Seeking to Stand on the Rock of Jesus’ Word When Many Are Falling Away

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

It probably comes as no surprise to anyone that recent studies and polls indicate that Christian faith in America, and participation in a local congregation, are declining.  Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, former president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, quoted a number of studies in recent devotions.  On April 1, 2021, he shared, “For the first time in eight decades, fewer than 50% of Americans say they belong to a church, synagogue or mosque amid an ongoing steep decline in religious attendance, according to a new biannual Gallup poll (Mike Stunson, Lexington Herald-Leader).”  Dr. Meyer quoted a similar statistic in his devotion on April 14, “Our turbulent times are shaking basic institutions of American life, including the church. Gallup’s report that 47% of U.S. adults belong to a church or synagogue or mosque, down 20 points from the year 2000, has church people talking, maybe even panicked.”  The Barna Research Group reported on March 2, “Currently, Just One in Four Americans Is a Practicing Christian. . .  In essence, the share of practicing Christians has nearly dropped in half since 2000.”  They also report that another 43% of Americans consider themselves “non-practicing Christians." Compare these statistics to the late 1940’s when church attendance in America was in the 70-80% range.  To say the least, faith life in America is changing.

 

Recently I heard a Christian leader reflecting that the old statistic by which churches judged their effectiveness was weekly Sunday attendance.  Now, he believes, it is better to look at how many different individuals attend worship over a one month period.  And, worship attendance doesn’t include those who are active in other church growth and service activities such as Bible studies, confirmation classes, quilting groups, youth group attendance, and other gatherings.  A number of people attend these ministries, but aren’t always in worship on Sundays.  Yet, even though this is participation in a congregation, what does a person miss by not gathering with other Christians for singing, or for group prayer?  What does a person miss when they aren’t hearing and growing through the absolution, or the Scripture readings, the sermon, or the benediction in worship?  What about the blessings received through giving and receiving encouragement from other believers in Jesus in the good times, and bad times of life?

 

Also, please consider.  People wonder why our country seems so divided.  If over 75% of Americans worshiped weekly in the late 1940’s, there was unity in a national belief system of what is true, and of what is right and wrong.  When less than half of the country holds church membership today, faith no longer unites our nation.  But, Jesus “came to call . . . sinners” (Mark 2:17), not nations.

 

There are some ways in which we should not be surprised at such trends in our culture.  In Old Testament times many in Israel turned away from worshiping the Lord who saved them in the Exodus, and many turned from practicing what God taught.  Therefore, the prophets are full of teachings about “the remnant,” of those few who will continue to follow the Lord. (See for example Isaiah 10:20-21)  God had to assure a despairing Elijah that he was not the only believer left.  (1 Kings 19:9-18).

 

With all these trends in mind, and with the example from Scripture, I will share with you from personal practice of my faith, some Scripture verses which drive my life and discipleship.

 

First, Jesus taught that hearing and doing the word of God makes a difference for our lives in this world, and eternally.  “24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."  (Matthew 7:24-27)  I want to stand through the storms of life, so I will work to hear the words of Jesus and put them into practice, even though I do need forgiveness for my times of failure.

 

Second, God commanded regular worship in The Ten Commandments.  "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)  If God commanded regular worship, there is a reason.  The health of my faith and the health of my life is blessed through Sabbath keeping.

 

Also, I believe that I am strengthened in my relationship of grace with my Savior when I join in person with others.  The writer to the Hebrews encouraged, “23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  (Hebrews 10:23-25)  Regular worship helps us to hold on to the hope of Jesus, and gives encouragement toward love and good deeds.

 

Finally, there may be many around me who do not worship regularly, who take God’s word with a grain of salt, or even reject our Lord.  I believe, however, that regular study of God’s word gives me wisdom, direction, faith in Jesus, and through that faith eternal life.  Therefore, in spite of how others live, I will follow the example of Joshua, who at the end of his life told the people of Israel, “15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."  (Joshua 24:15)  I believe that following the Lord who created me and Who saved me prepares and strengthens me to face the challenges of life.  And, I believe that regular worship with other believers is part of God’s plan for His people.

 

So. . . will I see you in worship?

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Stand on the Rock of Jesus’ Word When Many Are Falling Away,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here are some pictures of time with our grandkids, Jake and Emma, in FL this past week.  We visited St. Augustine, Dudley Farm State Park in Gainesville, went kayaking on the Silver River, and visited the Florida Museum of Natural History.  It was QUITE a week.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Kxt3GAQtCoTLjhS9

 

P.P.S.  Of course I went fishing.  Here are a quite a few pictures of a Thursday trip by myself, a Sunday fishing trip with Jake and Emma, and a Monday trip with my brother, James.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/k44TWtU6EgvRLsXTA

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

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

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

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

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

 

Trying Not to be Anxious, or Frustrated, or "Freaked Out," but AT PEACE in Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Kathy and I have grandkids visiting us in Florida for 3 weeks.  Then we all return home.  We recently had a conversation with our granddaughter, Emma.  She talked about something she didn’t like, saying that she would “freak out.”  Kathy and I, with the patience coming from Kathy, discussed the problems of “freaking out,” or having a “panic attack,” for every little frustration in life.  I suggested that “freaking out” may be immature.  Instead, I shared, it is mature behavior to instead face the issues that arise in life.  Relying on others to rescue us all the time would make life difficult, or unpleasant, as an adult.  But, we have all over-reacted at times.  It’s good not to make this our life’s pattern.

 

I had an interesting day on Tuesday that some might consider a day of frustration.  Our plan for the grandchildren all along had been for me to take them fishing on Tuesday.  I’d like them to actually catch some fish.  However, with Jake and Emma going to school through virtual learning on their computers, there are some challenges.  It seems they had gotten behind in their school work.  So, Kathy suggested they stay home on Tuesday and do school work, and that I should go fishing.  When your wife tells you to go fishing, who can argue? (grin)

 

For the fishing trip I had looked at “bite times and tide charts and had decided to take Jake and Emma to a local river.  When I got there, by myself, I was surprised by how strong the current was on Tuesday.  High tide was supposed to be at 10:00 a.m., but there was foam on the river from the outflow of water.  I decided to go upstream and to fish floating downstream, but when fish bit my line, I didn’t have time to let them take the bait. I was floating too fast with the river.  I finally caught a fish on a new pole I had, but, when I took the fish off, I noticed my nice new pole was broken.  Anyway, I kept fishing. But moving upstream much of the day was taking a toll on my battery.  By the end of the day my trolling battery was about dead.  Actually, the battery charger that night said “1%!”  I docked the boat, backed the boat trailer into the water, and took the boat out.  But, when I prepared the boat to go home, and cleaned it up, I left the radio on in the car so I could listen to music, and I left my phone plugged in to charge the battery.  So then, when I jumped into my vehicle to drive home, the car battery was dead, and no one else was in the parking lot.  I called my sister and brother in law for help.  However, while they were on the way another person drove up and jumped my battery and the car started.  Alarmingly, now my gas gage read “EMPTY!”  Yes, I had check the gas before I left.  So, I didn’t want to turn off my car now, in order to save gas, because I might not be able to start it again.  Thankfully, after a few minutes my gas gage said I said I had a third of a tank of gas, plenty to get home.  I made it home safely.  The only damage for all this frustration was a broken pole.  And, I did catch 4 fish!

 

When I shared with my sister and brother in law about the day they responded, “You should have stayed home.” When I did get home, my neighbor noticed that I had been fishing and commented.  I told her about the day and her response was “That sounds frustrating!”  My response to her, and to my sister and brother in law was, “It’s an adventure.”  The trip truly was an adventure.  However, Kathy will tell you I’m not always that calm, or patient, in times of frustration.  There are times I can act impatiently, or even in anger.  Maybe that is how I freak out.

 

Christians can actually face all of life, even the issues that cause frustration, or anger, or “freaking out,” with a calm spirit of peace.  God inspired St. Paul to write this word of encouragement to the believers in Philippi, “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)  Paul tells us we don’t have to be anxious, or worried, or frustrated, or angry, or “freaked out.”  We can pray to the Lord who loves us.  We can go to our heavenly Father who saved us through Jesus’ life and death and resurrection.  We can petition God, and He promises to answer.  We don’t have to be anxious, or worried, or frustrated, or angry, or “freaked out.”  Knowing God’s presence, and love, and that after this life we have eternal life with Him in heaven, even in the midst of life’s frustrations, we can instead give thanks for the blessings we do have.

 

You might say that you expect Paul to say that.  But, he was in prison when he wrote this letter.  In fact, right before Paul wrote these words about not being anxious, he called the Philippians to joy.  “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  (Philippians 4:4)  From prison, Paul joyfully calls others to rejoice.  Their joy is not found in their circumstances.  Being “in the Lord,” and knowing the sure love of God brings joy in the frustrations, and in the persecutions, and even in the tragedies of life. 

 

When a Christian becomes anxious, or “freaks out,” they are acting like they do not have a choice about how to react to life’s challenges.  But, we do have a choice in how to respond to life’s trials and challenges and adventures.  When we know God loves us and saves us in Jesus we can rejoice. We need not be anxious.  We can rejoice in the peace of God.

 

Is there some frustration, or challenge, or tragedy you are facing that feels larger than you are?  Are you ready, like my granddaughter, to freak out?  Remember Paul’s words.  “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Our challenge may be bigger than we are.  It is not bigger than God’s saving love for us in Jesus.

 

A Child of God, Trying not to be Anxious, or Frustrated, or “Freaked Out,” but at Peace in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here are some pictures of time with our grandkids in FL this past week and a half.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dCuN3C395ApAP6hC9

 

P.P.S.  Of course I went fishing.  The kids did not want to get up early, and had homework, so I had two trips on my own.  Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/KxeLAfEf9ideGhdm9

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

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

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

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

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

Where is YOUR Home?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Does your mind ever wander?  My daughter, Mary, assures me I can get frequent flyer miles for “flight of ideas!”  On my recent “flight” I was thinking about how long Kathy and I have lived in our current Alaska home, which then led me to thinking about the places I’ve lived, which finally led me to consider where my real home truly is.  Where do you consider home? 

 

Perhaps a little explanation will help you know what caused my mind to “fly” these paths.  I was born in Springfield, MA, in 1953.  Early in the marriage of my parents they built a house in Easthampton where we lived for 9 years.   I was part of the 5^th generation of the Rockeys in Easthampton.  For much of my life, Massachusetts seemed “home.”  But, in 1965 our family moved to Gainesville, FL, for my dad’s work.  Even while attending college and seminary, Gainesville was home for me, until Kathy and I were married in 1977.  So I lived in Gainesville for 12 years, longer than in MA.  My parents and siblings stayed in and near Gainesville.  In many ways Gainesville is “home.” Early in our marriage, Kathy and I lived in Detroit and then in St. Louis.  When I served as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in St. Louis, we lived four years in the church parsonage.  Then, in 1983 I accepted a call to Our Redeemer Lutheran in Jacksonville, FL, where we lived in the same house for 8 years. I finally accepted a call to St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, Alaska in 1991.  We lived in our first Alaska house from July 13, 1991 until May 19, 2006.  So, we lived in that home 14 years, 10 months, and 6 days, longer than I had personally lived anywhere else.  But, Kathy and I built a new house in 2006 and have now lived in this home since, May 19, 2006.  Therefore, if my calculations are correct, since March 26, of this year I have lived in my current home longer than in any other place of residence!  Maybe you can see why my daughter accuses me of flight of ideas!

 

This may seem insignificant, but many important events in our family took place in our current home.  All four of our children have lived with us at one time or another.  Kathy’s mom was alive and spent precious time with us in our current residence.  Family and friends have visited, spent time sleeping in our beds and sharing meals and fellowship.

 

In addition to the personal events that have blessed our lives in our current home, the house was built to plans Kathy had saved.  Our lawn was prepared and planted with help from family and friends.  Our front flower garden was planted by a close family friend.  Our vegetable garden was first tilled by a group of church friends.  Our shed was built by good friends.  Our house is not just a place to stay, but it carries memories of joy and love from people we cherish.   So, if I was to answer my question, where do I consider home, there are many reasons I could say that our current house is “home.” 

 

Now, please consider some words from Scripture.  In Hebrews we are told of Abraham, “9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Like Abraham, we may live in this world.  But as God’s children we are only visitors here.  Heaven is our home! 

 

God inspired St. Paul to write, “20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)  In this life we may live in a certain country, a certain town, a certain residence.  But as people saved by Jesus we are actually, right now, citizens of heaven. . . Heaven is our home!

 

Right before His death, Jesus comforted His disciples with these words, “2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  (John 14:2-3)  Jesus has prepared a place for us, and He awaits us.  Heaven is our home!

 

Sometimes we become so wrapped up in the worries and demands of our current life that we forget the care, and protection, and eternal love of God.  We forget the eternal reality we have as God’s children.  But, because Jesus died and rose we have an anchor in the storms and worries of live.  Our ultimate future is with Jesus.  Heaven is our home!

 

A Child of God, Finding Comfort Because Home Really is in . . . Heaven – With Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  I traveled to Portland, Oregon on Thursday, April 8, for a Northwest District Board of Directors’ Meeting.  On the way back to Florida, on Saturday, April 10, I picked up grandchildren Jacob and Emmalee in Seattle.  They will stay with us until we return on May 3.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/MaZZrT8TdqjaYvfe9

 

P.P.S.  I only went fishing, sort of, on Tuesday, April 13.  Actually, much of that trip was a boat ride with Kathy and Jake and Emma on the Suwannee River.  Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/mNEosDkusatjqo2PA

 

 

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

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

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

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

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

Thankful for Family Gatherings, Looking Forward to our Heavenly Reunion

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Easter Sunday my Florida family gathered for lunch.  We were not able to get together last year because of COVID.  But, I have a picture of the 25 people who shared the meal this year.  All my siblings, my 3 brothers and my sister, were present, along with many of their children.  But not everyone was there.  My brother David’s 3 daughters were all present.  But, not all of my sister, Martha’s, children came to the meal.  And while both Stephen and James have daughters who were able to join the family, not all of their daughters were present either.  And, of course, my children and grandchildren were all in Alaska.  It is difficult to travel from Alaska to Florida for a one meal because of time and finances.  Nevertheless, I cherish this family photo.

 

I also have another group family picture from earlier this year.  On January 24 all our children and grandchildren graced our Alaska home to celebrate the birthdays of Joshua and his wife, Erin, and also the birthday of our son Andrew.  We have pictures of the 13 of us standing around our living room couch.  Kathy and I treasure these times and are thankful for the love we share. 

 

I have other such pictures of our family gathered for a meal, and gathered to share the faith and love we have.  I believe that my mom’s favorite times were when all her children and grandchildren would all get together.  My mom died January 17, 2011.  The last picture we have of a large family gathering before my mom’s death was from July of 2010 as we celebrated her birthday.  I also have pictures from the celebration of my dad’s last birthday, his 90^th, on September 23, 2017.  All his children and many of his grandchildren, including 2 of my children, were able to be present.  Kathy and I can only dream that our parents would have met their grandchildren, and that her parents and my parents would have joined a family gathering.  These memories, and these pictures, are precious. 

 

But, my question is WHEN will we be together at the same time?  When will my Alaska family and my Florida family all be in the same place at the same time?  When will all my siblings children and my children, my grandchildren and my nephews and nieces, all spend time together?  When will we all be able to share and joke with each other?  When will we share food and stories?  And, what about my New England family, and Kathy’s Memphis family, and Spokane family? 

 

Last Sunday our family meal was a part of our celebration of Jesus’ Easter resurrection.  The son of Mary, and Son of God, lived a perfect life and therefore He did not need to die for any sins he had personally committed.  But, Jesus willingly died the death of a criminal on the cross, and then He rose from the dead three days later.  Jesus’ Easter victory offers eternal life to the whole world, through faith.  But, as I think about all my family pictures, Jesus’ rising from the grave offers something more.

 

Kathy and I are both faithfully reading Scripture in daily devotions.  As Kathy has been reading in Numbers and Deuteronomy she noticed God’s description of death, which He shares with Moses.  God tells Moses, “There on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.”  (Deuteronomy 32:50)  For children of God, our Lord Himself describes death as a “gathering to our people.”  That sounds like a BIG reunion! 

 

What is even better is that we have another member of our family, or better stated, we are part of HIS family.  When we receive the gift of eternal life, when we are in heaven, we are . . . with Jesus!  Jesus teaches His disciples in John 14, “2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3) In heaven we are . . . with Jesus!  The reunion includes our Lord!

 

Also, on the night Jesus was betrayed He prayed for His followers, and He prayed for us, "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”  (John 17:24)  Jesus prays that we may be WITH Him, and see His divine glory.  When we are in heaven, when we are “gathered to our people,” we are with Jesus.

 

Finally, in Revelation 21, as John learns about our eternal dwelling, He writes what he saw and heard.  “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”  (Revelation 21:3)  When we are in heaven, when we are “gathered to our people,” God is with us, and we are with Him.

 

I am thankful for the gatherings which bless our earthly family.  I do hope for possibly even larger reunions, where all our family can be in the same place at the same time. But, God’s description of heaven teaches of a bigger reunion, where “we are gathered to our people,” and where God is part of that gathering.  What a GREAT party that will be!

 

A Child of God, Thankful for Family Gatherings, Looking Forward to our Heavenly Reunion,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here are some family group pictures from 2021.

·       Our Florida Easter family celebration.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/B4tp4QWXA9nUpfi76

 

·       Our Alaska January birthday celebration.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WbqoVwHZNLmwX1D7A

 

P.P.S.  Here are some family pictures from previous gatherings.

·       My Dad’s 90^th birthday party, September 23, 2017, https://photos.app.goo.gl/hJ81NqEHMoyfELYt8

 

·       The last time my mom and dad were together with all the kids, July 2010.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pxugZZhUHZwkQY6i8

 

P.P.P.S.  Kathy and I did some yard work last week.  We removed bushes from the front of our condo.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/UYZW1FGKqNkivYBY9

 

 

P.P.P.P.S.  I did do a little fishing again this week.  Surprise!

·       On Thursday, April 1, I went fishing with brother-in-law, Mark Reaves.  Kathy had told me “no more fish” unless we have a fish fry.  Well, on April 25, with Jake and Emma visiting, we are having a family fish fry.  Here are fish from April 1.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/q2AMxjVrDjgpwYfRA

 

·       I went fishing with brother, Stephen, on Friday, April 1.  We started at 7:00 a.m. with the temperature at 44, and the wind blowing strong.  We battled the wind ALL DAY, and returned to white caps!  2 bites – NO fish!

 

·       On Tuesday, April 6, Kathy accompanied me as I went fishing.  I caught 3 bass, and 2 mud fish (which I threw back), but it took a while (8 hours).  We did cause a gator to move, and we saw a manatee.    https://photos.app.goo.gl/e8uxME2BMbuF8iDv6

 

 

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

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

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

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

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

Celebrating Jesus' Easter Victory for A Lost Sinner Like Me

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

It has been quite a year! Just over 12 months ago life the way we know it changed, perhaps for a long time.  The coronavirus brought illness and death around the world.  In response businesses were closed.  School were closed.  Places of worship were closed.  All this was done to prevent the spread of this disease about which we knew so little, but which seemed so dangerous.  Because of all these closures few if any Christians celebrated Easter in worship services held in person in churches in 2020.  Easter this year will be the first opportunity for many children of God to celebrate this most important day with an “in person” worship service with other Christians.  By the way, Scripture tells us that when God created the world it was “very good.”  (Genesis 1:31)  Disease is a consequence of people sinning and turning away from the Lord.

 

In the middle of the response to the COVID pandemic, George Floyd was killed while being detained by police officers in Minneapolis.  Protests, riots, destruction of property, and even the loss of lives erupted around the United States.  Our orderly country devolved into chaos.  These race riots turned America upside down.  Racism is sin.  Violence is sin.  There have been on-going consequences in our country since these events last year.

 

America also experienced a divisive election cycle during the last 12 months.  Both sides of the political spectrum believed the other side was acting for their own interest, not for the good of the country.  Leaders acted in ways that many deemed unethical.  Many citizens lost faith in government.  Yet, God has established authorities and governments to provide civil order.  God’s intent is that good government punishes evil and rewards good behavior. (Romans 13:1-7)  God calls us to pray for authorities so we can live “quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)  You can see the sin which is involved as governments and countries move away from God’s intent for these institutions.

 

The truth is that, though these seem like unique times, they are not.  The world has faced pandemics, riots, political unrest, and bad leadership before.  So looking to the past for help can be depressing.  In many ways, it seems that history repeats itself.  The results of sin are overwhelming.  The whole world is in captivity to our sinful behavior.

 

God moved St. Paul to write about our battle with sin.  In Romans 7 we read, “21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”  (Romans 7:21-24)  On our own we are lost!

 

Our sinful behavior may enslave us, but . . . God has won the victory over our sin and our failure.  He has freed us from our captivity in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.  Yes, we are sinners, but Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life. (Hebrews 4:15)  Yes, we deserve God’s judgment and wrath for our rebellion, but Jesus, the sinless son of God, died to pay for the sin of the world, our sin included!  Death is the result of sin in our world.  So, no one escapes death.  But, when Jesus rose after dying on the cross, he overcame death.  Jesus has won eternal life in heaven for all who trust His saving life and death. 

 

You and I were helplessly lost in sin and death, BUT in Jesus’ Easter resurrection God has given us forgiveness, hope, and life.  God shares the depth of this victory with us through St. Paul in 1 Corinthians.  “54 . . . the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (I Corinthians 15:54-57)  Therefore, because of Jesus’ Easter victory we can face COVID, knowing God gives eternal life.  We can face civil unrest and governmental concern with faith and love, because God forgives sin and gives us victory over sin and death in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

 

All of that is why I urge you to CELEBRATE!  On our own, we are lost, wretched sinners, but in Jesus we have victory to live in this life and eternally.  Come worship and praise our God and Savior this Easter.  In spite of the sin, the trials, and disappointments in our lives, we can say with St. Paul,  “thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

A Child of God, Celebrating Jesus’ Easter Victory for a Lost Sinner Like Me,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Last week Kathy and I went to Orlando, FL, and visited Rick and Kristi Armstrong, the couple who introduced us in 1976.  I attended Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas, with Rick and Kristi in 1971-1973.  Kathy started school at Lutheran School of Nursing in 1974, and one of her classmates was Kristi.  They introduced us and, as they say, the rest is history.  Here are some pictures of our visit, plus a photo of when it all started.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/FV6X5F57DVtKaMRPA

 

 

P.P.S.  I did a little fishing again this week.

·       I went fishing with long-time friend, Pastor Rick Armstrong, and his daughter, Megan, and son-in-law, Matt, on March 27.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xvAuR6JtxqYgNqoYA

 

·       Then, on Sunday, March 28, after worship I went fishing with Florida neighbor, Matthew Phillips.  It was a good day.  We both caught a limit of bass, and I caught the biggest bass I ever caught.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RtYoPGXgMgRgeQ2c9

 

 

 

 

 

 

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

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

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

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

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

 

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

Since Jesus Willingly Died for Me, Will I Willingly Live for Him?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

This Sunday begins the observance of Holy Week 2021.  Following Palm Sunday worship many Christians will observe Jesus’ last supper on Maundy Thursday, and remember His death on Good Friday, preparing to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.  But, I’m convinced that many followers of Jesus have heard the story of our Lord’s suffering and death so often that we have become numb to the depth of the love of God.

 

Perhaps I can illustrate this point in the following way.  Last Saturday I attended a funeral for Pastor Alan Struckmeyer.  Pastor Struckmeyer was an especially effective pastor at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.  Last February I attended a pastors meeting with him, as I had at other times when visiting our family and friends in Florida.  His congregation is only 2 miles from our place in Gainesville.  When I returned to Alaska last May, another pastor contacted me informing me that Pastor Struckmeyer had a brain tumor.  Pastor Alan, as he was called by his people, was only 62 years old and deeply loved by his congregation.  But he died from cancer on March 18, 2021.  There were many who wondered the same question asked in the sermon.  “Why was a young, effective, faithful pastor struck down in the prime of his life and ministry”  We only trust that God is wiser than we are.  We are thankful Pastor Struckmeyer is with our Lord in heaven.

 

But, Pastor Struckmeyer did not choose to die. Cancer killed him.  He would willingly have kept living and kept serving if he could have done so.  Jesus is just the opposite.  God’s Son willingly came to earth expecting to lay down His life for you and me.  We often miss the enormity of this great, sacrificial, gift of love, because we have heard it so often. We miss the depth of God’s love because we know Jesus, the Son of God Himself, came to this earth to die for us.

 

Listen to what Jesus Himself says in the Good Shepherd chapter, John 10.  “11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. . . 14 I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep. . . 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-- only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." (John 10, 11, 14-15, 17-18)  Did you hear what Jesus says about His life and death?  He suffered injustice, cruelty, violence, and murder.  But, knowing that we needed saving, Jesus taught the people then and teaches us today, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

 

The depth of Jesus’ love struck St. Paul personally and he shared the surprise of that willing sacrifice with the Christians in Rome.  God inspired Paul to write to those believers, “6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:6-8)  Jesus did not die because we deserved God’s love, but because we were lost unless Jesus paid the price for our sins.  Jesus died for us, “while we were still sinners.”(See also John 3:16-17)

 

Such a great gift and willing sacrifice also speaks to Christians about how we are to live.  In His letter to the Christians of the dispersion, Peter wrote, 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit”  (1 Peter 3:17-18)  The Christian life includes suffering, as do the lives of all who live in this sinful world.  But, because we know the ugly fact of sin in our lives and in the world, and because we know the willing, saving, sacrificial love of Jesus, we can face the trials of life in faith and in love.  We know Jesus has forgiven our sins in His death, and He saved us for eternal life by His rising.  Therefore, following Jesus, we pick up our crosses and follow Him, (Mark 8:34)

 

This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Jesus’ last week before His brutal crucifixion.  As we watch Jesus’ fateful journey to the cross and realize that He knew His suffering and death was coming, and when see Jesus suffer and observe His the loving actions toward His disciples and toward others around Him, then Holy Week worship can feed our souls and strengthen our faith.  Imagine, God loved ME so much that Jesus willingly laid down His life for me!

 

The application to our lives is simple: If Jesus willingly died for me, will I willingly live for Him?

 

A Child of God, Amazed That We Take Such Great Love for Granted,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  During my childhood I attended 2 congregations.  When our family lived in Massachusetts,

I attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Easthampton, MA, until I was 12 and we moved to Florida.  As a youth in Florida, and until I graduated from seminary, I attended and was a member of First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.  I had the privilege of preaching at First Lutheran on March 21, while Pastor John Glover was visiting his dad in NJ.  Here is a video of the worship service, including the sermon.  03.21.2021 Fifth Sunday in Lent Worship on Vimeo

 

 

P.P.S.  I only did a little fishing this week.

·       On March 18 I fished in a local lake.  The limit was 5.  I caught 6 bass and threw one back.  But, I only returned home with 4 fish!!  (I’m not sure where the other fish went!)  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/5swZiZZgjLVz99RP6

 

·       On Tuesday, March 23, I took my wife on the Santa Fe River.  It was an evening ride, and we were delayed in arriving by a traffic accident.  I didn’t catch any fish, and we don’t have any pictures.  L

 

 

 

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

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

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

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

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

 

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131