Trusting the Lord When Life Changes!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

As Kathy and I finish our time serving in Florida, and as we prepare to return home to Alaska, there are lots of things we want to accomplish.  We are working on observing Holy Week and celebrating Easter.  There is a lot to do for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.  Such celebration is important!  For example, Kathy purchased food on April 7 for the Passover Meal on April 17 because . . . she is cooking!  We have a family Easter celebration planned.  And there is a family wedding on May 3.  And please don’t forget, we have our “annual fish fry” planned for Saturday, April 26.  Those are just some of the jobs and activities we plan to accomplish before leaving Florida.  We know what we have to do, and we are ready to accomplish those tasks.

 

However, maybe you have seen the oft-quoted saying.  “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”  That is not a verse from Scripture.  But, let me share with you a few verses from the Bible about how God deals with our plans. 

 

Do you know Proverbs 16:9?  “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”  Or, have you read God’s wisdom from Provers 19:21?  “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”  In other words, we may have plans for what we want to do.  But we are not Lord – He is!  God has a say in our lives.

 

The book of James also shares similar thoughts.  “¹³ Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- ¹⁴ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15) In other words, we may have plans, but God is LORD of all things.  He is Lord of our lives.  Humble acknowledgment that “God is Lord” is wise!

 

Part of the plans I have for our fish fry is that I want about 20 more fish for this occasion.  We have hosted between 35-60 people.   I am looking forward to catching those fish.  Therefore, it was not in my plans to have someone drive into the back of my vehicle when I was stopped at a traffic light on Saturday afternoon, April 5.  The other driver and I are both fine, and I drove my vehicle home thinking about fishing that afternoon.  However, because of damage I did not see, I should not have driven the car home.  It is now truly undrivable with my rear driver’s side wheel bent in, and my brakes leaking fluid.  On Monday a tow truck brought my car to the shop for repairs.  And who knows how long that will take!  In addition, Kathy left Tuesday morning for her yearly quilting conference.  Have you tried to work with an insurance company to get a vehicle which will tow a boat?  If I shared everything about my conversations with insurance, this devotion would take many more pages!

 

Now, I know that my home was not destroyed by war.  No tornado took away family members.  I do not have a terminal diagnosis for cancer.  The accident did not take my life, nor that of a loved one.  But, I did have plans, as did Kathy!  The accident was not our mistake.  Our plans must change.  How do we deal with life when life changes our plans?   I do hear my Lord speaking from Scripture.

 

First, our plans may change, but God does not.  Please consider Hebrews 13:8. ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  (See also Malachi 3:6 a)

 

Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted out of context, but the Lord promises His love in these verses to people whose lives are different than they desire.  ^“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

 

What are those plans which our Lord has for His children?  Listen to Romans 8:38-39.  “³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Did you hear that promise?  Nothing “in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!”

 

Therefore, knowing that our Lord and His love for us does not change, the wisdom of Proverbs 3 speaks to my heart.  “⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6) When life changes, I can trust the Lord who does not change.  I can trust in the Lord who loves me eternally in Jesus.  I can trust in my Lord, and He will guide me through unexpected changes in life.

 

Yes, life is unsure.  Such uncertainty can mean life, or death.  Such uncertainty can even affect fishing plans. 😊 Nevertheless, the Lord and His love for us in Jesus are sure.  In a world of uncertainty, when life and plans do change, we can we can count on the Lord and His love. “⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

 

A Child of God, Trusting the Lord When Life Changes!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.   I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann. Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

 

·       LENTEN SERVICES 2025  conclude on Wednesday evening April 9^th.  Our Mid-Week Lenten Sermon series this year was “Conventional Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom.  The Sermon for Lent 6, April 9 is “God=s Wisdom Concerning Death”

 

·       MID WEEK LENTEN MEALS - Each Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 p.m. First Lutheran families will serve meals before our mid-week Lenten worship.  These meals provide an opportunity for fellowship and make it easier for people to attend Wednesday Lenten Worship, since we don=t have to bring anything after work for a potluck meal, and there is no cost.  Come and enjoy the meals and the time with God’s people! Sayer Kahlaf is serving on April 9.  THANKS to all who have prepared these meals for God’s children at FLC.

 

·       HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

 

Palm Sunday

10:00am with Communion

(Gather in the courtyard at 9:45am with your Palms.

Palms will be available at the Welcome Table located by the main door under the breezeway)

Open Arms Children will have a special message during the Children’s Message

 

Maundy Thursday

Noon and 7:30pm Worship (both services with Communion)

Passover Dinner at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall

 

Good Friday

Noon and 6:30pm Worship (no Communion either service)

(No dinner this evening.)

 

Easter Morning Worship

8:30am Worship with Holy Communion

9:30am Easter Morning Breakfast

10:00am Easter Egg Hunt

11:00am Worship with Holy Communion

 

·       A ‘Basic Teachings of the Bible’ / ‘New Member Class began at First Lutheran on March 2   Seven people have attended, but others can join us.  ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 9:00, WE WILL CONDUCT AN ALL DAY MAKE UP / STUDY AHEAD class.  If someone wants to learn more, or to refresh their knowledge, come and join us.  There is no commitment to join FLC just because a person attends the class. 

 

·       First Lutheran is re-activating the Stephen Ministry program! - Stephen Ministry is an organized and supervised plan for Christian caring.  Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to bring Jesus to people’s troubles.  They are trained to walk alongside others as Christian friends, bringing the saving love of God.

Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas have been trained as leaders.  We commissioned our leadership team in worship on April 6!

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May, and GROWING! Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m..  Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack. 

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School. 

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

 

·       COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m.  We are studying “The Case for Christ” and discussing defending our Christian faith in a world of doubt.  Come and join us!   

ALSO, FLC serves College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship each Sunday of the school year.

·       WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, April 9, we read through Daniel 12.

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

 

 

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

 

·       Friends – Some members of our former church in Jacksonville, where I served 1983-1991, came to visit on Friday, April 4.  Here is a picture of Kathy and me with Everett and Edie Conaway and Mary Herrera Jones.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Xf5TmtxxVqsSPGbP9

 

·       Automobile Damage – Here are some pictures of my vehicle after I was hit while stopped at a traffic light.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/3aHH5T62Xzhq5iKQ7

 

·       Fishing –

o   I went fishing on Thursday, April 3, and caught a few bass for the fish fry. Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/32RX7k7avQpkjdVr8

 

o   On Sunday, April 6, I took Pastor Chris Kollmann and his oldest two boys fishing.  We had one bite.  We caught no fish.  But, from the smiles, I think the boys enjoyed the trip.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BzKWwpoZsKmoHucG8

 

*******

 

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

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

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

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

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

 

 

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

 

 

Experiencing Death and Life, With Jesus by My Side!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I recently had a couple of experiences where unexpected bad new, was followed by surprising good news.  I might describe these as two situations where death became life, a kind of “resurrection.”  First, on Thursday, March 27, while fishing on Orange Lake my trolling motor acted up.  I tried a minor fix with no luck.  Then, when I got out of the water the motor itself was not straight like it should be, but extending outward at an angle.  In addition, a gasket which keeps water out of the electric brushes was bulging.  If water gets into those brushes, the motor dies.  Sigh!  There is an authorized repairman for my trolling motor right around the corner from our Gainesville home, and I brought my motor there after leaving the lake. “What happened?” he asked.  “I’ve never seen anything like this!”  Coming from the repairman, that is not good!  I was worried I had killed this vital tool for my Florida fishing trips.  And, with the motor in the shop, it also meant that I missed fishing on Saturday and Sunday.

 

However, on Thursday evening, after dropping off my trolling motor for repair, and then after returning home from a Mission and Ministry Council meeting, I received what was truly bad news.  Fishing and boats are only a hobby.  But, I received really bad news about a friend of mine, Pastor Phil Kuehnert.  Phil and I served congregations in Alaska at the same time.  Even though he retired over 15 years ago, we still keep in touch with one another.  Phil and I talked on the phone last year.  In January Kathy and I received a written response to our Christmas letter from Phil.  In the last month Phil and I discussed some other issues.  We may live a long distance from one another, but we still keep up with each other.  Yet, on Thursday evening we received word that Phil had returned home from a visit to the hospital emergency room for serious heart issues.  He was off medication, on oxygen, on hospice care, and expecting to pass away soon.  Phil has always liked hymns.  The message from Phil’s daughter, informing us of this sad news, quoted an old hymn to inform us of Phil’s return home, “In joyful hope to die.”  Kathy and I grieved the final days of our good friend. 

 

However, in both of these cases, the bad new turned good, at least for a while.  On Monday I received unexpected good news about my trolling motor.  The repairman called me.  He had expected to find big problems with my motor and did not believe he would even have the parts on hand for the repair.  But, he had found little trouble, and replaced a bent part, performed a little tuning up, and for a very minimal charge my motor was working well.  I was surprised.  It was like my dead motor had come back to life.  I took my motor, mounted it on my boat, and I went fishing.  I had to celebrate this bad news turned good!

 

Then Monday evening I read another e-mail message concerning my friend, Phil.  This e-mail was not from Phil’s daughter, but from Phil himself!  He explained that he had returned home off sustaining medication, fully expecting for the Lord to call him home in a couple of weeks.  But, On Saturday he felt better, and Sunday, he felt better still.  I did not pray about my trolling motor, but I have prayed daily for Phil since first hearing of his seriously ill health. Yet, what I prayed for was God’s strength for my friend in his last days.  This message delivered news of a real return to life from death, if even for a short time. Kathy and I rejoiced at the good news.

 

In truth, because of the frequent trials of life, we expect to receive bad new from time to time.  However, when good news comes, it is often a surprise.  I believe I “re-learned” a few lessons from my recent experiences. 

 

One of those lessons is that I do not know what the future holds, but I do know WHO holds the future.  Because God has come into my life, I need to be prepared for life to go better at times than I expect. 

 

Secondly, I’m not sure exactly how to describe how God acted in these two situations, but . . . I do see the hand of my Lord at work!  When I prayed for my friend and things went better than expected, that is not just a coincidence.  I should not be surprised when the Lord blesses my life with good.  Yet, at times I am surprised.

 

Finally, we will soon observe and celebrate the most important death and resurrection in history.  The death of Jesus, the Son of God, and His rising to life from death in a grave, were both a surprise to His followers and the people of His day.  Jesus’ disciples should have known better, but they were surprised, shocked at His arrest. They were stunned by His sham trial.  They were overwhelmed at his crucifixion and death on the cross.  Neither should the disciples have been surprised at Jesus’ resurrection.  Jesus had told them that these things would happen, that all of this was God’s plan to save the world.  We hear Jesus teach His disciples in Matthew 16, and other places. “Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21)  Bad news was coming, because the Son of God, the Messiah, would die for the sin of the world.  But, good news, better news, would follow as Jesus would rise on the third day defeating sin and deaath.

 

The Lord sees us through the overwhelming surprises when life goes badly.  The Lord is also there to surprise us with good news of His eternal love in the midst of life’s sorrows.  When I know that God works in this way, I can face ANYTHING!

 

I saw the presence of our Lord this past week.  I know the presence and salvation of God when hope seems lost.  But, in the midst of the bad news of life, we have hope in the resurrection of Jesus.  That is no mistake!

 

A Child of God, Experiencing Death and Life, With Jesus by My Side!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.   I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann. Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

 

·       LENTEN SERVICES 2025 – “Conventional Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom.  This year=s theme for Mid-Week Lenten Worship is AConventional Wisdom vs. God=s Wisdom.@ Lent 2025 will look at how the world thinks, with its sinful belief that it holds the key to wisdom.  We will contrast the thinking of our world to the wisdom of God, the better wisdom for healthy and faithful lives.  Here are the weekly topics:

 

Lent 1 -           God=s Wisdom Concerning Glory      Palm Sunday, Upper Room

 

Lent 2 -           God=s Wisdom Concerning Prayer     Gethsemane (‘Not my will but your

            Will’ B Does God answer prayer?)

 

            Lent 3 -           God=s Wisdom About Forgiveness    Judas B Forgiveness Can=t be Real . .

            . for me

 

            Lent 4 -           God=s Wisdom Concerning Selfishness         Peter=s Denial B Take Care of

                                                                                                            # 1

 

            Lent 5 -           God=s Wisdom Concerning Power     Pilate B The Government Has the

            Power

 

            Lent 6 -           God=s Wisdom Concerning Death      Ladies at the Tomb B Death is Final

 

·       MID WEEK LENTEN MEALS - Each Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 p.m. First Lutheran families will serve meals before our mid-week Lenten worship.  These meals provide an opportunity for fellowship and make it easier for people to attend Wednesday Lenten Worship, since we don=t have to bring anything after work for a potluck meal, and there is no cost.  Come and enjoy the meals and the time with God’s people! The Spillanes are serving the meal on April 2, and Sayer Kahlaf is serving on April 9.  THANKS to all who have prepared these meals for God’s children at FLC.

 

·       PASSOVER –We will celebrate a PASSOVER MEAL of lamb, green salad, charoseth (apple and raisin relish), unleavened bread, and wine or grape juice at 6:00 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, April 17.  (This starting time gives people a chance to arrive from work.) The Passover was a Jewish festival and celebration of God saving His people from slavery in Egypt.  However, this ceremony also helps Christians understand Jesus’ Passion and His Easter victory. 

The Recommended Donation is $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. 

PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE NARTHEX AT CHURCH!  This helps us to know how much food to prepare.  Last year 56 people attended the First Lutheran Passover Meal.  So far this year, 31 have signed up.

 

·       ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2 We began a New Member Class at First Lutheran. IN THE LIBRARY AT 8:45 A.M.   Seven people have attended, but others can join us, if you wish.  Our Class is entitled “Basic Christian Teachings.”

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 9:00, WE WILL CONDUCT AN ALL DAY MAKE UP / STUDY AHEAD class.  If someone wants to learn more, or to refresh their knowledge, come and join us.  There is no commitment to join FLC just because a person attends the class. 

 

·       First Lutheran is re-activating the Stephen Ministry program! - Stephen Ministry is an organized and supervised plan for Christian caring.  Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to bring Jesus to people’s troubles.  They are trained to walk alongside others as Christian friends, bringing the saving love of God.

Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas STARTED leadership training on February 10 and finished on March 17.  We will commission our leadership team in worship on April 6!

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May, and GROWING! Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m..  Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack. 

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School. 

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

 

·       COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m.  We are studying “The Case for Christ” and discussing defending our Christian faith in a world of doubt.  Come and join us!   

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

·       WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, April 2, we read through Daniel 2.

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

 

 

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

 

·       Fishing –

o   Here is a picture of my trolling motor after I got out of the lake.  You see the gasket hanging out.  NOT GOOD!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/bGGPXnTMakCfLqES6

 

o   My trolling motor may have had troubles, but I caught a couple of nice fish on Thursday, March 27, at Orange Lake.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ciTGyjKHYi5TBd6TA

 

o   On Monday, after my trolling motor was repaired, I went fishing.  (Go figure!)  Here are a couple of fish I caught on a favorite lake.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7vjkthprrKcQ6nE7

 

 

 

 

*******

 

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

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

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

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

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

 

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

 

 

Seeking to Practice the Repentance of Lent, and to Live the Love of Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Tuesday evening, March 25, as my wife Kathy and I were eating supper, we discussed my day at work.  Among other things, I visited 9 people in their home or at the hospital. Pastor Chris Kollman and I visited 5 people at one time at Oak Hammock.  Then I visited Larry and Gayle Davis in their home, and Guillermo and Barbara Luna-Victoria in the hospital.  For various reasons of health or age, these folks have challenges in getting out.  A home visit is an easy and effective way to bring the love of Jesus to those who have trouble making it to church at times.

 

Kathy and I then recounted home visits each of us had made over the last 46 years.  Kathy served as a visiting nurse in St. Louis in the early 80’s, and again as a hospice nurse in Alaska in the late 90’s.  She remembers many people and homes she visited, and their unique personalities.  I have made visits on church members and friend now in many congregations.  Kathy and I shared memories with one another of those visits.

 

Then, as we talked, Kathy and I also commented on some special visits.  I used to bring my children and later my grandchildren with me when I visited people in their homes.  I remember Minnie Rose.  She was in the nursing care unit of a Lutheran nursing home, “Altenheim,” in St. Louis.  When I began visiting Minnie, she said little or nothing because of dementia.  But after our son, Joshua, was born, I brought him with me on many of my visits.  As soon as she saw my infant son in arms, Minne spoke!  “What is his name?  How old is he? Is he your first child?”  It is amazing how people respond to some caring attention, perhaps especially from children.

 

I also used to take Josh with me when I conducted worship services at the Tower Hill Nursing home in North St. Louis.  One day I arrived to lead worship without my son.  Some of the residents suggested I not return again without him.  😊 The folks in this home considered it a gift to have an infant child come to visit them.

 

In Alaska, I once took grandchildren Jacob and Emmalee with me one day as I visited 10 separate individuals.  One elderly lady, named Diane, was lonely. She was not officially a member of St. John. Diane was a friend of a friend of the congregation.  But she had asked me to spend time with her as I visited the other lady, so I did.  On this particular visit, after I had read and prayed with Diane, and had served her communion, Jacob and Emma hugged her as we were about to leave.  I remember a tear in Diane’s eye.  It is amazing how a little caring attention for a lonely person makes such a difference!

 

This week in worship we will consider two separate calls from God to love others.  In Wednesday Lenten worship we hear God’s call to turn from selfishly serving only ourselves toward loving and serving others.  In some ways that sounds very simple.  But, in other ways, caring for others really is not very simple.  Consider Jesus.

 

Then, in Sunday worship, we will again listen to Jesus’ wonderful parable of the Prodigal Son.  Jesus is calling the Pharisees and scribes to turn from pride and self-righteousness so that they instead care for the “tax collectors and sinners.”  As before, this sounds simple.  But, in other ways, caring for others really is not easy.  Again, consider what it cost Jesus to love us!

 

Did you ever think that loving others takes an attitude of humble repentance?  Repentance is a turning away from sin, and turning toward our Lord and His will.  It is natural to care for ourselves, to serve ourselves.  Love and care for another requires us to turn away from our natural selfishness, and toward the needs of another.  When we love others, we live the Lenten call to repent.

 

During Lent we especially focus on the care and the love which Jesus gives in His suffering and death. God teaches that Jesus’ sacrificial death and his love are His gift to us, so that we can love and care for others.  “¹⁰ In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:10-11) Jesus loves and cares for us so that we can love and care for others.  Because Lent shows Jesus’s love for us, Lent also calls us to care and to love others. 

 

As I visited people on Tuesday, everyone thanked me for visiting.  In all honesty, I am thankful for the privilege of bringing the love of Jesus to His children, of whatever age.  It is an honor to be in the homes of the saints of our Lord!

 

Do you know anyone who is lonely?  Do you know anyone who feels rejected?  Do you know anyone whose sins and failures make them feel unlovable? Do you know anyone for whom a simple word of encouragement would make all the difference?  When we love others, we really practice the repentance of Lent, and we live in the love of Jesus!

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Practice the Repentance of Lent, and to Live the Love of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.   I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann. Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

 

·       LENTEN SERVICES 2025 – “Conventional Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom.  This year=s theme for Mid-Week Lenten Worship is "Conventional Wisdom vs. God's Wisdom." Lent 2025 will look at how the world thinks, with its sinful belief that it holds the key to wisdom.  We will contrast that to God"s wisdom, the better wisdom for healthy and faithful lives.

 

Lent 1 -           God's Wisdom Concerning Glory      Palm Sunday, Upper Room

 

Lent 2 -           God's Wisdom Concerning Prayer     Gethsemane (‘Not my will but your Will’ - Does God answer prayer?)

 

            Lent 3 -           God's Wisdom About Forgiveness    Judas - Forgiveness Can't be Real . . . for me

 

            Lent 4 -           God's Wisdom Concerning Selfishness         Peter-s Denial - Take Care of # 1

 

            Lent 5 -           God's Wisdom Concerning Power     Pilate - The Government Has the Power

 

            Lent 6 -           God's Wisdom Concerning Death      Ladies at the Tomb - Death is Final

 

·       MID WEEK LENTEN MEALS - Each Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 p.m. First Lutheran families will serve meals before our mid-week Lenten worship.  These meals provide an opportunity for fellowship and make it easier for people to attend Wednesday Lenten Worship, since we don=t have to bring anything after work for a potluck meal, and there is no cost.  Come and enjoy the meals and the time with God’s people!

            WE STILL NEED SOMEONE TO SERVE THE LAST LENTEN MEAL ON APRIL 9!

 

·       PASSOVER –We will celebrate a PASSOVER MEAL of lamb, green salad, charoseth (apple and raisin relish), unleavened bread, and wine or grape juice at 6:00 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, April 17.  (This time gives people a chance to arrive from work.) The Passover was a Jewish celebration of God saving His people from slavery in Egypt.  However, this ceremony also helps Christians understand Jesus’ Passion and His Easter victory. 

The Recommended Donation is $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. 

PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE NARTHEX AT CHURCH!  This helps us to know how much food to prepare.  Last year 56 people attended the First Lutheran Passover Meal.  So far this year, 31 have signed up.

 

·       ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2 We began a New Member Class at First Lutheran. IN THE LIBRARY AT 8:45 A.M.   Seven people have attended, but others can join us, if you wish.  Our Class is entitled “Basic Christian Teachings.”  If someone wants to learn more, or to refresh their knowledge, come and join us.  There is no commitment to join FLC just because a person attends the class.  On Sunday, March 30, we are handing out catechisms.

Pastor Chris will teach the Adult Sunday School class on The Pastoral Epistles, and Pastor Rockey will teach the new member class.

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY IS COMING BACK! – First Lutheran is re-activating the Stephen Ministry program.  Stephen Ministry is an organized and supervised plan for Christian caring.  Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to bring Jesus to people’s troubles.  They are trained to walk alongside others as Christian friends, bringing the saving love of God.

Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas STARTED leadership training on February 10 and finished on March 17.  We will commission our leadership team in worship, most likely on April 6!

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May, and GROWING! Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m..  Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack. 

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School. 

Also, as our Sunday School grows, we need more teachers, so students can be separated by ages in classes.  We have 3 new helpers, but could use a few more.  IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP ONCE A MONTH PLEASE SPEAK TO SHERYL SHIVER OR Katherine Gross..

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

 

·       COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m.  We are studying “The Case for Christ” and discussing defending our Christian faith.  Come and join us!   

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

·       WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, March 26, we read through Ezekiel 42.

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

 

 

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

 

·       We planted azaleas a few years ago.  They are getting healthy.  Here are a couple of pictures from March 15, 2025.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/S9YS9Jxyt3tBqeZB6

 

·       St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Rockey residence, March 17, 2025.  Corned beef and cabbage, homemade biscuits and homemade strawberry jelly!!!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RBGbRan8GLn9DUgV9

 

·       March 17-22 was a week for golf.  I golfed in 2 tournaments, and played 5 times.  On Saturday, March 22, two pastors and two elders from First Lutheran played in a tournament for “Josh’s Place,” a place where young people receive acceptance and care.  Here is a picture of Nathan Gude, Jonathan Rockey, Chris Kollmann, and Jeff Thinschmidt.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WAKxNbBhEBvx5TVk9

 

·       On Sunday, March 22, I went fishing on the Suwannee River after church.  Recent trips there have not been great for catching.  But, I did have some bites this time, and caught a nice 18” bass.  I also saw about 10 gators.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xcMK2fbX37TdkQBe7

 

 

 

*******

 

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

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

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

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

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

 

 

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