talk the talk” but don’t always “walk the walk.” In other words, Christians can talk about being holy, but we don’t always live holy lives. We can talk about love, but don’t always live in loving ways. We can talk about discipleship, but we don’t always live lives that show commitment to Jesus. We can teach the right thing, but give a different message in our behavior.

You might expect a pastor to defend the church against this accusation, but I know it is true. You see, the church is not made up of people who are perfect. Rather, the church is made up of sinners who need a Savior. In Mark 2 Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17) Thankfully, God has provided a Savior for sick sinners like us in Jesus. He lived the perfect life of obedience and love which we cannot live. Jesus suffered and died on the cross to pay for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to win victory over death for all people, and gives this fruit of His life to all who confess their need of a Savior from sin and trust in Him for forgiveness and eternal life. Yes, I know Christians are not perfect. But, Jesus is.

However, I share this because, contrary to popular belief, I saw the church in action this past week in San Antonio. I saw people who not only were talking the talk, but were also walking the walk. The 2013 National Youth Gathering of our denomination was held in San Antonio, TX, July 1-5. Over 25,000 people gathered under the theme, “Lived Love(d).” The emphasis was that because Jesus loves us, we should live that love for others.

So the youth worshiped, and they donated food for food pantries and prepared plants for community gardens. These Christian youth went to Bible Study, and they helped local churches and children’s homes. They helped paint homes, mow lawns, and pick up trash. The youth worked on park facilities, played games with children, and visited with the elderly. Money was donated to help community and church needs in San Antonio. Supplies were donated to help people suffering from disasters around the world.

Actually, this example of “LIVING Love(d)” shows the importance of God’s church. One of the reasons the youth lived their faith is they were gathered together as the church and encouraged one another. God’s plan for the church is both to grow our relationship with Him, and to grow our relationships of faith and love with others. God calls people to worship so we are encouraged and strengthened in walking the walk as well as talking the talk. We are told in Hebrews 10:24-25, “24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” In other words, people may stay away from churches because Christian people don’t always live their faith. But, the church is God’s plan for helping sinners live the love of God for us in Jesus.

I think my favorite picture from the gathering contains no people. It is a park bench with food left on it for homeless people in San Antonio. Instead of “Forgetting the church and following Jesus,” the youth learned to grow in Jesus through the encouragement of other Christians at the gathering. They gave life to Jesus' love and the theme of the gathering. As they grew in Jesus they LIVED Love(d).

There are no perfect churches, and no perfect Christians. You see, we ARE sinners who need a Savior. But God’s plan is that His church encourages us in His forgiving and saving love to live for Him and to love others. I pray God’s Church does that for you.

A Child of God, Seeking to Live Love(d),

Pastor Jonathan

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P.S. Here are some pictures from the Youth Gathering this past week. Also, many pictures are also posted on the St. John Facebook page. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5894882288488240833

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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Live Loved

Dear Fellow Children of God,

As I share today’s “Thoughts” I’m sitting in the cool air-conditioning of our hotel in the early morning. But my legs show the places where we missed with the application of sun-screen in yesterday’s 100 degree heat here in San Antonio. Today (Saturday) the forecast is for a high temperature of 104! I’ll do better with the sunscreen.

However, in spite of the heat I am excited to know the joy that is coming. The National Youth Gathering of our denomination starts on Monday and will take place July 1-5 here in San Antonio. About 25,000 people will gather under the theme, “Live Loved.” Included in this number are 10 youth from St. John, 3 adults with them, and 5 other adults from our congregation (Kathy and I included) who are working at the Gathering.

After attending past Gatherings I expect this to be a life changing experience. The Young people will celebrate and grow in new ways as they learn God’s love for them in Jesus. The town of San Antonio will be changed as well as this throng of Christians seek to share the love of Jesus with this city. The youth will go into the city and help in shelters and food pantries, and even work on a Habitat for Humanity House. All this occurs while celebrating in worship each day with the 25,000 others.

As a pastor I pray for our people that God may somehow make His love in Jesus real to them, to you. I know that in the difficulties and pain of life, God’s love in Jesus transforms life. Because of God’s compassion for us in Jesus in the midst of the trials of life, and because of the sure promise of eternal life for those who know and believe that Jesus is our Savior, we can live in joy and hope. I begin the coming week knowing that this will happen for our group.

As a pastor and missionary Paul cared about and prayed for His people. In Ephesians he prayed for those he had previously taught. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1: 18)

You see, God’s love changes situations. Instead of dreading a week in the heat, I am excited about a week of learning that God’s love is real, and we can “Live Loved.”

A Child of God, Living in God’s Love in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

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P.S. After today, the temperatures are supposed to drop with highs only in the low 90’s.

P.P. S. Here are some pictures as we to and from registration for the event. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5894882288488240833?banner=pwa

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Saturday, June 22, 2013

A HEALTHY New Grandbaby - Reason for Praise and Thanks

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I can think of at least 3 times in recent years that I have been called to the hospital for the death of a child. The recent situations I am remembering are from my volunteer service as chaplain at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. But, I can also remember quite a number of situation s in which children of various ages who are members or friends of congregations where I have been pastor have been called home.

I know of no more devastating tragedy. In many ways children hold the hope we have for the future. We know the struggles and failures in our own lives. But children have their whole lives in front of them. Christians believe that every life is sacred and, with that future, we see in the life of a child the presence and the help and strength and love of God. So, in many ways children are a source of joy and hope. The death of a child is an unspeakably devastating loss.

With that recent personal history I want to share with you reason for thanks and praise to our loving Lord. Many of you know that our 6^th grandchild was scheduled to be born by C-section this past Monday, June 17. But, even though God calls us to not worry, I confess to having been worried concerning this birth. We have 4 children of our own, and this was to be our 6^th grandchild. But Kathy and I have never experienced a pregnancy with so many warnings and cautions from the doctors. There were times during this pregnancy the doctors did not expect the baby to survive. There were times in this pregnancy the doctors seriously wondered if the child would be healthy. So, it was with prayer to God and hope and trust in his goodness that we gathered in the hospital waiting room at 7:00 a.m. on Monday morning.

At 8:13 a.m. (it’s on my phone) we started getting texts from our son. The baby was born. Then we got pictures. What a beautiful baby! (Sometimes technology is an amazing gift.) Then about 8:30 a.m. our son came out of the delivery room and told us everyone was well and healthy. Having been worried, I wanted to see for myself. So I waited my turn and brought my camera in to see our newest grandchild. Annabelle Marie is a beautiful healthy baby. I counted 10 fingers. She has a full head of dark hair. What a moment of relief and joy! Praise the Lord for His answer to prayer!

I confess to feeling a little guilty, or selfish, or privileged. Throughout my life I have prayed for many people. Many times God has answered those prayers in ways I had hoped, even in ways the doctors don’t understand. But, I can also think of many for whom I prayed in which God’s answer was different than my hope. I trust that God in His wisdom and love and mercy always to work good for the eternal purposes of His people. But, why were our prayers answered in this way?

I think I know how King David felt when He wrote Psalm 30. David indicated that he had been ill to the point of facing death. But God healed David and saved him from the grave. (Psalm 30:2-3). Therefore, Psalm 30 is full of praise and thanks, especially the last 2 verses. “11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

Actually, even in the cases of those children God allowed to be called home He has love and mercy and salvation. God allowed His own Son to suffer and die, and then rise, so when death does come those who are His by faith have eternal life in heaven. Even when it seems God’s answer is disappointing, He is still merciful and loving.

So, five days later I sit here still with tears in my eyes again and I praise God with King David. “11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

A Child of God, Living in His Mercy and Love,

Pastor Jonathan

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P.S. Annabelle Marie was 7 lb., 12 oz., 20 ¼ inches long. If you want to see some pictures of Annabelle you can look at this link. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5890718792318213185

P.P.S. However, I am also attaching to this e-mail two of my new favorite pictures.

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Saturday, June 15, 2013

One Blessing that Does Not Change

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I’m thankful, but perhaps also a little confused. I confess that I really enjoy this recent period of warm weather, but 3 ½ weeks ago there was snow in my yard and, from what I read, we had endured the longest winter on record. From the first measurable snow in September, to the last measurable snow on May 18 was over 232 days. But, even though I’ve only lived in Alaska 22 years, I don’t ever remember a warm streak like we are experiencing now where temperatures were this warm for this long. So we went from the longest winter to the warmest summer in about a day. That can be a little confusing.

Yes, after this past winter (and the recent previous cold summers) I AM thankful for the current string of warm days. But the quick change and going from one extreme to another has me scratching my head. I heard someone say on Friday, “It’s hard to know what’s coming next.”

In all honesty all of us realize that change is actually a constant in life. We change physically. The world around us changes. Other people change. Life circumstances change. Not all change is bad. But, even though we should be used to change, change it is often painful and difficult.

For example, when economies change there can be upheaval which can hurt people financially. When politicians and politics change stress levels can rise. When relationships break up, families and friendships can be hurt. We have had a number of deaths in our congregation earlier this year and people are still grieving. Such change is difficult to endure. Sometimes we just wish there was something we could count on.

So, as I was confused about the weather, I was also thankful for one blessing that is constant, God’s love in Jesus. In Hebrews 13 we are told, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) When finances go badly, or when relationships suffer, or when politics frustrate us, or when loved ones die, God’s love for us in Jesus always has been and always will be.

The love of God was promised in the Old Testament by the Savior who would come. The love of God took flesh when Jesus was born as the promised Messiah and lived as the Suffering Servant, dying for the sins of the world and rising again. God promises His eternal love in heaven to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior from sin. The world around us may change. We may be confused. But we can build our lives on the love of God which never changes.

When we know that God’s love for us in Jesus does not change, we can face the surprises of life with praise for God and love for others, because we know that God who has loved us, continues His love in Jesus. So, enjoy the beautiful weather. It is a gift from God. But know that when the weather changes, God’s love continues.

A Child of God, Confused but Thankful for the Recent Beautiful Weather,

Pastor Jonathan

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P.S. The recent warm weather has allowed some fishing. These were caught Thursday, June 13. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5889730882076590593?banner=pwa

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Help for Families

Dear Fellow Children of God,

A number of years ago, when he was in high school, our son Tim served a term as youth representative on the Alaska State Board of Education. This opportunity came about because Tim was involved in student government at Palmer High and on a state level as well. (We are proud of all of our children, and we are proud of Tim.) After meeting with the board at various sites around the state Tim would come home and tell us of the many efforts the Board of Education was pursuing to improve the education received by the students of Alaska.

After listening to Tim talk about the plans and efforts of the Board one night, I told him my opinion. “Tim, I believe the best thing the Board could do to improve the education of Alaska’s children would be to strengthen the homes and families in which children live. But, I know what I’m saying is not necessarily politically correct.”

We held Vacation Bible School at St. John this past week. It was wonderful to watch the children learn about God’s love, and grow in that love through their lessons, activities, and the singing. Families brought their children to VBS because they wanted the best for their children.

But watching the families and knowing many of the situations they face, I was struck by the realization that families face more stress today than at any time in my experience and memory. In addition to the struggles that have always been present for families, stresses such as financial worries, illnesses, or school worries, there are new stresses. Schedules are busier than ever. Our culture no longer believes there is such a thing as right and wrong. The media is pervasive in promoting values of selfishness and materialism instead of values of faith and love and sacrifice. Families are facing stresses that make it difficult to live in love and faith as a family.

However, this week in churches around the world people will hear Bible readings that tell about God helping families. The Bible readings appointed for this Sunday share accounts of both Elijah and Jesus encountering families facing loss. These were not what many consider traditional families. In both cases the only son of a widow had died. And, in both cases God reached out and acted in compassion and love. So, at St. John we will hear about Jesus encountering the widow of Nain. Her only son had died. We are told of Jesus, “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don't cry.’" (Luke 7:13) Jesus then raised her son from the dead.

God cares about families. God cared about families in Elijah’s day, and in Jesus’ day. He cares about families today. God cares about husbands and wives, mothers and father, children and parents, brothers and sisters. Sometimes the stresses of life can overwhelm families. But in the midst of life’s challenges God genuinely cares. Our heavenly father loves us so much He sent His Son for us. Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the forgiveness and love of God that overcome our failures and help us through life’s trials. The love of God is the best help and strength for families today.

It is also God’s plan that the church is His family where His love is shared. Hopefully, in churches people grow in God’s love and encourage one another in that love. Being involved in God’s church can help families know and live in the powerful love of God. Actually, two separate moms shared with me this week how God had helped and blessed their families through the church.

Families face tremendous stress today. I know this truth from personal experience. But, there is someone who cares about families and is stronger than the failures and stresses we face. He has helped families in the past. God’s love in Jesus is the best help strength for families today.

A Child of God, Praying God’s help for families today,

Pastor Jonathan

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Saturday, June 1, 2013

Vacation Bible School - Christian Parenting

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you ever look at Facebook? Sometimes in their posts people make somewhat revealing personal statements about the stresses of life.

I saw a Facebook post (Actually, I’ve seen more than one such post.) in the past year where someone posted about being a “bad mom.” Let me say I know this person and they are a good mom, loving, responsible, and attentive. However, in this instance the mom had tried to take care of her children but, in spite of her best efforts, the children still encountered some difficulties from which mom had been trying to protect them. Her words about being a “bad mom” were more words of frustration than they were words of fact.

With all that said, what does it take to be a good mom or, for that matter, a good dad? Actually, God talks a lot about being a good and godly parent throughout the Bible. There are obvious jobs of a parent like providing for children and protecting them, and having compassion on one’s children. (e.g. Matthew 7:10-11, Psalm 103:13).

However, there is one role for parents that God states again and again in Scripture. A parent who follows the direction God gives teaches their children about God. Perhaps the best known verse that shares this direction which God has for parents is found in Proverbs 22:6. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” However, you can also find these instructions in Deuteronomy 6:1-7, Mark 10:13-15, Ephesians 6:4, and many other Bible verses.

Teaching children about God makes sense if you think about it. Since God gives life and health, love and forgiveness, where else would I want to bring my children than to the presence of God? Teaching children about God and His love for me in Jesus gives my child what I really want for them ; God’s love in this life and eternal life in heaven.

I share these thoughts on parenting because St. John is offering Vacation Bible School again this coming week, Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 7, from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. What a great help to parents as they seek to teach their children about God! There will be singing, stories, crafts, games, and snacks at VBS. I have heard many parents over the years say how much their children enjoyed the experience. Some parents have told me how their children continue singing the songs they learn. Friendships have been made that help children continue growing in Christian faith. Vacation Bible School can really help a parent teach their children about God!

As a father, and now a grandfather, I know that many times I have come up short in what I would like to do as a father and for my children. What a blessing to know that Almighty God cares about our children and wants them to live in his eternal love. What a great opportunity to share God’s love with our children and grandchildren, bringing them to VBS!

I hope to see you, your children, and your grandchildren at VBS this coming week.

A Child of God, Seeking to be a Faithful Parent and Grandparent,

Pastor Jonathan

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