Rejoicing in Relationships Which Grow By Sharing God's Grace in Prayer

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Many of you know that I enjoy fishing.  But, perhaps you don’t know that I also golf from time to time.  In fact, now that I am retired almost weekly this summer.  However, I’ve never been a great, or even a good golfer.  Sometimes, however, I do have a surprisingly good round.  It seems that I do better golfing when I’m distracted, for example when I’m on my phone.  Maybe not overthinking as I golf helps me to “just hit the ball.”

 

So, on Tuesday, July 28, I was playing golf with Pastor Tony Schultz, and St. John members Randy Luffberry and Gerry Zellar.  However, I had set our tee time on Monday morning, and then Monday evening I learned I had a phone meeting which would take place during the golf game.  So, from the 13^th hole to the 16^th hole of Tuesday’s golf game, I used my blue tooth and was on my phone talking with others about possible opportunities to make our efforts to serve our Lord more effective.  Anyway, at the end of the phone call I had an opportunity to speak with one of my friends who was still on the phone.  “Linda, how are you doing?” I asked.  “I want you to know that Kathy and I have had you on our prayer list for the last number of months.”  Linda lost her job when Concordia Portland closed and, we were concerned for her.  I know that the Lord hears and answers prayers, and Linda seems to be doing fine.  However, just sharing that we have been praying for her and with her, that we had been asking our Lord to show His mercy and love in her life, these prayers seemed to touch her heart.

 

But, I have recently been touched by joy many times as my prayer list turned over and I spoke with those for whom I have been praying.  I have for years written the people and situations for which I am praying on a list.  I have columns and write names or other needs under column headings.  My columns include “Life Trouble,” “Chronic Illness,” “Cancer,” “Current Illness,” “People needing faith,” “Grief,” “Country,” “Thanks,” “Military,” “Personal Needs,” “The Christian Church,” “St. John,” “Families,” and “The Rockey Family.”  As you can imagine there are a lot of people and concerns about which I can go to our loving and saving God and ask His divine intervention and help.  A couple of times I have counted the number of entries on my list, and usually there are about 150.  But, I wrote my last list on February 8 of this year.  Since that time there have been changes.  Some have healed.  Some have passed away.  Others have made it through their troubles.  New people need prayers.  After a few months, the old list gets messy and maybe even unreadable, so I write a new one. 

 

So, last Sunday, July 26, I wrote my new prayer list.  Later, I was in church and got to tell a mom, “I moved your son from my “ill list” to my “thanks list.”  Sharing my prayers touched her and she asked me to keep praying.  But, having this connection through prayer also seems to build a bond between us as fellow Christians.  In church two weeks ago I was able to talk with a person whose mom was ill.  I told her, “Your mom has been on my list.  Now I’ll change my prayers for her.  Your granddaughter is there too.”  Even in these coronavirus times, we hugged.  And she updated me on the situations so my prayers could be more specific.

 

On Monday and Tuesday I got to call and check on three people who have been on my list.  One elderly person has cancer, and has not been able to come to worship, acting to stay safe in these times of pandemic.  I also called Ernie who had lost his wife of over 60 years.  I couldn’t take away the loss, but I wanted to see how he was doing. I wanted to let Ernie know I and others had been praying for him and for his wife while she was ailing.  On Tuesday night I talked with a dad whose daughter has undergone 3 heart surgeries in her first year of life, and has another major surgery coming.  We talked primarily about baptism.  But, I let him know his family has been in my prayers for almost 2 years.  He told me, “Pastor, I have never felt and seen God’s love in my life as much as I have in the last year and a half.”  But, knowing that I and others from his church are praying for him just strengthened our relationship.

 

One of my most joyful sharing of prayers happened a couple of weeks ago on the banks of the Kenai River.  I have a friend, Mark, whom I’ve known for perhaps 10 or more years.  We have fished together.  Mark suffered kidney failure and was on dialysis, hoping for a kidney transplant.  I heard through a mutual friend, a relative of Mark’s, that he had received his new kidney and was doing really well.  So, when he got out of the boat and started fishing on the bank next to me I told him, “Hi, Mark.  I had you on my prayer list for a long time.  I hear you’re doing better.”  I could see he was touched.  Later he came to me and said, “Thank you for praying for me.”  We then got to talk about the many others who prayed for him, and about the goodness of God.

 

Jesus, the Son of God and our Savior taught in The Sermon on the Mount, ⁷ "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.  (Matthew 7:7-8)  What a WONDERFUL promise.  We don’t always understand when and how God will answer us.  But we know that our merciful Lord hears our prayers and does answer in His wisdom and His love.  Kathy and I have discovered that truth as we have prayed for each of our children and grandchildren.  Sometimes we have concerns about which we feel powerless.  But, God is good, and we can tell you stories of His loving answers to our petitions.

 

On the night Jesus was betrayed, He spent much of His time with His disciples in prayer.  We know He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.  But, John 17 tells us that Jesus also prayed in the upper room for His disciples concerning the trials of ministry they would face after He ascended into heaven.  In addition, Jesus, the Son of God, prayed for us – for you and me!  ²⁰ "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  (John 17:20-21)  As you come to faith in Jesus, and grow in that faith, you see the Father’s answer to Jesus’ prayer.

 

So, in the last week I have had the privilege and the joy of talking with people for whom I have been praying.  Who are you praying for?  Have you seen God’s gracious answers in their lives?  Have you thanked the Lord that He not only cares about our eternity in His Son, Jesus, but that He also walks beside us in this life of tears?

 

By the way, if you have something in your life about which you would like me to pray, please let me know.  God is good, and He does hear and answer our prayers for the sake of His Son, Jesus.

           

A Child of God, Rejoicing in Relationships Which Grow By Sharing God's Grace in Prayer,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  In worship on Sunday I was able to share, “God is good.  And God’s goodness has provided more than we can eat.”  So we brought 4 garbage bags full of lettuce and spinach to church to share.  Here are some recent garden  pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/tn4cvsggTiTYsWtm7

 

 

P.P.S.  Fishing for red salmon has been slow on the Kenai, but I was able to catch 2 reds.  Here are the pictures.

·       Wednesday, July 22 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/cUqPWXv7HgQuXheX6

 

·       Thursday, July 23 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/X4bQHUkenzLPXeEL7

 

 

*****

 

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

 

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

 

 

Trusting God's Wisdom When I Lack it!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

What do you do when someone asks you a question for which you don’t have an answer?

On July 12 at the wedding of Chebon Jimenez and Laurelee Zola I asked Chebon’s aunt a question.  Ellen Lentz Bang is a nurse practitioner who operates All Seasons Family Health Care.  As we discussed the situation with the coronavirus I asked her what she thought.  Ellen’s answer to my question was, “That’s above my pay grade.”  She didn’t have an answer.

Sometimes people think that pastors have most, or even all the answers to life.  If anyone wants to come talk with me, I can educate you on my lack of knowledge in many, MANY, areas.  But, I am still often asked, “Pastor, what do you think about the coronavirus?”  I could give my opinion.  But, you know what is said about opinions – they are like armpits.  Everybody has one.

COVID-19 Numbers are increasing.  In some states more of the infected are in hospitals.  How serious is this disease?  And what about the many who are a-symptomatic?  What about those with pre-existing conditions that make them susceptible to the lung problems caused by this virus? What is the best way for us as a society to face these questions? The truth is, I don’t know.

I an saw article from the Barna Institute which studies churches.  The article says, “One in Three Practicing Christians Has Stopped Attending Church During COVID-19.”  For a while, when states suspended worship in order to stop spread of the disease, many Christians were attending worship on-line.  But, reports are that those numbers have greatly decreased.  And what about the third commandment where God commands, “Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy?” What about keeping our faith strong through the word and sacraments, through worship and service?  How does the Jesus’ church deal with the dangers, the fears, and also answer the call to serve our Lord?    The truth is, I don’t know.

I have 2 grown children who are teachers.  The School District has a plan for starting school again.  They will teach as directed by their leaders.  But, what if students pass on the disease to other students.  What if teachers get sick?  And if the schools close, what will happen to parents who need to leave home for work?    The truth is, I don’t know.

I do not have the answers to these questions.  But, perhaps I can share 3 bits of wisdom which are directing me in this time of my lack of knowledge.  First, throughout Scripture the 2 great commandments according to Jesus are, ²⁹  . . . "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' ³¹ The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:28-31)  How do these commandments help me face the questions we have about this disease?  I am relatively healthy, so I am attending church services to worship my Lord regularly.  In addition, even when I don’t have the answers to these questions, God calls me to love Him and to love others.  So, I’m trying to follow a promotional poster I saw from the state of Arizona which said, “My mask does not protect me.  It protects you.”  Therefore, when in public I hope to remember to wear a mask so that I don’t hurt someone else unknowingly. 

Second, Lutheran Christians have many teachings based on Scripture.   I find direction in a document called “The Formula of Concord,” in the 10^th thesis of this document.  Lutheran Christians say that if something is commanded or forbidden by the word of God we are bound by the clear word of God.  However, in areas where there is no clear word of God commanding or forbidding, we have freedom, freedom to serve God and to love others.  I should not criticize your freedom, nor should you criticize mine.  Unfortunately, because of the lack of clear direction, this whole epidemic has become very divisive.  My oldest son says that he has been publicly criticized, or as he says “given the stink-eye”, both for wearing a mask and for forgetting to wear a mask.  My wife, Kathy, was asked her opinion by a friend about how to deal with this epidemic.  She has said to family and friends that, “I won’t change anyone else’s mind.  I will do what I think is right.”  She shares her opinions when asked, and seeks to live as a child of God.  I hope to do the same thing.

Third and finally, in 1 Corinthians 1 God tells us about His wisdom.  ²² For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians  1:22-25 )  In a world that raises questions for which we don’t have clear answers, there is one who has all wisdom: the Lord.  God’s wisdom is greater and stronger than our opinions, or our so-called wisdom.  God’s greatest wisdom is Jesus, who was crucified to pay for the sin of the world.  Death by crucifixion does not seem wise.  But Jesus is the greatest wisdom of the world, God’s wisdom.  In Jesus’ life and death and resurrection God offers eternal life.  When we don’t know how to answer, there IS one who is wise.  We find that wisdom in Jesus. 

I don’t have the answers to questions I receive concerning the coronavirus.  But, I hope I will choose to love and trust God and His wisdom.  I pray I’ll work to love my neighbor and act in freedom to serve my Lord and to serve them.  Finally, I will trust the wisdom, the power, and the love of my Lord and Savior of the universe.  I don’t have the answers, but I trust that God has answers for life here, and for eternity.

A Child of God, Trusting God’s Wisdom When I Lack It!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  I have been on the Kenai peninsula for over a week.

·       Here are pictures of family fun.

o   A walk with some of my grandchildren.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xkjYbVaTtWMBeRqY8

o   Twelve Rockeys camping together.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/r3QDZ5sqg5rYfsK2A

o   Taking grandchildren fishing.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/T6ABycD2iJYrn3Ch6

·       I have done some fishing, but not yet catching.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/9JobFbJrk5b1Pc9n9

*****

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

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

907-841-4066 – cell

907-746-5131 – home

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

Enjoying God's Beauty and Peace in a World of Chaos

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Before worship started on Sunday, July 12, I sat in the pew talking with Duane Odland.  I had not seen Duane since January.  We had a lot to catch up on, in our lives and in our world.  We both agreed that right now “The world seems to be going crazy.”  That same afternoon I was at a wedding and talked with Ellen Lentz-Bang and to Harry Zola, among others.  We discussed COVID-19 and national politics.  Rather to have a diagnosis for the recent pandemic in our world, Ellen and I agreed, “Who really knows what’s going on?” Rather to have a diagnosis for the recent upheaval and turmoil in our world, Harry and I agreed, “The world is a mess.”

I’m sure I don’t have to inform you about the disruption caused to all people in our world by the coronavirus.  Unfortunately, just when it seemed that things were working their way back to a previous normal, or to a “new normal,” the second wave of the virus is spreading faster than the first.  I am sure you have observed the political upheaval caused by the sin of racism, which has always existed, and is displaying it’s evil again in our time.  The riots and demonstrations seem to have caused more harm than good.  And, our political leaders appear to be causing more division than answering questions and working for unity.  What a time of unrest!

Perhaps those of us observing from past experience are caught in the past.  But, to me, our world seems to be in chaos.  I was taught in seminary that the sea, with all its winds and waves and storms, represents chaos.  I was also taught that chaos, the lack of order, is the result of and is a sign of the sin and the rebellion of God’ children against our Heavenly Father’s loving direction.  When the creation rebels against the Creator there is trouble, to put it lightly.

Yet, in the midst of this chaos I have found some places of calm, and peace.  For example, being retired I have had more time to work on my yard and my garden this year.  I can spend more time with a hoe in my hand, and more time on my knees, pulling chickweed, and the other weeds in my garden.  I have given more attention to my flowers and vegetables, pruning and feeding them.  The results show a beauty and order we see in God’s creation, but don’t always see in the rest of our world.  My wife, Kathy, has been picking flowers for almost two months and displaying them in our home.  We have been eating radishes, lettuce, and spinach for over a month.  To be able to work in such a way that dispels the chaos of weeds, and which brings the beauty and the fruit of God’s creation, gives me a sense of peace.

Another place of peace for me has been time away fishing.  When I am the only one, or one of few, on the river or on a lake, and I can listen to the sounds of the water, and the birds, and see other wildlife, I can observe the good which God created in the beginning.

I have many favorite Psalms, for example Psalms 1, 2. 19, 23, 24, 30, 32, 67, 84, 85, 90, 91, 96, 97, 98, 100, 103, 111, 118, 119, 121, 122, 130, 145, 146, 150 –whew!  But, one of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 46.  This Psalm describes the turmoil we experience in our world. God speaks through the Sons of Korah to describe natural disasters. “ . . .the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, ³ though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Ps. 46:2 b-3)  Then the Lord speaks of political upheaval, “⁶The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. (Psalm  46:6)  Yet, in the midst of this chaos, God calls to His people to trust Him, to trust His power and His rule. ¹⁰ "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" ¹¹ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  (Psalm 46:10-11 )  The world may be crazy, or in chaos, but our Lord is still God, still ruling, still in charge.  He IS with us!  It takes faith to see, but our Lord is there.

Jesus is the greatest sign of God’s loving rule in the midst of a world of sin.  Jesus faced the storms of this world.  When the disciples were in fear of drowning during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus simply spoke to the storm.  “³⁹ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”  (Mk. 4:39)  Do you hear the same command, “Be still.”?  Then Jesus scolded the disciples, ^“He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’" (Mark. 4:40)  In the chaos of the mess we find in our world, we can trust God with the storms of life.

Does the world seem to be going crazy to you?  Does the world seem to be in chaos?  Does this chaos and turmoil cause you stress?  Bring fear?  Cause you to worry?  After all, we are not in charge.  BUT, the Lord IS GOD.  Remember, Jesus has also faced the storms of selfishness, of sin, of rebellion, and He nailed them to the cross winning forgiveness.  Jesus defeated the power of sin in His rising from the dead. The forces of evil may rage, but, Jesus speaks to us and says, “Be still!”

I have one more favorite place of order and peace, where I remember the beauty our Lord gives.  This place also has weeds, but we live in a sinful world.  Yet here I find God’s grace and peace.  That place is in worship.  In worship God’s Word is spoken to create and strengthen faith.  In worship God calls people to Himself in baptism.  In worship our Lord forgives sins in the Lord’s Supper.  For the chaos of our world, God breaks in to plant the seed of faith and to give the gifts of grace and love and peace,  so we do not have to be afraid.  We can do what we are called to in Psalm 46.  "Be still, and know that I am God.

A Child of God, Enjoying God’s Beauty and Peace in a World of Chaos,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here are some pictures from my garden after weeding on Sunday, July 12.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/EDEVbWsmcR5eyMvS6

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of our yard and flowers after mowing on Sunday, July 12.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/8oEqVyCinrikeZLr9

P.P.P.S.  I went fishing for king salmon on Wednesday, July 8 on the Deshka River, and on Monday, July 13, on the Little Susitna River.  However, most of the runs have entered the river and gone upstream – no bites, no fish.  Nevertheless, in spite of the pelting rain on the Deshka, and the roar of chain saws clearing dead spruce trees on the Little Su, the days were still a chance to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation!

*****

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

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

Frustrated by Broken Possessions - Thankful That God's Blessings Last

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I went camping on the Little Susitna River on Thursday night, and during the day Friday, July 2 and 3.  It was a very relaxing get away.  I visited a favorite fishing hole, did a little fishing, cooked a few meals, and finished a book I was reading, Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas.  Most who know me will think that I primarily fished on this trip.  Actually, I sat in my chair relaxing, reading, and sometimes talking to the groups that passed me in canoes and kayaks.  Right after the last of these groups paddled by I went to stand up from my sitting position, but I had an unpleasant surprise.  The fabric in my chair tore.  The more I attempted to rise, the deeper into the chair I sank.  It was embarrassing.  Thankfully, none of the groups that passed saw me in this position.  But, it happened nonetheless.  And the chair I had enjoyed was broken beyond repair.

That is not the only thing I own that has broken recently.  As I looked at my boat trailer recently, I noticed that one of the supports on my trailer was disconnected – the weld had broken.  And, as I went to store last year’s taxes in the crawl space of my home I found water down in that section of the crawl space.  Add that repair work to two faucets that have been dripping and needed repair.  I could go on and on, but I have recently been fixing and repairing things frequently.

Do you have the same frustrations?  Are you disappointed when something you plan to use no longer works?

There are some lessons here.  First, the THINGS of this life are temporal.  Jesus taught His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, ¹⁹ "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  (Matthew 6:19-21)  The moths may have had a part in the weakening of the fabric in my chair.  But, I have been using it for 9 years.  Nothing lasts forever, at least that is what Jesus was teaching.  The possessions of this life slip through our fingers like the water from the river.

There is a reason that our possessions wear out, that they rust and break.  In a very real way all of life is “broken.”  From the beginning, when people rebelled against our Creator, following their own desires, and disobeying the Lord and Ruler of the Universe, we all live under the curse of sin.  So our relationship with God is broken.  Our relationships with other people also suffers.  Even our best efforts to build our world fail.  For example, our country’s Declaration of Independence may state the principle and belief that “all men are created equal.”  But, even trying to put that truth into action, our efforts fall short.  Our lives are broken.

Another lesson we all need to learn is that we can think we own our possessions, but in a way, our possessions own us.  Every chair, every boat, every home, every possession requires time and energy and money in upkeep.  They have to be maintained.  So, do we own our homes, or do they own us?  The same is true for other things we own.

However, there are some treasures in this life which give eternal blessings.  Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 24, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.: (Matthew 24:35 )  Our world is broken, but some things remain forever – God’s things. The word of God is a treasure we need to cherish, to use, to digest.

St. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)  We cannot bring our possessions with us when we die.  But, faith in God, hope for eternity, and love last forever.  Faith, hope, and love, are treasures that will not fade.

St. Paul also writes that amidst the brokenness of this life, there is one thing that can’t be taken way, God’s love for us in Jesus.   “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:38-39)  Cloth may tear.  Iron may rust.  Possessions may break.  But nothing can take away the love God has given us in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Falling through the chair was an embarrassing experience, but I also had 2 pleasant surprises.  Gary Foster of “Fosters’ Fine Finishes” built my house in 2006.  I asked Gary to look at the source of the water in my crawl space.  Gary found the problem and fixed it.  I offered to pay Gary, but he said, “No.”  Gary Feaster of Greatland Welding built my boat and trailer in 2010.  Gary repaired the trailer.  When I asked Gary what I owed for the work, he said, “It’s our boat, we’ll take care of it.”  In today’s world you don’t expect to have people stand behind their work 10 years, or 14 years later.  These men are fellow believers in Jesus and they live their faith.  They know about the blessings that do not pass away, and show it in their lives.

I threw my old chair away and bought a new one.  But the eternal blessings of God, His Word, faith, hope and love, especially our Lord’s love for us in Jesus, will not break.  We can build our lives on the love and blessings of God.

A Child of God, Frustrated by Broken Possessions, Thankful that God’s Blessings Last,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Bim Hoylman’s funeral will be held at St. John this Saturday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m.  If you would like to bring food for the reception please call Jackie Kolberg or Kathy Summers.

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of my campsite last Thursday on the Little Susitna River.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gBu12UFFJFQz6tuf8 

When I went fishing on July 3 the fish count at weir was only 843, far below the ADFG minimum escapement goal for this year of 2100 fish. (Thankfully, the count picked up after I left and as of Tuesday evening is at 1958!) I had a great time camping, reading, and even fishing.  I had two bites, but caught no fish. 

P. P.P.S.  Last week I shared that I went halibut fishing with my daughter, Mary, on June 26.  But, my wife pointed out that I neglected to share the pictures.  Here they are.    https://photos.app.goo.gl/PeDEZHsqpPiNFAaX9

*****

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

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

Missing My Friend, "Bim" - Thankful He is With Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God,



I received a surprising phone call on Sunday afternoon, June 28.  As I was relaxing after Sunday lunch with my wife, Kathy, my phone rang with a call from Tina Everly, the niece and guardian of James “Bim” Hoylman.  Bim had died that afternoon from a heart attack.  I was surprised because just about 10 days earlier Bim and I had umpired a senior league game for the Palmer Little League.  He seemed healthy.  But, we never know when God will call.  In fact, when word got out about Bim’s passing St. John member, Diana Christensen called me.  Diana worked with Bim for years at Carrs.  She said Bim had called her that Sunday.  Diana too was surprised.



I first met Bim when he was umpiring a baseball game with his then caregiver, Pete, about 16 or 17 years ago.  I coached the Palmer Little League Majors team of my son, Tim, for 3 years.  Pete and Bim called some of our games.  You see, Bim stood out.  He was a mentally handicapped adult.  In some ways Bim was a big child.  But he loved baseball, and he loved umpiring.  One day as I was buying groceries at Carrs I saw Bim bagging groceries.  He said, “Hi Coach.  How’s your team?”  Well, Tim had progressed beyond my level of baseball knowledge.  So, I told Bim I was umpiring rather than coaching.  Bim indicated that he and Pete were no longer umpiring and he would like to do so again. I estimate that Bim and I umpired games for Palmer Little League going on 15 years. 



When I umpired with Bim he would make a call and then look at me to see if he got it right.  Before the games I would tell the coaches that if they disagreed with a call we could talk it over and try to make it right.  Our last game of umpiring was June 18.  Bim had a call at third base, and the coaches did come to me and ask for clarification.  But, they were glad Bim was there.



I would pick up Bim for the games and he knew that I was a pastor, so he would talk with me about faith issues.  He talked about his prayers.  He shared some concerns.  Then, after a couple of years Bim told me that he wanted to be baptized.  So, at his baptism on March 16, 2014, Bim became an active member of St. John.  He received a ride so he could attend Sunday worship.  Then he started also attending worship on Wednesdays.  After a while, Bim began to usher for both services.  He loved helping with the Colony Days Picnic and Parade at St. John.  And he wouldn’t miss a Church Camping outing.  Bim found a home and a family at St. John.



That doesn’t mean that Bim’s child-like behavior was always easy to deal with.  Bim would call the office to tell me he needed a broom for umpiring.  Of course, I was often out of the office.  So Judy Stahancyk, our Administrative Assistant would take the calls, and the calls, and the calls – even in the middle of winter.  Judy told me, “Buy that man a broom!”   At a marriage retreat one year we had a number of people who drove on Sundays and picked up people for church, including Bim.  Somehow one person mentioned him, and the majority of the men started sharing stories.  It seems that on Sundays Bim liked to go home last.  But, he also liked to stop at the store to “get a paper.”  Somehow, “getting a paper” always included more than just a paper.  And, if he got your phone number Bim would call, often.  It seems some others had told Bim I was busy and not to call me so much.  So, when Bim called to talk, he would then apologize for calling.  I told him he could call when he needed to do so.



But, for all Bim’s idiosyncrasies, I will miss him.  St. John will miss him.  I had some quick reactions from St. John members after learning about Bim’s death.  Karl Kopperud is current president of St. John, and often drove Bim to and from church.  Karl said, “Bim and I were set to get his paper this morning.  I had wondered why he didn’t answer his phone when I called.  He always said that Jesus was coming soon.  I guess this was the day!” 



Dave Nufer is often in the sound booth taking care of details there for worship, and Bim would ask Dave to fill out prayer cards for him.  Dave commented, “I know he is in a better place and no longer in pain.  He told me last week to remember to invite Pastor Schultz to his birthday.  He said he didn’t think he would be in church today.  Bim is camping with Jesus.  Praise the Lord!”



Dave Sutton has organized drivers at St. John for many years.  Dave responded, “Thanks, Pastor, for sharing.  We will miss him so much.  He is a colorful member of our congregation.”



Bim often told me he believed in Jesus, that he loved Jesus, and that He IS coming.  Yet, in spite of any struggles he had, Bim loved life here.  I believe the words of St. Paul in Philippians 1 are appropriate for Bim, with a different ending.  ²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³ I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Phil. 1:21-23 ESV)



Jesus taught his disciples, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' (Matt. 25:40 ESV)  Yet, I wonder.  When family and friends and church members helped Bim, who gained more, us or him? Who really was “the least of these”?



A Child of God, Missing my Friend, Bim, Thankful He is with Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan



P.S.  Here are a few pictures of Bim from 2019, and a picture from his baptism in 2014.    https://photos.app.goo.gl/2agoNmXgSxcu7GkX7





P.P.S.  I did some fishing. . . again.

·       My daughter, Mary, and I took a halibut charter out of Ninilchik with Pastor Tony Schultz and friends on Friday, June 26.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/PeDEZHsqpPiNFAaX9

·       I went fishing with friend, Fred Deusing, near his home on Monday, June 29.  We had discussed salmon fishing, but when I mentioned 4:30 a.m., Fred decided he was more interested in the fishing and the fellowship than working hard to catch a big salmon.  We had a great day, which included lunch prepared by Fred’s wife, Ellen.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/7cEVnwni8Gj1frag8

*****

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





Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net