Sharing What's Really Important

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Hallowed be Thy Name

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

This Sunday in late worship Henry David Thomas will be baptized. As this young infant is baptized I will place my hand on his head and, as a congregation, we will pray the Lord’s Prayer. You know that the first petition, or request of God, in the Lord’s Prayer is “Hallowed be Thy name.” (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:2) Jesus taught His church to keep God’s name holy. On Sunday we not only pray that prayer for all of God’s people, and for ourselves, but we also bring this prayer to our Lord for Henry. We pray that God’s name may be holy, set apart, and honored in Henry’s life.

But, what a prayer in today’s world! We are praying that Henry not only knows his heavenly Father, but that Henry loves God and honors God with all his heart and soul and strength and mind. Yet, perhaps more than at any time in our life’s memory, Christians are being assaulted with temptations to indulge ourselves, and to put our own desires ahead of God. Perhaps more than any time in the memory of our lives, people in our world are offended when Christians speak the name of Jesus. With growing resistance and even opposition to the Christian faith, praying those words of the Lord’s Prayer, and meaning them in our hearts, can be troublesome, even dangerous. So, consider now that we pray this prayer not just for ourselves, but for young Henry!

The last 3 evenings, as the day wore down, I sat in my office at home with my computer in my lap trying to catch up after being gone. While catching up I watched the movie triology, “The Lord of the Rings.” Some have asked JRR Tolkien if this story is a Christian parable. (Tolkien was one of the translators mentioned in the Jerusalem Bible I have on my shelf.) Tolkien replied that, “No, this saga is not intended as a Christian parable.” Yet, all who read or watch this unfolding drama have to be impressed with the ongoing battle in the story between the forces of good and evil. Time and again in The Lord of the Rings it seems that the forces of evil are so great that it is futile for those on the side of good to fight, or even to stand. Yet, time and again in this story, when all hope seems lost, those on the side of good continue to stand for what is right and true. They continue to fight. Finally, in the end the forces of good are victorious, in part, because they continued to fight when all seemed hopeless.

In some ways this story teaches me about our Christian lives. The forces of evil are indeed stronger than we are. In the famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress,” Martin Luther wrote of our eternal spiritual battle:

“The old satanic foe has sworn to work us woe.
With craft and dreadful might, He arms himself to fight.
On earth he has no equal.”

So, if our enemy is so strong, how can we stand up to hallow the name of God in our lives? How can Henry live in a way that shows that God and His name are holy to him?

Christians have a good answer to that question. The enemy may be stronger than we are, but our Savior is stronger than our enemy. We are not strong enough to win the battle, but Jesus has won the battle for us. The struggle may be difficult, but our enemy is already defeated. Jesus lived a perfect life of obedience and love. As a sinless man, Jesus died, not for His sin, but for ours. Jesus rose and won victory over our powerful enemy. Today we can stand to hallow the name of God in this world opposed to him because Jesus has risen and defeated our enemies.

In Romans 6 God tells us through Paul how we are joined to this victory of Jesus in our baptism. “3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3-4) In other words, the battle to hallow the name of God may be difficult and dangerous. But, Jesus has won that fight. And in our baptisms we are raised with Jesus in His victory. In baptism God raises us to “live a new life,” to honor the name of God.

Congratulations, Henry, on your baptism! May the love, the forgiveness, and the victory of Jesus strengthen you so that your life declares the holy name of God, in your heart, your soul, your strength, and your mind.

A Child of God, Praying for God’s Name to be Holy in My Life,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I have been catching up and have no fishing pictures to share this week. However, here is a link from Mothers’ Day. https://goo.gl/photos/ddLxEYzo8ymPi18T6

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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 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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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Thankful for my Mom who Believed in Jesus

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

Kathy and I have just returned from vacation in Florida. My family has lived in or near the Gainesville area since 1965. So while in Florida we got to spend time with and enjoy many activities with family members. Almost daily we spent time with my dad. I saw all 3 brothers and my sister and their families. We were present for a graduation and in times of medical treatment. We saw nieces and nephews. Kathy and I returned home feeling blessed and thankful for our family.

On Saturday, May 6, we were at a larger family gathering where 16 people shared a picnic meal and just enjoyed time together. I heard my sister or one of my sisters-in-law say, “Mom would be happy. She liked it when family got together.” My mom has been in heaven since January of 2011, but we still remember her love for her family, and we still remember her in times like this. You should have seen my mom’s face light up when everyone was at their home for Christmas, or other big events.

I would go a step further to share about another mom I know quite well, my wife, Kathy. Kathy also really enjoys it when family is together. But I think that, even more than enjoying time together in our home, Kathy especially cherishes times when all of her children and grandchildren are together with her in worship. I can see the beaming smile on her face, and sometimes catch a tear of joy in her eyes. My wife loves her children and grandchildren, and prays God’s blessings for them regularly. To share that love of God with family is a real treat.

This Sunday is Mothers’ Day. We will talk in worship about Timothy’s mom and grandmother, Eunice and Lois. As we read Paul’s second letter to young Pastor Timothy, we hear this word of encouragement from Paul to Timothy. “5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:5-6) Notice that Timothy’s faith in Jesus first lived in Lois and Eunice and was passed down to him from his grandmother and his mother. There is no greater love mothers share than when they share God’s eternal love in Jesus.

Later in this same book Paul further encourages Timothy, “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

Paul is not only here encouraging Timothy to continue in faith, but also encouraging him to remember his grandmother and his mother who taught him about Jesus. Their purpose, and Paul’s goal, is that Timothy was saved for eternal life in heaven through faith in God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus.

Christian faith is precious because God uses faith to give us the eternal blessings He won for us in Jesus’ dying and rising. But, trusting in God’s love in a world of hate and selfishness and violence is difficult. We need help to believe. That is why God gives us His Word (read further in 2 Timothy 3), the Sacraments, and His Church. Trusting in God’s love is difficult. We need help to believe. So God gives mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, committed Christians and friends who share how God has been with them through difficult times so that we can also trust God when trusting is tough.

Do you have a mother who shared Jesus with you? Thank God for this wonderful gift, and let your mom know how much you appreciate her if she is still alive.

Are you a mom or a grandmother? Take time to share God’s amazing love with your children and grandchildren as you are able.

Last Sunday Kathy and I were in worship with my dad at First Lutheran Church where I had grown up. He sits in the back of the church because he says, “Sometimes other family comes to worship. So if I sit here they can sit with me.” We were in line for communion when we had a pleasant surprise. My dad’s granddaughter, and our niece, Sarah, whom we had not yet seen, stepped out of the cry room into line with us so we could take the Lord’s Supper together. She had her son Nathan and daughter Abigail with her. I confess that my eyes got misty as together we shared together in receiving God’s love and forgiveness. I think I can speak to Sarah and repeat Paul’s words to Timothy, only with other names. “5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother [Betty] and in your mother [Jan] and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you . . .”

May God bless those in your family with saving faith in Jesus. And. may you be reminded of mothers and grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers, and other faithful Christians who have shared Jesus with you.

A Child of God, Thankful for a Mom Who Believed in Jesus,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Here are some more pictures from our time with family in Florida. https://goo.gl/photos/sY1HDrb1d1jS79G87

P.P.S. While “Thoughts from the Pastor” is primarily intended for the members and friends of St. John, it has also been printed weekly in our local newspaper, The Frontiersman, for almost 6 years. The Frontiersman has recently had changes. In order for this week’s devotion to get in this week’s paper, I am attempting to get these devotions out at the beginning of each week to make a new Wednesday deadline. So, you are receiving this message a little earlier this week, and hopefully in the future.

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Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Thankful for God's Gift of Family

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

While on vacation in Florida, I received an e-mail from a member of St. John, informing me about her dad’s health. Her dad had been in the hospital unexpectedly, suffering serious complications from blood clots. Because this health scare had come on so quickly, even though her dad was now doing better, the young lady wrote me these insightfully true words, “Definitely puts in perspective what’s important in life. Time with family is precious!”

Kathy and I scheduled our vacation around a reunion of the first college at which I prepared to serve God and His people as pastor. Nevertheless, a side-benefit of the timing of this reunion is that we were also able to be in Florida for two family occasions. First, my brother James’ daughter, Elizabeth, graduated on Sunday afternoon, April 30, from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in special education. We were privileged to be part of the 12,000+ people gathered for this event. “Time with family is precious.”

In addition, on Tuesday, May 2, James’ wife, Martha, underwent surgery for a glioma, a brain cancer. Together with others, our whole family attended a party at James’ home on Sunday evening. All my brothers and sister and their spouses, along with my dad, were gathered together. The desire for this time was to focus on the blessings of Elizabeth’s graduation rather than on Martha’s coming surgery. However, we were also all thinking about the upcoming surgery, and we each shared wishes with Martha for God’s blessings through the coming trial. Kathy was even able to give Martha some “Tigger” pajamas and a blanket she had sewn so that after the surgery Martha can “bounce back!” Yes, “time with family is precious!”

Another blessing of this time is that Kathy and I have been blessed to spend time with my dad. Living in Alaska, we don’t see him as much as my other siblings do. But, while in Florida we got to spend some time with my dad most every day. Dad will be 90 on September 22, but he attended worship on Sunday, April 30, as he usually does, only this time we joined him. Then he walked the steps to the second level of the O’Connell Dome for Elizabeth’s graduation. Later that afternoon and evening Dad was present for the celebration at James’ home and spent time with each of his five children. Yes, “time with family is precious!”

There are many verses in Scripture teaching us that family is the plan of God for His people. At the beginning, as God created, He said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (Genesis 2:18) In the Psalms we are told, “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6). Even as Jesus was dying on the cross, He cared for His mother by giving the disciple, John, responsibility to watch over her. “26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ 27 and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27) God also instructed the early church through Paul about family relationships and responsibilities. Among other things, Paul wrote, “1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-- which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)

Families have their difficult times as well as their times of blessing and support. But, the plan of our Lord and Creator is that families are to be a gift to us from God to help in our journey through this life.

All of this points us to our larger family. There are also many verses in Scripture which describe our relationship with God and with His children as a relationship of family. (E.g., Galatians 4:4-7, Hebrews 2:10-11) But, perhaps no words are more descriptive than the opening words of the prayer which Jesus taught us, “OUR FATHER.” Because God is Father, we are His children! Because God is OUR Father, we have brothers and sisters, including Jesus. Even those with no living human relatives, as created and redeemed children of God do have a family in God’s church. And, “time with family is precious!”

Among those in God’s family who have been especially on my heart is David Grosz, whose recent discovery and bout with lymphoma has shocked us all. Yet, we have a heavenly Father, caring for us. Along with our Savior and brother, Jesus, the members of God’s church are seeking to support and care for David and family. Even while I am on vacation, David is daily in my prayers. And, in the last couple of weeks two of David’s children have traveled to Palmer to spend time with their dad. You see, families are not an invention of human society. Families are God’s plan! Our earthly family, and our heavenly family. And, “time with family is precious!”

A Child of God, Thankful for God’s Gift of Family,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Here are some pictures from time with family in Florida. https://goo.gl/photos/sY1HDrb1d1jS79G87

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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

God's "Plan that Jesus is the Center of our 'DNA'"

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

Many of you know that last weekend Kathy and I attended a reunion of my first college, Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas. I attended what is now Concordia University, Texas, from August 1971 to May 1973. As reunions go this one went about as expected. We renewed old acquaintances, told some stories, and reminisced about the past. It gave both Kathy and me an opportunity to give thanks for God’s blessings in our lives.

However, because Concordia was and is a Lutheran Christian college we actually spent time at the reunion in worship both Friday and Saturday mornings. I have been to high school reunions for both Kathy and myself and there was never a worship service included. But, we both attended public high schools. Reflecting back on my experience in Austin, I consider myself especially blessed to have learned from professors who were Christians, often trained Lutheran teachers and pastors. Many of my fellow students who attended school with me were also studying to be church workers. Most days we spent time in chapel services, seeking and considering God’s direction and purpose in our education and for our lives.

On Saturday morning of the reunion, after worship, former staff and faculty reflected on past blessings and current realities at the college. The man who taught me Physical Science while I attended Concordia, Professor Ted Zoch, commented on the goals of the faculty which helped make my education a blessing. He said, “We couldn’t teach you everything you would need to know, so we put it in your DNA to keep looking for Jesus” In retrospect, I believe my professors were successful, and I am blessed and extremely thankful.

Actually, those words from Professor Zoch point to a goal that I, and I believe most pastors, have. I hope to prepare and equip the people of St. John for lives as children of God. But, “We couldn’t teach you everything you would need to know, so we put it in your DNA to keep looking for Jesus” As parents, Kathy and I have worked to prepare our children for life, especially for eternal life. We pray God has used our efforts. But, I can also say about our parenting, “We couldn’t teach you everything you would need to know, so we put it in your DNA to keep looking for Jesus”

As I read Scripture, I hear God having the same goal for his children. Listen to what our Lord moved Paul to write in Ephesians 2. “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19-20) God builds up and equips His people on the foundation of Scripture, with Jesus as the center of that equipping. It is in knowing Jesus that we serve as members of God’s household, that we live as children of God.

Actually, God cares for us past, present, and future as we are built on this foundation of Jesus. God created us each as unique individuals, and He calls us to live as His children in our baptisms. Unfortunately, we fail and rebel against God’s purpose for us. But, our Lord loves and forgives us through Jesus who died on the cross to pay for our sins. And, because of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter God has our eternal life in heaven won for us. God fills us with the DNA of looking to Jesus, so that we know our life and purpose are found in Him.

For me, it was a moment of clarity to hear Professor Zoch state what my professors had sought to do, to build and equip me and my classmates for looking to Jesus. As pastor, as dad, and grandfather, I seek to do the same, because that is God’s plan for us, that we are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

A Child of God, Given Life and Purpose in Jesus,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Here are some pictures at the 70’s reunion with friends and faculty from the 70’s. https://goo.gl/photos/fXNi5ephC9uKM4c79

P.P.S. While “Thoughts from the Pastor” is primarily intended for the members and friends of St. John, it has also been printed weekly in our local newspaper, The Frontiersman, for almost 6 years. The Frontiersman has recently had changes. In order for this week’s devotion to get in this week’s paper, I will attempt to get these devotions out at the beginning of each week to make a new Wednesday deadline. So, you are receiving this message a little earlier this week, and hopefully in the future.

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Friday, April 21, 2017

Comforted by Jesus' Love in Thomas' Time of Doubt

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

On April 23, the Sunday after Easter, the traditional assigned Gospel lesson for St. John and many Christian churches is John 20:19-31. Many know this Scripture lesson as the story of “Doubting Thomas.” However, the older I get the more I dislike that title for this disciple of Jesus. Yes, Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection. But often this term is used in a way that speaks critically of this man of faith. There is so much more to this event in Thomas’ life.

As a man of faith myself, who has experienced life for over 60 years, I have learned that most of us have doubts from time to time. We have questions. Especially in the middle of times of trouble we wonder where God is in our lives.

Thomas had actually been a man of bold faith among the disciples. In John 11, before Jesus travels to raise and heal Lazarus, Jesus tells his disciples of Lazarus’ death. Jesus also lets them know he is going back to Bethany, near Jerusalem, where Lazarus lived. The other disciples wonder why Jesus would return to this area after the religious leaders of the day had recently tried to kill him. But Thomas speaks up in courage, and encourages the others to follow Jesus. "Let us also go, that we may die with him." (John 11:16) Thomas trusted Jesus enough to believe Jesus was worth dying for. Thomas showed real faith and courage!

However, Thomas’ faith was rocked to the core of His being when he saw Jesus arrested, and when he saw Jesus tried unjustly, and when he saw Jesus brutally executed on the cross. This man, Jesus, whom Thomas followed and trusted to be the Son of God and promised Messiah was dead! How can God die? How can we follow a dead man? No wonder Thomas doubted. The other disciples doubted too before Jesus appeared alive to them. Thomas simply was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared and showed them His victory over death and sin and Satan. So we have the account of Thomas’ famous declaration, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:25)

The older I get, and the more trials I have faced, the more I understand this man we call “Doubting Thomas.” As I live my own life, and as I help others as pastor, I sympathize with this man in his loss. I have faced trials, and helped others face failure and loss and pain. Doubt and questions are natural. But, I also know that doubt today can be the seed of stronger faith tomorrow. When we go through loss and trouble and doubt, and when we then see the hand of God for our trials, we are strengthened to know God’s love more deeply.

I am encouraged that Jesus also seemed to understand Thomas and treated him personally and gently. Thomas had told the other disciples that he could not believe Jesus was alive until he saw Jesus himself. So, when Jesus appears to the disciples again, this time while Thomas is present, Jesus speaks these words to Thomas. "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Jesus understood Thomas’ hurt and grief. Jesus heard Thomas doubt. Jesus cares for this disciple. So, Jesus appears to Thomas personally and, instead of scolding him, Jesus calls Thomas back to faith. "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27)

Please notice that Thomas responded with a declaration of faith that is one we can seek to imitate. "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) Thomas not only trusted that Jesus is ruler and creator. Thomas declares that Jesus is his Lord. Jesus is His God!

If you face loss and pain and trial, if you fail as you seek to follow Jesus, please know that Jesus cares for you just as He cared for Thomas and loved Him. That is why Jesus died on the cross, because He loves you in the midst of your struggles. Don’t be ashamed of your doubt, but turn to God and seek His love. He is there to help you through the trials you face so that you are even stronger in living for Him the next time you are tested.

Jesus told Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe." What Jesus didn’t say, but did demonstrate in His actions was “Thomas, I am with you, and I love you.” I pray that seeing Jesus’ love and presence for Thomas, even in his moment of doubt, can give each of us assurance when life stops us in our tracks

A Child of God, Comforted by Jesus’ Love in Thomas’ Time of Doubt,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. We had a blessed Holy Week at St. John. Here are some pictures of Holy Week Activities

Good Friday worship, Passover Meal, Easter Festival - https://goo.gl/photos/dNxCd64DZpPsUgY59

Easter Breakfast - https://goo.gl/photos/LfnkTRjB43s1sw1C8

Some of our Easter Musicians. https://goo.gl/photos/WLF9FkYm3pWNMzvC7

P.P.S. I did go fishing Monday. This was probably my last ice fishing outing of this season. Here are some pictures from a fishing trip on April 17 with Kym Miller.

o https://goo.gl/photos/ojYA729pZmuKrWsu5

o https://goo.gl/photos/FX8Hjw7HSLTVhiGf8

o https://goo.gl/photos/7WVjxkDADhJM8mrn9

o https://goo.gl/photos/8sJsg3iYF2obEwAf6

o https://goo.gl/photos/BGW3ivAmNZvEzcAfA

o https://goo.gl/photos/63bnduPSY88y4ENN6

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Friday, April 14, 2017

Living in Jesus' Easter Victory

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

If you read the news these days there are stories of a giant bomb being dropped on Afghanistan, and missles hitting Syia, and threats from North Korea against the United States and others. Jesus said that to the end there would be wars and rumors of wars. But the tensions seem to be ramping up.

If you read the news in Alaska, the legislature is talking about cutting teaching positions, and possibly getting rid of the Pioneer Homes, doing away with the Permanent Fund, and adding an income tax. I know oil prices are down and times are tough, but these changes still could lead to real hardships for Alaskans.

On our prayer list at St. John we have been praying for member, David Grosz. (Please, David asks everyone to pray.) I think you know doctors have discovered an aggressive lymphoma and David is in the hospital for chemo-therapy. At the same time members of the church in Funny River asked us to pray for a very ill baby, Arabella. But, Arabella died in surgery. Maybe you have other serious concerns for the prayers of God’s people.

All these troubles in our lives can seem overwhelming, but . . . JESUS ROSE ON EASTER!!!

God speaks to all Christians facing trials through Paul’s words in Romans 8. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Because Jesus suffered and died for the sins of the world, and because He rose again victorious over sin and death, NOTHING can separate us from God’s love . . . “that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I may personally feel overwhelmed by the trials in this world. But, because Jesus rose, the writer to the Hebrews could encourage Christians of all ages with God’s love, saying. 5 . . . God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Jesus resurrection victory is REAL. Jesus’ rising guarantees eternal life for those who live in God’s love. And, Jesus’ rising from the dead blesses our lives in this world, even in the middle of life’s troubles and tragedies.

The angels of God appeared at Christmas and sang to the shepherds. But, on Easter Sunday we hear the angels at Jesus’ empty tomb tell the disciples, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5 b – 6 a)

Easter is not just a nice story from 2000 years ago. The truth of Jesus’ righteous life, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection have impact on our lives today. We can face bombings, and illness, and budget cuts, and whatever trial or tragedy life brings because of Jesus’ victory!

Christians have shouted a proclamation of Jesus’ Easter rising for ages. “He is risen!” “He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!” May God’s Easter victory bless your life to know real victory over the trials and sin of this life.

A Child of God, Living in Jesus’ Easter Victory,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Confirmation Day was a real blessing last Sunday. Here are some pictures from Confirmation Day. https://goo.gl/photos/CXSeps8UZ9VP9dv36

P.P.S. I did go fishing Monday. We still have about 40” of ice where I fished, just not quite as hard as a month ago. The lake where I fished has probably lost 10‘ or more of water, so the fish are all in one place!! In an hour of fishing I caught about 20-25 fish, and kept the bigger ones. Here are a couple of pictures.

https://goo.gl/photos/FTT93SmRuvFmGMLC6

https://goo.gl/photos/vLXiCB5qcXkjsSAR7

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Saturday, April 8, 2017

"Holy Week - Celebrating the Eternal Gifts of God's Saving Love!"

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

During the past month or so our family has celebrated the birthdays of 2 grandsons, a granddaughter, and, oh yes, my wife, Kathy. With all those important days coming so close together it led me to the question, “What is the most important day in my life / in our lives?” In addition to birthdays, you might also consider graduations or wedding anniversaries, or other special occasions. So, “what is the most important day in your life?”

The Scripture reading for my devotions on Friday, April 7, came from Deuteronomy 5, as Moses speaks to the children of Israel before they enter The Promised Land. As you consider what the most important day or time in your life might be, consider Moses’ somewhat surprising words in Deurteronomy 5:1-4. “1 Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 3 It was not with our fathers that the LORD made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today. 4 The LORD spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain.”

What Moses told the Israelites seems strange. Actually, at Mt. Horeb, or Sinai, in the book of Exodus, God is speaking to the parents of these people in the book of Deuteronomy. These were not the same people. But, God is telling them that the Exodus experience has permanent blessings for the people of God. It is not just the people who came out of Egypt who were blessed. ALL God’s people received blessings through the Exodus event. So, God’s words at Horeb, or Sinai, spoke to ALL His children.

Let’s ask that opening question again. “What is the most important day in your life?” This week we have the privilege of observing Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, including observance of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, somberly remembering the death of Jesus on Good Friday, and finally joyfully climaxing with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. These events were not just for the disciples. I believe Scripture tells us that what we will observe and experience as we celebrate Holy Week is the most important event of all time, and the most important even in our lives.

Some may think of the observance of Holy Week is just another holiday. But, the historic events which we celebrate during Holy Week are the center of human history! Listen to God speak through St. Paul. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

You see, what Jesus accomplished during this last week of His life gives eternal blessings to all who receive God’s grace through faith in Jesus. Our selfishness and sin separate us from God and we deserve punishment. But, Jesus’ death pays the price for our sin and offers us forgiveness and the righteousness of Jesus. Our pride, and rebellion, and sin lead to death for everyone. But the resurrection of Jesus defeats death and guarantees eternal life for all believers. The events of Calvary, where Jesus died, and the empty tomb, where He rose, are the most important event in my life and in yours, even if we weren’t physically there.

What do you do on your birthday? I expect you recognize your birthday or celebrate it in some way. Perhaps you celebrate with a party, or a cake, or just by receiving a card. So, if Holy Week is the most important event in our lives, how do you plan to observe this gift of God which gives eternal life?

A Child of God, Celebrating the Eternal Gift of God’s Saving Love This Holy Week,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Please see a list of worship and celebration opportunities for this Holy Week at St. John below

P.P.S. Here are some pictures of the celebration last Sunday as Jamie received her “Lux Christi Award.” https://goo.gl/photos/Jw3g6A5TFReWrp1h9

Also, Here is the slide show, showing pictures of Jamie, which was shown after worship and during the reception last week. https://goo.gl/photos/7Z1WQoUAU7Uiym4F9

P.P.P.S. Here is an interesting story about St. John member and elder, John Lee.

http://www.frontiersman.com/news/a-new-calling/article_2273f856-163a-11e7-af82-ab6b64996093.html#utm_source=frontiersman.com&utm_campaign=%2Fe-newsletter%2Fall%2F%3F-dc%3D1491323672&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

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