Sasquatch. . . or Jesus?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On January 26 my wife, Kathy, and I were driving along the Interstate when we saw a sign publicizing “The Sasquatch Museum.”  I’m not sure where this museum is.  But, Kathy turned to me and remarked, “Some people will believe anything, but they have trouble believing in Jesus.”

 

Unfortunately, it has always been thus. In Isaiah God chastises the Israelites for their idolatry.  He says that they cut down a tree. “16 Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, ‘Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.’  17 From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, ‘Save me; you are my god.’"(Isaiah 44:16-17)  Imagine, people would believe in a piece of wood they fashioned into an image.  But, they would not believe in the One who created heaven and earth. They would not believe in the One who saved them in the Exodus.  Why is it easy to believe in the improbable, but difficult to trust God?

 

God knows that we struggle with faith, so He calls us to trust in Him.  In Proverbs we are instructed, “5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6) Here is God’s direction for our lives.  Trust the Lord, not ourselves!

 

Or do you remember when Jesus came down from the mountain of Transfiguration and encountered a man whose son was possessed?  The disciples had tried to heal the boy without success.  When Jesus approached, the man explained the situation. “22 ‘It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’ 23 'If you can'? said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’ 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’" (Mark 9:22-24) How easy it is to want to believe in our Savior. Yet, when life becomes difficult, we so easily doubt!

 

John wrote about Jesus in the introduction to his Gospel, “11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” (John 1:11-13)  The world would not receive Jesus, but by believing we become children of God!

 

One of my favorite accounts of Jesus calling for faith includes little children.  In Mark 10 we are told, “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.’” (Mark 10:13-15)  Did you hear that?  “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Jesus calls us to believe with a child-like trust.

 

Life is full of trouble, which causes us to worry. We try to fix our troubles by ourselves but we often fail.  Because we fail, we even doubt the Lord Himself!  But God created the world. He created us!  Who else would we want to believe in? 

 

Many other voices call us to trust them instead of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  It might be the voice of another religion, or the voice of money, or power, or the voice of popular opinion.  Why is it so easy to believe that there might be a mythical Sasquatch or Big Foot (which might be the case), but reject and doubt the one who made us and loves us?  There is only one Savior! 

 

Nicodemus was a religious man, but he had questions or doubts about Jesus.  Jesus gently reached out, calling Nicodemus to faith with these words, "14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16For 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 3:14-16)

 

What do you trust when life is difficult, when life is full of questions with no answers?  God calls us to trust His creative power, to trust His sacrificial, saving love in Jesus.  That is where I want to put my trust, in spite of my own struggles with doubt.  How about you? 

 

A Child of God, Trusting My Creator and Savior Over the Options of This World!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy ad I got to spend time with family and friends this past week.

·       On February 9 we attended the funeral of a family member of members of our Florida Church.  It was a good reunion at a sad event.  Here are pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ytz2y1XAAQwvNAC28

 

·       On February 11 my brothers and sister and other family gathered, just to be family.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/eXgF7HsSFwDmSxAh7

 

P.P.S.  I went fishing 2 times in the last week.  One trip produced fish in the freezer.

 

·       On Friday, February 10, I fished first Orange Lake and did well.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/MPqpq6tKdHb1CPaR6

 

·       On Tuesday, February 14, I fished at a favorite local lake.  I caught and released two fish.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NWBzdNSFudGjUe6f7

 

 

*****

 

 

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

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

Committed to Come Weekly to God’s Throne of Grace With Fellow Believers

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Last week I wrote about the practice of personal devotions, and said I would mention this topic again.  One of the devotions I regularly read is written by Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer.  Dale is not only former speaker for The Lutheran Hour, and former president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, but also a personal friend.  Dale has been writing this short devotion for years.  These short e-mails impress me as timely, thoughtful, and Scriptural.  They often raise ideas and questions in my mind about living my faith in Jesus.  One of the recent “Meyer Minutes” was the beginning of a series of similar thoughts I received from different sources. 

 

First, on January 18, 2023, Dr. Meyer wrote the following about the COVID epidemic and worship attendance:

“’American’s Theological Beliefs Changed to Suit Post-Pandemic Practice.’” That title caught my eye and suggests to me what congregations need to be doing. Lifeway Research surveyed changes in Christian beliefs since the pandemic. Here are two quotations that lead Lifeway’s report. “After months of quarantines and social distancing, however, Americans increasingly believe worshiping apart from a church is as good as attending church services.” “Additionally, most Americans (56%) don’t believe every Christian has an obligation to join a local church. Fewer than 2 in 5 (36%) say this is something all Christians should do.”

To be sure, there are biblical reasons for regular in-person attendance, but here’s a practical, make-a-difference-in-society-reason from another article. ‘Faith community is the foundation of societal good. It builds strong families, cultivates better mental and physical health, and provides for the welfare of communities and of the vulnerable in ways that no other entity does. Some argue that secular institutions can help provide this—antidotes to loneliness, or answers to the human search for purpose. Thus far, however, no secular institution has replicated what the church community does at scale.’ (Erick Andersen, National Review)

How can we make whatever little difference we can make in today’s American society? One Bible class member asked that question, and I answered, ‘In my opinion, we first need to evangelize the members of our church.’”

 

The next day, January 19, I read the following from “The Christian Post.”  “A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that deaths by drugs, alcohol and suicide—known as "deaths of despair"—dramatically increased among middle-aged white Americans in the late 20th century due to lower participation in organized religion that was preceded by a repeal of blue laws that prohibited commercial activities on Sunday. "We know of no other cultural phenomenon involving such large, widespread changes in participation prior to the initial rise in U.S. mortality, nor do we know of any other phenomenon that matches the seemingly idiosyncratic patterns observed for mortality: seen for both men and women, but not in other countries, and in both rural and urban settings, but driven primarily by middle-aged, less educated white individuals," the researchers explained.” I’m sure you obviously see the correlation to the previous day’s message.

 

Then, on January 27, while reading the book, “Keeping the Sabbath Wholly,” as I teach a class over the computer on Worship, I read the following from author, Dr. Marva Dawn. “Why is it that we pay great attention to the commandments not to murder and steal (and think those terrible sins), but don’t recognize the significance of our failure to obey the commandment to observe the Sabbath day?” (Keeping the Sabbath Wholly, page 43)

 

Having heard similar thoughts again and again caught my attention.  How important is Sabbath observance in your life?  Your Christian family?  A number of Bible verses speak to me.

 

In regular worship we respond to God’s love in Jesus, and receive His mercy and grace. “14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

 

Do you know the encouragement of Hebrews 10?  “23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) Regular worship is a way to hold onto our hope in Jesus, and a way to hold on to our faithful Lord.  In regular worship we encourage one another in this faith and hope.

 

Do you know the practice of Jesus Himself?  “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” (Luke 4:16).  Jesus, the Son of God, God Himself had the custom of weekly worship. 

 

I do encourage you to spend time daily with our Lord in His word and through prayer.  This regular exercise of faith will bless you in your relationship with Jesus.  God’s plan to strengthen our faith, and our relationship with other believers, is regular weekly worship.  This practice is intended to be a blessing, not a burden. 

 

How are you doing in your relationship with Jesus?  Is regular worship blessing your faith and your life? In spite of current trends and ideas, would you benefit from worshipping regularly with other Christians?

 

A Child of God, Committed to Come Weekly to God’s Throne of Grace, Encouraging and Being Encouraged by Fellow Believers,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  If you would like to receive The Meyer Minute, you can send an e-mail to meyerd@csl.edu.

 

P.P.S.  I went fishing 3 times in the last week.  One trip produced fish in the freezer.

·       On Saturday, February 4, I fished on the Suwannee River. It was windy and cool, and the water continues to be the LOWEST I have ever seen it.  I only caught small bass, and a number of mudfish / bowfin.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/MHM9JYQXBVcLSrHSA  

 

·       On Monday, February 6, I fished first at Newnan’s Lake for Crappie.  I had no bites, and saw none of the other 10 boats around me catch a fish.  So, I drove to nearby Rodman Reservoir.  It took a while to get my first bite, and catch my first fish of the day, but I ended up with four nice bass in the freezer.  I also saw a pair of manatees.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wk1cKVUHPJkHP1Vq8

 

·       On Tuesday, February 7, I fished with brother-in-law, Mark Reaves, at Orange Lake.  We had some bites, but the only fish we caught was a small bass which we released.  We did see eagles and many other Florida birds, and I finally wore out the battery for my trolling motor after about 200 trips.  I took no pictures.

 

*****

 

 

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

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

Hopeful in Anticipation for Time With My Lord Each Morning

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

In the south, especially in small towns, I see many interesting roadside signs, signs which often bring a smile to my face.  While recently driving through the small town of Newberry, FL, the sign at First Baptist Church read, “Prayer – How We Speak to God.  The Bible – How God Speaks to Us.”  Do you ever long to hear the voice of God speaking to you?  Do you need direction? Comfort? Assurance?  God does speak, and He is speaking to you today . . . in His Word.

 

Do you follow the practice of personal daily devotions?  In some way I have tried to follow this discipline since my high school years.  Often I considered myself unsuccessful in my attempts to listen to God by spending time daily with Him.  I would set goals, such as reading through the Bible in a year. But I’d fail.  I would get behind one day, and then behind two days, then a week, or a month.  And then I would give up, for a while at least.  Sometimes I was more successful than at other times in accomplishing my goals. But, somewhere along the way I would fail again.

 

However, through all my failed attempts at daily devotions, as I tried and I struggled, I came to a couple of realizations.  First of all, when I did begin my day in Bible reading and prayer, those days just seemed to go better.  Even if trouble arose, I had a peace and assurance to face my troubles with the presence and the love of my Lord.  Second, I came to understand that, even if I failed in my personal goal of being in God’s Word every day, my whole week was blessed by the days when I did begin with devotions.  I realized that, even if I only spend personal time with my Lord every other day, that is still 180 times more each year than if I spent no time in personal Bible reading and prayer at all.  Even if I only found time once a week to read my Bible and go to my Savior in prayer, that was still 52 more times each year than if I spent no time in personal Bible reading and prayer at all. 

 

With these two realizations, I developed an attitude of not so much trying to meet my own goals, but of wanting to be with my Lord and Savior, and knowing that I needed my Lord’s presence and blessings each day.  Because I wanted to be with God, I became more faithful.  For perhaps the last 30-35 years, my time in devotions has been very regular.  And, somehow, I have reached my personal goals of reading and praying for at least 25-30 years.  For the next couple of weeks, I want to share with you some lessons and blessings I have received from my personal devotions, and perhaps encourage you to follow this practice as well, just in case you are not already doing so.  God is faithful with His children.

 

For example, two weeks ago I was reading in my current devotional from Genesis 25 and 26.  As Isaac and Ishmael bury their father, Abraham, we hear about these two men, whose mothers were at odds with one another.  We are told of Ishmael and his sons, “17 Altogether, Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. 18 His descendants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt, as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.” (Genesis 25:17-18 NIV)  Ishmael and his family sound somewhat ominous and threatening.  But, right away in Genesis 26 we hear of God’s promise and blessings to Isaac.  “2 The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.’” (Genesis 26:2-4) 

 

I learned that, in response to a possible cause of fear for Isaac from Ishmael, God gives His promise and blessings to assure Isaac.  In fact, God is with Isaac for more than just Isaac’s relationship to Ishmael.  God is with Isaac into eternity, in ways that bless the whole world, in ways that bless you and me.  Then in the devotional writing which follows the Scripture reading, the writer pointed out from this reading, “That promise and its fulfillment in the cross of our Lord Jesus . . . gives peace and meaning to our daily lives and hope for our eternity.”  With that peace and meaning of God in my life, I then was able to face the day, as we were newly arrived in Florida.

 

Paul tells Timothy, “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) Knowing that God uses holy Scripture to “make me wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus,” and knowing that in His Word God “equips me for every good work,” I look forward to time with my Lord every morning. 

 

How often do you spend time with your Lord in Bible reading and prayer?  Are you experiencing the blessing of having God speak to you daily?

 

A Child of God, Hopeful in Anticipation for Time With My Lord Each Morning,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Over the years I have used MANY different resources for personal devotions.

·       Currently I am using the “Today’s Light Bible” from Concordia Publishing House.  This Bible will lead a person through Scripture in one or two years, with introductions each day to help a person focus on what they will read, and with meditations at the end on a key thought from the readings.

·       The last two years I used a resource for pastors and church workers (and I am sure all Christians) called, “For All the Saints.”  This four volume resource begins and ends with prayers.  There are daily Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings, and the writing of a famous Christian as devotional writing each day.

·       I have read and used a number of times “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers.

·       I have used materials from Navigators in Colorado Springs for daily devotionals.

·       I have used Portals of Prayer from Concordia Publishing House.  However, that is what my wife and I now read together, when we remember to do so, after supper.

·       I regularly read devotions which come by e-mail from Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer and from President Jerry Kieschnick.  I can share those links with you if you wish to receive them.

·       I have used devotions from LAMP, From Lutheran Hour Ministries, and the Red Letter Challenge books suggested by St. John recently.

·       I have simply read through the Bible in English, or the New Testament in Greek, on no specific schedule, reading until I am finished.

I have also used many other materials.  I encourage you to find devotional materials which can help you spend time with your Lord each day.

 

P.P.S.  In my recreational time, I try to golf as well as fish.  On Thursday, January 26, Kathy and I drove north about 40 minutes north to Lake City, FL.  There is a BIG fabric and quilt shop there.  So Kathy shopped while I golfed.  The couple with whom I golfed told us about a local restaurant.  When we arrived at the restaurant we found they had a special on raw oysters, for $1.00 each!  J  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/tpX4434eXvcFvVB3A

 

P.P.P.S.  We have recently experienced a warm spell in Florida.  I saw water temperatures rise from 59 degrees two weeks ago, to 67 degrees on Monday, January 30.  With wind and fish not biting much, I didn’t get out as often as I planned.  But, I have been fishing twice.

·       On Saturday, January 28, my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves, and I fished on the Suwannee River. The water was the LOWEST I have ever seen it.  But we did catch fish.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/csUbrVwTSCiLeqPv7

 

·       On Monday, January 30, I fished at Rodman Reservoir.  The day had it’s challenges including breaking a pole, having the rope break on my trolling motor, wearing out my battery with the live well, and even falling into the water as I led my boat onto my trailer by rope.  But, I did catch fish, and kept 3 nice ones, 13 ½”, 14”, and 18”!  Maybe we’ll have a fish fry again this year.  J  I also saw eagles and other birds, a river otter, a raccoon, and other wildlife.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/J2Ha7UqzGdmiARdK6

 

P.P.P.P.S.  On Wednesday, January 25, I did something I haven’t done since high school, in the early 1970’s.  I went by myself to a University of Florida men’s basketball game and watched the Gators play the University of South Carolina.  Here are pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XMwQQXzntH9CjqjPA

 

*****

 

 

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

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

Believing There is a Right and a Wrong in the World, and it Come from God

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Saturday, January 7, I taught 12 elementary children at St. John Lutheran in a class about serving as an acolyte, or as a candle lighter in worship.  It was a GREAT group of student acolytes.  But, some were a little inattentive at times, or talkative, even pushing at one another.  So I called them to pay attention.  One parent later asked me, somewhat jokingly, “Aren’t you a grandparent?  Aren’t grandparents supposed to spoil their grandkids and then send them back to their parents to deal with it?”  That is conventional wisdom, isn’t it? I thought and paused a moment before I replied, “Maybe.  But I grew up at a time when there was such a thing as right and wrong.”  You may be surprised at my answer.  Actually, I was also a little surprised.  But, in a world where everything seems acceptable today, I do believe in “right and wrong.”

 

As a Christian, a believer in God, I believe that the Creator and Ruler of the Universe is the one who determines what is right and wrong, what is good and evil.  We can find God’s standard for behavior in The Ten Commandments.  According to Jesus, God’s law is summed up in two commands, or directives.  “30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)  According to Jesus, we are to love God, and we are to love others. 

 

It is not a surprise for me to state that many in today’s world do not appreciate that there are rules or standards which might call their behavior, or call their choices, into question.  We have all said at times, “You can’t tell me what to do!”  But, since The Ten Commandments come from God, many who do not want to be told that there is a standard for our behavior, therefore reject the idea of God, and reject the truth of God.

 

Some think that God’s laws are just rules which forbid us from having fun.  In reality, the commandments show us how to live healthy lives.  If we have a healthy relationship with our Heavenly Father, that is to our benefit.  If we have a good relationship with others in our lives, that is to our benefit.  Therefore, when people understand that God’s law comes from His love for us, that God’s law is a blessing to our lives, then we want to keep His law. 

 

But, here’s the rub.  Guess who was the one who got in trouble the most when he was a kid?  That’s me!!  Guess who today wants to watch his mouth, who desires to keep from unjust anger, to act in humility instead of pride, and who often fails.  Again, that is me.  I fail to love God and love others as I should!  Unfortunately, none of us keep God’s law perfectly.  We actually deserve God’s punishment for our sin against His law. 

 

In our world, our laws are also meant for our good.  If laws work for the good of the citizens of our communities, and if people realize that benefit, people will keep the laws willingly, rather than just to keep from being punished.  Actually, most of the law in western societies can be traced to the standards of the 10 commandments, and these laws are intended to help us live together in our society.  As with God’s law, we also struggle with some of the laws of our culture.  Have you ever been cited for driving too fast?  Or, maybe there are other areas where you struggle, or disagree with the laws of the land. 

 

Therefore, our Lord knows that we need a Savior, THE Savior.  Please listen to God’s surprising plan for people like us who deserve punishment.  ^“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)  We deserve to be punished, yet God sends His Son to save us.  Therefore, God’s love and forgiveness, in the face of our rebellion and our sin, makes me even more desirous of following Him and obeying Him.

 

The law of God gives us direction for a healthy life.  That gives us reason to want to follow His law.  The love of God forgives us for our sin.  The sacrifice of His Son on my behalf, leads us to want to follow the law of our Lord and Savior even more. 

 

Yes, it is true, grandparents do spoil grandchildren at times.  But, what I really want for my grandchildren is what is best for them.  Following the healthy directives of our Creator and our Savior may not be popular in our world, but it is what is best for the world and best or us.  Therefore, I want to follow Jesus.  How about you?

 

A Child of God, Believing There is a Right and a Wrong in the World, and it Come from God.

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Hoping to eat homegrown tomatoes later this spring we planted our tomato plants.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jpwZfYEjSFygyQny9

 

P.P.S.  The water and temperatures have been a little on the cool side or FL.  The fish are not biting much, and in deep water. 

 

·       On Thursday, January 19, the wind was blowing, so I went to a smaller lake trying to hide from the wind.  No fish – 2 bites.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HDekK7Zjwh5eP9P27

 

·       On Monday, January 23, I fished at Lochloosa Lake for the first time ever.  The wind was blowing again.  I had one bite and caught no fish.  But I liked this lake.  I think I’ll return.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LtTU1HY3mYMwuAGi8

 

*****

 

 

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

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

One of Billions Loved by God in Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Early Monday morning, January 16, Kathy and I boarded a plane in in Anchorage.  We had arrived at the airport early, so we had a number of hours for interacting with others, and perhaps for “people watching.”  A person runs into all kinds of folks in an airport, and on a plane. 

 

As we sat down to wait for check in, an Alaskan native grandmother sat next to me.  I greeted her with a simple, “Hello.”  She replied, “Well, I can tell we are back in Alaska.  People are talking to us.”  Then she went on to share their travels of the past month, her age, their history in Barrow, where they lived, and more, for about 15 minutes.  I liked that woman!  I could have sat and talked, or listened for another couple of hours.  But, they left for their plane.

 

A girls’ gymnastic team arrived and waited to check in for their flight.  They re-packed, and laughed, and took selfies, and generally had a good time.  It was an interesting show.

 

At the gate, we sat next to a couple from Wasilla traveling with two Boston terriers to Texas.  The dogs were friendly, and so were the people.  They had just retired and were going south for snowbird opportunities.  We had much in common and had some pleasant time to visit. 

 

Another younger couple sat in our area.  They also raised dogs.  The man shared that he owned 15 dogs at the moment, and was planning to buy two more.  They too were very friendly.

 

There were many other individuals and families in the terminal.  Some of them were friendly as well. But some of the other people were busy, or self-occupied, or obviously troubled, or even sleeping and snoring.

 

Both planes on which we flew were packed full of passengers.  There were no open seats.  At one point in the middle of the night I walked down the aisle. People of various ages and appearance were crammed into the small spaces allowed for seating.  Most were sleeping in various positions.  Some watched videos.  Others talked quietly.  They were a ‘motley’ looking group.  Walking by all these unique individuals it struck me that . . . God loves each of these people. 

 

Our Lord’s words in 1 Timothy came to mind.  “God our Savior,  ⁴  . . . desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  (1 Timothy 2: 3b – 4).  I thought of John 3:16.  "For 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.”  God sent Jesus, God sent HIS SON, for every one of these people.  Jesus came for the family from Barrow, for the gymnastic team, for the couples who shared a love of dogs, for all the folks sitting on the plane.  Jesus even came for me with all my quirks and short-comings.

 

In a world of about 8 billion people we cannot begin to know everyone.  I only interacted with a few of those on the planes we flew.  But, God knows all people, and He loves them.  That gives me guidance as I meet the different people and personalities in our world.  God loves all people, and sent Jesus for them.  I should be open to sharing God’s love as well.

 

A Child of God, One of Billions Loved by God in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  I enjoyed a number of outdoor activities in the past week.

 

·       On Friday January 13, I fished for a short period on Wolf Lake near Palmer, AK.  I started fishing after the sun had set, though there was still a prolonged time of dusk.  However, I had no bites.  Nevertheless, it is always good to get out in the outdoors and fish.  J  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/S9TUxWMgHv3wLUkV8

 

·       On Saturday, January 14, I spent time with son, Josh, and grandchildren, Jake, Henry, and Annie, skiing at Skeetawk ski area in Hatcher Pass.  Again, being outdoors is a blessing, especially with family!  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/FngA3yRsvAGCKZ4Y7

 

·       On Tuesday, January 17, I fished on the Suwannee River in Florida.  The effects of winter were evident.  The lily beds were smaller, and the water was cooler. I had a few bites, caught a few small fish, and enjoyed time outdoors.  Here are a couple of pictures.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/mAQUqs8BbotvRQef8

 

 

 

*****

 

 

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

 

“1 John 3:1 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)