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

Dear Fellow Children of God,



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



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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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



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

Pastor Jonathan

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

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

*****

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

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

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

Dear Fellow Children of God,



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



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



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



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



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

PREAMBLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.   Here are some fishing pictures

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

 

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

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

*****

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

Working to 'Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances'

Dear Fellow Children of God,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor Jonathan

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

·       About the Closing of Concordia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

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

The Blessing of Friends

Dear Fellow Children of God,

On Tuesday of this week I received a text from Pastor Bob Besalski.  He was my pastor when my family moved to Florida in 1965.  But, since I’ve become a pastor, Bob is not only my pastor, but my friend.  In fact, Bob and, his wife, Elaine, have been for Kathy and me both mentors and a safe place to deal with and discuss the issues of ministry and of retirement.  They are good friends.  Over the years we have had the opportunity of eating together, attending concerts, and even walking together major family events.  What a blessing to have a friend who will listen, encourage, counsel, and pray for you!

In November and December Kathy and I enjoyed a long-planned trip to Europe, where we spent time visiting Christmas markets and Luther sites, and where we attended many concerts.  But, on this trip we also experienced the privilege of traveling with friends.  Dave and Marilee Nufer, and their daughter Kaycee, traveled with us, along with Jim and Kathy Summers.  In fact our daughter, Mary, also one of one of my wife’s best friends, came with us.  And, new friend, Diane Michal, joined us on the trip.  Together we saw the sights, enjoyed the food, and listened to the music.  We read Scripture and prayed together over where we traveled and what we had seen.  What a blessing to have friends who listen, encourage, counsel, and pray for you!

When we left Palmer in January, we first traveled to California.  Pastor Tony Schultz and Pastor Kalvin Waetzig preached and led my retirement event in August of 2019.  Tony and I started college together in August of 1971.  Kalvin and Tony and I have worked together on Kaleidoscope youth camps, and other ministry activities since 1992.  In California, together with our wives, we celebrated Kalvin’s “30-30”, his 60^th birthday.  The three of us even shared God’s word together with the people of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tracey, CA, during sermon time in worship on January 12.  While in California we golfed together, considered ministry issues, shopped, and visited San Francisco.  We also sat around and reminisced, and we shared where our lives are now, and our hopes for the future.  We intentionally asked prayers for personal issues we are facing as we walk through life as children of God.  What a blessing to have friends, Christian friends!

Since Kathy and I have been in Florida we have been visited by Pastor Tony, and his wife Ronelle.  When they left California they traveled to Florida for about a week to spend some more time with us.  Together we toured, and fished, and visited.  While they were visiting, Tony also ended up in the hospital with gall bladder issues, and Kathy and I tried to help them navigate that challenge.  About two weeks later, good Palmer friends, Herman and Linda Griese, visited us while touring the south.  We spent a few days together, watched the Super Bowl, fished, and ate together.  We shared prayer requests and discussed devotional practices.  What a blessing to have friends who share, encourage, counsel, and pray for you!

As I write this devotion, Kathy and I are in Clearwater, FL, with Pastor Rick and Kristi Armstrong.  Rick and Kristi started school with Tony and me in 1971 at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, TX.  In fact, Kristi and Kathy attended nursing school together in St. Louis, MO, and Rick and Kristi introduced Kathy and me, and participated in our wedding.  Together we have continued our friendship over the years.  Now Rick and I, Kristi and Kathy, are sharing retirement and ministry stories, nursing and family stories.  What a blessing to have friends who listen, share, encourage, counsel, and pray for you!

Life is difficult.  God’s plan for life’s struggles are that we have family and friends to stand beside us to help us.  Thankfully, Kathy and I are truly blessed with our families.  But, we are also richly blessed with many good Christian friends, even more who are not mentioned above.  Do you know what God teaches us in Proverbs?  Solomon shares this wisdom from God, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  (Proverbs 18:24)  Good friends are a gift from God!

However, there is someone that we often forget is our very best friend.  Listen to the words of Jesus in John 15.  “13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”  (John 15:13-15)  If friends who listen to us, who share and encourage and counsel are blessings, consider the blessing which Jesus is to those who believe in Him and follow Him!  The Son of God, God Himself, cares for us, and is interested in our lives.  In fact, Jesus is so interested He DID lay down His life for us!  Maybe another friend would endure that sacrifice, but perhaps not.  Jesus did die for us, and thankfully, He rose again.  And, Jesus is not only with us in this life, He gives eternal life in heaven to all who follow Him by faith.  Jesus is our best friend!

Who are your friends?  What blessings have you received because of their friendship?  What blessings have they received through you?  Are they Christian?  Together, do you know your greatest friend?

A Child of God, Thankful for the Amazing Blessing of Friends,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here are some recent pictures we took with friends.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pkXAyTsQnQgVrZMq6

P.P.S.  Here are some fishing pictures from this past week.  Surprise!

·       With brother, Stephen, and nephew, Nathan, on February 1. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JG5AFBYLP2qCbc4h8

·       With Herman and Jonathan on the Suwannee River, February 3.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/TyPz4Rcm5TjbRf8G8

*****

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