Do you have Meaning and Hope for This Life, and for Eternity?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On September 15 I shared God’s word at the funeral of Joanne Fritz.  Joanne was a friend I have known since 1991, and the wife Rolland Fritz, deceased former pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church.  She had chosen two verses for her service, Psalm 23, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  Please consider with me 1 Thessalonians 4:13. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) How often does it look like our world lacks hope? 

 

One of the signs of lacking hope which stands out to me is the increasing suicide rate.  According to the latest statistics I could find, suicide is increasing in America, and Alaska faces this tragedy at twice the national average. 

 

Another behavior which shouts to me about a lack of hope is turning to substances or drugs for an escape or release from the pressures of this world.  Also, the rising incidence of anxiety issues speak of hopelessness.  The search for identity in new and different life-styles also speaks to me of hopelessness.  As I look around our world, I see people who are hurting and do not seem to know where to turn.

 

Then I read a story in the Anchorage Daily News last week about the decline of people practicing a faith life, or religion.  According to a recent study released by Pew Research Center, religious practice is down.  According to Chip Rotolo, the main author of this 2024 study, 40 percent of Alaskans “seldom or never pray.  That’s up 10 points from 2014, the most recent Pew Study.”  Also, “The share of those who say religion is not too important or not at all important, it’s 43%. That’s up 13 points from 10 years ago, so also significant.” (Anchorage Daily News – The Alaska Beacon)

 

My question is, for all those who do not have a faith life, who do not believe there is a Creator, a Savior, or a Comforter, where do they find meaning?  Where do they find hope? No wonder many act as if life holds no hope.

 

However, for any who feel hopeless, who are overwhelmed by life, for any who feel they have no identity or no purpose, for those who grieve without hope, I have good news I would like to share.  For people who are looking for purpose, God tells us He created us, and makes each of us in His image.  (Genesis 1:26-27) We are each blessed with gifts to share with others. (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11)  What a source of identity and purpose!,  Our identity and purpose are found in God!

 

For those who feel unloved, God loved us so much He GAVE, He SACRIFICED, He sent His only Son to save us.  We determine the value of an item by how much people might be willing to pay for that item.  Our Heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus, paid the ultimate price for each of us.  Our Lord’s love is real and tangible.  In a world without hope, the love of God gives hope which cannot be taken away. (Romans 8:37-39)

 

In a world where people often feel lonely, Jesus tells us “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)  We are NOT alone!  The Lord of all is with us, always!

 

For people who overwhelmed by death, our Lord gives the promise of eternal life in Jesus!

 

While we are lost on our own, we have hope in Jesus.  Please consider these verses from the apostles Paul and Peter.  “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,” (1 Timothy 1:1) In a world where life can seem without hope, Jesus IS our hope.  Or, think about 1 Peter 1:3-4.  “³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,”  For people who are lonely, unloved, overwhelmed, without purpose or a future, Our Heavenly Father gives birth to a living hope, in Jesus.  He promises, not just help in this life, but an unfading life in heaven.

 

Yes, our world has many problems. Because those problems are bigger than we are, they can seem overwhelming.  It is easy to lose hope.  However, God’s power and love and salvation are bigger than the problems of our lives.  God is bigger than the problems of this world.  Because I know Jesus, I have hope.

 

How about you?  Do you have meaning and hope for this life, and for eternity?  Do you perhaps know someone who needs hope?  If so, I would like to introduce you to the Lord of power and love and life, and His Son, Jesus!  Jesus is a reason for and the source of hope!

 

A Child of God, Finding Hope in a Hopeless World Through God’s Love and Life in Jesus,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  Here are just a FEW promises of hope from the New Testament.  There are many more.

 

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3  ² We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, ³ remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ¹³ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. ¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

 

1 Timothy. 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

 

1 Peter. 1:3-4  ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

 

1 Peter. 1:13   Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

AND, from Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

 

P.P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis has compiled thise survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed.  We have about 10 names, but people may still turn in nominations through this coming Sunday, September 28.

The goal is to turn in this self-study, and nominations for pastor, to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

 

Here is a note from call committee chairperson, Jerry Simpson.

“The Call Committee is requesting nominations from the congregation for pastoral candidates you would like to be considered for our new pastor. Part of this process is to request information from the District regarding eligibility and information for our evaluation. IF you know of someone, please fill out a nomination form and either put it in the Nominations box in the Connections Corner, give it to one of the Call Committee members, leave it in my mailbox, or email me an electronic copy at jerry@amc-ak.org. Nominations are due BEFORE September 30, 2025. Nomination forms are available at the Connections Corner or if you would prefer an electronic copy, email me at the above address.  Thank you for your prayerful consideration of candidates, your prayers for the committee as we work to discern where God is leading us, and your patience during this process.

 

Jerry Simpson

970-214-2347

jerry@gbcss.us

jerry@amc-ak.org

 

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Beginner Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches a Fall Prevention Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Voters will hold the annual budget and election meeting of the Voters on Sunday, October 5, after worship.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on Mondays, October 6 and October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In October this takes place on the 7^th in the library.

 

·       A Fall Blessings Festival will be held on Friday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

 

·       There is a “Mind, Body, and Soul Event” for ladies at Our Redeemer on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We have been studying about the 10 commandments and will soon be studying about the church.  Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School began on Sunday, September 7!  This will be a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on Sunday evenings, October 5 and 19 at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, September 17, we read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.   

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have recently received questions and comments.  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.P.S. Family and Fishing!  - I have been busy with church work.  But . . .

 

Garden –

·       I did a FINAL-final harvest on Saturday, September 20.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ptjWDF9ftRMwcqAd9

 

·       I put my garden to bed for the winter by spreading compost on September 20, and tilling that compost into the garden on September 22.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LuMUjGQdjyuULhdVA

 

Fishing – I was supposed to go moose hunting September 20-25, but my partners were not able to make the hunts.  So, I took my gun for a ride in my boat and went fishing / hunting twice. My dog went along and enjoyed the rides.

 

·       On Friday, September 19, I went to the Little Susitna and anchored up where I once took a shot at a moose.  I rattled from my boat for moose, and cast for fish.  I do think I had one small fish on, perhaps a trout.  Silver salmon were not allowed to be taken.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/1u5oE9NsetFY4jFv6

 

·       On Sunday afternoon, September 21, I took my grandson, Jacob, fishing at Long Lake on the Glenn Highway.  Jake says we both caught about 10 trout.  We released them all.  Actually, when we left Palmer the windshield wipers were on because of rain.  But, the rain had stopped and some sun even peaked out of the clouds as we fished.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/DHuCVSYZpAW1ViRx7

 

 

*******

 

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 Vacancy Pastor for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

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

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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 that I Need a Savior Who Forgives and Saves

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Why do people refuse to believe and follow God? 

 

On Sunday, September 14, I participated in a special worship service.  The chosen Gospel lesson was from John 6.  Earlier in this chapter Jesus had fed 5000 men, and the women and children with them, using only 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish.  Amazing!  Then, as Jesus distanced himself from them, He walked on water to join his disciples on the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  Yet, when those pursuing Jesus finally caught up with Him, a somewhat surprising conversation took place.  “²⁸ Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" ²⁹ Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." ³⁰ So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?”  (John 6:28-30) Do you follow?  Jesus had just performed an amazing miracle, an almost unbelievable sign, and the people of the day don’t see it. They ask for another sign.  Wasn’t feeding 5000 enough? Why do people refuse to believe in Jesus and follow God? 

 

We should not be surprised by the lack of faith from the people of Jesus’ day.  In Numbers 21 we learn about the people of Israel in the wilderness.  The Lord had miraculously rescued the nation from slavery in Egypt.  He provided manna and quail daily for food.  Yet, they seemed blind to what God was doing.  In Numbers 21:5 we are told, “And the people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.’"  The Lord provided food and drink for over 1 million people in the wilderness for 40 years.  Yet, in selfish arrogance the people ignored God’s provision and denied His claim on their lives.

 

Actually, such lack of faith is unfortunately a pattern which we find throughout Scripture.  Look at Isaiah, or Jeremiah, or Ezekiel.  Consider the struggles of the disciples who were constantly with Jesus, yet so often missed what He taught. God’s people begged for our Lord to send the Messiah. The Heavenly Father did send His Son. Yet the people missed the goodness of God. They did not believe in Jesus, nor did they follow His loving guidance. 

 

Why do people refuse to believe and follow God?  Perhaps more importantly, how often do we receive what we ask for from our Lord, and yet miss the gift?  I have often heard people state, “I just wish God would show me what to do.” Guess what?  Our Lord does give guidance in Jesus.

How often does God call us to healthy and righteous behavior and we just ignore his loving call? 

 

So, listen to Jesus.  In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44) Jesus does give direction.  Yet today even Christians have trouble communicating with those with whom they disagree.  We can and do have trouble seeing the gift of God.  And we have trouble following Jesus’ direction.

 

Also, in The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, “²⁷ "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' ²⁸ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’” (Matt. 5:27-29)  God’s children seek His guidance.  But we can and do miss what Jesus says.  How much of our entertainment encourages lust, never mind acts of sexual impurity?

 

How about our speech? Jesus also teaches in the sermon on the Mount, ³³ "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' ³⁴ But I say to you, . . . ³⁷ Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.”   (Matthew 5:33-34, 37) And listen to Jesus in

Matthew 18. "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” (Matthew 18:15) How often do we miss speaking the truth?  How often do we miss speaking with kindness and understanding to others, even those who hurt us?

 

I could go on and on. But, while I am surprised at how often the people in scripture miss the blessings of God, and refuse to follow Him, I have to confess the same failure myself.  I am personally convicted.  I too miss the gifts of God.  I also ignore His loving guidance.  I am thankful that Jesus forgives.  That is what I really need.  I need a Savior who forgives and saves.  I DO look for guidance from my Lord, and my Heavenly Father sends a Savior from sin.  Think what that means!

 

I pray that Jesus breaks through my hard head and my selfish and rebellious spirit so that I hear His message and follow His guidance.  When I know the gift of the grace of God in Jesus, I do want to listen and serve.

 

A Child of God, Knowing that I Need a Savior Who Forgives and Saves,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis is compiling the survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed. 

The goal is to turn in this self-study, and nominations for pastor, to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025.  Here is a note from call committee chairperson, Jerry Simpson.

“The Call Committee is requesting nominations from the congregation for pastoral candidates you would like to be considered for our new pastor. Part of this process is to request information from the District regarding eligibility and information for our evaluation. IF you know of someone, please fill out a nomination form and either put it in the Nominations box in the Connections Corner, give it to one of the Call Committee members, leave it in my mailbox, or email me an electronic copy at jerry@amc-ak.org. Nominations are due BEFORE September 30, 2025. Nomination forms are available at the Connections Corner or if you would prefer an electronic copy, email me at the above address.  Thank you for your prayerful consideration of candidates, your prayers for the committee as we work to discern where God is leading us, and your patience during this process.

 

Jerry Simpson

970-214-2347

jerry@gbcss.us

jerry@amc-ak.org

 

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Beginner Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches a Fall Prevention Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Voters will hold the annual budget and election meeting of the Voters on Sunday, October 5, after worship.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on Mondays, October 6 and October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In October this takes place on the 7^th in the library.

 

·       A Fall Blessings Festival will be held on Friday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

 

·       There is a “Mind, Body, and Soul Event” for ladies at Our Redeemer on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We have been studying about the 10 commandments and will soon be studying about the church.  Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School began on Sunday, September 7!  This will be a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on Sunday evenings, October 5 and 19 at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, September 17, we read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.   

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have recently received questions and comments.  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.P.S. Family and Fishing!  - I have been busy with church work. 

 

• Garden - I did harvest on Saturday, September 13.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/PhbV7dhLKBC4n8yE8

 

• Fishing - I have not been fishing since Wednesday, September 10.

 

 

 

 

*******

 

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 Vacancy Pastor for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

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

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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)

 

Sometimes the Truth May be Obvious, BUT I Still Need to Hear and Accept It"

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Monday and Tuesday, September 8 and 9, I had the privilege of taking family and friends of Pastor Paul Birner fishing.  Paul and I have known each other since 1991.  He and I both served as pastors in Alaska in the 1990’s.  We were fishing for silver salmon, and hooked a few, but did not catch any.  We talked to some other fishermen, including a number of guides.  No one seemed to be catching much, if anything. 

 

So, on Tuesday afternoon, after a lot of fishing and no catching, I decided to call a guide I know.  The Fenton brothers are well-known, experienced guides on the Kenai River.  I know Murray Fenton through the Kolberg family from St. John Lutheran in Palmer.  Because of Murray I have also met and talked with his older brother, Mike Fenton.  In fact, I talked with Mike on the river earlier this summer.  So, on Tuesday I called Mike on the phone to ask if he might have any suggestions.  I explained where we were fishing and what we were using for bait.  “Do you have any suggestions that might help us catch fish?”  Mike shared some helpful information, but then jokingly told me.  “Jonathan, do you want to know what to do to catch a fish?  Hire a guide.”

 

Paul Birner’s cousin from Alabama, Tim Bokenkamp, was in the boat fishing with me.  Tim heard me laughing and asked what was going on.  I told Tim what Mike had said, and Tim responded, “That’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?  That’s sort of like, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.’”

 

Well, it may be obvious, but Mike was correct, especially when catching is the goal even more than fishing. I have actually hired a guide numerous times to help me with my fishing.  But Paul has a LOT of family and friends.  I can afford a guide some of the time for myself. However, it would be really expensive to hire a guide for everybody.  Mike did have a point, though.   Because of being on the river regularly, and because of much experience, fishing guides usually know more and have better success than the private fisherman. In addition, Tim’s quotation of St. Paul may also be obvious,  But, Tim’s quotation of a Bible verse is also the truth of God. 

 

Do you know the account of when St. Paul spoke those words which Tim quoted to me?  Paul and Silas were in Corinth proclaiming the good news of Jesus in a new city.  They had cast a demon out of a slave girl, and their miracle angered the girl’s owners.  As a result, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison.  While in prison they were praying and singing hymns, and the jailer heard them.  An earthquake struck during the night opening the gates of the prison.  All in prison were thus able to stand outside.  So, when the jailer realized the prisoners could also escape, and that he would be held accountable, he was about to kill himself.  Acts 16 continues the account, “²⁸But Paul cried with a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ ²⁹ And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.  ³⁰ Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ ³¹ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’" (Acts 16:28-31) The jailer asked a simple question, and received a straight answer.

 

The words of Paul and Silas are one of the best summaries in Scripture of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus.  Jesus, the Son of God and the son of Mary, lived a righteous life.  Yet, even though He was without sin, Jesus suffered and died to pay for sin. He did not die because of His sin, but in love Jesus died to pay for the sins of the world.  Yet, after dying, Jesus rose again defeating sin and death.  God’s plan to save our world, a world which is lost in it’s sin, is to for people to trust our Heavenly Father’s saving love in His Son, Jesus. This statement in Acts 16 is the most obvious answer to the question of the jailer,” what must I do to be saved?”.  But, the answer of Paul and Silas is also true, and the jailer needed to hear these simple, obvious, words of truth.  “‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

 

While fishing on Wednesday I saw Mike Fenton fishing near a place I knew.  I called out to him.  He replied, “Jonathan, I thought you were still in jail.” (laugh)  Mike may have joked on Wednesday, but his words to me on Tuesday, though obvious, were true.  Sometimes it helps to hear the obvious truth.

 

Maybe you have heard the words of Paul in Acts 16 before.  You may have even memorized them.  These words are the simple truth of God’s saving love.  BUT, do you personally know the truth of these words for your life?  ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."  Sometimes we need to hear the obvious, again! God’s truth in Jesus brings eternal life.

 

A Child of God, Believing in Jesus for My Salvation and Deliverance!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met on June 4, July 1, July 22, and just recently on August 19. 

The first step in the call process is to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has the study and tools to help in this study. 

In order to complete this study, the committee has asked for input from ORLC leaders.  The Call Committee also passed out this survey for members in worship on Sunday, August 24.   These are due on September 7. 

Nomination forms for names for a new pastor were also distributed.  Both documents are available on the Connection Corner table in the back of the church.

The goal is to turn in the self-study, and nominations for pastor, to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025.

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Beginner Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches a Fall Prevention Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Voters will hold the annual budget and election meeting of the Voters on Sunday, October 5, after worship.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on Mondays, October 6 and October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In October this takes place on the 7^th in the library.lllllllllll

 

·       A Fall Blessings Festival will be held on Friday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

 

·       The is a “Mind, Body, and Soul Event” for ladies at Our Redeemer on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” On August 24 we began to study the 10 commandments.  We will continue to study this topic in the coming weeks.  Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School began on Sunday, September 7!  This will be a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on Sunday evenings, October 5 and 19 at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Tuesday, September 9, we read 1 Corinthians 13 & 14.   

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have recently received questions and comments.  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.P.S. Family and Fishing!  -

 

Wildlife

·       While fishing on the Kenai River we saw seals, eagles, a large bull moose, and a brown bear that had a special spot to eat salmon.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxuBj9jgBnWL1d5G8

 

Garden

·       This was our meal last Wednesday, September 3 – salmon we caught and veggies from our garden. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6brcWKf2PeHYEADd9

 

Fishing

·       We did a lot of FISHING, but not much catching on Monday through Wednesday, September 8-10.

 

Golfing – I did get in some golfing on September 1 and 5.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/n7nkMyAK5Yp9cUAW8

 

 

 

*******

 

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 Vacancy Pastor for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

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

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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)