Seeking to Use the Coronavirus Epidemic as an Opportunity to Grow

Dear Fellow Children of God,



We are experiencing unprecedented times because of COVID-19!  When in memory have restaurants, bank lobbies, and parks closed?  When in recorded history have Christian churches stopped meeting?  There have been great epidemics before.  I have read estimates that during the Middle Ages about a third of the European population died from the bubonic plague.  I’ve read that an estimated 20 to 50 million people died world-wide during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic.  When the polio epidemic hit in the 1940’s and 50’s, many were affected, and even stayed home – SOME of the time.  Yet, did people stop meeting all together?  Did churches stop worshiping?



But now, the contagious nature of the coronavirus has our leaders recommending “social distancing.”  In Gainesville, FL, where Kathy and I are in retirement right now, there is a “stay at home” order (which has various applications according to the governmental declaration) for Alachua County.  In Alaska, those traveling home by air are required to observe a 14 day self-quarantine.  People who are frail are keeping their distance from others.  In some ways, people who are facing such forced isolation feel imprisoned.  In some ways, we really are imprisoned.



But, I have spent many hours ministering to those actually in our prisons.  Over 40 years of pastoral ministry, I often visited people who were incarcerated.  St. John Lutheran in Palmer led worship once a month for 25 years at the Palmer Correctional Center, until it closed in September 2016.  I learned some lessons from those in our correctional system.



One of the lessons which I learned is that “people ‘doing time’ ‘have time.’”  When a person cannot go to work, when they cannot visit with family, when they cannot be involved in local community activities, they find other ways to fill their time.  Those in prison, like many of us, don’t always make the best decisions on how to use their time.  But, when I visited jails and prisons, I was primarily involved with people who were church members, or with those who participated in prison worship life.  I saw these men (and sometimes women) make choices to be honest about their crimes, and choices to seek God’s help to change their lives.  So, with free time on their hands, I watched men study Scripture, develop a prayer life, and grow habits of regular worship.  When faced with “time” on their hands, time which they had not planned to have, they found ways to use it for their good, and for God’s glory.



As the Coronavirus progresses, as leaders make decisions about businesses and public gatherings, as our lives are changed and we have time on our hands, what can you do now that you do have this “unexpected free time?”  What are those activities which you always wanted to do, but which you thought you were just too busy to be serious about, for which you now actually have time?



Have you always wanted to read your Bible, but you couldn’t the find time?  Now we have the gift of time to study and learn the truths of God for our lives.  Have you intended to develop the discipline of prayer, but you didn’t have time because of work or school?  Now you have time to pray, to spend your minutes and hours sharing with your Heavenly Father all that is on your heart and mind.  Now you also have time to listen to our Lord’s wise and loving answers.



Maybe you wanted to spend more time together as a family.  In fact, many parents want their children to know about our Lord, but somehow have felt too busy for Church, or for Sunday School, or for teaching their children.  (But, is there really anything more important than teaching our children about the love of God?)  Last week a friend sent me an internet link for 100 printable coloring pages of Bible Stories for kids.  So, imagine coloring one page a day, and talking about the story with your children, or with your grandchildren. (Please see link below.)



Perhaps you have wanted to put your Christian faith into action, to love and serve others the way Jesus has loved you.  With social distancing, showing love to others may be hard to do.  But, I expect you have friends who could use a phone call, and maybe they would let you pray with them over the phone.  I’m sure there are volunteer opportunities that allow for social distancing.



In Colossians 4:5-6, God inspires Paul to write and instruct the people in the city of Colossae, in what is modern day Turkey, “5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  In other words, God has loved us in Jesus’ sacrificial life and death and resurrection.  How can we use the opportunities we receive to respond to our Lord’s mercy and to share God’s love with other? 



Last Saturday I helped with the video-taping of worship in the congregation which I am attending in Florida.  Then, on Sunday morning, Kathy and I followed the liturgy, sang the hymns, and worshiped together, through the computer in our home.  But, later that day we did something which Kathy said she thought I had never done on a Sunday morning - we went fishing!  Because we had the time, we took this opportunity to enjoy God’s Creation.  We didn’t catch any fish, but spending 4 hours together on the water, watching wildlife, was a real blessing.



God’s children often say, “We don’t have enough time.”  For many of us, we now have the unexpected gift of time.  How will you “make the most of this opportunity”, to grow, to worship, and to serve?



A Child of God, Seeking to Use the Coronavirus Epidemic as an OPPORTUNITY,

Pastor Jonathan



P.S.   Here is the e-mail I got from a friend about Bible Story coloring pages.  “I don't know if this is worth forwarding to our/your members but it beats giving the kids a cell phone.”

100 Bible Coloring Sheets [PRINTABLE]
Hi,

Grab your crayons:

http://www.teachsundayschool.com/i/100coloringpages/

P.P.S.  Italians make the most of their “social distancing” time as they sing “How Great is our God” to their neighbors.  https://www.bibliatodo.com/En/christian-news/italians-praise-god-from-their-windows-how-great-is-our-god/?fbclid=IwAR04utOFx8V9z6FFjWzgThm6gUaFkO5uj5R8DUvaV1ITt0LzPmF79mn0z6Q



P.P.P.S.  I have received a number of prayers during this time.

Here is a prayer from Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. 

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me (Psalm 50:15).

Heavenly Father, we call upon You in our perplexity and need. We pray that You will give wisdom to all in this crisis. For the medical community, we ask Your abundant mercies upon their care for the sick who have been stricken by this disease and for those who fear infection. For scientific researchers, we beg You to give insights that lead to swift discoveries in research that will mitigate this crisis. For our governmental leaders, we pray for reasoned and persuasive presentations so that the general public will act with calm discipline for the welfare of all. For those whose employment is curtailed or eliminated, we pray for their aid through efficient governmental and faith agencies of help. For our congregations and all the people of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, we pray Your Spirit will give hope and reassurance that our holy faith offers through Your Word and the ministry of the church. May we all lift up our eyes to the hills, knowing that our help ultimately comes from You, “our very present help in trouble.” And for us, the faculty, staff and students of Concordia Seminary, we pray growth in humble and dependent faith, patience in this tribulation, and hope and confidence because of all Your promises centered in our living Lord Jesus Christ. In His saving name we humbly pray, Amen.

·       Here is a prayer I received from an Alaskan Friend.

Dear God,

Would you give our leaders wisdom, discernment, and strength.  Keep them healthy, safe, and rested so that they can guide us through this time.

Give our government leaders wisdom on how to stop the virus and stabilize our economy.

Give our spiritual leaders Your discernment on how to meet people’s needs as they glorify your name and encourage the Church.

Give our medical leaders insight into how to stop the virus.  Strengthen their resolve and honr their hard work in creating a treatment for COVID-19.

Give our civic leaders inspiration, courage, joy, and strength to meet the needs of their communities.

And, help us, as leaders in our communities, to display courage, hope, generosity, and kindness.

In Jesus’ name,  Amen.

P.P.P.P.S.  I do continue to fish.  I stay 6 feet away, and we have no more than 10 gathered at a time.

·       Here are some pictures of a day fishing with my brother, Stephen, on Orange Lake, 3-19-2020.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/36yhejSGsRyscXpC8

·       My wife said, in a Facebook post, that she never remembers me fishing on a Sunday morning before.  However, since worship was “online”, and Kathy and I worshiped at 7:30 a.m., she then agreed to go fishing with me on Sunday morning.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/s49L2qV7gG9gKags9

·       Here are some pictures of me fishing with a “fishing buddy”, Randy. https://photos.app.goo.gl/DvXD65T9TxoswPp59

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I will now call it "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked o receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

            A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving them.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive them, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

Standing on The Solid Rock, Jesus Christ, During the Coronavirus Epidemic

Dear Fellow Children of God,



On Thursday morning, March 12, Kathy and I left on a road trip we had planned for about 6 months.  We would attend and celebrate the wedding of our niece, Lauren Tobin, in Memphis, TN.  At the end of the month, we would attend a quilting conference in Little Rock AR, which Kathy has participated in for the last 5 years.  In between these two major events, we were going to visit The Grand Ole’ Opry in Nashville, see a few national parks, and spend time with friends who had invited us to come visit.  On Wednesday before we left on our trip, the news had hit that a pro basketball player had tested positive for COVID-19, coronavirus, and that the National Basketball Association would suspend games for 2 weeks.  But, as we drove north on Thursday listening to the radio, the world changed around us.  Other sports followed suit and shut down, but for longer than 2 weeks.  Universities closed and college sports were suspended.   The Stock Market fell, and then dropped again.  People were told to stay away from gatherings of 250 people or more, which then became 50 people or more.  At first Kathy’s quilting conference would still be held.  But then, the Southern Belles’ Quilting Conference was also cancelled.  The Grand Ole Opry shut down.  And, wisdom suggested maybe we shouldn’t visit friends, just to be safe.  In 48 hours our plans, and our entire world had changed.  Your world changed too.  In fact, we are as still unsure how much change we are facing.



As we sat in the church at Lauren and Aaron’s wedding, with questions about what was happening in the world around us, we sang hymns in celebration of the Lord’s presence for the marriage of this couple.  In the midst of the swirling questions in my mind, the words of these hymns struck me with the comfort of the Gospel of Jesus in the midst of life’s uncertainties. 



For the opening hymn of the wedding we sang, “In Christ Alone,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty.  Please listen to and consider these words of this hymn.  Sitting in the pew, on the first weekend of coronavirus changes, I heard:

“In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.”

To hear and to be reminded that that Christ is “firm through the fiercest drought and storm” spoke to my heart and to my soul.  To be told again that in Christ are “depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease” did bring me peace.  I felt, as this song reminded me the truth of God’s word, that I could do what the song declared, “Here in the love of Christ I STAND!”



We sang all the words of this hymn, but the last verse especially lifted my spirit as well.

“No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Yes, Jesus is with me (and us) “in life” and “in death.”  “Nothing CAN pluck me from His hand.”  So, because Jesus died and rose for me, the last line of this hymn is true, for me, and for you.  “Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.” 



We later sang, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” an older hymn found in most traditional hymnals.  Listen to and consider what these words tell us in our changing world.

My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

No merit of my own I claim, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

There are many things in this life on which we have depended.  They are all “sinking sand.”  Only Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is a Solid Rock!  And, listen to what we sang in the third verse of this hymn.

His oath, His covenant and blood, Support me in the raging flood;

When ev’ry earthly prop gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

When the “floods” of this life “overwhelm” us, when “every earthly prop gives way,” we can stand on Jesus.  His love is sure.  The forgiveness and the eternal life Jesus offers, because of His life and death and resurrection, are sure, no matter what virus rages and overwhelms. 



Some hear the words of Romans 8 in these hymns. (See Romans 8:28, 35-39)  But, one of my favorite books of Scripture, and one of my favorite verses in that book, comes from 2 Corinthians 1:8-10.  Do not these hymns echo these inspired words of Paul in Scripture? “8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,”



When we go through the changes and chances of life, when we face hardships, and we wonder if we will endure, our Lord is teaching us to “not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.”  God gives His help and deliverance in this world.  Our Lord’s eternal deliverance in Jesus is sure for all who believe in Him.  In this time of growing change, we can rely on the power, on the love, on the earthly deliverance and on the eternal deliverance we have in Jesus.



Kathy and I were married in Memphis on August 20, 1977.  Our wedding would have already been memorable, but some guy named “Elvis” died in Memphis on the Tuesday before our wedding.  So, hotel rooms and flowers were nowhere to be found.  We have stories!  Aaron and Lauren Lies (pronounced ‘Lees) were married in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic.  They too have stories to tell.  Yet, in the shifting sand of our world, Lauren and Aaron witnessed to The Solid Rock.  They pointed us to Jesus, on whom they hope to stand.  They witnessed to Jesus who is always our Solid Rock.  Thank you, Lauren and Aaron!



A Child of God, Standing on The Solid Rock, Jesus Christ, During the Coronavirus Epidemic,

Pastor Jonathan



P.S.   Here are some YouTube videos of the hymns we sang

·       In Christ Alone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLy8ksqGf9w

·       On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhVwVHC6_n0

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures from the wedding.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/T6UwWPWWLwgSZwgm6



P.P.P.S.  I did go fishing on Tuesday, March 17, with my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves.  All we caught were bowfin – or, mudfish!  We did see a LOT of gators.  But the big event – “lowlight” of the trip was when my battery failed on my boat.  We had used the trolling motor to go downstream about 3 or 4 miles.  So, we were towed back to the landing, thanks to a very kind family!

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I will now call it "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked o receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

            A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving them.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive them, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

907-841-4066 – cell

907-746-5131 – home

Thankful that God Even Loves Broken People – Like Me!

Dear Fellow Children of God,



The big topic in the news these days, and on the mind of many, is the spread of the Corona Virus, a flu like illness which attacks the respiratory system and has caused death in some.  We have had other health scares in recent times such as SARS, Bird Flu, Ebola, and others.  Those of us who are senior also remember the scourge of polio.  In addition, Alaskans with a sense of history remember the attack of the Spanish flu in 1918, which killed 20-50 million people world-wide, and decimated the native population in Alaska.  So, in a time of more efforts to prevent the spread of all diseases, and in a time of advanced medical knowledge, what is the truth?  Is the Corona Virus a serious threat to our world today?  Or, is this illness an opportunity for the media to gain viewers through sensationalism?  Even if both are true, we can see that we are not as smart, we are not as concerned about others as we might like to think we are.  We are all broken.



This year, 2020, brings another cycle of elections for president, along with elections for members of congress.  So, we watch politics in action.  The word “politics,” from the Latin word for “people,” in it’s best sense is meant to be a way to seek the greatest good for the greatest number of people in a country, in the world even.  But, often the way politicians operate seems to accomplish just the opposite.  What I hear most loudly from politicians today, though maybe this is not what you are hearing, is not so much their vision for creating the greatest good.  What I hear most is how bad the opponent is, even if that opponent is in the same party!  Do our leaders really work for the good of the people?  Or, do our politicians work for their own interest through harming their opponent?  Forget caring about the people.  We are not as smart, we are not as concerned about others as we might like to think we are.  We are all broken.



The Christian Church is facing unique challenges in today’s world, challenges which in many ways are different than those of past centuries.  Yet, The Church has, or should have, just what people in this broken world need.  The Christian Church has Jesus, the Savior of the world.  But, how often, instead of pointing to the Son of God, do churches and congregations point instead to themselves?  Christian congregations are to be places of faith and love.  Yet, often children of God are hurt by selfish attitudes or petty squabbles.  We are not as smart, we are not as concerned about others as we might like to think we are.  We are all broken.



We would like to think that we, ourselves, are good people.  We would like to think the same about our family and friends.  If we make a mistake we hope that others can see past our mistake, past our indiscretion, that they could instead see the good which we have done, and could hopefully see the good intent in our hearts.  Yet, in every one of us there is a constant battle between the spirit and the flesh.  There are dark truths in the minds and in the hearts of each one of us.  We are not as good, we are not as concerned about others as we might like to think.  We are all broken.



Actually, the truth that we are broken is a deep truth which seems empirically provable.  All a person has to do is look at the world around us to see pain and the suffering, to see selfishness and evil.  But, often we live in denial.  We not only want to think that we are good.  We want to think that “all people are basically good.”  I have personally heard that sentiment many times.  However, if we really are all broken, selfish, inclined toward behavior that hurts ourselves and hurts others, then to deny this truth and hold on to the myth that everyone is good, this myth causes trouble.  The idea that we are all basically good gives us an unrealistic picture of the world around us.  It keeps us from really dealing with the problems we face.



Scripture is plain, however.  We are broken and sinful, every one of us.  In Romans 3 God tells us, “¹⁰ . . . "None is righteous, no, not one; ¹¹ no one understands; no one seeks for God. ¹² All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." . . .  ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”  (Rom. 3:10-12, 23)  The idea that all people are basically good is indeed just a myth, contrary to God’s Word, and contrary to the truth of the experience in our lives.  So, we shouldn’t be surprised when suffering and pain happen in our world, and in our lives.



There are consequences to our sin.  But, in a world that is broken we have hope, in Jesus.  In Romans 6:23 we are told, “²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Our brokenness and sin are real and lead to death.  But, in spite of our sin God loves us and even gives eternal life through faith in Jesus’ sacrificial suffering and death, and through faith in His resurrection.  So, because we know we have help with our weakness and our sin, we can admit that sin. 



We are in the season of Lent, a time of repentance.  Because of Jesus’ sacrificial, saving love, we can acknowledge our failings.  We can turn from our sin and turn toward God, because we have forgiveness.  We have help because Jesus amazingly loves us.  And, because we know our failings, and we know God’s grace, we can then help others.  Because we too are broken, we can care for and help others in their struggles, as we share God’s love in Jesus.



There is a hymn I have sung all my life, which speaks to me in the struggles of our world.  Perhaps you know this hymn.

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

(Public domain)

As we look at the troubles we face in our world, it is wise to admit the truth.  We are all broken.  We are sinful, not always wise, nor smart, nor loving.  But, Jesus is the Savior of broken people.  So, as the Corona Virus, or election politics, or your own personal struggles bring frustration, remember, God knows your failure and He loves you in Jesus

A Child of God, Thankful that God Even Loves Broken People – Like Me!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.   Here are some fishing pictures

• ·       I took two nephews, my brother David’s grandsons, fishing on Sunday.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ynHEYXn9QnZ4bFai9

• ·       I took a fishing trip I had with my brother James on Tuesday on the Gulf of Mexico, by way of the Crystal River.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/FXb76FY1STN355e26

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I will now call it "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked o receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

            A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving them.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive them, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

Trusting our Gracious Lord to Show Mercy, EVEN BEYOND my Requests

Dear Fellow Children of God,



Do you ever struggle in prayer?  Does your heart yearn for blessings, for answers from God, which seem too big?  Does your heart yearn for grace that common sense says will not and can not happen?  So why even pray?  If you have these struggles consider with me the book of Jeremiah.



I just finished reading the writings and prophecies of Jeremiah in my daily devotions.  First I read the 52 chapters of Jeremiah, and then the 5 chapters of Lamentations which chronicle Jeremiah’s tears.  Jeremiah is not my favorite book because of the necessary topic of Jeremiah’s prophecies.  The people of Israel had time and again rebelled against God.  The chosen nation of God had left the true Lord;  they had chased after and worshiped other gods and idols.  Though their loving shepherd called them home, though the Lord called them to repentance and to true worship, time and again the people did not listen.  So, Jeremiah speaks God’s judgment against the sin of the people.  Jeremiah prophesies the inevitable punishment that is coming.  Unfortunately, the horrible punishment Jeremiah foretold did afflict God’s people.  Listening to Jeremiah’s words of condemnation and judgement is difficult and unpleasant.  But, what makes this more difficult is that many of the sins of the people of Jeremiah’s day can be seen in America today. 



However, in spite of the harsh words of judgment, Jeremiah also shared God’s sweet words of grace and of deliverance.  In the midst of the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem, these promises of deliverance were what the people ached for.  But, in many ways, the people of God had turned away from their Lord so surely that these promises of God’s grace seemed too good to be true.  Would God really, after bringing destruction, then bring new life to the nation of Israel?  They could hope for such deliverance.  But such hope seemed unrealistic.



Yet listen to these words of promise.  Jeremiah 31 contains one of the most beautiful passages in scripture in verses 31-34.  But, earlier in that chapter come these words of deliverance,  ¹⁰ "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.' ¹¹ For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. ¹² They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more.    (Jeremiah 31:10-13)  Yes, in judgment God righteously punished His chosen people.  But . . . the Lord promises to keep His flock.  He promises to ransom and redeem Israel.  The people of God hoped for such deliverance, but such hope seemed too good to be true, especially after their failure and their sin.



And in Lamentation, as the city of Jerusalem is destroyed, Jeremiah nevertheless proclaims, these wonderful, hopeful, promises from God.  ²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;  ²³ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  ²⁴ "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."  ²⁵ The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.  ²⁶ It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. ²⁷ It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.  ²⁸ Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him;  ²⁹ let him put his mouth in the dust-- there may yet be hope; (Lamentations 3:22-29) Even as Jerusalem is destroyed, there is hope in our gracious Lord.



But, I wonder if these desperate people realized that God would not only fulfill these unbelievable promises.  The Lord would do even more than the people hoped or asked.  Ultimately, in Jesus, God would not just give deliverance in this life.  The Lord of the universe gives eternal deliverance and eternal life in heaven. 



Are you ever afraid to pray, because your hopes and desires seem too big for God?  Have you prayed for someone with great illness?  I have prayed that prayer often.  God can, and often does heal. I have heard doctors surprised at the recovery of a sick person for whom the church was fervent in pray.  But, EVEN MORE, our Lord gives total health and He gives eternal life in heaven.



Have you prayed for peace and justice in this world?  Our Lord does rule the nations, and, surprisingly at times, brings peace and justice in certain times and places.  But, the prayer for peace often seems unrealistic, too big to ask.  Yet even more than peace and justice in this world, God gives eternal peace in His presence in heaven.



Have you prayed for God’s people, for the Church of Christ, to live in love, in faith, and in unity?  God can heal the broken church in this world.  I have seen such healing.  But, . . . EVEN MORE, in heaven God’s people live in love and unity forever!  Heaven is often described as a big banquet.  Some might even call heaven “an eternal party” of praising the Creator and Savior of all.

There are times I feel I have hoped against hope in my prayers.  I desired healing.  I yearned for peace and unity.  But, such desires seemed too big, and I forgot the promise of Ephesians 3.  ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  (Ephesians 3:20-21)  Our hopes and desires can seem too big.  But God can do abundantly more!  HE is God!

This week I experienced tears as God answered some long-term prayers of mine.  These requests to God seemed too big.  But, in faith I kept praying.  Thankfully, God did not just give what I was hesitant to ask.  God does even more, in Jesus.



Nothing is too big to bring to God in prayer.  Our Lord is bigger than all our problems.



A Child of God, Trusting our Gracious Lord to Show Mercy, Even Beyond my Requests,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.   This year again, Kathy and I attended the Veterans of the Cross Retreat in Fruitland Park, FL.  We saw MANY long time friends.  Among those present was Pastor Victor Belton, who led devotions and worship.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6wjtq9Hsrqjq7ywK6

P.P.S.  Here are some more fishing pictures.

·       On Saturday, February 29, I went fishing with my brother in law, Mark Reaves.  We did not catch any fish, but we did see this stork.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/9ZanVBshQGFHD4Xu7

·       On Sunday, March 1, I went fishing with my brother Stephen on the Withlacoochee River.  We only fished a short time, but both of us caught a mudfish / bowfin.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/qELh2ZH39ade8bak9

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I will now call it "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked o receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

            A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving them.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive them, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

Seeking The Light of the Morning Star Which Dispels the Darkness that Plagues Us!

Dear Fellow Children of God,



I was feeling grumpy as I left for worship on Sunday morning.  On Saturday I had received my bank statement in the mail.  Some of our automatic insurance payments had gone up, without notification!  As Kathy and I seek to navigate retirement with less income (and less bills), the financial reality of more expense did not sit well with me.  I didn’t bite Kathy’s head off, but. . .



Do you ever experience times of darkness?  Has worry stolen your joy?  Have you faced the overwhelming weight of depression?  Have you doubted the promises of God, and wondered if you really have “a hope and a future?” (Jeremiah 29:11)  Has your anger damaged, or even destroyed. important relationships?  Have you tragically hurt loved ones?  Are there times that you know that the desires of your heart, even as a one called as a child of God, are downright rebellious?  Can you remember when your heart desired evil?



Having left for church services with less than a positive attitude last Sunday, I was struck as I sat in the pew by the Epistle Lesson from 2 Peter, which talked about “a dark place.”  Actually, the assigned reading was Peter’s sharing of his experience at Jesus’ Transfiguration, and the practical impact of that event on the life and the faith of Peter.  Please read with me 2 Peter 1:16-21. 

“¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷ For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ ¹⁸ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. ¹⁹

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, ²⁰ knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. ²¹ For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

What Peter says to the church of his day, He says to us.  If you need help when you are in a dark place, YOU HAVE THAT HELP!  God inspires Peter to assure Christians of all times that our Savior, Jesus, really is the majestic Son of God, who possess honor and glory.  Peter is telling the persecuted church, “Your Savior really does have the power and authority to help you in and through these dark times!”  Peter says, “I saw Jesus’ glory revealed before my eyes.  I heard the voice from heaven declare that Jesus truly is the beloved Son of God.  The prophecies are true!”

But, the thought that really struck me in worship last Sunday centered on the word, “more.”  (I confess, I took out my phone and looked up the Greek words for 2 Peter 1:19.)  Peter uses Jesus’ glorious transfiguration revelation, that He really is the Son of God, to say that this event even “more fully confirms the prophetic word.”  Peter is talking about the Scriptures, about the Bible.  So, Peter bluntly tells God’s Church, “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”  In other words, Jesus fulfilled all prophecies concerning the glory and honor, the power and the salvation, which would come through the promised Messiah.  Pay attention to God’s Word! 

The practical meaning Peter shares is that Scripture is a lamp, which shines in those dark places of your life. (2 Peter 1:19, Psalm 119:105) God’s prophetic Word will point you to Jesus, The Morning Star, whom you will see and believe in as God’s answer to the darkness in your life, and in this world!  Peter goes on to assure Christians of all time that Scripture is not just the word of a man, or mankind.  The words of the Bible are inspired by God Himself, as the writers “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  Peter is telling those plagued by darkness, pay attention to the Light of God, to Jesus Christ, found in the Word of God in the Scriptures.  This Morning Star will rise in your own hearts!

Have you experienced times of darkness?  Are you plagued with worry, overwhelmed by depression, full of doubt, prone to fits of anger, or overcome by temptation?  Do you wonder where God is in this fallen world?  WE HAVE HELP!  God’s Word points us to Jesus, the Promised Messiah, the King of the Universe, the Savior of the World.  This God / Man, who possesses honor and glory, loves you so much that He came to live in this fallen world.  Jesus loves you so much that He suffered, and He even died for your dark sins.  The Son of God is so powerful that He rose again from being dead, defeating the powers of darkness, and Jesus offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.  Jesus’ transfiguration confirms this light in our dark world . . . even more!



As you face the dark times in your life and in your world, Jesus’ love, His forgiveness, His salvation, are the source of light that will dispel your darkness.  Stars do not rise quickly, but they do rise surely, every night.  God’s Morning Star is sure to defeat the darkness of your life.  And this light is found in the Scriptures.  “You will do well to pay attention.”



A Child of God, Seeking The Light of the Morning Star Which Dispels the Darkness that Plagues Us!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.   Please remember, THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUAY 26, IS ASH WEDNESDAY.  Please take time for this worship opportunity for repentance, and to focus on the Light of God which dispels our darkness!

P.P.S.  Here are some more fishing pictures from a local Lake where I fished on Thursday, February 20.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NxwDG1AmrWctHfrFA

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I will now call it "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked o receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

            A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving them.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive them, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

Responding to God's GRACE in Christ, Through Life AND in Death

Dear Fellow Children of God,



Paul’s second letter to the Christians in Corinth is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  Paul speaks with faith, from the heart, about personal suffering, about deep anguish, about care for others, and about the mission of God’s Church.  I have personally found comfort, strength, and direction for my life many times in the God-inspired words of Second Corinthians.  Therefore, a Bible verse I asked every confirmation student to memorize, understand, and to put into practice is 2 Corinthians 5:15.  “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” Because Jesus, the Son of God, died and rose for me, I am called to live for Him, not for myself.  That verse is an excellent description of the life of a Christian disciple.



Later in his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul shares the amazing grace of God with this congregation.  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”  (2 Corinthian 8:9)  Paul shares this undeserved love of God while encouraging the Corinthians to participate in a financial offering of love for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem.  His basic line of reasoning goes like this.  “If Jesus left the riches of life with His Father in heaven, if Jesus took on the poverty of this world, with it’s sin and death, so that you can have the riches of His blessing in this life AND receive eternal life in heaven, how will you respond to this amazing grace?”  Paul’s hope was that the hearts of these Corinthians would be moved by our Lord’s love and His grace, and that these Christians would want to serve God with all their lives (2 Corinthians 8:5), including their resources and their finances.



Yes, as we respond to the unbelievable love God has for us, we want to live for Him, even with our finances.  But, . . . have you ever thought of what we might do for the Lord when we are no longer living on this earth? 



Kathy and I have been working on our wills again, and setting up a trust for when God calls us home.  Don’t worry, we don’t have any medical harbingers of our imminent departures.  But, when my dad passed in 2018, at the age of 90 years, and 11+ months, he set an example for us of leaving his legacy to his children in a trust.  We decided to follow his example.  While working on these documents (This is our 5^th will in our married lives.) we wanted to leave more than possessions.  Our greatest gift and possession is God’s unbelievable grace, which we receive through faith in Jesus.  So, how can we leave our faith, how can we continue to serve our Lord, even when we are dead? 



In actuality, Kathy and I already had a statement of faith in our last will, but we both thought that one was clumsy, and poorly worded.  Kathy, however, found another statement of faith which we adapted.  Perhaps, this can give you some thoughts for your response to God’s love, now and eternally.  Perhaps our Christian Preamble can help you consider the question, “How can we leave our faith, how can we continue to serve our Lord, even when we are dead?”  Following is what we are including in our wills and in our trust. 

PREAMBLE

In the name of the True God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen

First, I want my loved ones to know that I place full confidence and trust in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who promised: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." (John 11:25-26)

            Second, knowing that the wages of sin is death, I believe that Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, suffered and died for the forgiveness of all my sins, which I neither deserve nor merit, but I receive it as a free gift of God, Who is rich in grace and mercy.

Third, I leave to all of my loved ones the promise of eternal life, because Jesus rose from the dead, and I leave with them the truth and comfort of the words of our Savior, found in John 3:16; "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  I leave those who survive me the assurance of knowing that I have died in this faith and now have joined my Lord in eternal glory.        

Fourth, I praise God for giving me a loving, caring, Christian helpmate in my wife/husband. They have been a blessing to me, and a wonderful parent to our children. Knowing that we both share our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we will praise the Lord forever in Heaven.     

Fifth, I pray that the Lord would guard and protect my children. You are very special to me and I thank the Lord for you. Through your baptism you have been received into God's family and I urge you to remain faithful to Christ until you are called home to be with the Lord. I love you and I look forward to eternity with you in heaven.

Sixth, I pray that the Lord would shower His blessings upon my grandchildren. May the Holy Spirit guide you along the narrow path of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. I urge you to respect your parents and honor them as your parents have honored me.     

Seventh, I recognize that all my earthly possessions are a gift from God. Therefore, I have made provisions in my will to continue my Christian stewardship after I have gone to Heaven to be with the Lord. I trust that what I offer as a gift will be blessed many times over by the Lord in sharing the Good News.     

Eighth, my heirs will receive, through me, gifts from God. Our greatest temporal blessing has been our family.  May you always remember that everything you have is a trust from God. Be good and wise stewards of His blessings, managing wisely and returning to Him a generous portion for the work in His Kingdom.  Please especially take care of one another.  God bless you, and I love you.

Kathy and I have been thinking on the question, “How can we leave our faith, how can we continue to serve our Lord, even when we are dead?”  Perhaps our thoughts can be a blessing to you as well. 



A Child of God, Responding to God’s GRACE in Christ, Through Life AND in Death,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.   Here are some fishing pictures

·       Surf casting at Crescent Beach, 2-12--2020:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/o2LQaZntWrkbzWBJ8

 

·       Fishing on the Suwannee River with brother, Stephen, 2-15-2020.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/vS8DSr5ox8swCivG6

·       Fishing on Orange Lake with new friend, Randy, 2-18-2020. https://photos.app.goo.gl/jckHt4x1k5FBf9Mz7

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I will now call it "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked o receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

Working to 'Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances'

Dear Fellow Children of God,

My heart is heavy as I write this devotion.  I received word on Monday, February 10, that Concordia University – Portland will be closing its doors and will cease operation at the end of this semester for Spring of 2020.  Concordia began teaching and preparing students as Lutheran Church workers in 1905.  But, when classes end this Spring, that service will be finished.

Perhaps it is surprising for me to feel this way about a college I did not personally attend.  I began preparing to serve as a pastor at Concordia College in Austin, TX.  But, I know many people who did attend Concordia-Portland, including Dave and Marilee Nufer, Pastor Paul Birner, President Paul Linnemann and his wife, Cindy, Pastor George Rakos, my daughter Mary, and many more.  Mary graduated with her Masters Degree in Social Studies just last year, in May of 2019!  Over the years, Concordia Portland has prepared church workers, educated lay people, helped equip congregations, and shared the Gospel of Jesus with students who did not know Him.  Now these blessings will cease.  My heart is heavy.

Concordia had, in recent years, even reached out into the community and worked with Faubion School, the PK-8^th grade public school next door to them.  This school, with the highest proportion of free lunch recipients in the Portland School District, worked in partnership with Concordia students.  Concordia students received experience at Faubion.  Faubion students benefited from tutoring, help with their studies, and use of the university library and facilities.

In recent decades Concordia prepared a large percentage of the teachers who taught in Oregon schools, even at times more than the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.  A law school was even opened in Boise, ID. 

However, the world around us has changed.  There are few church work students at Concordia today.  When Concordia began operation 115 years ago as an institution of the Lutheran Church, it received financial support from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  Financial arrangements and financial realities have changed drastically.  And, the culture in which the university operates is much different.  Concordia is an institution of a conservative, Bible-believing church body.  Portland is one of the most progressive cities in the United States.  There are differences of opinion, sometimes extreme, over today’s hot button issues.  When all these realities combine with financial struggles, the University Board of Regents decided that operating the university was no longer feasible.  With this May 2020 closing comes loss of the continued service and blessing which Concordia has been to the church.  My heart is not the only one which is heavy.

A number of Scripture verses speak to me in this time of Portland’s closing.  Perhaps most appropriate is Psalm 137:1.  “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.”  The people of Jerusalem and Judah were in exile in Babylon.  Their temple, their city, and their nation had been destroyed.  So they wept over and grieved their loss. 

But, I am also continuing to read the Mitford books, currently the book “In this Mountain.” In this book Father Tim suffers serious injury, trials, and depression.  He struggles with these issues for most of the book.  But, as he works through his struggle, God’s truth from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 helps him.  “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Father Tim comes to grow through his trials as He learns that God is with us and blesses us, even in times of heavy hearts.  He learns that, even in his failure and loss, God’s grace is present, and is reason even to give thanks. 

Universities are not the only institutions whose life can end.  Congregations also have struggles, and sometimes close their doors.  I have known a number of congregations over the years who struggled, and could no longer afford to operate.  There were also tears from those who remembered the past blessings of these churches.  Yet, during their time of serving, those ministries helped grow faith and build faith in God’s people.  During their time of serving, those congregations witnessed to Jesus’ love in their communities.  Even in the closing of these churches, there was reason to give thanks because God had worked His purposes during their time of operation, AND these blessings continued through the people who had been served.

The blessing of Concordia-Portland will be missing in the future.  But, there are other gifts for which we can give thanks.  We can give thanks for the pastors and teachers and DCE’s, trained at Concordia, who have served the Lord and His people in the church, and who continue to do so.  We can thank the Lord that churches were strengthened, and Christians grew in faith.  We can thank God that the good news of Jesus was shared with people who did not know Him.  And, we can thank the Lord that the good news of Jesus continues to move forward through people touched by those who attended Concordia.

Perhaps we should not be surprised that a church university closed.  Actually, it has happened in our denomination before; in Oakland, CA, in Winfield, KS, and in Selma, AL.  Remember, Jesus tells His disciples, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”  (Matthew 24:35)  Everything in this world is temporal.  But, in Jesus, the promise of God’s love, the assurance of forgiveness through faith in Jesus’ death and rising, and the sure hope of eternal life are unshakable and immovable! 

My heart is heavy.  But, even in this time of loss there is reason to give thanks.  God worked through Concordia Portland to bring faith to people.  That faith and God’s blessings in Jesus continue to spread and grow. So, I’m working to learn this truth of God.  “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

A Child of God, Working to Give Thanks in All Circumstances,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.   Here are some articles from the Internet.  Please remember, just because something appears on the internet, does not make everything reported necessarily true.

·       About the Closing of Concordia

o   Here is the statement from Concordia-Portland.  https://www.cu-portland.edu/closure

o   Here is a letter from President Paul Linnemann about the closing of Concordia.  http://nowlcms.org/sites/www.nowlcms.org/files/CU%20Closure%20Letter%20to%20the%20District.pdf

o   Here is a statement from the LCMS - https://blogs.lcms.org/2020/lcms-statement-regarding-the-announced-closure-of-concordia-university-portland/

o   Here is a statement from local Portland news.- https://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-concordia-university-closing-spring-2020/

·       About Concordia’s relationship with Faubion School.  https://www.cu-portland.edu/3-phd-power-possibilities

·       About the Concordia Law School in Boise - https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/concordia-university-closing-boise-law-school/277-92e87d7a-7454-44e9-b0ea-8ffbfb7faffe

P.P.S.  Here are some fishing pictures from a fishing trip on the Suwannee River February 11.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/UYFCFfNSHA1L4k1F9

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I will now call it "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked o receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.