Dear Fellow Children of God,
At the Northwest District Convention held in June 2025 in
Spokane, WA, one of the presenters used a quote from J.R. Tolkien, written in
some of his letters. "I am
a Christian, and indeed a Roman Catholic, so that I do not expect 'history' to
be anything but a 'long defeat' – though it contains (and in a legend may
contain more clearly and movingly) some samples or glimpses of final victory".
I have pondered that thought. The words are not from Scripture, so they do
not claim inspired truth. But they are
the words of a wise believer who has seen the battles of life. How might this seemingly depressing quote about
a ‘long defeat’ be true?
We live in a world of sin. Martin Luther taught that our enemies are “the
devil, the world, and our flesh.” We
face constant attacks from the evil enemy of our Lord, who is also our
enemy. The wisdom of this world is
contrary to the sacrificial, loving, wisdom of God. Our world calls us away
from our Creator and our Savior and our loving Lord’s direction for our
lives. Finally, and sadly, we are often our
own worst enemies. Whether our pride, or
lust, or anger, or greed, or doubt, or other fleshly desires tempt us, we do
fight this battle within ourselves as well.
In the end we are all sinners. We
have all fallen short. And we all face
death at the end of this life. We face the ‘long defeat.’
Thankfully, even though we face the ‘long defeat’ in this
life, Jesus has won the war for us. Tolkien
writes of ‘final victory.” Perhaps one of the most clear Scripture verses which
speaks of both our defeat, but also our victory, is what God inspired St. Paul
to write in Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift
of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In the face of our defeat because of sin and
death, our loving Lord gives, as a gift, victory through the eternal life we
have in Jesus! His perfect life, His sacrificial death to pay for my
sins, and the sins of the whole world, His death defeating resurrection assure
us that, even in the defeats of this world, we have victory, “the free gift
of God . . . eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord.”
On Tuesday, September 30, the readings in my daily
devotions were from Ephesians 5 and 6.
These are rich chapters of practical wisdom and guidance for children of
God. In Ephesians 6 Paul encourages the
Christians from Ephesus to “put on the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:11)
His reason for that armor is found in verses 12-13. “12 For we do
not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take
up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand firm.”
We are in a battle, in a war.
Just consider where the mark and damage of this enemy may
be seen. As you look around you in our
world, do you see love, or hate? Do you
see unity, or division? Do you see
peace, or violence? This disruption
damages nations, steals world peace, and also attacks the church of Jesus. Satan is really happy when people are
fighting.
Paul tells us in this section of scripture of many defensive
weapons for the attacks. In Ephesians
6:10-20 we are told to put on the “belt of truth” and the “breastplate
of righteousness.” God defends us
when we “take up the shield of faith” and “the helmet of salvation.” (vv. 14-16) Our Lord gives armor to protect
us.
But there are also offensive weapons in this
battle as well. God calls us to “take
. . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” (v. 17) We also have
the weapon of prayer. “18
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that
end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19
and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to
proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”
(Ephesians 6:18-19) I do personally
pray daily for the church that the gospel of Jesus may indeed be proclaimed
boldly.
As I consider the trials and challenges of my life of
faith, as I consider my own weaknesses and failures, it is reassuring to know
that God has given me weapons to fight these battles. He gives His Word, through worship, through
devotions and meditation, also through His sacraments. Our Lord also provides us with the offensive
weapon of prayer. There is nothing
better I can do in the battles of life than to read the Word of my Lord and to pray.
Are you facing any battles, or challenges, or
difficulties right now? Our Lord gives
help and strength. Are you worshiping, and
reading His word? Are you regular in
prayer? In the battles of life, in the ‘long
defeat’, I trust my Lord’s victory in Jesus, and I use His Word and prayer to
seek His purposes, and as I gain the ‘final victory.’
A Child of God, Equipped by my Lord for the Daily Deadly
Battles of This Life,
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 has compiled these survey to turn
in to District. Nomination forms for
names for a new pastor have also been distributed. We have about 10 names.
The goal is to
turn in this 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 7th 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 are now studying about the
church. On October 5 we will study about
The Holy Spirit, about prayer, and about the Last Days.. Come and join us!
· Sunday
School began on Sunday, September 7! This
is 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, October 1 we will
start reading the book of Philippians.
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 did not go fishing, and
gardening is completed for the year. However . . .
· I
did golf. Here are some pictures
from a game at the Palmer Golf Course on Monday, September 29. I had some good shots, and some bad ones. Here
are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/pcfQtFzzMjR1w1c39
· We
saw Northern Lights on Monday evening, September 29. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/SLspdcmvT3hfJ4Rm7
·
Recipe – Kathy sent pumpkin cinnamon
rolls to church on Sunday, September 28.
I have been asked for the recipe.
Here it is:
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls - Recipe from https://lilluna.com/soft-pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/
Prep Time 30 minutes, Cook Time 30 minutes, Rise Time 1
hour 30 minutes, Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
• 2
tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup
warm water 110° to 115°
• 4 large
eggs
• 1 cup
shortening
• 1 cup
canned pumpkin
• 1 cup
warm milk 110° to 115°
• 1/2 cup
sugar
• 1/2 cup
brown sugar
• 1/3 cup
instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/3 cup instant butterscotch pudding
mix I used cook and serve, because
that’s what I had
• 1
teaspoons salt
• 7 1/2 cup all purpose flour I used quite a bit more flour, and it was
still a very moist dough. Like maybe another cup or more when mixing and ½ cup
more to roll out.
FILLING:
• 1/4 cup
soft butter I used ½ cup softened
butter total, ¼ cup on each half of the dough
• 1 cup
brown sugar
• 2
teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
ICING
• 6 tablespoons water I used half and
half, and probably not 6 tablespoons, but enough to make it thin enough to
spread
• 4
tablespoons butter softened
• 2
teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3-4 cup
powdered sugar
• 3
teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
·
Dissolve yeast in a large bowl with ½ cup warm
water. Let stand until bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, shortening,
pumpkin, milk, sugars, pudding mixes, salt and 6 cups flour. Beat until smooth.
Slowly stir in up to 1 more cup of flour until soft dough forms. (Dough will be
sticky). It was like brownie batter for me at this point, I kept adding flour,
until it held together on the kitchenaid hook.
·
Spread ½ cup flour on a flat surface. Knead
dough for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. I counted the time in the
mixer as kneading. Just scraped it straight into the large greased bowl. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease
top of the dough. Cover and place in a warm spot. Let rise for about 1 hour or
until doubled in size. Mine took 1 ½
hours.
·
Punch dough down and divide in half. Roll each
into a 12x8 rectangle. Mine was probably more like 18 x 12. Brush or spread
with softened butter. Mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; sprinkle over
dough.
·
Start rolling with a long side (jelly-roll
style); pinch seams to seal. Cut each roll into 12 slices. I ended up with 15
slices, a little more than an inch wide. I put 12 each into 2 greased foil 9 x
13 pans and the rest in a foil pie pan.
Cut side down, place into 2 greased 9x13-in. pans. I covered with
plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator overninght. Took out in the morning
and let sit on the counter for 30 minutes.
Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled.
·
Bake for 22-28 minutes at 350°. Rolls should be
golden brown. Combine your water, butter and pumpkin pie spice In a small bowl.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Nutrition Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g |
Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 156mg
| Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 1765IU | Vitamin C:
0.4mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Kathy Rockey, 2025, Happy Cooking!
*******
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)
