What Do we do When Faced with the Mysteries of God?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

In the Fall of 1972 I was walking with a friend on the campus of Concordia Lutheran College, Austin, TX.  My friend and I were both students of this Lutheran school whose primary mission was to prepare young people for careers in church work.  My friend was studying to be a Lutheran teacher.  I was studying to be a Lutheran pastor.  Why this occasion stands out is that, as we were walking, we met another student and began talking.  During the conversation this third student shared that he was not a believer in Jesus.  That was somewhat unusual at this specific college.  But, the behavior that makes this occasion stick out in my mind is that the friend with whom I was originally walking began to cry.  They were deeply saddened that this other student could or would miss out on all the love, the grace, and the salvation which God offers in Jesus.  It was a moment full of questions and uncertainty.

 

I share this experience with you because of my devotional readings on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.  The assigned chapters for reading for this day were Romans 9-11.  In this series of chapters Paul discusses his great sorrow and concern for his people, many of whom had chosen not to believe that Jesus was the promised Savior of the World.  Paul was so upset by this situation that he wrote, “³ For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” (Romans 9:3)  Paul writes that he would rather that he himself miss the blessings of Jesus, than that his people would do so.  That is true compassion, and true heart-felt concern.

 

Actually, Paul wrote 3 chapters in the book of Romans on this one topic.  As I again read what he wrote, he seems one answer in one place, and another in the next set of words he wrote.  This was a mystery greater than Paul could understand.  That is why he wrote at the end of chapter 11, “³³ Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ³⁴ ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?’ ³⁵ ‘Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ ³⁶ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”  (Romans 11:33-36)

 

What do we do when faced with the mysteries of God?  Do we throw up our hands because we do not and cannot understand?  Do we stop believing in the Creator, the Savior, the Lord of the universe because something troubles us?  Do we stop serving Jesus because we don’t understand Him? If you are watching “The Chosen” series about the life of Jesus, as Kathy and I are doing, you will see that Jesus’ disciples had many un-answered questions.  What DO we do?

 

First, we should not be surprised when we don’t understand God, or His Word.  After all, He is the Lord and Creator, and we are His creaTION.  The Lord shares with us in Isaiah 55:8-9, “⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  I have actually come to a place where I am glad I do not expect to understand everything.  The Lord is a mystery, above my understanding.  I do not want the workings of this world limited by my own small, and faulty, mind.

 

Nevertheless, God does not leave us without truth and comfort.  I find in His word basic truths which I can know, even if my feeble mind does not understand everything.  In Chapters 9-11, Paul shares two of these truths.  In Romans 10:10-11, the Lord inspired Paul to restate the truth he writes in many other places.  Please read these verses with me.  “¹⁰ For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. ¹¹ For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’"  Because we are all sinful, our Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus.  Because no human can keep the holy law of God, in grace our Father gives us His forgives and grace everlasting as we believe in Jesus, in spite of our sin.  Basically said, we are saved through faith in Jesus.  That is a basic truth I can understand and believe.

 

Another important truth revealed in these chapters comes from Romans 10:17. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” God works through His Word to create saving faith.  He works through His word, the Bible.  He words through His Word, Jesus.  Even when I cannot have answers to all my questions about God, He nevertheless does share what I need to know.  He shares in His Word.

 

So, what do we do when faced with the mysteries of God?  I have learned to accept my short-comings, but to also trust the basic truths which God states again and again in His Word.  I hear God saying, and so I believe, that He saves us from our sin for eternal life in heaven by His grace.  Sinners cannot earn salvation, but we still receive our Lord’s eternal love through faith in Jesus.  I have also come to believe that God creates this faith through His Word.  So, knowing my feeble mind, I immerse myself in the Word of God, in the Bible, in Jesus.  I trust the grace of God to work in my life. I pray to share His grace with others.

 

A Child of God, Trusting My Lord’s Grace and His Word When Faced with the Mysteries of God!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       We held a class for acolytes after worship on Sunday, August 24.  Six young people attended and will start lighting candles and helping with worship beginning Sunday, August 31.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee has been formed.  It includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They met on June 4, July 1, July 22, and just recently on August 19. 

The first step in the call process is to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has the study and tools to help in this study. 

In order to complete this study the committee has asked for input from ORLC leaders.  The Call Committee also passed out this survey for members in worship on Sunday, August 24.   Nomination forms for names for a new pastor were also distributed.  Both documents are available on the Connection Corner table in the back of the church.

The goal is to turn in the self-study, and nominations for pastor, to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” On August 24 we began to study the 10 commandments.  We will continue to study this topic in the coming weeks.  Come and join us!

 

·       Summer Sunday School - There is no Summer Sunday School on August 31.  THANK YOU to Leah Rawlins for heading up this ministry to our children during the summer.

 

·       Sunday School begins on Sunday, September 7!  This will be a blessing for ALL children and adults.  WE COULD STILL USE SOMEONE TO HELP LAUREN WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS!  Please see Lauren or Pastor Rockey if you have questions about helping.

 

·       Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  We are now in the New Testament!  On Wednesdsay, August 27, we read Romans 9-11.  We will finish Romans on Saturday, August 30.

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

 

P.P.P.S. Family and Fishing!  -

 

Alaska State Fair Entries (I am proud of my wife and daughter for their talents, which they displayed at the Alaska State Fair.)

·       Kathy entered 3 sewing entries and 1 quilt at the Alaska State Fair, and won a number of ribbons.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/5EsA5QWrnKyzfpFo9

 

·       Both Kathy and Mary entered baked goods in the Alaska State Fair.  They had 4 entries and won 3 ribbons.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/vSi4D1auxixbyfcb6

 

Garden

·       Our Garden is slowing down, but we are still picking raspberries.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ua1syuMm7Sddsp869

 

Fishing

·       On Monday, August 18, I took Dave Nufer, daughter Kaycee and her husband, Gavin Hanson, fishing on the Little Susitna River. Unfortunately, the river was closed to fishing on Tuesday, August 19.

 

·       On Friday, August 22, I took Mike and Peggy Nystrom fishing.  We tried the Little Willow, because the Little Susitna was closed.  Unfortunately, the river was low, the sun was out, the water was clear, and the fish weren’t biting.  But, a day on the water is still a good day!  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/8fbnmRxsBdbjzPhp9

 

 

*******

 

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

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

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

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful for God’s Gift of Marriage, For the Gift of MY WIFE!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

In the fall of 1979, I was a young pastor, just installed to serve the people of St. Paul Lutheran Church on the near north side of St. Louis, MO.  I had gotten to know the small group of people who were members of this part of God’s family.  Among those members were Harold and Wilma Knedel, rock-solid believers in their 50’s and weekly attenders in worship.  Wilma became ill, and needed open heart surgery.  The doctors expected the operation to go well, and also for Wilma to make a full recovery. But she never made it out of the operating room.  Harold called me, and then came to our home at the church parsonage.  He was devastated!  I listened and prayed with Harold.  He left our home broken-hearted.  Later I told Kathy that I was somewhat surprised at the depth of his grief.  Part of my reasoning was that, at that time, Kathy and I had been married for 2 years.  However, Harold and Wilma has been married for over 35 years!  That seemed like a long time to me.  That just goes to show the foolishness of youth in a 26 year old man.  CFW Walther, an important early leader in our denomination, once wrote that God gives wisdom, “by the Holy Spirit, through the school of experience.”  I lacked that wisdom.

 

I learned more the next spring when my father-in-law, Jim Tobin, died from lingering heart problems in April of 1980.  Jim was only 54!  This was someone much closer to me.  I watched as my wife grieved the loss of her beloved dad, and as my mother-in-law, Alice Tobin, dealt with the reality that her husband of 28+ years was gone.  It seemed to me that she was missing part of herself, which in fact, she was.

 

I learned more wisdom as my own parents passed on.  I was present as my mom died in the hospital in January of 2011.  My dad and mom had been married for over 58 years.  In many ways my dad deeply grieved the loss of my mom. He missed her terribly until the day of his own death.  I was beside my dad’s bed when he passed on August 25, 2018.  Later that afternoon his 5 children and other family visited the funeral home to make arrangements.  As we shared about my dad with those from the funeral home, one of those present was the lady who worked at the cemetery.  We told them, “He visited our mom’s grave almost every day.”  The lady from the cemetery asked, “Did he drive a brown Toyota?”  We replied, “Yes.”  She then responded.  “No! He was not there almost every day.  Your dad visited your mom’s grave EVERY DAY, and sometimes more than once a day.” My dad and mom had ‘become one’ through marriage!

 

I hope I am growing in wisdom.  At age 72, I now understand somewhat better about the bond of marriage.  Jesus quotes the words from the creation account in Genesis 2:24 and explains them to His disciples in Matthew 19.  “'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh' (Matthew. 19:5) When two people are married God binds those two people into one.  When one spouse inevitably dies, we have lost part of ourselves.  Often, it may seem we lost the most important part of ourselves.  My dad felt that way.

 

I share all this, as I write my weekly devotion on August 20, 2025, because Kathy and I were married on this day 48 years ago in Memphis, TN.  What I have learned through the experience of 48 years is that marriage is a gift from God.  But, my REAL gift is Kathy! She is a woman of faith who has stood beside me in spite of myself, who has loved and taught our children and grandchildren, and been a servant to God’s people in the churches I have served.  I do not deserve the love Kathy gives me.  But, she IS the best part of me.

 

Believe it or not, all these thoughts about marriage teach us about Jesus.  Paul seems to speak about wives and husbands in Ephesians 5:22-33, but then he explains a deeper truth.  “³¹’Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ ³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”  (Ephesian 5:31-32) Perhaps you too have seen or experienced the passion, the depth, of the love between a husband and wife.  God tells us that Jesus loves his bride, the church, with such depth and passion.  In fact, God’s love is perfect, and greater than ours.  That is why Paul tells husbands, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25)  The Church, believers in Jesus, are the ‘bride of Christ.’  Jesus loves His children to the point of giving up His life for them, for us.

 

On Saturday evening, August 16, Kathy and I had the privilege of joining the celebration of Rick and Cathy Baldwin-Johnson’s 50^th wedding anniversary.  We have friends from our youth who have now been married 50 years.  Kathy and I have only made 48 years at this point.  But the love of those 48 years grows deeper and deeper. 

 

And the love Kathy and I have for one another teaches me about the love our Savior, Jesus, has for us.  God is SO good!

 

A Child of God, Thankful for God’s Gift of Marriage, For the Gift of MY WIFE!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  Here are some old and new pictures of Kathy and me.

• These pictures are from our wedding day, August 20, 1977 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/azELThfxXQHtqPfD7  
• Here are some picture of Kathy and me from the last year of so.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jET9zcLLyqMe4A8e9

 

P.P.S.    I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

• The Youth who attended the LCMS YOUTH GATHERING in New Orleans made a presentation on Sunday, August 17.

 

• The Our Redeemer Call Committee has been formed.  It includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They met on June 4, July 1, July 22, and August 19.  The first step in the call process will be to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for input for the self-study from ORLC leaders, and WILL ask input from members in coming weeks.   The goal is to turn in the self study, and nominations for pastor, to the Northwest District by October 1.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

• Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” On August 3 we studied about the Lord’s Supper.  On August 17 we concluded the study on Lutheran worship practices. On August 24 we will to study the 10 commandments.  Come and join us!

 

• Summer Sunday School - Children have an opportunity to study during the summer as well.  Leah Rawlins is leading the children in studying the book of Ruth.  At the end of this study they may put what they learned into expression through legos.  All Children are WELCOME! 😊  (However, there is no Sunday School on August 31 (Labor Day Weekend!)

 

• On Sunday, August 24, we will offer an acolyte class after worship.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

• MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  We are now in the New Testament!  On Tuesday, August 12, we finished the book of Acts.  On Wednesday, August 20, we began the book of Romans.

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

 

P.P.P.S. Family and Fishing!  -

 

• On Monday, August 18, I took Dave Nufer, daughter Kaycee and her husband, Gavin Hanson, fishing on the Little Susitna River. We kept 2 silver salmon.  Unfortunately, the river closed to silver salmon the next day!  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/jcddcW2Rm4BDJhwR7

 

*******

 

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

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

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

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Believing in My Lord, Jesus - Who STILL Performs Miracles!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

My daily devotional reading for Wednesday, August 13, was from Acts 16.  This chapter has always caught my interest.  After what must have been a troubling disagreement with Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41, Paul and Barnabas parted ways.  Then, Paul and Silas begin Paul’s second missionary journey.  Because of a vision Paul receives, they leave ‘Asia’, or what we know as Turkey, and start preaching in Europe, in Macedonia, specifically in Philippi. Paul might have had questions on his mind after he and Barabas split up.  I would.  So, perhaps like me, he looked for the hand of the Lord in the coming events.  Those events were not necessarily positive. 

 

If you read Acts 16:10-37, we learn that Paul and Silas had a positive experience with Lydia.  Lydia believed their message about Jesus, and then urged Paul and Silas to stay at her home.  Lydia’s whole household was baptized.  But then the troubles started.  Being annoyed by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, they cast the spirit out of the girl.  Her owners lost a source of income and brought these missionaries to the authorities, who had Paul and Silas beaten, and “put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (Acts 16:24) If Paul and Silas were looking for affirmation of their new team and mission, prison might seem anything but the encouragement they looked for.

 

However, God’s ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts.  (Isaiah 55:8-9) Often, when things are worst, God’s hand becomes most evident!  An earthquake opened the doors of the prison and loosed the shackles on all the prisoners. When the jailer saw the open doors, he was about to take his own life, supposing he would be counted responsible for all the escaped prisoners.  But God worked!  Paul cried out, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." (Acts 16:28) The jailer was overwhelmed.  Having heard Paul and Silas pray and sing, he asked them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) The simple truth which Paul and Silas shared with the jailer was, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31) The jailer took Paul and Silas home and treated their wounds.  Now his whole household was baptized!  Perhaps you see what I do, when things are at the worst and God acts, His love and grace and power become even more evident.

 

I was thinking of how God has acted in my life, and that of my family, and I received three messages on Wednesday from people I know.  Years ago I made a friend while I was, of all things, ICE FISHING.  Yup!  Fred Deussing is a man of faith who has invited me to his home, fed my grandchildren, gone salmon fishing with me, and worshiped at times at St. John.  But we met on the ice.  As a friend I include Fred and his family in my daily prayers.  On Wednesday, August 13, Fred sent out an email devotion entitled, “Miracle.”  While ice fishing on a river in Alaska, one of his young sons wandered downstream to open water and fell in.  In his blog Fred tells the agonizing effort to stretch out on thin ice and save his son, hurrying him home to chip the ice off his body. 

 

Fred writes of their conversation that night.  “Tucking my thawed out little guy into bed that night, we said our prayers together, thanking God for His protection. I told him I was proud of him for being strong enough to hold on until I could get to him. The innocent childlike trust of his response revealed the miraculous, Providential truth . . .’Daddy, I couldn’t hold on. God said the man would hold me up until you came.’ I hugged him crying, “…the man…”, God’s guardian angel sent to spare my son from a horrifying, frozen drowning, and from grief this father could never imagine being able to bear.  I will continue to thank Him throughout eternity.”  When things are at the worst and God acts, His love and grace and power become even more evident.

 

Then I received a text from my wife about a young 2 year old boy who parents thought may have drowned this past spring near Spokane, WA.  At St. John, I baptized Sarah Reed, now Sarah Bryan.  Sarah and her husband, Corwin, tell in a Youtube video how their son, Jo Jo, was found in a pond, non-responsive, and how the hospital prepared Sarah and Corwin for the worst outcome.  Amazingly, this young boy who was not expected to live, left the hospital 9 days later fully healthy.  He arrived home to celebrate his second birthday the next day.  They credit the Lord of love.  When things are at the worst and God acts, His love and grace and power become even more evident.

 

Then I received a text from my brother, James.  His wife, Martha, suffered severe seizures in May of 2024.  Her life was changed immensely.  However, on August 13, 2025, we learned that her health has improved so much that she is now approved to drive again. When things are at the worst and God acts, His love and grace and power become even more evident.

 

Do you believe in miracles?  I’m not sure that is the right question.  Rather, do we believe that the Lord of the Universe has broken into this sinful world with His grace and love through Jesus, and continues to do so still today?  Paul’s words to the jailer were, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Do you believe in the God of love, in Jesus Christ?

 

When things go badly in my life I sometimes wonder, “Why?”, and “Where is God ?”  Psalm 46 tells us that when we are really in need, God is really present.  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

 

Have you seen the hand of God in the tough times in your life?  I have.  God especially shows us His love in His Son, Jesus!

 

A Child of God, Believing in My Lord Jesus, Who STILL Performs Miracles!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  Perhaps you would like to see these stories in fuller form.

 

·       Here is Fred Deussing’s devotion from August 12 - Miracles – Abba's Art -

 

·       Here is the Youtube video from Corwin and Sarah about Jo Jo.  Corwin and Sara - Jojo's Story.  https://youtu.be/7rIJcLNlXCk

 

P.P.S.    I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Back to School Blessing was given in worship at Our Redeemer on Sunday, August 10.  Thirty-One young people beginning school came forward as Family Life Minister, Lauren Johnston, gave the blessing and led a prayer.  Here is a picture taken by Abby Keller.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QaL9YZ5UNCDeJtW68

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee has been formed.  It includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They met on June 4, July 1, and July 22.  The first step in the call process will be to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee targets August 15 for inputs from leaders to the congregational self-study.   The next meeting is on August 19.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” On August 3 we studied about the Lord’s Supper.  On August 10 we concluded the study on the Lord’s Supper and began studying Lutheran worship practices. When this topic is finished we will study the 10 commandments.  Come and join us!

 

·       Summer Sunday School - Children have an opportunity to study during the summer as well.  Leah Rawlins is leading the children in studying the book of Ruth.  At the end of this study they may put what they learned into expression through legos.  All Children are WELCOME! 😊  (However, there is no Sunday School on August 31 (Labor Day Weekend!)

 

·       On Sunday, August 3, 5 young people attended an ‘early communion class.  Those attending included Evelyn Anderson, Hannah Anderson, Clarence Hall, Broderick McCormick, and Annika Roelfs   Four of these children received “Faith Alive Bibles” in worship on August 10.

 

·       On Sunday, August 10, we held a meeting after worship to discuss Confirmation Classes in the future for youth.  If you are in 6^th or 7^th grade, or interested in Confirmation classes, please talk to Lauren Johnston or Pastor Rockey.

 

·       On Sunday, August 24, we will offer an acolyte class after worship.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  We are now in the New Testament!  On Tuesday, August 13, we read Acts 16, about Paul and Silas in Philippi!

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

 

P.P.P.S. Family and Fishing!  -

 

·       Our garden is continuing to yield. Though, as the summer progresses some crops are waning.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/YsgRtnCVdB6NDH457

 

·       On Sunday, August 10, I cut down a cottonwood tree in my back yard which had grown large and was threatening my fence, and the fence of my neighbor.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/2rhqG8LEcsjyMapS9

 

·       On August 7, I went fishing on the Little Susitna River with Kym Miller from St. John Lutheran, Palmer. It rained much of the day, but we did catch 4 silver and 1 pink salmon.   Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zrSEVCfjNDrvDLrg6

 

·       Father and Daughter (and neighbor) Fishing- On Monday, August 11, I went fishing on the Little Susitna River with daughter, Mary, and neighbor, Terry Whiteman.  We caught 3 silver salmon and a chum.  Mary caught the first fish, the biggest fish, and 3 of the four fish.  She said Terry and I were ‘slackin.’  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XiWwrA3s1gWmfueT7

 

 

*******

 

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

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

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

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can People See the Saving Love of Jesus in my Life?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Have you ever struggled with, or even been frightened by, the call from Jesus to share the Gospel with others?  Most Christians know “The Great Commission” by heart. “¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)  But, making disciples of all nations is a job bigger than any one person, or even any single congregation can accomplish . . . on their own. 

 

Not only is this a LARGE calling, many simply feel uncomfortable sharing the Christian Gospel, or good news, with others.  People have told me, “I don’t understand my Bible well enough.”  Or “I’m not sure what to say.” Or, “When I try to tell others about Jesus, they become angry with me.”  There are many reasons Christians can indeed struggle with sharing the Christian faith about Jesus as our Savior.

 

Jesus gave this call to His disciples and to the Christian Church in more than one way.  As Jesus was ascending into heaven He also spoke these words to His disciples. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)  I can understand how people feel they do not have enough knowledge for a discussion, or even a debate, about faith.  Yet, Jesus does not say “You will win those arguments.”  Jesus tells His disciples, “. . . you will be my witnesses.”  A witness is different than someone who tries to convince another by argument.

 

In all honesty, the best witness a person can give is their example, or their life.  When someone watches the way I live, do they see Jesus through me?  Peter encouraged such a witness in 1 Peter 3:15.  ^“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”  So, do you have hope as a Christian?  What is your hope?  How does Jesus make a difference in your life?  When someone sees that you perhaps live differently than others, and they ask you where your hope lies, you can share your personal knowledge and experience of our Savior.  Perhaps you know your own failings and sin only too well, but the real forgiveness of Jesus has warmed and changed your heart.  Perhaps you have had struggles in a task, or a relationship.  But you remember that Jesus persevered and endured to save us.  Jesus’ persevering love might have given you just the strength you needed.  THAT kind of sharing is a ‘witness.’  Often it is that personal life witness which can touch the hearts and lives of others.

 

In 1 Thesslonians the Apostle Paul also encourages the witness of a life of faith. “11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)  Did you ever think that a quiet life of faith is a witness to others about how Jesus lives in you? 

 

I share these thoughts about witnessing to Jesus because two of the most impactful testimonies I received in New Orleans at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering came from the example of other Christians. 

 

For example, my volunteer time at the gathering included time at the booth for Ysleta Lutheran Mission, a mission effort to share Jesus’ love with the people of El Paso, TX, and Juarez, Mexico.  We worked to prepare 2000 school backpacks and 2000 health kits for people in that area.  One of those present was a young lady named Michelle Lynn.  Michelle did not speak English.  But from early childhood she had received a backpack for school, and was nurtured by the local congregation to believe in Jesus.  Michelle used this encouragement to finish school and go on to college. She expects to graduate with a bachelors degree in 2026.  However, she has also been going to school to be a Lutheran deaconess, and at 21 years old IS the youngest deaconess in the Lutheran Church of Mexico.  Michelle’s presence spoke powerfully to me about the power of Jesus’ love, and how God’s church shares the love of Jesus in life changing ways!

 

I received another powerful witness from one of the last groups who came to assemble backpacks.  About 15-20 people from Kerrville, TX, served by putting these backpacks together in order to help others in the name of Jesus.  Do you remember the national news in early July?  Around July 4 heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to flood quickly and destructively.  Around 100 people in the Kerrville area died. Children in a Christian camp in Kerrville were surprised, and some were washed away and died.  When these youth from Kerrville showed up to work in our booth on July 22, less than 3 weeks after the flooding, I asked about the floods.  They just shook their heads silently.  But, these people who had suffered this natural disaster were still in the booth for Ysleta, helping people in need on the border.  Their service in the midst of personal crisis spoke to me about the power of Jesus’ love.

 

Jesus does call us to “make disciples of all nations,” but people often come to faith one person at a time.  I sometimes wonder, “Can people see the sacrificial saving love of Jesus when they watch my life?’  Jesus did, after all teach His disciples, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)  Can people see the saving love of Jesus in my life? What kind of witness do I give?

 

How about you?  Do people see a witness for Jesus in your life?

 

A Child of God, Desiring that my Life Shares the Sacrificial, Saving Love of Jesus”

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures from the Gathering which apply to today’s devotion.

 

• This is a picture of Michelle, the young Lutheran Deaconess from Ysleta Lutheran Mission. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9fkwbNfVaNULP8dN8

 

• This is a picture of the youth from Kerrville, TX, attentively working to prepare backpacks for children in El Paso and Juarez. https://photos.app.goo.gl/dimGswyZeif6fxgJ9

 

P.P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

• The Our Redeemer Call Committee has been formed.  It includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They met on June 4, July 1, and July 22.  The first step in the call process will be to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee targets August 15 for inputs from leaders to the congregational self-study.   The next meeting is on August 19.

 

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

• Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” On August 3 we studied about the Lord’s Supper.  We will conclude this study on August 10, and start a new topic.  Come and join us!

 

• Summer Sunday School - Children have an opportunity to study during the summer as well.  Leah Rawlins is leading the children in studying the book of Ruth.  At the end of this study they may put what they learned into expression through legos.  All Children are WELCOME! 😊  (However, there was no Sunday School on August 31 (Labor Day Weekend!)

 

• On Sunday, August 3, 5 young people attended an ‘early communion class.  Those attending included Evelyn Anderson, Hannah Anderson, Clarence Hall, Broderick McCormick, and Annika Roelfs

 

• On Sunday, August 10, we will have a meeting after worship to discuss Confirmation Classes in the future for youth.  We will discuss schedule and lesson plans.  If you are in 6^th or 7^th grade, or interested in Confirmation classes, please attend, or talk to Lauren Johnston or Pastor Rockey.

 

• On Sunday, August 24, we will offer an acolyte class after worship.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

• MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  We are now in the New Testament!  On Wednesday, August 6, we read Acts 6-8.  

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

 

P.P.P.S. Fishing!  - 😊

 

• On Thursday, July 31, I went fishing on the Little Susitna River.  I had heard that silver salmon were returning, and I wanted to find out.  Gaelen Swigart, grandson of St. John Palmer musician, Sara Guhl, came along.  The fishing was not ‘hot.’  But we did catch one silver and 3 pink salmon.  (Of course, we only kept the silver!)  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/adQuaTHXgTWxQrZZ6

 

• Father and Son Fishing- I went fishing on the Kenai River with my son, Tim Rockey, on Sunday evening and Monday, August 3 and 4. After a flat tire in Anchorage requiring roadside assistance, we got to the river at 10:10 p.m. on Sunday. With an all time record run of red / sockeye salmon, we did still catch 3 reds on Sunday night.  On Monday, with beautiful weather, but a ‘flood of fish’, we caught my limit of fish, Tim’s fish, and Kathy's fish (I have her proxy). It was a worthwhile trip, not only for great fishing but also great father and son time!!   https://photos.app.goo.gl/rbsK7BSuwHmNp64NA

 

• On Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3, as we were putting this year’s salmon into the freezer, we took out the old and I smoked the salmon. https://photos.app.goo.gl/r12F4CAfyiC5FW2m6

 

• On Tuesday, August 5, Kathy spent 10-12 hours canning smoked salmon.  I spent 4 ½ hours vacuum sealing the salmon Tim and I caught over the weekend.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/MEJkKjzhgrcGS7YQA

 

 

*******

 

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

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

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

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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

 

 

 

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