Sharing What's Really Important

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Finding Hope in a Hopeless World, Because of Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I have had about a week and a half to take it easy. I took time to moose hunt with my son-in-law and daughter. Therefore, I was not in worship on September 6. Yet, that hunting trip did not last as long as I expected. I had also been asked to preach at my former congregation, St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, for Stephen Ministry Sunday. That kept me busy on September 13. There was also a pastors’ conference which was scheduled for September 15 and 16, but didn’t work out. So, I have spent much of the last two weeks at home, working on chores. I spent time harvesting in the garden, and I transplanted some currant bushes. I pressure-washed the back deck, and cooked a few meals. I had a couple of other opportunities which materialized, and then disappeared. While I have not been idle, I did get some down time. Kathy says, “It’s nice to have you at home doing things here.” Rest is a gift of God. (Psalm 127:2)

While working around the house I noticed a seemingly small thing which nevertheless provided me with a message of hope. I have planted apple trees along the east side of our yard. I have pictures from past years of the trees hanging low because of the heavy load of apples. However, in the winter of 2023, when we had large amounts of snow, the moose were hungry, and they ate the bark all around my apple trees. The trees died above the bark damage. I planted 2 more trees. But, responding to advice by Extension Agent, Steve Brown, I also tried grafting some branches on the damaged trees below what the moose ate. Nothing happened in 2024, nor in 2025. Nevertheless, this year one of those grafts bore apples.

In truth, the new trees have not yet produced fruit. Only one of the grafts lived. The graft which did survive only bore 4 apples. Only 4. But those four apples give me hope.

In the parable of The Lost Son, the father tells his older son to celebrate as the younger son has returned home. “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive '" (Luke 15:32) What a blessing to see what seemed to be dead, or was dead, alive again. I choose to see my Lord’s work in the new life of my trees.

In addition, the parable of the mustard seed came to mind. "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. ³² It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." (Matthew. 13:31-32) There may only be 4 apples this year, but there were none in 2025. Who knows for 2027, or beyond?

As I look at the world around, me I see trouble and decline. There are wars on an international scale, and turmoil in our home country. Churches suffer from conflict and decline. Families struggle and fall apart. People turn away from faith in God and following His guidance, and turn to the lies of this world. But, in the midst of worldly decline, God is still here.

When the city Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews were captives in Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah wrote what we read in Lamentations 3. “²¹ But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: ²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; ²³ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)

That is what God does for us in Jesus. When Lazarus died from illness, Martha and Mary were devastated. They had lost hope. “²¹ Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ ²³ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ ²⁴ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ ²⁵ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’ ²⁷ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God’” (John 11:21-27) Jesus raised Lazarus from death. As a believer Lazarus now lives in heaven. God gives life in the midst of death, through Jesus.

It is easy to become discouraged when sin creates chaos and division in our world and in our lives. But, in the midst of such seemingly hopeless situations, our Lord is present. In Jesus, God grows faith in a world of doubt and disbelief. In Jesus God brings life from death. In Jesus we have hope. As I look at 4 measly apples, it reminds me of the power of God, of His blessings and life in a world of sin and death. In Jesus we have hope, for this world and eternally!

A Child of God, Finding Hope in a Hopeless World, Because of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Here are some apple pictures which go with my devotion today.

· These are pictures of my apple trees from 2017 to 2022. https://photos.app.goo.gl/yYdQKS9vCxqnCzeJ9

· These are pictures of my trees in May 2023, after the moose attacked. https://photos.app.goo.gl/CipLUGCCEyHo24PB8

· Here are pictures of the 4 apples I picked this year. https://photos.app.goo.gl/fXotFN8SXWfD1JTm8

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

· On September 6 and 13 I will be gone, and Pastor Dave Keddington, SMP Pastor at ALC, will be leading worship AND Bible Study.

· Call Committee – On Wednesday, August 19, the Executive Leadership Team of Anchorage Lutheran voted to restart the call process. ELT President Steve Fibranz has recruited a call committee. This committee consists of Lynn Boots, Danielle Bowman, Caleb Fluege, Tim and Genae Meerstein, Alexa Mix, Joel Mix, Joe Pollock, and Karen Quintieri. Also attending meetings will be ELT President, Steve Fibranz, DCE Matthew Murphy, Vacancy Pastor Jonathan Rockey, and Circuit Visitor Tony Schultz. The committee met on September 10 for a beginning meeting, and will meet again on Sunday, September 20 after worship to evaluate our self-study.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE CALL PROCESS AT ALC!

· Stewardship Sunday – The ELT also voted to conduct a Stewardship Emphasis which will provide education on God’s plans for Christian Stewardship, and will give ALC members an opportunity to consider and plan ways to respond to God’s grace in their lives. Watch for updates concerning dates and events. We will have a special Sunday in November.

· Bible classes –

o On Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. we have been studying the book of Ephesians downstairs in the fellowship hall, using the CPH “Lifelight” Bible Study. We have some new lesson books available. Class begins at 9:00 a.m. downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. On August 30 we started Chapter 4. FEEL FREE TO JOIN US!.

o Pastor Dave taught classes on other topics, Sundays September 6 and 13.

o Ephesians will start again on September 20, continuing in chapter 4.

o New Member Class? – On August 30 I finished teaching a class on the Sacraments AFTER worship on Sundays. Beginning in October, IF there is anyone interested, I will teach an Adult Membership Class after late worship.

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, September 16, I read 2 Chronicles 17 and 18, about King Jehosophat and the death of King Ahab.

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

· Golf – On Friday, September 11, Pastor Tony Schultz and I golfed at Palmer Golf Course. It was one of the few nice days we have had recently. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/h92JrfdEdaN2dQJN8

· Harvest – On Thursday September 10 I harvested in my garden. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9NKpCMjvTruwVsdS7

· Raspberries – I picked some leftover raspberries for breakfast on Saturday, September 11 and on Wednesday, September 16. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/hEhfui5BKeY1142XA

· No Fishing this week. My Palmer boat is in the shop!

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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.

*******

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, September 9, 2026

Seeking to Humble Myself and Receive God’s Forgiveness – in Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I was attending a birthday party recently, and mentioned to friends that Kathy and I will be going to Wittenberg, Germany, in June of 2027. I was asked again to serve two weeks with Wittenberg English Ministry, bringing the Gospel to English speaking tourists who travel there to see where Martin Luther did much of his ministry.

As the discussion progressed, I mentioned that our world situation is somewhat different from the time of Luther. In those days many feared for their eternity. They were preached at for their sin and told of the anger and judgment of the Lord. People in those days did not know the grace of God, that Jesus died and rose for them and offered forgiveness by His grace, through faith in His saving work, not through their works. In contrast, today people seem surprised that anyone would point to their sin, to their turning from the Lord, from His law, from worship and obedience. I have had more than one person tell me, “I don’t have anything I need to be forgiven for.” If that truly were the case, we also would not need a savior.

In my daily devotions I am currently reading through 2 Chronicles, and just read about Solomon’s dedication of the temple. If I count correctly, in 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon offers a public prayer at this large celebration in which he asks the Lord to ‘forgive’ 6 different times. Obviously, even at this glorious worship event, Solomon knew the truth of sin. He also knew the need for repentance and for forgiveness from God.

I remember reading the book, “Speaking to Gospel Today” by Robert Kolb, in the early 2000’s. Kolb discusses ways, in today’s world, to witness the Good News of God’s love in Jesus. A main point of his book is that the world around us speaks of God and His truth. For Kolb, we can look at the pain, the suffering, the crime, the division, the troubles of this world and see that everything is not right. His point is that such tribulations point to our rebellion against our Creator, and the results of those transgressions in our world. For someone who looks at the world around them, evil and sin are obvious, perhaps even verifiable facts!

People have never wanted to admit that we have sinned, nor that we need help. Dr. Kolb writes, “Defiant sinners listen to this Word of new life only when they no longer find security, meaning, and identity in the idols which they have fashioned for themselves.” (p. 121) In other words, if people can get along comfortably without the Lord, they often will.

Thankfully, the Lord Himself answers Solomon’s prayer in a way which speaks to my heart about our world today. ^“ . . . if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) In spite of our sinful, obstinate, prideful ways, God is gracious, and He does promise forgiveness and healing when people turn to Him in repentance and faith. That is good news for a lost world, and for our troubled lives!

And God’s promise is not just empty words. Our heavenly Father has shown that love in a real way by sending His Son. As St. Paul writes, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Nothing melts a hard heart like love. But, to know God’s love in Jesus, we have to understand how great our sin is, and how great our need! That is when God’s forgiveness and love really speak to our hearts!

Have you heard the old saying? “’Denial’ is not just a river in Africa!” Do you know your short-comings, your failure in life and before the Lord? Do you know your sin and your need for forgiveness from our Creator and Lord. If you know your ‘lost-ness’, then I have good news for you from our Lord Himself. ^“ . . . if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Thankfully, in Jesus, the news is even better for troubled people like us!

A Child of God, Seeking to Humble Myself and Receive God’s Forgiveness – in Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

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

· On September 6 and 13 I will be gone, and Pastor Dave Keddington, SMP Pastor at ALC, will be leading worship AND Bible Study.

· Bible classes –

o Pastor Dave is teaching classes on other topics, Sundays September 6 and 13.

o Ephesians will start again on September 20.

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, September 9, I read 2 Chronicles 6-7, about the dedication of the temple.

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

· Alaska State Fair

o Kathy again entered a number of items in the Alaska State Fair, both sewing and quilting.

§ Many of her sewing items won ribbons. https://photos.app.goo.gl/3JSp1aBawGYcc1YW9

§ One of Kathy’s two quilts was displayed in this year’s quilt show! (It was the fishing quilt she made for me. 😊 ) https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZcSP7Eq4UuxUxFeV9

o St. John members Mia and Anna Buist also won big for their knitting. Anna won “Best of Show!” Congratulations ladies! Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/a5GeMYrhFjVyvZfWA

o I did see the entries of other friends and also St. John members at the Fair as well.

· Garden – THE MOOSE ARE AT IT AGAIN! I went to the garden to pick lettuce for supper, and THE MOOSE HAD EATEN THE LAST OF THE CABBAGE, and again chomped on some collards. Usually we can count on lots of cabbage at the end of a growing season, but not this year! Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/oy6BU7uXCkvPHaAh7

· For those who asked, Our dog, Mat, has been ill. But, after a visit to our local vet and some medicine, he seems to be doing mostly better. 😊

· Hunting / Fishing – Our son-in-law, Brandon, wanted to go moose hunting, and wanted Mary to come along. Considering our time and options we took my boat out to the Deshka River. We had some adventures and found LOTS of mosquitos! I thought it was a nice “camping trip.” But, we can home early. Nevertheless, here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/rb2gNqokPNyN2RSn8

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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, September 2, 2026

Praying for People I Care About, Even After Some Unwise Decisions

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Many have heard my story of running away when I was 7 years old. I was in trouble, for a good reason. But, I got myself in more trouble by running away. I pushed the storm window out of my bedroom window, took some clothes, and walked into the woods through the snow, alongside a stream. I came out of the woods near the home of a 7^th grader who was respected in the community and whom I knew. It was not long until my uncle found me and brought me home to my parents. I was afraid of the trouble I would be in for my disobedience, for my bad choices. However, when I walked in the front door of our home, my mom and dad hugged me and cried over me. I deserved punishment. However, in spite of my mis-behavior they welcomed me back with forgiveness and love. I was surprised.

Have you ever done something which was not wise? Have you ever made a bad choice in life? Have you ever disobeyed God? Have you suffered the consequences of your own choices, but refrained from returning to the Lord in prayer, or in worship, or lifestyle? Guilt can be a good emotion when we learn our short-comings and turn to our Lord. On the other hand, guilt can be a hindrance when it keeps us from turning to our Heavenly Father, or leads us away from Him.

I was praying through my prayer list the other day and began to think. I have a section of my prayer list for people who are facing life troubles,. For some, the struggles of disaster, or of the struggles of war, are not their own doing. Nevertheless, they are still suffering. I pray God’s grace and mercy for them.

But, some others have made choices which have led to their struggles. Therefore, I pray for people who have family or relationship problems, some of which are because of choices they have made. I pray for people who have made choices which led to addiction to drugs or alcohol. Currently I pray for a number of folks who are in prison. I have also prayed for some who have made decisions which have even led to homelessness.

However, just because these people may have made an unhealthy choice does not mean I don’t care for them. I do care. I ache for their pain. I hope for their future. I pray for them, praying that our Lord would accomplish His love and His purpose in their lives. I do believe that God answers those prayers. And, I am thankful for a number of instances when people have turned their lives around with the help of the love of Jesus.

Scripture tells us that God is like a loving Father. Psalm 103 teaches, “¹⁰ He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; ¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. ¹³ As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:10-13) Our Heavenly Father loves, and forgives, and welcomes us back.

Think of how far our Heavenly Father went to save His wandering and sinful people. ¹⁶ "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17) The Lord welcome back those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

That is also the lesson of 1 John 1:8-9. “⁶ If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

When others make bad choices, I may be tempted to look down on them. But, how about all those unwise decisions which I have made. God loves me, and He loves those who are suffering. I pray they come to know and live in this forgiving and welcoming love. “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.”

A Child of God, Praying for People I Care About, Even After Some Unwise Decisions,

Pastor Rockey

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

· On September 6 and 13 I will be gone, and Pastor Dave Keddington, SMP Pastor at ALC will be leading worship AND Bible Study

· Call Committee – On Wednesday, August 19, the Executive Leadership Team of Anchorage Lutheran voted to restart the call process. ELT President Steve Fibranz has recruited a call committee. The goal is for a small group which represents all different groups at Anchorage Lutheran. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE CALL PROCESS AT ALC!

· Bible classes –

o Lay Ministry Classes – I finished teaching a class on the Sacraments AFTER worship on Sundays. In addition to our Lay Worship Leaders, 4 long-time ALC members also attended. August 30 was our last study on 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, September 2, I read 1 Chronicles 27-28. The reading tells of David preparing Solomon to build the temple.

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

· Garden – I worked on my garden on a BEAUTIFUL August day on Saturday, August 29. The garden did not do as well this year, as in the past. However, we had lettuce and spinach all year, and potatoes are poking through the soil. In addition, I had another pretty good (but not like other years), picking of raspberries. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/2vyZ7ujrJ92MqtXd7

· Our dog, Mat, went to the vet for an annual check up on Tuesday, August 24. I was told, “He is aging gracefully.” 😊 Then, on Monday, August 31, he went fishing and enjoyed a day on the boat. However, he took very ill on Tuesday afternoon, being unable to walk without falling. Our friend and vet says “an idiopathic vestibular event” causing severe vertigo. He has medicine. We will see.

o Family pictures with Mat - https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ge7rr93WAgPauFMz5

o Fishing pictures with Mat - https://photos.app.goo.gl/VU4SPWBUQbcYKcfK8

· Snow! – We had a hard rain and cold weather Sunday night in the Mat-Su VALLEY. The MOUNTAINS were filled with snow on Monday morning. Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LrEPa65fkGDMk2AF8

· Fishing – St. John DCE, Ethan Mirly, asked me to take his cousin, his wife, and himself fishing. Since salmon fishing is closed down, I took them to Finger Lake. Everyone caught fish, even under the snowy mountains. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Qf1D2NYSzy4xH1pZ7

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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

907-841-4066 – cell

“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 26, 2026

Praying for My Children and Grandchildren, and Those of my Friends!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

On Monday, August 24, I went fishing in a canoe with a friend. While in a boat, while fishing, there is time to visit. We discussed many topics including the beauty surrounding us, the clean water, and the fish we were catching. But, we also discussed family. For years I have prayed for this man and his family, and he has prayed for my family. He caught me up to date on those for whom I have been praying. He is specifically concerned for the eternal welfare of his children and grandchildren. He quoted 3 John 4 during our conversation. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” I told my friend, “That is my wife’s favorite Bible verse.”

The next day I met with a member of Anchorage Lutheran Church, where I am serving. We discussed some specific concerns she had, and we prayed about them. However, even though this is not why she came to visit, this lady discussed numerous grandchildren, and their struggles with Christian faith. It sounded similar to my Monday conversations.

This is a concern which I hear frequently. “Pastor, why aren’t our children, why aren’t our grandchildren in church?” Parents love their children. Grandparents love their grandchildren. They want the best for them. Scripture teaches that, while God blesses us greatly in this life, nothing will compare to the joys of heaven. Paul writes, “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) Yet, even though people want to believe that we can determine reality, eternal life is a gift which God gives through Jesus, when people trust Him for their forgiveness and salvation. So, what happens to our loved ones when they do not believe in Jesus?

Unfortunately, concern for children and grandchildren is nothing new. 1 Samuel 3-4 relates the failures of the sons of Eli, the judge of Israel. Hophni and Phineas lived in the flesh, disobeyed the Lord, and led to the defeat of Israel. We also learn in 1 Samuel 8:1-5 that Samuel’s sons did not follow His example of faith and faithfulness. David’s son, Absalom, tried to kill his father. (2 Samuel 15-18) Hezekiah was one of the best kings of Judah, but his son Manassah may have been the worst. (2 Kings 20). We could go on and on. Even if they are raised in faith, children and grandchildren may not always continue believing in and following the Lord.

What can we do about our children and grandchildren, about their faith, about their eternity? This is an age-old question. However, what I share is only my opinion, based on my understanding of Scripture, and faith.

First, according to Scripture, the main role of parents is teaching faith to their children. Proverbs 22:6 teaches us, ^“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” The primary role of parents is to raise children of character in faith. In the New Testament God teaches, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but BRING THEM UP in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) Parents are first called to teach children about Jesus.

Second, the best teaching is done by example. In The Sermon on the Mount Jesus shares this wisdom, “. . . let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) When children see that parents believe in God, and love Him because He loves them in Jesus, this example makes a difference.

Third, prayer is one of the offensive weapons of Christian faith. Jesus also taught, “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) Prayer calls for patience. God answers when and where He knows is helpful. There is a famous story about St. Augustine’s mom, Monica, who prayed 20 years for her son as he lived a wild life. Augustine ultimately became a man of faith whose teaching continues to bless us today. Augustine’s mother prayed and the Lord answered. One mother I knew said she trusts the words of Proverbs 22. ^“Train up a child in the way he should go; even WHEN HE IS OLD he will not depart from it.” “When they are OLD!” The seed of faith was planted. The mother continues to pray. Children can choose concerning faith, and sometimes our children or grandchildren believe they are smarter than God. But, as long as our children and grandchildren are alive, we can pray, and God always answers prayer.

Finally, we trust the love and grace of God in Jesus for our salvation. In addition, we also trust that Jesus loves our children. Jesus scolded His disciples for keeping children away from Him. So He corrected them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14) The old Sunday School song is correct. “Jesus loves the little children.” And Jesus loves the older children, and the adult children. We trust Jesus who loves us also has special love for our children!

God is gracious in that he does save us because of Jesus’ life, His death, and His resurrection by faith, not by works. If we were saved by works, we would all be lost because we are sinful So, we live in faith trusting Jesus for our salvation, and trusting Jesus for the salvation of our loved ones. I am praying for many children and grandchildren, including my own. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

A Child of God, Praying for My Children and Grandchildren, and Those of my Friends!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. If my children really wanted to make Mother’s Day special, they would all sit with Kathy in Church on a Sunday morning! 😊

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

· Call Committee – On Wednesday, August 19, the Executive Leadership Team of Anchorage Lutheran voted to restart the call process. ELT President Steve Fibranz is recruiting a call committee. The goal is for a small group which represents all different groups at Anchorage Lutheran.

· Stewardship Sunday – The ELT also voted to conduct a Stewardship Emphasis which will provide education on God’s plans for Christian Stewardship, and will give ALC members an opportunity to plan ways to respond to God’s grace in their lives. Watch for updates concerning dates and events.

· Bible classes –

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. We have some new lesson books available. Class begins at 9:00 a.m. downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. On August 30 we will start on Chapter 4. FEEL FREE TO JOIN US!

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. August 30 is our last study on 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 26, I read 1 Chronicles 9-12 The reading ended with David becoming king of Judah and Israel.

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

· Kathy said that she “kidnapped” me on Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22 to celebrate our 49^th anniversary (August 20). We stayed at Carlo Creek Cabins about 15 miles south of Denali. We attended a “Cabin Night” show which included a meal, and singing, and was a really good time. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/M8ZDq86cEhQAKpJTA

· On Wednesday, August 26, we had a wonderful gathering of family. Daughter in law, Erin, and granddaughter Emma, were visiting from WA before Emma starts school. Andy and Jackson and Kendall were there. Mary and Brandon came over. Tim made it in from Anchorage. I do have pictures, but none worth sharing. It was a good time.

· Garden – My garden was neglected after July 21 when fishing started in earnest, and when the moose got into the garden. I still have collards, and lettuce which we can pick. Broccoli and cabbage were not doing great, but are pretty eaten by the moose. I have hopes for the beets, carrots, and potatoes. https://photos.app.goo.gl/fkn86YkefSRBmHBs9

· Fishing –

o Kathy "kidnapped" me to travel north to celebrate our anniversary. Her plan included me stopping to fish on the way up and the way back. I do have a favorite spot and caught some fish. This is a grayling caught 8-21-2026. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6hEXpe7Ayr4U49tG9

o Kathy "kidnapped" me to travel north to celebrate our anniversary. Her plan included me stopping to fish on the way up and the way back. I do have a favorite spot and caught some fish. This is a rainbow trout I caught 8-21-2026. https://photos.app.goo.gl/TkM1E121jRa7XmU69

o Kathy "kidnapped" me to travel north to celebrate our anniversary. Her plan included me stopping to fish on the way up and the way back. I do have a favorite spot and caught some fish. Here I am in front of the stream. https://photos.app.goo.gl/1edFTv1Xmwj7cKHY7

o Kathy "kidnapped" me to travel north to celebrate our anniversary. Her plan included me stopping to fish on the way up and the way back. I do have a favorite spot and caught some fish. Here is a grayling I caught on the way back, August 22. https://photos.app.goo.gl/J8B6Mp2kSiPJ9MXf8

o While Kathy and I were celebrating our anniversary, Mary and Brandon went halibut fishing with friend, Fred Vasilie. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/7gKkRVWpFTsAPmXG7

o On Monday, August 24, I went trout fishing on Fish Lake with friend Fred Duessing. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Gg9kJPMxy7onByA18

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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)