An Anniversary Reflection - Does Love Change YOUR Heart?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

In 2004 my wife, Kathy, and I had a conversation on which we can now look back with a smile.  She had to be at work before 7 a.m. for a 12 hour shift.  Therefore, she let me know that I was to be quiet during the night and not to wake her up.  Kathy needed to be rested to go to work.  However, in the middle of the night I woke up in pain.  After taking some antacids I felt a little better, but then ended up on the floor in pain again.  I knew I wasn’t supposed to wake Kathy, so I got in my car and drove to the hospital.  It turns out I was having a gall bladder attack.  But, when Kathy woke up and I wasn’t there she was worried.  When I got home we talked about my (ahem) behavior.  Kathy expressed her concern that I left without telling her.  I do understand. 

 

Our conversation went something like this.  I said, “So I wasn’t supposed to wake you, right?”  She replied, “Yes.”  I continued, “I did what you asked or told me, right?”  Again, her reply was, “Yes!”  “So,” I said, “When I’m wrong, I’m wrong.  But when I’m right I’m wrong too?”  Kathy laughed and said, “Your job isn’t to be right, it’s to say you’re sorry.  And, you can’t just say it with your lips, you need to mean it with your heart.”  We laughed.  Thankfully, we have been able to laugh throughout our marriage.  But, Kathy’s words set a pretty difficult standard.  When I take Kathy’s words, not just tongue in cheek, but as what they actually say, doing what is right is not enough.  My heart also needs to be in the right place.

 

The Gospel Lesson assigned in many Christian Churches for this coming Sunday is from Mark 7:1-13  Jesus seeks to teach this lesson about loving God with one’s heart to the religious leaders of the day.  When these leaders criticize Jesus, he quotes Isaiah, and says, beginning in verse 6.  "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' As God, Jesus is concerned, not just about outward actions of faith or religion.  Jesus is also concerned for the heart of His people.

 

These religious leaders were trying their best to serve God with their actions.  But, even when their actions were right, their hearts were often self-serving, grumbling, rebellious, and sinful.  Actually, their actions were not always perfect either.  Their outward keeping of the law got in the way of serving God with their hearts.  Jesus’ teaching to the religious leader, like Kathy’s words to me, are nothing new.  In Deuteronomy 6, God teaches, 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  God tells the people, not just to serve Him, but to love him with all their heart, soul, and strength.  They are to love Him with their whole being!

 

God teaches us the same lesson.  Our Lord doesn’t just want us to say the right thing.  He doesn’t just want us to do the right thing.  He wants our heart to know Him as our Creator, as our Father, and as our Savior.  God want us to serve and love Him with all our hearts, with all our being. But, if the hearts of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were far from Him, how about us?

 

This week Kathy and I celebrate our 44^th anniversary.  We were married in Memphis, TN, at 3:00 p.m. on August 20, 1977.  I can tell you that Kathy is a greater blessing than I ever expected.  But, no marriage is perfect, because no individual person is without sin.  In fact, many stay away from marriage all together because of the struggles they have seen other have.

 

When people see the struggles of God’s people, they can and do shy away from a relation of the heart with God.  Sometimes those who don’t know God see those who say they know God claim to have all the answers.  Sometimes, God’s people can be legalistic and come across as arrogant and self-righteous, like the religious leaders of Jesus' day.  However, such religion is dangerous.  Such behavior denies our own weakness and failure, and trusts our own actions.  Trusting self rather than God is a problem. In trusting our own actions we reject the love of God.  Then, we do not love God with our heart, we love ourselves.

 

Jesus knew the hearts of the religious leaders of His day, and their failures. Ultimately, that is why Jesus came to this earth because people were weak, and selfish, and resentful, and sinful. Jesus knew their hearts and He came to earth in spite of their hardness.  He came to save them.  When someone knows our weaknesses and failings and still reaches out in love, that changes hearts.

 

God knows our rebellion, and He sent His son.  Jesus knows our sin, and died to pay for that sin.  God knows our failure, and He calls us to trust Jesus dying, and to receive His forgiveness. Our Lord knows the darkness of our hearts, but He offers eternal life, by grace, through faith in Jesus. When we deserve God’s punishment, but He gives us grace, and mercy, and life, doesn’t that change your heart and make you want to love Him with all that you are?  You see, God’s undeserved love changes hearts from pride to thanks and love.

 

When a husband is young he might think he has something to offer his new bride.  Maybe I felt that way.  But, as I have grown older I have become exceedingly thankful for the faithful, undeserved love of my wife, Kathy.  Love changes hearts.  Doesn’t God’s undeserved, sacrificial love for you, in Jesus, change your heart? Doesn’t God’s undeserved love change your heart so that you want to serve and obey Him, not only in outward actions, but with a heart and life full of love for Him?

 

A Child of God, Praying the God’s Love Continues to Change My Heart,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S. Here are a couple of pictures from our wedding day! https://photos.app.goo.gl/pv4nVEkNm7FBGyJ49

 

P.P.S.  Lutheran Hour Rally - The Speaker of the Lutheran Hour, Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, will be coming to Anchorage for a Lutheran Hour Rally on Thursday, August 26th. The festivities begin with supper at 5:30 pm followed by the Rally at 6:30 pm, and a coffee hour at 7:30 pm. The cost of the meal is $15/individual, $25/couple, $10/ child 6-12 (children under 6 are free). Contact Anchorage Lutheran Church to register for the supper: 907-272-5323. The registration deadline is August 23rd. 

(I am supposed to take Pastor Ziegler, and LHM Board Members, fishing on Wednesday, August 25.)

 

P.P.P.S.  We have started picking more produce from our garden.  We could pick much more we, but just can’t eat it all.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/JkKqM2PZRNDZoxGh8

 

P.P.P.P.S.  MANY people ask me to take them fishing.  The best fishing in our area occurs when the silver salmon start running.  From Thursday, August 12, to Monday, August 16, I took people fishing on 4 trips in 5 days.  Here are some pictures

·       Thursday, August 12, with Pastor Craig Schultz, Pastor Tony Schultz, and Gerry Zellar.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iyTj5fVgRhKrrXee8

 

·       Friday, August 13, with St. John DCE, Ethan Mirly. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9NQnuNmyPmBufAHe7

 

·       Saturday, August 14, with St. John member, Kyndle Kirby, and boyfriend, Gabe.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/MXhBGwJGp2QAv9a26

 

·       Monday, August 16, with Kym Miller.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/JZRSpBJEvJw17fx77

 

 

  

*****

 

            ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.) 

        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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

EVERYTHING in This World Breaks or Wears Out, BUT . . .

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Monday and Tuesday at the Rockey house were reminders of the truth that “Everything in this world ultimately breaks or wears out.”  Monday night, before going to bed, I noticed our heat cycling on and off.  I even squeezed my way down into the crawl space to take a look, but had no solutions in my bag of tricks other than to unplug the furnace.  I called our heating contractor early Tuesday morning.  Thankfully, they arrived almost immediately.  After looking at our heating unit, the bottom line is that we need a new furnace.  We also discovered that our garage heater needs special attention.  We have been in our house now for 15 years, so this is not a surprise, just a reminder that, “Everything in this world ultimately breaks or wears out.” 

 

While the heating service technician was working in our crawl space, I stopped for morning devotions and for breakfast.  While sitting at the kitchen table I heard a loud noise from the garage.  I was afraid I knew what that noise was.  Yup, one of the springs on our garage door had broken and the door would not open without serious muscle.  You see, “Everything in this world ultimately breaks or wears out.” 

 

Of course, less than 24 hours before these mechanical problems, I had also learned this lesson on Monday at the office of my orthopedic surgeon.  I hurt my knee while working in the yard on Friday, July 16.  For a few days I found it was painful to even stand up.  But gradually I have almost full use returned to my knee, with only occasional pain.  I’m not running up and down steps now the way I was, however.  Neither have I been to the gym since July 15^th.  Our doctor took X-rays and showed me the pictures.  He told me, “Well, in this knee (right), it’s almost bone on bone.  The knee you hurt (left) is bone on bone.  And . . . you have arthritis!” Even on my body, “Everything in this world ultimately breaks or wears out.” 

 

My daughter would tell you that I tried to advance the breaking process in my boat on Monday evening as we went fishing.  The water was low, and I was running fast, staying on step so as not to drag bottom.  I just didn’t quite make the turn, and the side of the boat collided with a bank of grass which jutted out.  We both were in shock, though she was quicker to admit what she calls her “boat PTSD” than I was.  Thankfully, in this case no one was injured, and no damage was done to the boat.  However, my gear was all over the bottom of the boat.  The dog ended up in the water.  So, from about 2:00 Monday afternoon till 10:00 Tuesday morning we really learned the lesson, “Everything in this world ultimately breaks or wears out.” 

 

I really should not be surprised.  This is a lesson I should know.  In The Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches his followers, including you and me, “19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)  Jesus knew this reality and taught that “Everything in this world ultimately breaks or wears out.”  But, Jesus also raises the question, “If things wear out in this life, what am I doing to store treasure in heaven?”

 

God inspired Paul to teach this truth as well.  Consider how in Colossians Paul encourages, “1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2, see also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)  You see that Paul raises the same question which Jesus does.  “If things wear out in this life, how am I storing treasure in heaven?”

 

I talked with a young mom about this question at St. John on Tuesday morning, after the repairmen had left our home and I finally made it to church.  On Wednesday evening, August 11, Cayden Susky, infant son of Christone and Hayley (Watkins) Susky is being baptized at St. John.  Scripture promises that when God calls a person in baptism he forgives sin and gives the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 2:38).  God promises that when He calls a person in baptism He works to save us for eternal life in heaven.  (Mark 16:16, John 3:3-5).  When this dad and mom bring their child to the Lord for baptism, when they continue to feed this faith through God’s word and sacraments in His Church, they are storing up treasure in heaven for their son.

 

An added bonus is that Hayley’s brother, Harley, is also being confirmed on Wednesday evening.  Harley Watkins has already been baptized.  But after 3 years of confirmation classes with fellow students, and now that COVID fears are somewhat less, Harley will respond to God’s grace and to our Lord’s call.  Harley will confirm God’s call in his life and will promise, with our Lord’s help, to follow Jesus.  In a world where “Everything ultimately breaks or wears out”, Harley’s response of faith in Jesus is storing up for himself treasure in heaven!

 

After talking with our heating contractor on Tuesday, I am thankful we did not have a fire in the house, nor did we suffer from carbon monoxide.  And, though I didn’t want to pay for a new furnace, I know that “Everything in this world ultimately breaks or wears out.”  BUT, through Jesus’ life and death and resurrection, by God’s grace through faith, God gives us what is eternal.  He gives His love for this life, love which never fades.  Our Lord gives eternal life in heaven.  So, by growing in Jesus, through His grace, I seek to deal with the truth that “Everything ultimately breaks or wears out.”  That is why I seek to “. . . store up . . .  treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

 

A Child of God, Thankful that in a Fading World, God’s Gifts in Jesus are Eternal,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Lutheran Hour Rally - The Speaker of the Lutheran Hour, Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, will be coming to Anchorage for a Lutheran Hour Rally on Thursday, August 26th. The festivities begin with supper at 5:30 pm followed by the Rally at 6:30 pm, and a coffee hour at 7:30 pm. The cost of the meal is $15/individual, $25/couple, $10/ child 6-12 (children under 6 are free). Contact Anchorage Lutheran Church to register for the supper: 907-272-5323. The registration deadline is August 23rd.

 

P.P.S.  I was in Pocatello last week at a meeting of the District Board of Directors and missed some Alaskan recreation.  However, here are some pictures from my Monday evening fishing on August 9 trip with my daughter, Mary.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/DiMyBm51DvjCp7At8

 

 

*****

 

            ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.) 

        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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

  

Focusing on the Saving Love of God Through the Trials of Life

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

For many years, when the Alaska pastors from our Lutheran tradition would gather, we would spend time sharing.  Our practice was that we each shared a high and a low in our lives at that time.  Then we would pray for each other.  In this way we worked to keep connected and to encourage each other in life and in faith and in ministry of our Lord.  However, while this was mostly a good idea, there was a drawback.  Some ministries were smaller, or more difficult.  When some pastors shared month after month of how well things seemed to be going in their congregations and in their lives, others felt that they only had struggles to share.  In fact, this became a problem for some of the pastors.  The truth is that we all have struggles in this sinful world.  We all experience good times and bad times.  Yet, it can seem that life is somehow easier for some.  Those who may face more trials and difficulties can be discouraged.

 

I have written these weekly devotions now for more than 13 years.  In sharing the truths of God, as I seek to share His love in my life, I have told stories that often come from my own experience.  I have chosen to share mainly the blessings I experience.  However, I understand that people can read my devotions and think everything in my life is good and easy.  Please let me assure you, EVERYONE goes through struggles, serious struggles.  I am a sinful person in a sinful world.  I need a savior.  I need Jesus, as we all do.  No one is immune to the struggles of life. 

 

On Sunday, August 1, in our weekly adult Bible class, we studied about Daniel.  We looked at the first seven chapters of this book and considered Daniel’s life.  This prophet faced temptations to deny faithful religious eating practices.  He was threatened with death by the king.  Daniel and his companions were confronted with the demand to worship an idol.  Daniel had to bring bad news to King Nebuchadnezzar, and to his son, Belshazzar.  Ultimately, Daniel was even thrown into a den full of lions.  Considering all the challenges, all the dangers, all the struggles that Daniel faced, our class discussed that life as a child God is not easy.  Somehow, people can think that following the Lord, that being a child of God, will mean everything will go well in our lives, all the time.  The truth is that, throughout time, followers of the Lord have faced the same struggles, losses, temptations, and disappointments others face.  In fact, living as a child of God can even make someone a target for ridicule and persecution. 

 

In Acts 14, as Paul and Barnabas traveled through the cities of Lystra, Ionium, and Antioch, we are told in verse 22 that they were, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.”  ‘Hardships’ are part of life as a Christian.

 

In Romans 5 we read some words that might surprise us about the blessings and struggles of the Christian life of faith.  “1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”  (Romans 5:1-5)  We may stand in the grace of God, in the undeserved love of God, through faith in Jesus, but we face sufferings.  Nevertheless, God assures us He can use these sufferings, these hardships, to strengthen us.

 

Our world is broken because it is in rebellion against its Creator and Lord.  We should not be surprised when trouble arises.  As in the life of Daniel, we should not be surprised at suffering.  As Paul said, ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’  Thankfully, through the trials of life we have our Lord and Savior beside us, strengthening, directing, forgiving, and saving.  When we look at Jesus and His love, we can endure the trials of this life, rejoicing in God’s saving love.

 

When I share with you the love of God in my life, seeking to strengthen and encourage, I do so focusing on the Lord, His love and His grace.  Yes, I am blessed.  We are blessed, no matter the trials.  We are blessed as we live trusting God and His eternal, saving love for us in Jesus.

 

A Child of God, Focusing on the Saving Love of God Through the Trials of Life,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  We had some family time at the cabin July 26-29.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/DL4VPh9hKxmvT3Zp7

 

P.P.S.  On Saturday, July 31, Sandy Kolberg and Caleb Hyldahl were married at St. John.  Here is a picture of the newly married couple.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/PC5E8RdcKmsPUuWf9

 

P.P.P.S.  – I had a number of fishing trips during the last week.

·       Here are some pictures of our family fishing for red salmon on the Kenai River on Tuesday, July 27.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rB8E983W1rDXeXob8

 

·       Here are a couple of pictures of my fishing trip on Thursday, July 29.  (Mary and I fished on July 28 and saw a LOT of fish, but did not land one legally.  L ) https://photos.app.goo.gl/9oYoP2qnW97UvUZYA

 

·       On Monday, August 2, a large group of St. John folk went fishing in my boat on the Little Susitna River.  Sara Guhl and grandson Gaelen Swigart, Mary Rockey and Alexis Barfield, Jake Colberg, and I went fishing.  We caught 9 salmon, 5 silvers, 2 chum, and 2 pinks.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/CtKuaSq16ddCYBdRA

 

*****

 

            ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.) 

        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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

 

When Did I Miss God?

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I spent the weekend of July 25 on the Kenai Peninsula fishing for red salmon with a fly rod.  The emphasis here is on fishing.  While a good number of fish had gone up river the previous week, the majority seem to have passed when I was on the bank.  Most people on the shore with me were struggling to even touch a fish, though I did see some salmon caught.  I did probably touch about 10-15 fish, and landed 3.  However, the 2 sockeye salmon and the one pink salmon I landed, were all foul hooked.  I released them.  So, after 3 days of fishing, with a sore shoulder and a sore knee, having missed sleep and being tired, I was frustrated and discouraged.

 

But, Sunday night as I was talking with friends on shore I looked around.  The sun was shining.  An eagle had been perched above us, watching us fish.  My dog was making friends with everyone who arrived.  The clouds framed the mountains like a beautiful picture.  I could have focused on my sore shoulder and my lack of catching.  But, then I would have missed the beauty around me, and the friends with whom I shared this experience.

 

In my devotion on Monday, July 26, my reading started with the following prayer:  “God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life.  Touched by your hand our world is holy.  Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters, and to experience the joy of life in your presence.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (For All the Saints, Volume II, p. 308)

 

What do we miss of God’s love, of His grace, of His presence in our lives because we focus on our problems, our possessions, our hectic lives?  The love of God is present because of Jesus, “Immanuel . . . “God With Us”. (Matthew 1:23)  Our bodies are a “temple of the Holy Spirit.”  (1 Corinthians 6:19)  Jesus promises, “ . . . surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)  In other words, God is always in our lives, but we often live like we forget His presence and His love.  Or worse, we live like God does not even exist.

 

One of the reasons that people ignore God is we do not want to admit that someone else rules our lives.  The reality is that God is the Creator and Ruler of the world, of the universe.  This is true, whether we want to admit it or not.  In addition, because our Lord is the Creator and Ruler of all, when we act in pride, in selfishness, in greed or envy or lust, we are liable to judgement and punishment.  We can miss God’s Lordship because we are too wrapped up in our lives, or simply because we want to be ruler of our own lives. 

 

But, when we miss God’s presence as Creator and Lord, when we miss our responsibility and guilt as sinners, then we miss something even greater.  If we don’t acknowledge our sin, then we don’t realize how hopeless our situation is.  When we forget or ignore the guilt of our sin, and our hopeless predicament, then we miss the unbelievable gift that ". . . God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16)

 

The assigned Gospel Lesson for last Sunday in many churches was the account of Jesus walking on water after He had fed the 5000.  Peter, impetuous as often he is often shown to be in the New Testament, went out to Jesus walking on water himself.  Then, however, in the Matthew reading of this account we are told, “But when he [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:30)  Jesus was standing right beside Peter.  But Peter’s attention was distracted from Jesus and His power and love Jesus had for Him.  Peter was distracted and forgot that Jesus gave Peter the faith to walk on water out to Jesus.  Jesus was there performing a miracle for Peter, but even in the midst of that miracle, he missed Jesus. 

 

Have you walked in the beauty of the world around you, perhaps surrounded by the mountains and streams and wildlife of Alaska, but been so distracted that your missed that beauty, and missed the signature of our all-powerful and loving Lord?  Do you walk through the problems of our world and your life and miss the love, the grace, and the eternal life which God gives us in His Son, Jesus?  I echo the words of the prayer I read.  “God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life.  Touched by your hand our world is holy.  Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters, and to experience the joy of life in your presence. Amen.” 

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Always Remember the Loving, Gracious Presence of Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  We had a visit last week from Pastor Jonathan Goeke, his wife, Sarah, and their sons Micah and Luke.  Here are some pictures from that visit, and a fishing trip.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/AQTvhLHfp6r9tBLR6

 

P.P.S.  – Here is a picture of others fishing on the bank where I fished July 23 ff.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/A8Ek6atXdHoQhtkN8

 

 

*****

 

            ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.) 

        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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

  

Does This Grow My Relationship With Jesus?

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Kathy and I had the privilege and blessing of caring for two of our grandchildren on a recent Saturday evening.  Our son, Andrew, was working as an air traffic controller.  But then again, Kathy was also called into work at Mat Su Regional Medical Center that evening.  So, I had the joy of feeding Jackson and Kendall, caring for them and putting them to bed.  We ate some chicken and dumplings for supper which Kathy had prepared beforehand.  Our supper included salad from the garden, and some berry pie Kathy had also cooked.  Kendall read a devotion after supper before we left the table.  Then, after Andrew left for work, and after the dishes were done, I asked Kendall if they wanted to watch a movie together.  I was surprised at Kendall’s reply.  “I’ll watch “Black Widow” on my I-Pad.”

 

Life changes for every generation.  My grandchildren have technology that, when I was a child, I never dreamed would even exist.  For example, Jackson was playing “Minecraft” on his technology with one of my other grandchildren who was at his home 5 miles away.  I don’t even own an I-Pad.  I have never played Minecraft.  Life is different than when I grew up.

 

I had two responses for Kendall.  First, I told my granddaughter, “I thought we could all watch a movie together, not do things separately.”  But, my second response was that I asked Kendall, “What does that movie teach?”  I believe the wisdom which God shares through St. Paul to the Christians in Philippi.  “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  (Philippians 4:8-9)  Christians are called to think about, to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.  Thoughts on such healthy topics bear fruit in our lives.  I know that “Black Widow” is a “Marvel” movie.  But, I have not seen that movie.  Not knowing what was in the show, I was concerned about the content, the language, the sexual situations, the violence, and the values.  My granddaughter is only 10 years old. 

 

But, children are not the only ones who should have concern about what goes into their minds and hearts and souls.  I try to ask myself, all of us should ask, if the movies, the music, the reading material, the TV shows we give our attention to are feeding our faith.  Do these different media bring us closer to our Savior, or perhaps damage our relationship with our Lord?  Do we grow in our faith and Christian values through what we watch, or listen to, or read?  Or, is our faith assaulted and our relationship with Jesus weakened?

 

Life is different than when I grew up.  Situations do change, but the Lord does not change.  God’s changeless character was good news for the Israelites when the Lord spoke through the prophet Malachi.  "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”  (Malachi 3:6)  God’s faithful love for the Israelites caused Him to act in mercy, even when the people deserved punishment.  The writer to the Hebrews reminds the people of that New Testament church, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  (Hebrews 13:8)  Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, is the same . . . forever.

 

Jesus, who does not change, therefore taught, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) God’s word remains the same.  The world may change, but God’s truth does not change.  We should want to grow closer to our true, right, and pure Lord.

 

My children sometimes tell me that I am old-fashioned.  But I want my grandchildren to know Jesus and His saving love.  I want them to consider what is true, noble, right, and pure.  I want them to follow Jesus in faith and in obedience.  So I am concerned about what they put into their minds.

 

I have quite a few movies, many purchased for the family or for church groups to watch.  I pointed Kendall to some family movies and suggested she might choose one of those.  Kendall chose to watch, “The Wizard of Oz.”  I called Jackson, made popcorn, and the 3 of us watched the movie together.  We talked about home, and about brains and heart and courage.  We said a prayer and they went to bed.  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.”

 

A Child of God, Seeking Healthy Thoughts of Faith and Obedience for my Family and Myself,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I took Tony Schultz and his niece from South Carolina fishing on Friday, July 16.  She had never been fishing, and never caught a fish.  Now she can say she has caught 15 rainbow trout!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mocwy5bdMqFcL1EX9

 

P.P.P.S.  – Here are some more yard and garden pictures mostly taken on Friday, July 16.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VCvR5f2AbuQPcQXu5  (I injured my knee that day.  L)

 

 

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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 0000who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)  Perhaps you also know that I “killed” my computer on November 7, 2020.  In so doing I lost, for a time at least, all my e-mail contacts.  So, I was really goofed up.  Many who were receiving this devotion each week were no longer receiving it.  I tried to rebuild my distribution list, but I am not sure how accurate I have been. 

        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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

What I want My Loved Ones to Know

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Do you ever lose sleep?  I confess that sometimes I have trouble sleeping.  Sometimes I lose sleep because I drank too much coffee.  But, sometimes I am concerned, or I’m worried.  I have worried about the churches where I have served, and have been concerned for the members.  I have lost sleep at times over the direction of our country and our world.  But, most often I have had trouble sleeping over concerns for family; for my parents, my siblings, my children, my grandchildren.  When I have trouble sleeping at night, I lay in bed and pray.  But, sometimes even after prayer I still can’t sleep, so I get up and find something to do.

 

Last week, in my devotion, I wrote encouraging others to be a godly influence for children.  I suggested that one way you might act as a godly influence is to take a child fishing.  However, my wife might suggest you could also spend time cooking with a child, or take them to a movie, or sew with a child, or read to a child. These are Kathy’s choices.  Spending time with someone shows love.  And, actions are more important than words.  But, it is also important to share important truths, with actions and with words.  Therefore, below I am sharing what is important to me, truths which I want my loved ones to know.

 

First, “Jesus is Lord.”  These are the God-inspired words of St. Paul in Philippians 2.  Paul says that, at the end, every tongue will “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. (Philippians 2:11)  Jesus, with the Father and with the Spirit is God.  Jesus is the Creator of all, the Ruler of all.  I want my loved ones to know that “Jesus is Lord.”

 

Second, even being Lord, Jesus is our Savior from sin.  “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  (John 3:17)  Jesus is not only the ruler of the universe.  Jesus’ ultimate identity is grace and love.  The Son of God, God Himself, The Lord of all, in love gave His life on the cross to pay for our sin.  We can trust the Lord of all as our Savior from sin.  I believe, and I want my loved ones to believe that Jesus is our Savior.

 

Third, because Jesus is Lord, and because He is our Savior, His words are true, and worth believing and following.  We find these words of Jesus in Scripture.  Paul was spiritual father to Timothy.  Here is what Paul wrote to His spiritual son.  “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)  God’s word is worth not just knowing, but believing. God’s word is worth following and doing.  Jesus said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28)

 

Fourth, my relationship with Jesus is my most important relationship of all.  When I conduct pre-marital preparation with a couple who is preparing for their wedding, we look at Genesis 2 and I discuss how the relationship of husband and wife is the most important human relationship.  But, our relationship with God, through Jesus, is most important.  Our faith, and the following of the Lord and Savior of all is most important.  Faith in Jesus is what makes my life most healthy, and fulfilling. 

 

Finally, knowing who Jesus is, we nevertheless all fail in our faith and our life.  Jesus is the holy Lord of all.  We are His sheep and lambs. We are weak and sinful.  I am not a perfect child of God, but I am loved and forgiven.  The same is true for those I love.  Because of our weakness, we need one another as fellow children of God.  Therefore, God gives His church.  The church is God’s family to grow and to support our faith and our relationship with Jesus.  Therefore, regular Sunday worship and participation in a church is important for my life.  Remember, Christian congregations are made up of sinners who need and who follow their Savior.  So, being part of a Christian congregation is frustrating. But, being an active part of a Christian congregation is part of God’s plan for us.  We need Jesus’ church to be the people Jesus made us to be.

 

I have two similar fishing pictures.  One picture shows my daughter, Mary, holding a red salmon at age 6 on Kalgin Island in Cook Inlet.  With a big toothless grin Mary is holding up the bloody fish.  The other picture shows my granddaughter, Annie, holding a trout at age 8 on Finger Lake.  She too has a smile from one side of her face to the other.  I love my family, my children and my grandchildren, and I want what is best for them.  I hope they remember our time together.  I will. I love my family, and I want Jesus for them. 

 

A Child of God, Praying That My Loved Ones Know Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are pictures of Mary and of Annie.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/4V1v5otdq6zJNM4a7

 

P.P.S.  I was on the Kenai Peninsula this week to conduct worship at Funny River Community Lutheran Church, and to help with a one day Vacation Bible School.  My only fishing this past week was dip-netting on the Kasilof River.  But, thanks to friend Wayne Mize, the trip was very successful.  We brought home 23 red salmon in 2 – 2 ½ hours of dipping.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/e5SbAwskU7ysfyxP6

 

P.P.P.S.  – The flowers in our front yard are especially beautiful right now.  Here are a few of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/D3pXxegSX75BW9SM7

 

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)  Perhaps you also know that I “killed” my computer on November 7, 2020.  In so doing I lost, for a time at least, all my e-mail contacts.  So, I was really goofed up.  Many who were receiving this devotion each week were no longer receiving it.  I tried to rebuild my distribution list, but I am not sure how accurate I have been. 

        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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Was a Godly Influence in Your Life? Take a Child FISHING!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Who was an influence of godly direction and love in your childhood?  Maybe you have heard, or experienced, that children do not always want to listen to their parents.  However, they do often listen to and care about advice and instruction from other respected adults, such as teachers, neighbors, uncles and aunts, or pastors.  I received godly direction from all of those people in my life, but my grandfather is one who made a difference which I especially remember.

 

Some know that I got in quite a bit of trouble as a young child.  For example, it seemed I was always standing in the corner, visiting the cloak room, or walking to the principal’s office when I was in first grade.  Yup, first grade!  Those days were different than today.  I would walk from school to my grandfather’s house for lunch.  My uncle, a teacher in the school, walked with me.  Upon hearing of my struggles, my grandfather came up with a plan.  Every day I didn’t’ get in trouble I could put a dime in a jar during lunch. If I put 20 dimes into the jar, he would take me out to eat for a lobster meal, which I loved. (Yes, I am old! A lobster meal cost $2.00 in 1960.)  The catch was that every day I got into trouble I had to empty the jar and start over again.  I did work to behave better, and tried to improve.  However, I actually only earned one meal that year. 

 

Through my life as a young child my grandfather taught me the difference between right and wrong, reminded me of Jesus, showed me a love for God’s church.  So, who was an influence of godly direction and love in your childhood? 

 

Unfortunately, our world has changed for the worse.  Perhaps because people are turning away from Jesus and His Church, or perhaps because of the internet, child abuse seems rampant.  We are told of child predators.  All of us can remember such horrors near us, or in our communities.  But, children still need godly examples to whom they will listen.  Children still need someone to support their parents in teaching the difference between right and wrong, to remind them of Jesus and His love, and to show a love for God’s church

 

You know that in Scripture God calls His people to raise children in love and in faith, to teach them about Him.  In Deuteronomy 6, Moses instructs the people of Israel as they enter the Holy Land, 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  (Deuteronomy 6:5-7) God calls people to teach their children about His commandments, and about Him.

 

And in Mark 10 we are told about Jesus. “13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-15)  Even when others thought that children were unimportant, Jesus took time for them.  Jesus showed godly love and attention to the children of His day. Ultimately, those children who knew Jesus’ love were saved for everlasting life.

 

The other side of this is that there is joy in being a positive, faithful, godly, influence for children.  I looked at my picture albums and found 7 fishing trips this year with grandchildren, and also with children from church.  I have at least two more such trips scheduled.  The children thank me and tell me they had fun, but it is fun for me too.  Let me share with you some stories from this summer. 

 

On June 8^th, when I first put my boat in the water with granddaughter, Annie, we returned home and she told Kathy, “Poppy made me stop and I didn’t want to.”  Annie had caught a lot of trout that night. On June 10^th, I took grandchildren Henry and Annie fishing.  We had grandkids that night so their parents could celebrate their 15^th wedding anniversary.  As we walked into the house about 10:00 p.m., after putting things away, Annie said to me.  “We were good.  We helped put things away.  Can we go back fishing now?”  (Those words warm a grandfather’s heart!) On June 13^th I took a young man from church, Gaelen Swigart, fishing in a canoe on a local lake.  Gaelen caught fish on bait, and then I taught him to fly fish.  Gaelen’s grandmother, Sara Guhl, later told me, “You cost me money.  Now I have to buy Gaelen a fly rod.”  J

 

We had a unique experience on June 19^th, when I took Andy’s children, Jackson and Kendall, fishing near our home.  Kendall had a fish on the line, but an eagle in a tree was watching, and dove.  Kendall turned to me with a look of shock on her face.  “An Eagle stole my fish!”

 

On Father’s Day I was able to take all 6 grandchildren fishing at Finger Lake State Park, with the help of my oldest son, Josh.  That was an exercise in organized chaos.  Annie was the last to catch a fish.  She told me, “You started the motor and scared the fish and it bit my bait.”  Hmm.

 

I took St. John member, Randy Luffberry, and his granddaughter fishing on June 25.  It warmed my heart to hear Julia shout, “I caught my first fish!”  She later caught 2 more fish.  I fished in other places without children this summer.  But, on July 1 I took Emma, Henry, and Annie fishing.  Emma and Henry were catching, but Annie was getting impatient, pulling the line too fast.  I said, “Annie, you have to be patient.  Henry and Emma told her the same thing.  Annie responded, “I don’t like patience!  That means waiting!!”  That was a teaching opportunity.  I’m told the children will remember these days.  But I will too!

 

Who was an influence of godly direction and love in your childhood?  Who, taught you the difference between right and wrong, reminded you of Jesus, showed you a love for God’s church?  Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’ Let me make a suggestion. . . Take a child fishing! 

 

A Child of God, Finding Joy in Being a Godly Influence in the Lives of God’s Children!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I made an online album of my fishing trips with children this summer.  Here is the link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LhEpD7o59LgwmGux8

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of my grandfather.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iFETSWZ8e7L4yLWz6

 

P.P.P.S.  – I also took daughter, Mary, and her boyfriend, Josh, fishing on Monday.  We were fishing for salmon but did not see many.  They did catch 3 trout.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BgDUKDaacXg8VSyeA

 

P.P.P.P.S.  I continue working on our yard and our garden. Here are some new pictures from this past week.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Td5JMnJk7V6HT6ZJ6

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)  Perhaps you also know that I “killed” my computer on November 7, 2020.  In so doing I lost, for a time at least, all my e-mail contacts.  So, I was really goofed up.  Many who were receiving this devotion each week were no longer receiving it.  I tried to rebuild my distribution list, but I am not sure how accurate I have been. 

        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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net