Sharing What's Really Important

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Knowing our World Needs Jesus – Wanting to Share Him Effectively

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Our world is a mess! Whether we talk about lifestyles, or politics, or conflict, or faith. Our world is in trouble and . . . our world needs Jesus!

Jesus brings TRUTH to a world of various and conflicting ideas and stories. Jesus IS The Truth. (John 14:6). That truth gives meaning and direction to the lives of His people on earth.

Jesus brings love, grace, forgiveness, and salvation through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. Our world needs the grace of God found in Jesus.

With such love from God, people are empowered and sent to LOVE OTHERS.

Imagine if our world knew the truth of our Creator and Savior, knew His love and salvation, and then acted on that grace and truth by loving others. Our world would be such a better place. OUR WORLD NEEDS JESUS!

So, if our world needs Jesus, how do we share our Lord and Savior with those around us so that they have His blessings? I am convinced that ultimately actions speak louder than words, and the best way to share Jesus is through lives of faith and love.

In my devotions this week I have been reading in 2 Kings how God acted through the prophets, specifically through EliSha. One account in 2 Kings 4 shows God’s grace and power for a wife in the town of Shunem. When Elisha would come through town, she provided room and board for him. So Elisha provided for her in a time of need. He prayed and the Lord blessed the woman with the birth of a son. Later, that son was struck with pains in his head, and he died. But miraculously, through Elisha, God raised the woman’s son back to life. Our Lord is amazing!

However, it is the account about the life of this woman in 2 Kings 8 which struck me. After a great deliverance from the armies of Syria, King Joram asked Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, to share the many ways God had worked through Elisha. As he was about to do so, the Shunamite woman appeared, with her son. She had heeded advice from Elisha about a famine and left Israel for 7 years, and then returned after 7 years. As she returned, she wanted her property back. Listen to God’s Word from 2 Kings 8:4-6. “⁴ Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, "Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done." ⁵ And while he was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. And Gehazi said, ‘My lord, O king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life.’ ⁶ And when the king asked the woman, she told him.”

That sounds so simple, doesn’t it? “ . . . when the king asked the woman, she told him.” However, it was not just her words which communicated. This lady had served the Lord, and received His blessings. She spoke, but she spoke of her experience, and she spoke with the example of a life of faith and obedience. Her life and her actions made her words carry weight.

Our world needs Jesus so badly. And we have just what our world needs. We have the treasure of our Lord’s love to share. We can lead others to just what they need, God’s blessings in this life and in eternity through Jesus. Consider 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.”

When God’s people know that our sin deserves judgment and punishment, but that God gives love, forgiveness, and salvation in Jesus, these children of God have peace and joy and love in their lives. When others see these blessings in the lives of God’s people, even in the midst of the trials of life, they will ask the reason for our peace and joy and hope. Our lives and actions give a witness.

There are a lot of ways in which we can make our world a better place. The best thing you can do is to know God’s undeserved grace and love in Jesus, and to live in that love. Others will see Jesus in you. You can share with them exactly what this world needs, our Lord and Savior.

A Child of God, Knowing our World Needs Jesus – Wanting to Share Him Effectively,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Visit from the Northwest District Board of Directors – The Northwest District Board of Directors is in town August 13-16 to meet and to visit some of the congregations in Alaska. On Sunday, August 16, Regional Vice-President, Pastor Brian Bowes from WA will preach at Anchorage Lutheran. He will be speaking on the assigned Gospel Lesson from Matthew 15:21-28. His sermon title is “Lord! Save!” (And He Does!)”

· Bible class –

o On Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. we are studying the book of Ephesians downstairs in the fellowship hall, using the CPH “Lifelight” Bible Study. There are still some lesson books available. Class begins at 9:00 a.m. downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. On August 16 we will continue Ephesians 2, and plan to begin chapter 3.

o Lay Ministry Classes – I am teaching a class on the Sacraments AFTER worship on Sundays. However, in addition to our Lay Worship Leaders, others may attend if they wish. This week we will begin our study about The Lord’s Supper.

Other Activities of Faith:

I am again taking a two-year journey with my Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, August 5, I read 2 Kings 9 and 10, about Jehu, who brought judgement from the Lord on Ahab’s family. The Old Testament can be bloody!!

You are welcome to join in this journey of reading God’s Word. You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings. Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I have received questions and comments about the readings. 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.S. Friends, Family Fun, and Fishing!

· A tragedy –

o (From Lauren Griese Heck) Hello All. My sis and her family are safe, but lost their house and everything in it to a wildfire Saturday night. Here is their GoFundMe if you wanted and are able to help. She is also working to put together an Amazon wishlist for some of their more immediate needs. Thank you all. https://gofund.me/f172c490f

o (From Kathy) These are dear family friends who lost their home in the fire in Spokane. Our daughter Mary and Lauren have been friends since they were in preschool. We are grateful they are safe and have a temporary place to stay. Prayers as they work to rebuild their life are appreciated.

· Friends–

o We are proud of Grace Miller, who grew up in Palmer, and at St. John. She graduated with her degree as a Physician's Assistant on July 20. We hear she may have a job in Seattle! https://photos.app.goo.gl/uJ7vXZbiSycD2VC78

o I helped organize the 31st Palmer Kiwanis Golf Tournament again this year at the Palmer Golf Course. Here are our teams. 51 players! The most in a long time. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LpGeY9izmwguJ5fW9

o Mary and Brandon were in Kenny Lake to finish preparing his home to sell. Mary’s dogs, Mac and Willow were "visiting grandma." https://photos.app.goo.gl/EJw3SJkCsfKXjbey9

o My neighbor, Terry Whiteman, decided to mow my grass. I asked him and he asked me, "Do you mind if I finish?" https://photos.app.goo.gl/VtpC5ztBbDxQH3Ra8

· Fishing - I went fishing on Monday, August 10 with neighbor Terry Whiteman. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/VtpC5ztBbDxQH3Ra8

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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. (I finished for now serving as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL. I am now serving Anchorage Lutheran Church as Vacancy Pastor.)

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

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

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Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, 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)

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Hoping in JESUS Through the Groans of This Life!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you ever feel like you are living the words of Scripture? This past week has been wonderful in some ways. However, many other events of the last week remind me of Romans 8:19-23. “¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” I feel like I have been experiencing the “futility of creation,” the results of its “bondage to corruption” because of sin.

Perhaps most obviously, in my past week I was present for 3 funerals (July 28, 31, and August 1). One of those services was on the Kenai River for a friend. The other two services I officiated as pastor. I knew two of these people and their families pretty well. Now, I do know that “The wages of sin is death . . .” (Romans 6:23a). Nevertheless, it seems to me that each of these 3 people had life left to live, and to gifts to share with others. Therefore, I have to trust the Lord in all 3 deaths.

On Sunday night, August 2, Kathy and I gathered with the Berberich family. John Switzer, the father of Deidre, was one of those whose funerals I officated. We were also joined by Herman and Linda Griese. Our 3 families have been good friends for over 35 years. But, as Herman and Linda arrived to bring comfort for the Berberich family, they shared tragic news of their own. Herman and Linda’s daughter, Lauren, and her family lost their home in Spokane on Saturday night to a fire which destroyed their whole neighborhood. Thankfully, Lauren and Dylan, and their daughters Abby and Anna, escaped safely. Yet Herman showed me a picture of the smoldering foundation of Dylan and Lauren’s home. The governor of WA suggested that global warming was at work. The police, on the other hand, arrested a man for setting the fire. This man had a previous criminal record, having been arrested for first degree murder of his father, but pleading to a lesser charge. What is going on in our world?

On Monday, August 3, after taking care of a number of errands, I . . . went fishing. Of course! The silver salmon are starting to enter the Little Susitna River. Since I have had a boat, the years 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 have been exceptional years for catching silvers. (Maybe you see the pattern.) Often the limit has been raised because of the number of fish. The last 3 years, fishing for silvers was closed down early because of a lack of fish returning, similar to the king salmon. I had hope for 2026. However, after catching my limit on Monday, I received 2 emails from Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Because of low return so far in 2026, the limit for silver salmon in the whole Susitna River system has been decreased to one fish a day. This is bad news I was hoping not to hear. It seems that creation IS groaning. Sigh!

On Tuesday, August 4, I received a text from our next door neighbor. A moose had visited their garden sometime Monday night, Tuesday morning. Since their garden is close to mine, I walked out to the back yard and checked. My 6 swiss chard plants are gone. Most of my 18 cabbage plants are eaten. There are also chunks taken out of my broccoli and collards. Kathy is calling it the “moose smorgasboard.” But I put a lot of work into those plants and have seldom had this problem in the past. Sigh, again!

Now, none of these events by themselves are a surprise. But for all of these things to happen in less than one week can be somewhat disconcerting. I understand the words of the Psalmist. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11 and 43:5)

First, however, I know that I should not be surprised at the trials of this world. As Paul writes in Romans 8, ALL CREATION exists in subjection. because of sin, until our Lord returns again.

Second, the words of the Psalmist point me to hope in this ‘down cast time.” “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” In fact, God assures us through St. Paul also in Romans 8, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18) In the middle of life’s losses and struggles, it is the Lord and His deliverance in which we hope.

Specifically, we learn this coming Sunday, that we are to hope and to keep our eyes on God’s love for us in Jesus. Our Gospel Lesson for this coming Sunday, August 9, the 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, is Matthew 14:22-33, the account of Jesus, and then Peter, walking on water. After Peter left the boat, when he looked at the waves, and considered the wind, he took his eyes off Jesus and he began to sink. On our own we do sink in this world of sin. Because God loves us and sent His Son, as Jesus died for my sin and rose again defeating my sin and it’s results in this life, I can have hope. I have hope for big things, even in the death of loved ones and friends. I have hope during personal tragedies. I can have hope even when nature seems to work against us. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

What are you going through right now? Do you know the love of God for you, in Jesus, even during the midst of your trials? May the Lord indeed give you hope because, through faith in Jesus, God gives eternal life out of this broken world. He is with us as we groan, waiting for His return.

A Child of God, Hoping in Jesus Through the Groans of This Life!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Bible class –

o On Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. we are studying the book of Ephesians downstairs in the fellowship hall, using the CPH “Lifelight” Bible Study. There are still some lesson books available. Class begins at 9:00 a.m. downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. On August 9 we will continue studying Ephesians 2, and hope to begin chapter 3.

Other Activities of Faith:

I am again taking a two-year journey with my Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, August 5, I read 1 Kings 21 and 22, about Ahab, his sin, and his death.

P.P.S. Friends, Family Fun, and Fishing!

· A tragedy –

· Funerals –

o I attended a memorial for friend, Greg Jochner, on the Kenai River on Tuesday, July 28. Greg died from an auto-immune disease, Miller Fisher Syndrome.

o On Friday, July 31, I officiated at the grave-side service for John Switzer, father of Deidre Berberich.

o On Saturday, August 1, I conducted a service at Anchorage Lutheran for Melissa VanNoy.

· Yard and Garden –MOOSE AGAIN – A moose attacked our garden again. I think it is now a pattern. ☹ https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Piue9T8UMULurB86

· Friends– Here is a picture from our Sunday night gathering with the Berberich and Griese families. https://photos.app.goo.gl/DrgBATT65GXYV8BW7

· Fishing - I got to go fishing a number of times since the last devotion.

o I fished on the Kenai River out of my cabin in Sterling Monday-Wednesdsay, July 27-29. Here are some pictures of fishing with a pole. https://photos.app.goo.gl/JYSs5YEXxcWTm7d9A

o I took Tim and Megan and Megan’s parents fishing on Finger Lake on Thursday, July 30.Megan’s parents, Jamie and Tina Pacer, were visiting from the Upper Peninsula in MI. Everyone fishing caught fish. Here are some pictures (and an interesting video). https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Bsh97DcBYXzeKeJ7

o On Monday, August 3, after some chores at home, I went fishing on the Little Susitna. I had quite a few fish on the line, and brought home a limit of 2 silvers. (Unfortunately, the next day the limit was dropped to one fish a day a person. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/KH1B92tSuwWq7iJBA

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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, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, 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)

Monday, July 27, 2026

Thanking My Lord for His Grace and Love and Provision – Even for Fish!”

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Kathy and I often say to each other, “We are SO blessed!” We know that our Lord has been good to us with our families, in our jobs, with our friends and our health. In many ways God has provided the things we may simply desire to enjoy life. And we know, none of these blessings compare to the grace we receive in Jesus. Nothing compares to the fact that sinful people like us are forgiven and saved. God IS so good! We are truly blessed!!

However, I sometimes hesitate to share all these blessings from our Heavenly Father in my devotions. I know that others currently struggle with health, with financial issues, with family troubles. God’s goodness can be hard to see in someone else, when our own lives are painful. So, I am careful when sharing.

Nevertheless, when our Lord is so obviously good, are we not called to give thanks? Should we not recognize the goodness of God? One of my favorite Old Testament verses calls God’s people to, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 and many other verses.) In 1 Thessalonians God calls His New Testament people, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) So let me share a story about a reason for thanks. Yes, a fishing story!

Earlier in July I sat down with Mary and Brandon and compared calendars. We decided on dates to go to the Kenai and fish for red salmon. Yet, the times we chose were not looking good. We arrived in Sterling on Wednesday, July 22. The ADF&G keeps count of the various species of salmon which return to spawn, in order to better manage this valuable resource. They publish this data daily on their web page. A count of 40,000 red salmon on the Kenai River during the peak season is ok, but not good. A count of 20,000 fish is bad. On Wednesday the count published by ADF&G was 18,040. Horrible! Thursday morning the reported count for Wednesday’s fish was 11,603! Worse than horrible!!

Then the weather report for Thursday was bad. In fact, I heard some talking who said it would be dangerous to fish because of the waves. Winds were forecast at 19 mph, with gusts to 39 mph.

So, no fish, and bad weather. It wasn’t looking good for fishing with a pole and line, nor for dip-netting. That is why Thursday morning I did some work around the cabin. I took down a tree which had fallen in last winter’s weather. I repaired the roof where the tree had fallen and caused some damage. Even though we had set this time aside to fish, on Thursday morning fishing was only a thought, a wish.

Then, around noon I received calls from 2 friends. Fred Vasilie told me that one of his friends had seen salmon jumping off the bluffs. Fred told me, “I think the wind is supposed to die down. We are going to try to put in around 4:00 p.m.” Then I visited with Wayne Mize who shared, “I hear fish are jumping. I think the wind is going to drive the fish in.” So, I talked with my daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Brandon, and we decided that we would try too.

We got to the city boat launch in Kenai. There are times we have waited two hours or more to launch, with long lines and angry workers. (A lady police officer once waved her pistol and shouted at Mary and Dave Nufer and I! Then we caught no fish that day because the commercial nets were blocking the mouth of the river! ☹ ) But, on Thursday, because of the low counts and bad weather reports, we drove right in at the city docks, and there was a boat ramp waiting for us, with NO DELAY!

We put in around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. The wind was still blowing a little, and we found some waves. However, the longer we were on the water, the calmer the wind and the waves got.

There are times I have fished with the nets from the boat for 6, 8, 10 hours, and found few, if any fish. But we talked with Fred. Their boat got 10 fish on their first drift down the river. Once Mary and Brandon and I figured out where to drift, and how to tie off our nets, we started getting fish too. We only had 3 fish on our first run. But then our nets were filling. Brandon netted 2. Mary got one. Brandon got another two in a net. Mary got another. As Brandon was trying to help Mary get the fish out of her net, I held Brandon’s net over the side while steering and guiding the boat at the same time – sort of. I had two fish in the net, but could not bring them in with one hand, while steering my boat with the other hand, and the fish swam out. Brandon got 3 fish in one net. We talked about how many fish we wanted. I said that Kathy and I would like 25 of our limit of 35. They wanted 20, but I suggested 25 for them. However, when we got to 52 red salmon, they said, “Let do another run.” We actually did 3 more runs. When our count was 66 (we were allowed 85), I said that it was time to stop!

So, on a day when the weather was supposed to be bad, when there weren’t supposed to be any fish, God provided a bounty for our freezers! And there was no drama at the docks, no wait, no hollering, no cursing, no guns! We have 132 fillets vacuum sealed in our freezers.

I do not believe that the good things in life are a coincidence. God has taken care of us beyond imagination (Ephesians 3:20 NIV) when He sent Jesus to save the world. BECAUSE He has taken care of this biggest need, because He loves and provides for us, I trust that the seemingly smaller blessings are from our Heavenly Father.

I do not want to receive this blessing and not say thanks. There could have been no fish – again! There could have been big crowds and angry people at the docks, again. The weather could have been dangerous and blown us off the water. Instead we ended up with freezers full of fish. We are so blessed!

I tried to tell Brandon, “It’s not always like this, you know – good weather, few people, LOTS of fish.” He replied, “But, it is when I’m here.” 😊 God is good! Thank you Lord for your love and provision. Thank you for Jesus!

A Child of God, Thanking My Lord for His Grace and Love and Provision – Even for Fish!”

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Bible class –

Other Activities of Faith:

I am again taking a two-year journey with my Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Monday, July 27, I read 1 Kings 9 and 10, about the glory and wealth of Solomon’s kingdom.

P.P.S. Friends, Family Fun and Fishing!

· Yard and Garden – Again, my Garden is doing ok. Everything is soggy with all our rain. Some plants are struggling, though we have lots of greens, and should have good potatoes and raspberries.

o Also, A MOOSE FOUND OUR SWISS CHARD! Here is a picture of the muddy hoof print, and the topped off chard plants. https://photos.app.goo.gl/X2ZHhdLKzNnxFiTv6

o Our peonies are finally starting to bloom. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/nQixcpPSLS6SeuzU6

· Friends and Fishing –

o Here are some pictures of the cabin, my dog Mat, and the work I did to repair the roof. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y5FR8qQbuJtjJh9H9

o Here are dip-netting pictures from Thursday, July 23. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5keyz5TJhL4NJJEM6

o Here are pictures of us cleaning the salmon on Friday, July 24. (Actually we finished on Friday afternoon. We started cleaning Friday morning from 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Total cleaning time was about 6 hours – WITH HELP! https://photos.app.goo.gl/WxwQxyVaeLGmFKtj8

o Here is a picture of one of the fillets as we put them into our freezer. https://photos.app.goo.gl/gxi5TPmU22wGC1FD7

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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, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, 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)

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Thankful that in the Frustrations of Life – God Overcomes by the Power of His Love!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Did you ever try to make plans, have you sought to accomplish something for yourself or for the Lord, and felt like you were just ‘spinning your wheels?’ Have you ever tried to do something worthwhile and felt thwarted at every turn? Have you been frustrated in living your life, your faith? In truth, we have all known frustration!

Sunday morning, leaving for church, was a frustrating experience for me! On Saturday night I thought I was totally prepared. My Bible classes and sermon were written. I had already showered. I had breakfast set aside. I thought I could easily leave early on Sunday morning for classes and worship at Anchorage Lutheran.

However, that morning turned out differently than expected. In pouring a cup of coffee, our coffee pot spewed forth some “coffee tar,” spilling thick, dark liquid onto the counter and the floor. (Thankfully the “tar” missed my Sunday clothing.) As usual on Sunday mornings, I took a final look at my sermon, and sought to print final copies, but my printer jammed in a way I have never seen before. I was unable to print the final version of my sermon. I did have a crinkled dirty copy to use that Sunday morning. By now with these delays, instead of leaving early, I left right on time for Anchorage. At least that is what I thought.

Then, on the way to Anchorage the rain fell, unusually hard for Alaska, all the way to town. I fought hydro-planing in my truck, with other vehicles beside me struggling with the water in the ruts of the Glenn Highway. When I finally arrived a block away from Anchorage Lutheran I was just on time. However, a policeman turned me away. The Mayor’s Marathon was going right by the church, on the east and on the south! I was told, “You’re not going this way!” I tried another approach, and that was also blocked. I attempted to park across the street and walk to church, but there were new, special “no parking” signs. Finally, I talked with another policeman. He squeezed me through the line of runners into the back of the church parking lot. Imagine the pastor trying to arrive at church, yet not being allowed to get onto the property! I do confess to frustration! I finally arrived about 5 minutes late for Bible Class.

When I arrived home that afternoon I shared my frustration with my wife. I told her I thought I had been ready on Saturday night, but the weather and everything else worked against me. I felt somewhat powerless. Kathy instructed me, “It wasn’t just the weather. The devil did not want you to get to church.”

Now please consider our Heavenly Father. He created our world by the power of His word, with creative wisdom, and in love. In Genesis Scripture reveals to us about His creation. ³¹ And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31) Nevertheless, our original ancestors gave in to the temptations of selfishness and pride from our enemy. So, the Lord worked through Noah, through Abraham, through Jacob and Joseph. God acted for His people through Moses and David, through Isaiah and Jeremiah, through other leaders and prophets, to call His people to faithfulness. Yet, to our discredit, every appeal of our Lord’s wisdom and love has been met with hard hearts and the rebellion of those He calls. God sent leaders and prophets to call us to faithful, righteous lives. Time and again God’s created children, even those who claim to follow Him, have turned away toward sinful attitudes and behaviors. Our sin destines us to the consequences of our transgressions. We face tribulations, death, and judgement. What happened to the good plans of God for His creation and His people?

Yet, God was not, and He is not powerless. Our Lord met the opposition of the enemy, He met the sin of His people, with the power and grace of His love. We live in a world of chaos because of the rebellion of sin. In spite of our wayward lives, God cares for His people. Our Heavenly Father sent His Son to the sinful world to take on our sin, and to deal with the chaos and trouble we cause with our fallen lives. In love, Jesus sacrificed His life. In power and righteousness, He rose from the dead. God takes the chaos of sin, and offers the peace and joy of eternal life.

In 1 Peter God teaches us, “⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” ⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith . . . “ (1 Peter 5:6-9a) We face chaos and trouble. God cares for us through the trials of this world through His Son. In life’s frustrations we can cast ourselves on the loving care of God.

On Sunday morning, after a frustrating beginning, Bible Class went well, worship went well, and I had a great class after our church service with folks interested in helping with worship!

We may be our own worst enemies, but in Jesus God has called us to the blessings of His love and grace through faith in Jesus, and He continues to call. We are not in charge, but our Lord is, and He acts in love through Jesus. When life gives struggles, in spite of our best efforts, thankfully, the Lord who created the world in power has acted in love. When life brings frustrations, we can “⁶ Humble ourselves . . . under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt us, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for us.”

A Child of God, Thankful that in the Frustrations of Life – God Overcomes by the Power of His Love!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Bible class –

o Lay Ministry Classes – I am teaching a class on the Sacraments AFTER worship on Sundays. However, in addition to our Lay Worship Leaders, others may attend if they wish. On July 26 we will look at Bible verses on Baptism.

Other Activities of Faith:

I am again taking a two-year journey with my Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, July 22, I read 1 Kings 1 and 2, about the end of David’s life and the crowning of Solomon. In spite of the loving and righteous hand of God, it is amazing how the sin in the lives of God’s people still shows itself. ☹

P.P.S. Friends, Family Fun and Fishing!

· Yard and Garden – My Garden is doing ok. Everything is soggy with all our rain. However, I weeded on July 16. We have lots of greens, and should have good potatoes and raspberries. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Rn1SYti9rmF3ioDZ7

· Friends and Fishing – We have a summer full of visitors. For much of the last week we have had a delightful visit from Pastor Chris Kollmann, wife Steph, and their sons, Micah, Jacob, and Zachery. We experienced lots of activities together, including two fishing trips. Here are some pictures.

o On Friday night, July 17, I took the family fishing on Finger Lake. All 3 boys caught stocked land-locked salmon. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/tk5YzE3AGD5Kirzh6

o On Saturday, July 18, we went up into the mountains to Hatcher Pass State Park.

§ We hiked Gold Mint Trail. https://photos.app.goo.gl/1GXEnKduL72LDRx9A

§ We stopped at the 16 Mile Lookout. (It was cloudy – no pictures.)

§ We spent time at the Independence Mine Historic Site. https://photos.app.goo.gl/fdFxjV1tNLWYT19e7

§ We drove up to Summit Lake at the top of the Talkeetna Mountains. https://photos.app.goo.gl/svqDfu9VSHVgMTx39

o On Sunday, July 19, we went fishing at a local lake. EVERYBODY caught fish. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/YHkj13k14yo2A2KeA

o On Monday, July 20, we drove up to the Matanuska Glacier and took a guided tour. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6TQa3vv5fRknV9uu9

o On Tuesday, July 21, Kathy and I went about our activities and the Kollmanns went to Seward and took a Glacier Tour / Wildlife trip.

· On Tuesday, July 21, I was met at Anchorage Lutheran by seminary classmate Tom VanDuzer and his wife Mary who were visiting Alaska. Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zmos5uDT1eSah1hQ6

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

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Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, 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)