Sharing What's Really Important

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

No Matther How the World Changes, We Still Need God

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This past week I attended a meeting of church leaders in Portland, OR. We talked about challenges and blessings faced today by Christian congregations and by workers. One of our speakers spoke on health for church workers and he began his presentation with an interesting question. He asked, “What is different in your congregation today than when you graduated from seminary?”

The pastors with whom I was sitting gave some interesting and somewhat expected answers to the question. Some talked about changing attitudes in the world around the church concerning Christian faith and the church. Others discussed church finances. Some of the pastors mentioned changes in commitment of church members and spoke of competing priorities. Other pastors talked about issues surrounding respect for workers and for fellow Christians.

The bottom line is that we live in a different world today than when I graduated from seminary over 36 years ago. We live in a world that is different than that in which Christian congregations ministered and served even ten or fifteen years ago. Two decades ago our culture was still said to have a “Judeo – Christian Ethic.” This meant that most people had a belief in God, or at least respected that belief in the lives of a majority of others. During past times in our culture people accepted shared social values like the Ten Commandments, believing the commandments carried authority for the society we lived in and gave direction for our individual lives.

Those attitudes in our society have changed. In fact, many in our culture not only don’t share the values which God gives to His people through Scripture, many in our world are offended if a Christian person even shares their God-given beliefs with others. So, what does God’s church do when the world around us changes?

In spite of the change mentioned, we continue to have personal needs that have not changed.

Everyone is healthier when they have a good relationship with their father. Likewise, everyone in this world is healthier when they have a good relationship with their Creator and our Heavenly Father. Perhaps Psalm 103 speaks to your heart as it does mine. “13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” What a blessing to know the love and compassion of our Heavenly Father who is also the Creator and Lord of the whole world, and who understands us better than we understand ourselves!

Everyone stumbles and fails at times. We don’t always accomplish what we work to do. We sometimes have acted in ways of which we are ashamed. Sometimes we even hurt those we love. And, try as we might, we often cannot undo the wrong or the harm we have done. Christians know this failure and stumbling to be sin. Everyone is healthier when we have someone to help us with our failures and our sin. The word of God found in John’s first letter to the church is, therefore, good news. “8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” What a blessing, then, to know the Son of God, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who forgives our failure and our sin in His dying and rising.

Everyone can use encouragement as we go through life. Life is full of challenges and trials. We are often assaulted with hurt and loss. As we face the pain in life, a word of encouragement is such a blessing. No wonder God sends the Holy Spirit. “26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:26-27) When Jesus left this world He sent the Holy Spirit, the Counselor. The Greek word translated as “Counselor” also means “Comforter” or, listen to this, “Encourager.” We need encouragement and help, and God gives us just what we need in Himself, in the Holy Spirit.

The message of God through the Church to the world in which we live may not be as readily received as it once was. But, the truth is that we all still need God and the grace He gives. Christians need a healthy relationship with our Father, with our Savior, and with our Counselor and Encourager. The rest of the world has the same needs, even if they do not know these needs.

The speaker at our meeting asked “What is different today?” However, the other side of this coin is that some things remain the same. We all need God. We need His Love and Forgiveness, His help and salvation. In a world that has changed, Christians still need to grow in the blessings and help of our loving God and Savior. We can also bless others when we gently and respectfully share with them the love of God they also need.

A Child of God, Seeking God’s help to live a healthy life as His child,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. I will be moose hunting this coming week from September 17-25. Pastor George Rakos will lead worship on Sunday, September 20. Pastor Rakos knew the first pastor at St. John, Pastor Rudoph Frehling, who served beginning in 1935. Pastor Rakos was also confirmed by Pastor Ed Imme who served St. John in the 1950’s. (St. John’s September congregational newsletter had a letter of remembrance from Pastor Imme.) Please welcome Pastor Rakos, and his wife Carolyn, warmly.

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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.

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Friday, September 11, 2015

"The Protection of Sunday School"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Our family laughed recently after our grandson, Henry, received required vaccinations before entering preschool this year. Henry’s leg hurt after the shots, so he walked around without bending that leg. When the other children ran, Henry walked, very slowly. When climbing stairs, Henry pulled on the railing. He asked for help getting into chairs. In some ways Henry looked like an old cowboy who hobbled along after years on a horse. But, Henry did not stop being Henry. He just hobbled along slowly on the way to wherever he was going.

Why would parents (or grandparents for that matter) do that to a child? Why bring a child for immunizations if the shots can cause enough pain to a child so that child even changes the way they walk for a time? You and I both know the answer. The danger posed by the illnesses which the immunizations fight is much worse than a week of a sore leg. Immunizations are not 100% foolproof. But, the protection they provide is worth a little pain.

I say this because an “immunization” of sorts is offered to parents and families this week at St. John and in many Valley churches. This being the first Sunday after Labor Day, SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS IT’S REGULAR SCHEDULE AGAIN at 9:45 a.m.!!

You see, there are other dangers that threaten our children, and threaten each of us. In addition to the physical danger of disease which endangers the health and physical life of our children, there are dangers to their spiritual health and their eternal welfare in the world around us. Spiritual health is found when any of us, children included, have faith in God’s saving love for us in Jesus, and when we have love for one another. But, the world around us teaches greed, selfishness, indulgence, promiscuity, rebellion, and disobedience. These temptations not only endanger the lives of our children in this world, but also endanger their eternal welfare. So, how do we protect our children and grandchildren?

Inspired by God, St. Paul had the welfare of his young friend Timothy in mind when he gave him the following advice. “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. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Timothy’s grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice, had taught Timothy about Jesus from the very beginning. Timothy had known the truth of Scripture “from infancy.” Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the knowledge of the Scriptures because this knowledge is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the knowledge of Scripture because such knowledge is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The desires of our flesh and the temptations of the world around us seem to be growing more intense and dangerous in our time. I fear for the spiritual health and the eternal welfare of my children and grandchildren. But, I am convinced that teaching them about our Lord, teaching about His laws and His plan for our lives, teaching them about His love, and teaching them about His help and strength, is the best thing I can do to protect them and give them health and life. Actually, I need that help too. So we will be in Sunday School this Sunday.

By the way, Henry was at our home the other night running around like the Henry of old. The sore leg is gone, but the protection of the inoculations remains. What is your plan to protect your children and grandchildren and give them spiritual health?

A Child of God, Seeking the Health and Life Found in Scripture, for my Family and Myself,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Bjorn Neslund, infant son of David and Kristine Neslund, continues to fight and grow at Providence Hospital. Bjorn was born at 23 weeks and 2 days of gestation on August 31. Please keep Bjorn and family in prayers. There is a work day at the Neslund home on Seventeen Mile Lake this Saturday, September 12. (Follow the signs) If you want to help, come and assist in winterizing the home and cleaning to fight illness.

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Friday, September 4, 2015

Seeking Healthy Faith So I can Serve God and Others

Dear Fellow Children of God,

In worship on Wednesday night I shared with those worshiping that I was somewhat drained. This was not a physical weariness. Actually summer is a time I usually recharge. But, in the first 3 days of this week I had been called five times to situations of urgency or emergency. When a pastor cares about the people they serve, pastors can also grow weary as they share struggles with those they pastor. I confess to being somewhat emotional in worship on Wednesday night as my concern for church members and friends had mounted up.

I have often preached at the ordination or installation of new pastors. One of the verses I have often shared, because this verse speaks to me, is Acts 20:28. In this verse Paul is on his way to Jerusalem and stops in Ephesus. He meets on the beach with the leaders and elders of the Ephesian church. Paul warns them of coming trouble, and gives the leaders some advice that he himself has learned through experience. “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

In other words, in order to take care of others and help them with their lives of faith, a pastor needs to be healthy himself. Please notice, the elders are first told, “Keep watch over yourselves.” AFTER being encouraged to take care of themselves, THEN they are taught to “Keep watch over . . . all the flock.”

So, on Thursday morning, as I was spending time in devotions, the prayer in my devotions from Philip Melancthon touched my heart. Melanthon was a New Testament professor in Wittenberg, Germany in the 1500’s and a partner of Martin Luther in the Reformation. His prayer was a confession of sin and weakness, and also a prayer for personal health and growth.

O Almighty, Eternal God of Truth . . . I confess and I am deeply sorry that I am sinful and have so often sinned against Thee. I implore Thee to forgive me all my sins, be gracious unto me, and justify me for thy beloved Son’s sake, whom thou doest decree to be our Redeemer. With thy Holy Spirit purify my heart and guide my soul that I may truly know, love, and serve Thee. Amen.

Personally, I do pray that I grow in knowledge and love for Jesus so that I can serve Him faithfully. This is actually a good prescription for Christian faith and life. First, we want to know the amazing, undeserved, gracious and sacrificial love of Jesus. When we know our failure and sin, the sacrificial love of Jesus that caused Him to die for us is unexpected and surprisingly good news. Knowing I don’t deserve God’s love, but Jesus sacrifices for me, creates love in my heart for the one who has loved me so amazingly. Love in one’s heart leads to action in one’s lives, so I pray that my love for God leads to actions of serving Him willingly.

In other words, my prayer is that my faith is healthy so that I can serve my Savior. I pray that my faith and heart are healthy so that, as a Christian and a pastor, I can help others.

Pastors are not the only ones to need a healthy faith. All Christians need to KNOW the love of God, so that in return they LOVE our gracious Savior, so that they SERVE God and His people willingly from the heart. But, before we can serve others, we need a healthy faith ourselves.

Please pray with me. With thy Holy Spirit purify my heart and guide my soul that I may truly know, love, and serve Thee. Amen.

A Child of God, Seeking A Healthy Faith so that I May Serve My Lord and His People,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. One of those for whom my heart has been tender this week is Bjorn Richard David Neslund, infant son of David and Kristine Neslund. Bjorn was born on Monday at Providence Hospital at 23 weeks and 2 days of pregnancy. Actually, in response to the prayers of many, Bjorn is doing quite well at this time. Here is a picture from the baptism of Bjorn on Wednesday afternoon. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/BaptismsWinterSpring2015#6190563656442505618

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Seeking to Have Faith and Give Thanks

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you ever catch yourself being unthankful, or even complaining? I have recently made some comments that, even though they were not meant that way, could be taken as complaints.

· I’ve had the privilege of doing a lot of fishing again this year. But I have shared that I haven’t caught as many fish this year as I did last year.

· We have had a beautiful summer in Alaska this summer. But I have commented that the fish don’t like to bite when the sun shines brightly on the rivers.

· I told some people that I recently saw a bull moose, a nice big one, and I had my harvest tag and my gun. But, the moose was standing right next to a “Posted, No Hunting” sign.

Those words weren’t meant to be complaints. I was responding to questions and sharing stories that interested those with whom I was talking. But, even if I had not meant to complain, you know as well as I do that my words could be taken as complaints and even being ungrateful.

I share my comments knowing that fishing and hunting are not really that important in the big scheme of life. Sometimes people can complain, myself included, even when things are going well. Shouldn’t I be grateful for the opportunity to fish, for good weather, and for the privilege of seeing wildlife? Yet, even when things are going well, we can still complain.

I share this because this past week I heard just the opposite from members and friends of St. John. I heard one family tell me about the blessings they have received from a stroke. Another family shared their thankfulness at God’s goodness in the middle of the recurrence of cancer signs. I heard another family thank God for the joy of being part of our congregation in the middle of many, many trials. Now these people had something to complain about! But in the midst of the trials of life they saw the presence of God, trusted His help, and spoke words of thanks and praise.

In 1 Thessalonians 5 God speaks through Paul to give instructions for Christian living. Verses 16-18 tell us, “16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Did you hear that? Give thanks in all circumstances. The truth is that God can and does take even the trials of life and make them blessings. We know that deep down. God took the suffering and death of His son, and used Jesus’ dying and rising to bring forgiveness to sinners and eternal life to people who face death. That’s us.

God is present even in our difficulties and tragedies. We may have trouble seeing God’s blessings at first, but sometimes when we look back we can see God’s hand. I know a pastor friend who once had a horrible auto accident. But when he was in surgery the doctors found cancer that he didn’t know he had. The accident actually helped the doctors treat him for the cancer early, and may have saved his life. Looking back, this accident showed God’s presence in the midst of trouble. This experience helped build faith and character for my friend, and for me.

God promises He is always with us. Faith helps us to remember God’s presence and trust His blessings even when life is full of pain and loss. I witnessed that faith this last week as I heard words of thanks and praise in the middle of life’s trials. When we know God is with us we don’t have to complain, we can “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

A Child of God, Seeking Have Faith and Give Thanks,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. All our grandchildren were at our home on Sunday afternoon. Here is a picture. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/FunWithTheGrandchildren8232015

P.P.S. On Friday I only kept one of the fish I caught, but it was my biggest salmon of the year. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/FishingSummer2015#6188296386375170066

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Friday, August 21, 2015

The GIFT of Marriage and of Love

Dear Fellow Children of God,

In my first year as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, Harold and Wilma Knedel were among the members of our congregation. They lived in St. Louis County and St. Paul was in the deep inner city, but Harold and Wilma loved their church and cared for their pastor. When the temperatures climbed into the humid hundreds, they bought Kathy and I a room air conditioner for the brick parsonage in which we lived that had no insulation in the walls.

Then Wilma became sick and entered the hospital for a heart by-pass operation. The doctors expected a full recovery. But in 1980 medical science was not what it is today, and Wilma’s heart was in worse shape than the doctors realized. Wilma died on the operating table. I still remember the horrible grief and loss, the shock and bitter tears, that Harold experienced and shared with me. They had been married 35 years and Wilma was Harold’s best friend, his wife. In 1980 I had been married 3 years and remember thinking that 35 years was really a pretty long time. I now better understand Harold’s love for Wilma, his loss, and his lost-ness at Wilma’s death. Tonight as I write this, Thursday, August 20, is the 38^th anniversary of when Kathy and I were married. We celebrated with an anniversary dinner.

But, in our modern, affluent culture, it seems that love and marriage can be rare. There are so many heart-aches, so much pain, and there is so much divorce. I’m convinced that many people live together outside of God’s plan for marriage because they see so much failure and brokenness in marriages that they don’t want to experience this pain themselves.

God’s creation plan for marriage is found in Genesis 2, especially verse 24. In creation God describes marriage in the following way.

“22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, 'for she was taken out of man." 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”

God’s plan for marriage is one-ness that blesses the husband and the wife, and all those around them. This one-ness is shown when a couple share dreams and fears, love and loss, troubles and joy, trusting in the promises and mercy of God. God’s love in creation, and the love of God in Jesus, is the source of the love that Harold and Wilma knew, and that others still know today.

I gave Kathy a card and some flowers on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning I found a card on the breakfast table from Kathy. I hesitated sharing this for various reasons. But, I share Kathy’s words because I want people to know that God’s love still works in marriages and families. Kathy’s words brought tears to my eyes.

“Your love for me has made me such a better person than I ever would have been without you, and we are better together than we were when we started. Thank you for loving God, and me, and our family the way you do.”

We are not perfect, but God is. Genesis 2:24 may talk about God’s plan for marriage in the beginning, but in Ephesians 5:31 God also uses these very same words to describe the forgiving and saving love of Jesus for His church, His people. God cares for us and He still takes imperfect people and grows love in marriage, love that blesses those around the married couple. Love in marriage may be a miracle, but it still happens regularly even today, because God continues to love His people in Jesus.

A Child of God, Thankful for my wife and for God’s gift of Marriage,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are a few pictures that I cherish. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/GodSLoveInMarriageAugust201977And2015#

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Friday, August 14, 2015

God's Simple Wisdom

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from the mouths of babes.

Life can get complicated, really complicated. It would be wonderful to find a simple solution to life’s complex problems. This reminds me of a fishing trip last February with my grandson, Henry.

Henry and I went ice fishing at Long Lake at mile 85 on the Glenn Highway on a Monday afternoon in February. It was a cold and windy day, so Henry stayed in the truck while I started the fish to biting. We did not stay long, but we caught fish. (You can look at the pictures.)

As we drove home I was pointing out animals and land marks. “That’s King Mountain, Henry,” I told him as we passed the large tent looking mountain across the river to the left of where we drove.

The thought patterns of a 3 year old can be mysterious. Henry’s response went something like this. “Poppy, do you see that mountain. We could take our sleds up there and slide down. Do you see where? Or, if we can’t go there, the mountain next to it would work. We can ask King.”

“We can ask King.” After all, it was King Mountain. I sort of understand his logic there. And, the solution is very simple. If the mountain belongs to King, as Henry thought, we just ask him. Surely he would listen and help us out, as any reasonable person would. That was Henry’s logic at least.

There is a simple wisdom to Henry’s logic. If I have a question of someone, just ask them. Such a solution is simple, direct, and assumes the best of the other person. It’s such a simple solution! How many times do we become distraught because we have trouble going to someone else with our questions or concerns? Perhaps our thought or request might seem to be pushing the envelope. Maybe we are asking more than might be comfortable for the other person. Or perhaps our question might be considered criticism. So, we hesitate in our communication. But, the first simple solution is, “We can ask King.”

Actually, God tells us the same thing that Henry assumes about our relationship and conversations with Him and others. Listen to these verses that follow.

Psalm 50: 15 “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." That’s pretty simple. If we have trouble, call on or ask God!

Matthew 7:7, 11 7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. . . 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Again, God calls us to simply ask Him, about anything. God will answer as a loving father.

Matthew 18: 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” Before talking about someone, I go and talk to that person. That’s pretty simple.

John 16: 23 b, 33 I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. . . 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." The world is full of trouble. We can go to the Father in Jesus’ name. He has overcome the world and its sin when He died on the cross and rose again! He will listen and answer.

I confess to worry at times. I do worry about personal issues and I do worry about church issues and I do worry about people issues. Jesus is saying that He has some simple solutions for our complicated worries. When we talk directly to God and to others as our first line of communication we often do away with life’s complexities before they happen. You see, God wants what is best for His people. God wants His people to live together in love. And, Our Heavenly Father answers prayer.

A Child of God, Trying to Live in the Simple Wisdom of God,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are some pictures of that fishing trip on February 2 with Henry. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/IceFishingWithHenry222015

P.P. S. These recent fishing pictures have had additions in the last week. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/FishingSummer2015

P. P.P.S. Garden pictures – 2015 https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/Garden2015

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Saturday, August 8, 2015

Casting My Cares on Him

Dear Fellow Children of God,

What do you do when life’s trials are bigger than you are? It is not a pleasant place to be.

On Wednesday night a member shared with me what I have personally learned through trials, failure, and the grace of God. In Wednesday worship we were discussing how we can personally grow in “Encouraging knowledge of Christ’s unfailing love.” The last discussion topic was, “How can we grow personally in this discipline of faith? How can we grow in being encouraged and in encouraging?”

On the way out of worship I was told, “Pastor, the way I can grow is to quit trying to solve my problems by myself, and turn them over to God. Every time I try to handle problems myself it is a struggle. Every time I turn them over to the Lord, He takes care of them.”

I have actually been praying for some members and friends facing truly difficult trials. The turns of life are sometimes overwhelming. I wish I could take away the struggle, the pain, the loss. But I am not God and I cannot fix the problems.

There are two things I can do, however. First, I can be there for our members and friends. I can check on them and listen. All Christians can do this when a friend or family member suffers.

The other thing I do is pray. I believe that God answers prayer. I don’t always know the answer. I don’t always understand what God is doing in response to my prayer. But, when my abilities cannot solve a problem, I have seen God’s answer to prayer bring grace and mercy to a difficult trial. And, I truly believe that God can and does take the trials of life and use them for good.

God tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

God doesn’t just tell us He cares. God the Father sent His Son into this world. Jesus, the Son of God took on the suffering and death we deserved, and defeated the pain and death of this world when He rose again. God, the Holy Spirit lives in us and strengthens us for the struggles of life. In other words, God really cares. He is really there with power and love. So, when life’s trials are overwhelming we can, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I wish I could fix the problems some are facing, but I can’t. But, I can be there for them, and I can give my worries and troubles to God. When I turn my struggles over to God, He takes care of them in ways far surpassing anything I could do.

A Child of God, Remembering to Cast my Cares on Him,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are some recent fishing pictures. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/FishingSummer2015

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