Persevering Through the Trials of Life by Fixing My Eyes on Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I am on the e-mail distribution list for the Mat-Su Sentinel.  I appreciate the quality, in-depth, local reporting of Amy Bushatz for our Alaskan community.  I received a message from them on Tuesday, February 24, which read, “If you’re like me, you’re officially at the part of winter where you need something really fun to bust you out of your late-winter funk.” There are times in my winter experiences in Alaska when I have had enough of the dark, enough of the wind, maybe – but not always – enough of the cold and snow.  What do you do when you’ve had enough?  Amy suggests fun. I confess, that Kathy and I are in Florida for a while. Yet, how do you deal with winter?

 

On a larger scale, how does a child of God deal with the trials of life?  How do we deal with the attacks on our faith and our relationship with our Lord?  The bottom line I have learned from the experiences of my life is to “Fix My Eyes on Jesus!”

 

The writer to the Hebrews recounts the trials and the faith of many Old Testament individuals, and then issues this call for those to whom God inspired him to write, “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  (Hebrews 12:1-3)  To find ‘perseverance’ in the face of the trials of life and attacks on our faith, so that we do not ‘grow weary and lose heart, ‘ the writer instructs, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus”.  Jesus also endured deep struggles of life, as we do.  In fact, Jesus endured more.  He went to the cross.  Wonderfully, Jesus is now sitting down at the right hand of His Heavenly Father.

 

Those Old Testament people looked to the Lord who was with them through their failure and sin.  They looked to the Lord who was with them when they suffered slavery in strange lands.  They looked to the Lord who was faithful, when others became unfaithful.  They looked to the power and love and grace and forgiveness of God, which is ultimately found in Jesus.

 

However, I want to share with you that such perseverance in life, through trusting in Jesus, is not just found in those who lived in Biblical times.  I see it today on a regular basis.

 

A couple of weeks ago I visited a member of First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.  She has suffered medical setback after setback.  Yet when I visited, she was praising the Lord and telling me, through the frustration of her ailments, how good and faithful God is.  She looked to Jesus, and she perseveres in faith.

 

I have seen the same in Alaska.  In December I visited a lady who was dying of a horrible, incurable disease.  Yet when I arrived she received the reading of Scripture and the Lord’s Supper, though it took serious effort to sit up and to pay attention.  She expressed thanks for the grace of God through her suffering.  That is perseverance.

 

I have a friend in another state who has faced serious legal issues.  There were failures in his life which continue to bring challenges.  Yet, he knows the grace of God through forgiveness in Jesus.  My friend has grown in his faith and trusts Jesus to deal with his problems and failures.  He now witnesses to others about the love of Jesus, and he also encourages me in my service as pastor.  That is perseverance, because he fixes his eyes on Jesus.

 

I have known a man for almost 40 years who has struggled with substance issues.  His struggles wreaked havoc on his family, on his work, on his life.  We visited many times through his struggles.  Somehow in all the failures, he continued to know and trust God’s love in Jesus.  Today this man helps others with similar struggles.

 

On Wednesday morning, February 25, I received an email message from a lady whose family has struggled with their Christian life.  Yet she continues worshiping and serving, because Jesus is faithful to her.  As the writer to Hebrews declares at the end of chapter 11, he could go on and sharing about people of faith.  I could go on and on today, sharing about those who continue trusting and serving their Lord, in spite of their defeats and struggles in this life.   I try to bring them encouragement, yet their perseverance, their faith in Jesus, even more encourages and strengthens me.

 

Many Christians are currently observing the season of Lent, a season of repentance for our sins.  Lent is therefore also a time of perseverance, the time that Christians look in hope to the cross of Jesus, the greatest act of love for the whole world.  Christians look in hope to the cross where Jesus defeated our sin, overcame our enemies, and won forgiveness and eternal life in heaven.

 

Amy’s suggestion about dealing with the doldrums of winter is a skate party at the MTA Events Center in Palmer on March 25.  That does sound like fun.  I have found that time with my Lord and with fellow children of God in worship and fellowship is extremely helpful.  Another of my personal practices for dealing with the stresses of life is to experience and to enjoy the faithful love of God in creation.  That’s a long phrase to describe . . . fishing!  😊  Ice fishing in March can be glorious!  Or, bass fishing in Florida!  Yet in all this, I can ‘fix my eyes on my Lord.’

 

How do you persevere through the constant challenges and burdens of life?  How are you able to ‘fix your eyes on Jesus’?

 

A Child of God, Persevering Through the Trials of Life by Fixing My Eyes on Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, serving as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran Church.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

·       MID-WEEK LENTEN WORSHIP – In the time before Jesus’ Easter victory, we focus on our need for His resurrection.  Lent is a season of repentance for our sin.  Lent is a season when we watch Jesus suffer and die for us.

During our 2026 Mid-Week Lenten Worship at First Lutheran we will focus on

The Sins of the Disciples.  Here is our schedule for the sermons.

February 18 -              Judas                                      Betrayal

February 25 -              James and John                       Who is the Greatest

March 4                       Andrew                                   Pride

March 11                     Peter, James, and John            Laziness/Falling Asleep

March 18                     Peter                                        Denial

March 25                     Thomas                                   Doubt

 

·       SUNDAY SERMON SERIES – During the Sunday Worship Services we will consider Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, looking at different parts of the parable for 6 weeks.  Not only the words of Luke 15 help us understand, but also Timothy Keller’s book, “The Prodigal God.”  Here are our topics for the year’s Sunday Lenten Sermons.

o   Week 1 - Feb 15 - I want your life - Luke 15:11-16, Ephesians 4:17-24

o   Week 2 - Feb 22^nd - The Younger Brother's Plan - Luke 15:11-24

o   Week 3 - March 1 - Redefining Sin and Lostness - Luke 15: 11-16, 25-32, 

o   Week 4 - March 8^th - He Ran to Me - Luke 15:11-24, Philippians 2:1-11

o   Week 5 - March 15^th - The True Elder Brother - Luke 15:25-32, Matthew 28-34-40

o   Week 6 - March 22^nd - How does it End? - Luke 15:25-32, Mark 8:31-33

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We started Stephen Ministry classes at First Lutheran on Thursday, February 12.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained Stephen Leader.  We are looking for one or two more people to go through training to help Angie lead in this ministry. 

We do have 8 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  Training happens on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and will end on April 23.

If you would like to be trained as a Stephen Ministry Leader, training begins online on March 16.  Please contact Angie Burr or contact me (Pastor Rockey).

 

·       Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m. 

 

o   Pastor Kollmann is teaching a Lutheran Hour Ministry Class on “How we Got the Bible” in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. 

 

o   I am teaching a study of the book of Ephesians in the Schwiebert Library and Conference room.

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC

 

o   YOUTH ACTIVITIES - Our first youth activity was held at the Kollmann residence on Sunday afternoon, February 22.  It was supposed to be a bonfire, but there is a ‘burn ban’ because of the current dry conditions. 

We are discussing other monthly activities.  We discussed a trip to Devil’s Millhopper, or a Gator’s baseball game in March.  In April we plan to attend the Orange and Blue Game.  😊   If your children are going into 3^rd grade, or older, please consider participating in these fun activities of growth. 

 

o   ACOLYTE TRAINING - We held acolyte training on Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m.  Four young people were trained, with one more to be trained later.  Here is a picture from Saturday’s class.  😊  https://photos.app.goo.gl/od1k5JEMkC3NMDpv8

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two year journey with my Lord.  On Wednesday, February 25, I read Exodus 28-29, about the consecration of Aaron and the priests.

Feel free to join me again if you wish.  You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have received questions and comments about the readings.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!   Temperatures are warming up, so I fished and golfed this past week.

 

·       On Friday, February 20, I golfed in the morning and went fishing in the afternoon at one of my favorite local lakes.  Unfortunately, the water is low and the wind was blowing hard.  I only have this sunset picture from that sunset.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/yhazpMW4u1iGSbUt7 (If you click on these links, there are also captions for the pictures.) 

 

·       On Saturday, February 21, after teaching acolyte training class, I went to another local lake.  I hid from the wind and had lots of bites.  I actually came home with a limit of small bass.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/CyqGE8uMG4ig8APy5   (If you click on this link, and the individual pictures, there are also captions for the pictures.) 

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I am currently as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Assistant to the Pastor , First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

 

Knowing the Dirt of My Sin – Needing the Cleansing of Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Monday, March 16, I saw some men on a lift washing windows for a multi-story apartment.  I’m glad that was not me up there.  In Alaska, when the winter days grow short, and the sun is low on the horizon, light shines directly on our south facing windows.  The dirt on our windows seems to really stick out.  Yet, Alaskan winter is not a time to tackle this project.  When there is snow on the ground the cold air would freeze water to wash the outside window, and cause the streaking of dirt and ice across the windows.  That mess would be worse than the dirt already present.  Nevertheless, it bothers me to see those dirty windows, sort of.  When I can see the dirt, I would like to do something about it.  Yet, somehow, I forget that dirt in the summer.

 

Is there ‘dirt’ in your life which you would like to wash away?  I’m not just talking about greasy or dirty hands, or muddy feet.  How about the harsh words spoken to a family member?  How about unkept promises to family or friends?  What about words spoken behind someone’s back?  Have you, or I. hurt others with violence, with sexual misdeeds, or actions of greed? If so, do you regret those actions? Would you like to wash away the lack of love, and the damage you caused? 

 

In addition to how we treat others, how about our relationship with our Lord?  If you believe that God created and rules over all things, do you regret, or even feel inner pain, over actions of disobedience and rebellion? We are called to have no other gods before the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Exodus 20, first commandment.)  Nevertheless, are there times when you put your desires over God’s commands?  Do you wonder about God’s Word?  “He can’t mean that, can He?” Have you indeed put other things before God’s desires for your life?

 

We are called not to “take the name of the Lord in vain.”  (Second Commandment - Exodus 20:7) Our words are supposed to praise and worship the Triune God.  Yet, have you made a mistake and uttered coarse words in anger?  Have you cursed another person using the name of the Lord?  Have you simply spoken God’s name carelessly, like He doesn’t really matter?  Do others know you as “a child of God,” yet your actions dishonor Him and give a bad witness?  Consider, the One whose name we use carelessly has created us in love and wonder.  He cares for us daily.  He sent His Son.  Yet WE often act with our words like He is unimportant?

 

And God teaches us about Himself, “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Third Commandment Exodus 20:11) That is why God commands, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8) Nevertheless, how often have you chosen not to attend worship?  How often have you ignored God’s call?  Does worshiping the Lord of the universe seem like an option I can take or I can leave?  If so, then WHO really is acting like God?

 

When I see the dirty windows, I know they need cleaning.  When I look at my life, and realize my many failings, I realize I need cleansing.  However, seeing the dirt first does help.  Sinning is unhealthy and hurts my relationship with God and others.  Yet knowing my sin, and confessing that sin, seeking God’s grace and help, is healthy.

 

February 18 is Ash Wednesday for 2026.  On this day Christians of many traditions will attend worship and receive a cross of ashes on their forehead as a symbol of the dirt in our lives.  We are not proud of our sin. We are ashamed and sorry for our misdeeds.  But acknowledging the evil in our lives is necessary before cleansing.  There is dirt in our lives, even if it is hard to admit.  We need the cleansing which only God can do.

 

And, our Lord does act in grace and mercy to forgive us, for the sake of Jesus.  Consider Psalm 103:12.  “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”  The forgiveness of God removes our sin!  Listen also to our Lord’s promise to Isaiah, who considered himself as “a man of unclean lips.” "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) There IS a cleansing for the dirt of our sin.  Meditate on God’s promise to John in the book of Revelation. “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14) Jesus cleanses us from the dirt of our sin by the blood, by the suffering and death, of Jesus, THE Lamb of God!

 

Our sin is real.  The evil of rebellion against our Creator shames us.  Our lack of love for one another betrays God’s purpose for our lives as His children.  But God offers cleansing by His forgiveness, through His love and compassion, in the blood of Jesus.  His cleansing gives us a new start.  Because God forgives, we do not need to deny our sin.  Because God forgives, we can put on the ash of confession and seek God’s forgiveness, and seek to live for the one who saves us.  During the season of Lent we willingly admit our failures, and we grow in God’s grace in Jesus.

 

Is there something in your life of which you are ashamed?  Do you know the truth of failure and rebellion and sin against our Lord from your own experience?  Perhaps you will have an opportunity to confess your sinfulness with the imposition of ashes on your forehead this Wednesday.  Perhaps Lent can help you again to confess your sin and turn to God’s grace.  Because we have a Savior, we do not have to hide our sin.  We can confess the dirt in our lives and let Jesus cleanse us.

 

A Child of God, Knowing the Dirt My Sin – Needing the Cleansing of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, serving as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran Church.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

·       MID-WEEK LENTEN WORSHIP – In the time before Jesus’ Easter victory, we focus on our need for His resurrection.  Lent is a season of repentance for our sin.  Lent is a season when we watch Jesus suffer and die for us.

During our 2026 Mid-Week Lenten Worship at First Lutheran we will focus on

The Sins of the Disciples.  Here is our schedule for the sermons.

February 18 -              Judas                                      Betrayal

February 25 -              James and John                       Who is the Greatest

March 4                       Andrew                                   Pride

March 11                     Peter, James, and John            Laziness/Falling Asleep

March 18                     Peter                                        Denial

March 25                     Thomas                                   Doubt

 

·       SUNDAY SERMON SERIES – During the Sunday Worship Services we will consider Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, looking at different parts of the parable for 6 weeks.  Not only the words of Luke 15 help us understand, but also Timothy Keller’s book, “The Prodigal God.”  Here are our topics for the year’s Sunday Lenten Sermons.

o   Week 1 - Feb 15 - I want your life - Luke 15:11-16, Ephesians 4:17-24

o   Week 2 - Feb 22^nd - The Younger Brother's Plan - Luke 15:11-24

o   Week 3 - March 1 - Redefining Sin and Lostness - Luke 15: 11-16, 25-32, 

o   Week 4 - March 8^th - He Ran to Me - Luke 15:11-24, Philippians 2:1-11

o   Week 5 - March 15^th - The True Elder Brother - Luke 15:25-32, Matthew 28-34-40

o   Week 6 - March 22^nd - How does it End? - Luke 15:25-32, Mark 8:31-33

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We started Stephen Ministry classes at First Lutheran on Thursday, February 12.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained Stephen Leader.  We are looking for one or two more people to go through training to help Angie lead in this ministry. 

We do have 8 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  Training happens on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and will end on April 23.

THEREFORE, if you are interested in serving as a Stephen Ministry Leader, or interested in serving as a Stephen Minister, please contact Angie Burr or contact me (Pastor Rockey).

 

·       Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m. 

 

o   Pastor Kollmann is teaching a Lutheran Hour Ministry Class on “How we Got the Bible” in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. 

 

o   I am teaching a study of the book of Ephesians in the Schwiebert Library and Conference room.

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC

 

o   YOUTH ACTIVITIES - Our first youth activity will be a bonfire at the Kollmann residence on Sunday afternoon, February 22.  (In April we plan to attend the Orange and Blue Game.  😊  )  If your children are going into 3^rd grade, or older, please consider attending this meeting and participating in these fun activities of growth. 

 

o   ACOLYTE TRAINING - We will also be offering acolyte training again tentatively on Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m.  Now that we have families and children, we want to give these youth an opportunity to grow and serve our Lord.  After the training we will take a trip to the nearby McDonalds!  😊

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two year journey with my Lord.  On Wednesday, February 18, I read Exodus 16-17, about the beginning of the plagues.

Feel free to join me again if you wish.  You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have received questions and comments about the readings.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!   Temperatures are warming up, so I did more fishing than golfing the past week.  Also, I got to fish with Alaska friend, Fred Vasilie.  He and wife Kelly visited our FL home and we spent Valentine’s Day at the ballpark.

 

·       On Saturday, February 14, Fred and Kelly Vasilie, and Kathy and I watched the Florida Gators baseball team play the UAB Blazers.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dQbUSJMxTBpuW9ii6

 

·       I did golf.  On Monday, February 16 I played with friends at Hawkstone Country Club.

 

·       Fishing – The weather is improving, and we caught some fish.

 

o   On Wednesday, February 11, I was privileged to fish out of Englewood, FL, with Glenn and Chad Kolberg, along with Fred Vasilie.  The Kolbergs were members of St. John in Palmer, AK.  Pam and Kathy worked together at Mat-Su Regional.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pf9vSoDc2GcmwBDR6

 

o   On Friday, February 14, Fred and I fished on the Suwannee River.  We saw quite a few gators.  Last time I fished the Suwannee I got NO bites.  This time both Fred and I had bites, and both of us caught fish.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/AoBskCPMUfKPaFnU9  

 

o   On Saturday, February 14, before the baseball game, Fred and I fished on George’s Lake near Florahome, FL.  We kept 6 of the fish we caught.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HeDuro1m1Zu2pRrq8

 

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I am currently as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Assistant to the Pastor , First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

 

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

 

Praying That I Might Be Refined and Grow in Faith Through the Trials of Life!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Sunday, February 8, like many others, I watched the Super Bowl.  I was rooting for the New England Patriots, having been born in Massachusetts.  I was not, however, pulling against the Seattle Seahawks.  The story of the Seahawk’s quarterback is a good one.  On Sunday, Sam Darnold was completing his 8^th year of playing in the National Football League.  Darnold was drafted by the New York Jets as the third overall draft pick in 2018, and very highly regarded.  But his performance was less than stellar for his first 2 teams.  Then he went to a third team where he just sat on the bench.  Before last year many considered Darnold to be a washout, a player who could have been good, but failed to live up to the hype.  However, the last two years changed that story, and Sunday Darnold was interviewed as the winning quarterback of the Super Bowl champions.  He was asked about the moment and he responded, “I think it’s all about my journey. The reason that I’m here is because of my journey, because of the ups and downs, especially the downs that I went through early on in my career. I learned so much about myself, about football.” (The Athletic, February 9, 2026)  We are supposed to learn from our mistakes.  It seems that Darnold did learn from his struggles.

 

The next morning, Monday, February 9, I was reading my devotional Bible.  In my reading Moses had approached Pharoah, at the command of God, to ask Pharoah to let the Israelites go into the wilderness and worship.  Pharoah responded angrily by increasing the demands of slavery on the Israelite people.  They had to continue making bricks for Pharoah’s construction projects, only now they had to gather straw as well, and complete the same number of bricks.  This caused suffering for the Israelites and led to people blaming others for their difficulties.

 

The Israelites blamed Moses for going to Pharoah as God had instructed.  ²¹  . . . "The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us."  In return, Moses accused God,  ²² . . . "O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?  ²³ For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all."  (Exodus 5:21-23) 

 

However, through all of these trials, God was teaching a lesson. ^{“ 1} But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land." (Exodus 6:1)  In contrast to the seeming helplessness of God’s people, and in contrast to the tyranny of Pharoah, God is all-powerful.  In love and in power God takes care of His people.  The previous suffering of the Israelites made God’s deliverance even more of a lesson for them to learn.

 

Paul writes something similar about the trials of life, and the power and mercy of God.  In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Paul shares, “⁸ For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”  The sufferings which Paul and his companions faced seemed overwhelming.  But God’s mercy and deliverance taught a lesson of faith.  Do not trust yourself.  TRUST GOD!

 

Peter describes our sufferings as a refining, or a testing.  “6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7) Our trials and troubles can refine us as God’s people, and strengthen our faith.  We are powerless.  But God is powerful, and He is loving.

 

It is easy to complain about our troubles.  The Israelites complained in Egypt.  Moses complained to God.  Last week my devotion could be seen as complaining that our nation does not have the same values as it did 60-70 years ago when I was a child.  But God uses our mistakes, our trials, to teach us about His power and His love.  God uses our suffering to refine and strengthen our faith.

 

Our Heavenly Father has a pattern of using the trials and defeats of life to show His love and power.  The Son of God, Himself, suffered and died on a cross.  Imagine!  The author of life dying!!  But then Jesus rose, overcoming the sin which causes death, and winning eternal life for God’s people.  Paul also writes in 2 Corinthians, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

 

You would think a pastor should know this lesson. But I  / we have to learn some lessons over and over again.  Over 30 years ago a Lutheran Alaskan man named Glen Dobbe was in a horrible accident which left him a paraplegic.  Glen had been a halibut fishing guide and an outdoorsman.  Now he was in a wheelchair at the Morning Star Care facility in Palmer.  Glen was discouraged.  I visited and prayed with him and brought Glen communion.  I had my boys come play chess with him.  However, this formerly active man was still down.  Finally, I asked Glen, “How can God use this time of trial to strengthen your faith?  Instead of thinking about what you cannot do, what can you do?”  The next year Glen won first place at the Alaska State Fair for a painting he had done.  He told me he could see God’s goodness, even in his trials.

 

What troubles or trials are you facing right now?  How might God be refining you, and strengthening you, so that your faith grows and shines through your difficulties, and you praise and witness to the Lord? 

 

A Child of God, Praying That I Might Be Refined and Grow in Faith Through the Trials of Life!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, serving as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran Church.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We will be restarting Stephen Ministry soon at First Lutheran.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained leader.  We are looking for one or two more people to go through training to help Angie lead in this ministry. 

We do have 7 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  We will begin training on Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m. for these folks so they can begin serving as Stephen Ministers at First Lutheran.

THEREFORE, if you are interested in serving as a Stephen Ministry Leader, or interested in serving as a Stephen Minister, please contact Angie Burr or contact me (Pastor Rockey).

 

·       Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m. 

 

o   Pastor Kollmann is teaching a Lutheran Hour Ministry Class on “How we Got the Bible” in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. 

 

o   I am teaching a study of the book of Ephesians in the Schwiebert Library and Conference room.

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC

 

o   YOUTH ACTIVITIES - Our first youth activity will be a bonfire at the Kollmann residence.  (In April we plan to attend the Orange and Blue Game.  😊  )  If your children are going into 3^rd grade, or older, please consider attending this meeting and participating in these fun activities of growth. 

 

o   ACOLYTE TRAINING - We will also be offering acolyte training again tentatively on Saturday, February 21, at 10:30 or 11:00.  Now that we have families and children we want to give these youth an opportunity to grow and serve our Lord.  After the training we will take a trip to the nearby McDonalds!  😊

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two year journey with my Lord.  On Tuesday, February 10, I read Exodus 7, about the beginning of the plagues.

Feel free to join me again if you wish.  You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have received questions and comments about the readings.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!   Since Tuesday, January 27 we have experienced morning temperatures at or below freezing. That is duration of cold is unusual for Florida. And, when the water temperature drops, the bite from fishing slows down.

 

·       I did golf.  Among other scores, I shot a 96 at Turkey Creek on Wednesday morning, February 4, with 6 3 putts.  Then on Thursday I shot an 84 at Hawkstone with 6 1 putts.  Go figure!

 

·       Fishing – The weather is TRYING to warm up.  I tried to fish, without a whole bunch of luck.  But it was nice to be on the water.

 

o   On Friday, February 6, in the wind and cool, I went to the Withlacoochee River.  Water temperature was 56 degrees.  No bites.  But here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/m8YJWsFbYA2PCGPi9

 

o   On Saturday, February 7, the air temperature actually rose to 70 degrees.  But morning temperatures were near freezing.  When I fished the Suwannee River, the water was low and the water temperature was 60 or 61 degrees, depending on where I looked.   No bites.  But I saw some gators.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/J4GeyPSF1g77vETx7

 

o   On Sunday afternoon I fished after church.  I went to George’s Lake.  I saw some other guys who asked me how I did.  They had put in at 6:00 a.m. and the air temperature was 28 degrees.  They said they had ice on their lines.  I put in around 2:00 with the air temperature at 65, later in the 70’s.  The water temperature was 62 degrees.  I did catch one nice bass.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/KGyQvD5DwjKN1d9z7

 

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I am currently as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Assistant to the Pastor , First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

 

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)