Shining Like Stars in a Divided Country

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Thursday, September 24, my devotional reading was from Philippians 2.  What God inspired Paul to write in these verses struck me.  So I shared the reading with my wife, Kathy, who was sitting in the next room.  “Listen to this verse.” I said to Kathy.  And then I read Philippians 2:2-4 to her. “2 . . . make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Thinking of the division and the unrest in our country, I mentioned to Kathy, “Imagine if our leaders and the citizens of our country acted like that!  Imagine if we sought unity, agreement, being one in spirit and purpose.  Imagine if we acted in humility and love ‘considering others better than ourselves!”  Kathy’s reply was, “Wouldn’t that be a great place to live!”

 

However, perhaps with me you shake your head at the division that has grown in our country.  Whether people discuss race relations, environmental policies, the work of our police, congress, our president, or the Supreme Court, there are wildly, passionate, differing opinions.  The sad part is that the citizens of our country do not seem to be able even to talk with one another about honest differences.  Many times in today’s world, if one person disagrees with another person, instead of discussing with them the perceived difference, those with different opinions are marked as enemies.  How did we get to this place!?

 

Scripture makes plain that there is a role for government, and there is a place for God in our lives.  In a conflicted conversation, Jesus instructed the religious leaders of his day, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.”  (Matthew 22:21) Sadly, I remember a time of more civility in public discourse than we see today.  Yes, people had differing opinions on important issues including the Viet Nam War, welfare, the environment.  But, I also remember people discussing those differences and often working toward a resolution which took both sides into consideration.  As a child in school, we would recite The Pledge of Allegiance every day.  I still cherish the values professed in that pledge, especially, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”  Americans could disagree, but we were one nation.  So we could still work together.  We did work for the good of all.  At least that was my perception.

 

Conversely, now people do not seem to even want to work toward ‘being in one spirit and purpose.’  Now people do act out of ‘selfish ambition or vain conceit,’ and seem to think such behavior is acceptable.  I see politicians and citizens attack one another rather than listening to each other.  Our political system seems broken, or at least it is not working well.

 

What can Christians do in such a world?  Actually, the reading from Philippians 2 answers that question.  Listen to verses 14-16 a.  14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life-- . . .“  Paul did not tell the Christians in Philippi to revolt in order to change the ruling system of the day.  Paul acknowledged that our world is “a crooked and depraved generation.”  But, children of God are called to live lives that are “blameless and pure.”  We can seek to 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. We can work toward “being one in spirit and purpose.”  When children of God work toward unity, in actions of humble love, we can be a blessing to the world around us, and to our country.  Living in in “a crooked and depraved generation,” we will “shine like stars in the universe.”

 

Unfortunately, each of us is sinful.  We all fight the inclination toward selfish ambition and vain conceit.  That is part of our sinful nature.  But, as God inspires Paul to write, we are strengthened to bless others when we “hold out the word of life,” We may indeed struggle with our own sinful desires.  But, as Paul writes,  “ . . . it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”  (Philippians 2:13)  Because Jesus acted in humility and love, we seek to live in the same way.  We are told of Jesus, “being in very nature  God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!  When we learn the amazing depth of sacrifice and love God gives in Jesus, God works in us so that our actions “shine like stars” in a corrupt world, in a divided country.

 

When I read the verse from Philippians 2 to Kathy she responded, “Wouldn’t that be a great place to live!”  How are you working to “shine like stars in the universe’ in this “crooked and depraved generation in which we live?  If the children of God seek to live as Jesus did in serving us, our world and our country will be better for it.

 

A Child of God, Seeking to be a Blessing in this Corrupt and Depraved World,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  I cleaned the garden on September 28 and got it ready for winter.  Here is a picture of my ‘bare’ garden plot.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/or8ftGHYk7WAmAap9

 

P.P.S.  I did fish on the Kenai with Pastor Bill Hilgendorf and Gerry Zellar on Friday, September 25.  We were fishing for silver salmon, but only caught pinks, all of which we threw back.  Here are a couple of pictures from that trip.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iQectVMedCPA4WPF9

 

P.P.P.S.  Here is an album of most of my fishing trips this past summer in Alaska.  Enjoy!  J  https://photos.app.goo.gl/bDf5aRBYvopSrgBZ8

 

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church 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.

            HOWEVER, 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 these messages.  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

 

 

 

 

 

One of the Mistakes I've Made and Regrets I Have

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I made a mistake-again.  I regret an action I took, or didn’t take.  But, sometimes we struggle with change and we don’t see all the opportunity that lays before us if we would just consider doing things a little differently than we have done them in the past.  Let me explain.

 

I was fishing for red salmon on the Kenai River on August 14 and 15.  That trip was quite enjoyable.  But, the joy I find in fishing is not just working to catch fish and actually landing them.  Another joy I find is in the relationships that can be built as people spend time together and relate to one another while fishing, sharing what is happening in their lives.  So, when I arrived on the banks of the Kenai River on Thursday morning, August 14, I was greeted by a young mother.  She asked me politely, “Would you please keep a distance of at least 6 feet?  I have a daughter who is ill.”  As we talked I learned that her daughter had liver problems, lung problems, and other serious health issues.  We found a connection in that her daughter had been treated for many years since very early in life at Shands Hospital (UF Health) in Gainesville, Florida.  Gainesville is where my family moved with my dad’s job in 1965, and continues to reside in that general area.

 

But, I didn’t see the woman’s daughter.  She had to spend the night with Grandma because of her health issues.  So, imagine my surprise when this little girl arrives to fish and play on the river with mom and others, running around like a normal healthy child.  And, this active little girl likes dogs.  I often take my dog, Mat, fishing.  Mat is friendly with anyone who will pet him, or especially who will feed him.  Mat and this little girl became fast friends.  She even asked me to leave Mat with her overnight.

 

The next day, Friday, August 15, turned out to be an even better day for fishing.  Again his little girl, her name is Trinity, was not at first present because she had spent the night with Grandma.  I had felt a connection with Trinity on Thursday, and had prayed for her and her health concerns on Thursday night as I went to bed.  I missed seeing her on Friday morning.  But then, the family picked her up to fish with them, and she arrived early in the afternoon.  She told me she was glad I was still there fishing.  I was glad to see her too.

 

While fishing, another fisherman asked me what I did.  I shared that I was a retired pastor.  Trinity’s mom heard that conversation.  Later I shared with Trinity’s mom that I had prayed for Trinity and for the family.  We got to talking and I mentioned that I had written a devotion that might apply to our conversation.  Right away mom looked up the devotion on The Frontiersman’s web site.

 

But, I needed to get home Friday evening, so I cleaned my fish and packed up to leave.  As I got ready to crawl into my boat, Trinity came over to me and asked me “Will you baptize me?”  I had tears in my eyes.  Mom explained that the family had talked about baptism for quite a while but, even before COVID-19, Trinity has been susceptible to illness and infection and has not gone out into crowds, and therefore had not attended regular worship at a Christian Church.  That could be dangerous to her health.

 

Here is where I made my mistake.  When I have baptized people in the past, I have always first taught a short Bible Study, looking at verses from Scripture that discuss baptism.  We usually read Matthew 28:19-20 and see that baptism and teaching, that God’s sacrament and His Word, are the means or tools our Lord uses to make disciples.  We look at Mark 16:15-16, or at 1 Peter 3:21, or John 3:3-5, to see that baptism is a tool God uses even to save us.  In these studies preparing for baptism we consider Ephesians 5:26, where baptism is described as “. . . the washing with water through the Word,” showing that God’s Word is the power with the water to baptize the individual.  We also study Acts 2:38-39 where Peter explains that when a person is baptized, they are forgiven, they are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and they are called to God.  I ask people and families being baptized to look at these Scriptures, and maybe some other verses too.  Then I ask, “Who is doing the action in a baptism?  Is it the person being baptized who acts, or is it God?”  In study and discussion we see that baptism is God’s gift, or God’s grace in the life of the person being baptized.  Then, understanding how God works, we plan the baptism.  That was my practice and custom as pastor when working towards baptism with someone.

 

So, I replied to Trinity and to her mom that I usually like to have a Bible Study before the baptism so people understand what is happening.  I gave them my contact information and asked, “What if we go through a class by phone?  I’ll be back on the Kenai on August 29 and 30.  We could do the baptism on August 30 after worship is over at Sterling Lutheran Church.  Would that work?”  We agreed to this plan, but then . . . I never heard from them again, and Trinity did not get baptized, at least not by me.   I kept waiting to hear from them.  I tried to find them, but I was unsuccessful and greatly disappointed.

 

I realized that I had made a mistake.  In Acts 8 Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, who is reading from Isaiah 53.  After some questions and answers in which Philip explains that the subject of Isaiah 53 is Jesus, and as Philip explains how God works to save people, we are told, “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?’"  (Acts 8:36)  Philip baptized this Ethiopian official right there in the water beside the road!  He seized the opportunity God had given.

 

I believe that I made a mistake in not letting God wash and forgive, and in not letting God give the gift of the Holy Spirit, and call, and save Trinity right there in the Kenai River.  I had my phone, with many Bibles on my phone.  We could have looked at Scriptures and let God work through baptism right there.  But, I guess I remembered the pattern of baptisms from my past, and let that pattern get in the way of the opportunity right before me.  I regret my decision.

 

In 2 Corinthians 6 Paul talks about the urgency of faith.  He writes to the church, “1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.  (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)  Thankfully, God is always present in Jesus to work in our lives and to save us.  God’s time is NOW!

 

I wonder what other opportunities to receive and to share God’s grace I have missed. Do I let past patterns get in the way of current opportunities?  How about you?  Do you remember times you have missed receiving or sharing God’s love in Jesus?

 

A Child of God, Regretting that I Did not Take the Opportunity That God Gave Me,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I harvested in our garden on September 21.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NRbVkiinNDQ7b4t79

 

P.P.S.  Here are some fishing pictures.

·       From that August 14-15 trip to the Kenai River.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2chiLZEAUsA4PB61A

 

·       I did fish on the Kenai on September 15.  However, I only caught a few pinks.  I found low water and had to get unstuck from the mud!  No pictures.

 

P.P.P.S.  Here is the Bible Study I use when discussing baptisms. 

 

BAPTISM

Matthew 28:18-20  18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  

 

IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT?  When a parent leaving their child at home alone, the instructions the parent leaves are important to that parent.  Jesus is speaking here right before leaving this world.  What he tells his disciples is important.  Baptism, is obviously important

 

HOW DOES GOD MAKE DISCIPLES?  According to this verse, God makes disciples by BAPTIZING and teaching.  God works through baptism to make disciples.

************

Titus 3:3-5 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

 

1 Peter 3:21 . . . baptism that now saves you also -  not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

 

Mark 16:15-16 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

 

John 3:3-8-. . ."Jesus declared, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."  How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked.  "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"  Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'  The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

 

WHAT DOES GOD DO THROUGH BAPTISM? In baptism, God works to save people.  In baptism, through the water and the Spirit, God gives new life, a life of faith, and eternal life.

*****************

 

Ephesians 5:26-. . .to make her (the church) holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.

 

Acts 2:38-39  38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call." (NIV)

 

HOW DOES GOD DO THIS?  According to Ephesians, it is the WORD of God with the water that is God's power at work in baptism.      According to Acts 2, God works salvation in us through baptism by FORGIVING OUR SINS and GIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT.  Water points to a washing or cleansing, or the forgiveness.  In giving the Spirit, God gives faith, or strengthens faith.  God works to save us in baptism through the gifts of faith and forgiveness.

****************

LOOK AGAIN AT ACTS 2

1.  Who accomplishes the blessings of baptism, God or the individual?  It is GOD who makes disciples, saves, forgives sins, and gives the Spirit.

2.  According to verse 39, who is baptism and God's promise for?  (see also Matthew 28)  The promise is even for CHILDREN.  In fact, all nations points to baptizing children as well.

 

 

REASONS FOR INFANT BAPTISM:

1.  The Bible does NOT say not to baptize infants.  

2.  Jesus DOES say to baptize 'all nations.'  Infants are part of all nations.

3.  In Acts 2 we are told that in baptism GOD 1) forgives our sins and 2) gives the Holy Spirit.  This is not what WE do.  God accomplishes these things.  Therefore, the emphasis that WE must be old enough to commit OURSELVES is not a scriptural emphasis to baptism.

4.  Acts 2:39 says, "This promise is for . . .your children."

5.  Infants are sinful and need the forgiveness offered in baptism.

Romans 3:10-12-There is no one righteous, not even one;  there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.  All have turned away, they have together become worthless;  there is no one who does good, not even one.

Psalm 51:5-Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

 

6.  Infants can believe according to THE BIBLE!

Luke 18:15-16-People were also bringing BABIES to Jesus to have him touch them.  When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.  (also Matthew 18:6)

 

7.  In the Bible, baptism is compared to circumcision, which was performed on male babies at the age of 8 days.

Colossians 2:11-14-In him you were also circumcised.  In the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us;  he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

 

8.  The Bible speaks of Baptizing whole households.

Acts 16:30-33-He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"  They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved-you and your household."  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.  At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

FOR THESE REASONS WE BELIEVE IN BAPTIZING INFANTS

****************

 

HOW DO WE RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS OF BAPTISM? (Colossians 2 again) Through FAITH.  In a mystery, God not only gives faith in baptism, but it is through faith that we continue to receive the blessings of baptism.  That is why it is important that parents raise their children knowing the Lord and his love.

******************

 

Romans 6:3-4-Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

 

WHAT DOES GOD DO FOR US IN BAPTISM - WHAT HAPPENS IN OUR LIVES?? In baptism God joins us with Jesus in death.  According to Colossians, this is death to sin.  God also raises us with Jesus to new life.  REPENTANCE is a description of the life of dying to sin and turning to God for new life.  In baptism, God leads us to a life of repentance.

 

Romans 6:5-11 -  5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.  6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin– 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.  8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

 

What is our RESPONSE? BECAUSE of God’s love for us in Baptism, we respond with lives that live for Him.  By His forgiveness, His Spirit, His power, we are “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church 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.

            HOWEVER, 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 these messages.  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

 

 

 

 

 

How Do You Face Loneliness?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Perhaps you noticed (or maybe you didn’t notice) that I did not write a devotion last week.  I was in moose hunting camp from Thursday, September 3 until Saturday, September 12.  So, with no computer, and a cell signal that was spotty at best, I skipped writing my devotion for a week.

 

I did not shoot a moose, even though I came home anyway.  I saw quite a few moose.  I even saw 2 bulls, but at a long distance.  And, I had drawn a coveted “any bull permit.”  The cows were responding to my calls, and I think that if I had stayed I would have finally had a chance to harvest an animal and provide much meat for my family and for others.  We do like moose meat.

 

So, why did I return home if I didn’t have a moose?  Well, for one thing, the weather was ugly.  I think the only day I was in camp when it did not rain this year was on Saturday, September 5.  Also, the wind blew many days, and I’m told moose don’t move much during the wind because it is difficult for them to hear predators in the wind.  One day I woke up to especially strong winds.  I arose at 5:30 a.m. to the sound of popping and banging, and worked to protect our tarp garage until about 1:30 in the afternoon.  Another group of hunters told me that they lost 2 tents in the wind, and had to tie down their airplane to four 4-wheelers, even crawling into the plane, so that the plane did not blow over.  That was quite a wind storm!  The weather did not make hunting as pleasant as it often is.  Ten days in the wind and the rain was wearing.

 

But, there was perhaps another reason I decided to return home.  I guess you could say I got lonely.  My hunting partner for 28 seasons has been Gerry Zellar.  But Gerry was ill with symptoms of vertigo and spent only 2 nights in camp.  Pastor Tony Schultz did come out two nights to hunt with me.  He even commented that we had “solved all the problems in the world – if only others would listen.”  So, I spent about as many nights in camp alone as I spent there with others.  I came to realize that, as much as I enjoy the hunt, I enjoy spending time with others in camp as much or even more. We talk about the world around us.  We share family joys and concerns.  We read God’s Word together and pray together.  My personal experience of moose camp has been a time of camaraderie and Christian friendship.  That has been as important as the hunting.

 

At the same time I also missed my family.  My wife, Kathy, was at home alone.  My children and grandkids were living their lives in these crazy times.  But, I was in camp alone, missing my friends and also missing my family. So, I decided 10 days was enough.

 

Did you know that loneliness may be the first problem addressed in Scripture?  In Genesis 2:18, as God was creating our world, we are told, “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’"  God intends for people to live in relationship with other people.  These relationships, including marriage, provide the opposite of loneliness.  Healthy relationships provide companionship, friendship, even love. 

 

But, God does not just provide us opportunities for relationships with other people.  God tells us HE is with us.  For example, consider when God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.  The conversation following Moses’ call is instructive.  “¹¹ But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" ¹² He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you,” (Exodus. 3:11-12).  Then, when Joshua replaced Moses as leader of Israel, Joshua experienced doubts. The Lord encouraged Joshua.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Jos. 1:9)  Our Lord is with us through the joys and trials of life.

 

We hear God’s same promise in the New Testament.  As Jesus instructed His disciples concerning forgiveness he promised, “²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20)  And, as Jesus leaves this world and sends His disciples out to bring others to His saving love, He promises, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)  Not only does God give us relationships with other people to keep us from loneliness, He is with us Himself, providing grace, forgiveness, and salvation.  In fact, one of the names given Jesus’ in a prophecy in Isaiah 7 is “Immanuel” which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

 

When the wind and rain of life blow in our lives we don’t have to face these storms on our own.  God gives us family and friends who care for us, who listen to us, and who walk beside us.  When the storms of life rage GOD is with us, especially in Jesus who came to this world to love us, to forgive us, and to save us.

 

Can you personally remember a time of loneliness?  One of our Lord’s intentions for His Church is that we encourage and support one another.  God helps us to be there for one another because, in Jesus, He is “God With Us.”  With good friends and family we can face anything.  With the Lord by our side we will not be overcome by anything.  I personally thank the Lord for His presence through the storms of life.  I thank God for family and for friends, especially for Christian friends. 

 

How do you face times of loneliness?

 

A Child of God, Facing Times of Loneliness with Companionship Provided by God Himself,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures from moose camp.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/S5N6as1rrdLpiGJYA

 

P.P.S.  The day before I went hunting I happened to go fishing again.  There had been a lot of rain.  The water was high and fast.  I caught no fish that day, but did see a beautiful rainbow.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/wpG42pAgcUo3fNbN9

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church 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.

            HOWEVER, 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 these messages.  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

 

 

 

 

  

How Does God Answer Prayer?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

How does God answer prayer?  I have heard that question many times before from folks who are praying hard and not seeing what they consider to be an answer.  There is a somewhat “canned” answer which I’ve heard many times in response to this question.  I’ve been told that God may say “Yes,” or say “No,” or say . . . “Wait.”  There is truth in this response.  But, I too have asked how God answers prayer.  I’m not sure that explanation is very comforting.

 

Recently I wrote about sharing with others that I had been praying for them, or for their loved ones.  Jesus promises, and I trust His words, that God always hears and does answer our prayers.  “7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”  (Matthew 7:7-8)  I also believe Jesus’ words that when our heavenly Father answers our prayers He always responds with what is good for us.  “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! “  (Matthew 7:11)  This teaching of Jesus doesn’t promise that God gives us what we want, but that He gives what is good.  My experience is that our Lord answers different prayers in different ways, perhaps because what is good for our eternity might differ from request to request.

 

So, let me share with you two different experiences which I believe are God’s recent answers to prayer.  First, I have been praying for a young woman for over two years.  She has been very ill and her prognosis has not been good.  I have prayed for this woman daily asking that God would perform a miracle and heal her, knowing that God has the ultimate wisdom.  However, I have also prayed that God would act in such a way that she and her family might see our Lord’s love in her life, and that they might recognize that love, even in the midst of her illness.  I saw this young lady recently for the first time in a long time.  The last time I saw her she was experiencing visible symptoms of her illness and I feared for her life.  But, when I saw her this time, after over 2 years of prayer, she looked healthy and strong and happy.  Her illness is still there, but I saw her improvement as God’s grace in her life.  I continue to pray that she and her family may see and recognize that love of God.  I will also continue to pray for miraculous healing.

 

However, I don’t just pray for others, I also pray for myself and for my life as a child of God.  I pray for my faith, for wisdom, humility, for strength to live a holy and righteous life.  I pray for health, and, for about a year now, I have prayed that God might lead me to use my retirement as a ministry.  I put stars in my prayer list by those requests I want to pray for every day. The young lady I mentioned above has a star by her name on my prayer list.  When I pray for myself, I have stars beside my personal prayer for faith, and by my petition to use my retirement as a ministry. 

 

On July 26, I was sitting in Bible Class at St. John.  Jim Summers has been teaching this summer on gospel hymns and the scripture verses behind them.  On this particular Sunday we were looking at a Fanny Crosby hymn, and the verse which inspired the hymn, Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  There was something about this verse and the class that struck me that day.  I was led to ask myself if I was living the Christ-life of faith and service.  Am I carrying my cross?  I have really enjoyed my retirement and been able to do a lot of fishing and golfing.  I asked myself, “Am I really using my retirement as service to God and a blessing to others?

 

The next day as I was completing my morning devotions I was also praying for St. John.  Since my retirement, St. John is in the “call process,” preparing for a new pastor and shepherd.  On my prayer list for St. John I have 2 items with stars by them, “The Call process,” and “COVID-19.”  The coronavirus has created havoc in most sectors of our lives, including the church.  This illness was not even on the horizon when I retired.  But, with this new challenge, I wondered if there wasn’t some way I should be helping to deal with this issue.  I prayed God would allow me to do so.  That was in the morning of July 27.

 

Later that day I was sitting in a parking lot outside a UPS store waiting for my wife to go through fingerprinting for work purposes.  She was in there for a looong time.  While I sat in the vehicle waiting, I received a phone call from St. John head Elder, Ann Marie Svedin.  “Pastor Rockey, the call committee thinks that trying to call a new pastor during the pandemic is not necessarily wise.  We asked Pastor Schultz to extend his service for another 2 years until September 2022.  He indicated that he had worked very hard this last year, with no vacation, and indicated that, if he extended, he needed help.  He asked us to ask you to return ¼ time to help him.  He especially wants to reach those who may have fallen through the cracks in this pandemic.  Would you consider returning to serve ¼ time?”  I was truly surprised.  I didn’t ask about finances, but did ask if I would still be able to travel and see family in Florida.  I asked what I would be doing.  I was told that this is all flexible as long as Pastor Schultz and I might work it out.  I also thought about my prayers that morning concerning my retirement, and concerning the coronavirus.

 

When Kathy came out of the UPS store I told her about the phone call.  I told her about my prayers that morning.  We discussed the request together.  I also sought counsel from others.  We prayed about the offer.  When I asked Kathy about a week later what she thought, she said, “Well, I wanted at least six months with you, and it has been over 10 months.  I was afraid I made you retire when you didn’t want to do so.  I think this is about as perfect an opportunity as could be to continue to have time together and for you to do what you are good at.”  In an August 9 meeting I told the Church Council that I would accept their offer.  Beginning September 15 I will help Pastor Schultz while he serves as interim, and then step down when the new pastor comes.  The congregation was informed in worship on August 23.

 

We should not be surprised that God does answer our prayers.  After all, consider God’s word in Romans.  “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”  (Romans 8:32)  God sent His SON for us!  He not only cares about our eternity, He cares about our lives today. 

 

How does God answer prayer?  I try to be careful not to replace God’s answers to prayer with my desires.  But, for now I am hearing God’s answers to my prayers in these recent events.  Have you seen any recent answers from our Lord in answer to your prayers?

 

A Child of God, Still Surprised by God’s Answers to Prayer,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  When I took my grandchildren fishing on August 17, only 8 year old Henry did not reel in a fish.  He tried diligently to catch a silver, not a pink, but only his older sister, Emma, caught one.  On Friday, August 28, I took Henry fishing to right that wrong.  The limit had increased to two fish.  Bait was now allowed.  Henry did WELL!  He even had two fish on the same line!  But, I was only able to net one!  L  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zoc7r1sohfLxwNsK8

 

P.P.S.  I also did some other fishing this past week.  On Wednesday, August 26, I took my friend Paul Scott and his wife, Carolyn Purser, fishing.  They had also bought a trip about a year ago at a Kiwanis Auction.  However, this I the first time we could actually get out.  It also was a good day! https://photos.app.goo.gl/bqitZj4zUk8NcQct8

 

P.P.S.  I had planned to leave for moose hunting on Monday, August 31, but delayed a few days.  I have an “any-bull permit” and will be gone with Gerry Zellar until we find a moose to shoot.

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church 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.

            HOWEVER, 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 these messages.  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