During these Times of Turmoil - How are YOU Turning to JESUS for Help and Rest?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What a year!  Do you even remember that we began 2020 with impeachment hearings?  The arrival of coronavirus in March shocked our nation and the world to a stop! We have seen “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations, watched the take-over of an area in downtown Seattle, observed conflict over a Supreme Court Nomination, and we are still in the middle of an ugly election cycle.  Yet, in the middle of all these confusing and troubling events, the big story continues to be COVID-19.  People around the world had hoped that the upheaval caused by this virus might pass in a couple of weeks, or months.  But, the infections and interruption of our lives from the coronavirus continue and even seem to be growing.  And the confusion about what the virus is and how to confront this pandemic causes different opinions and even disagreements between friends, within families, and even in our Lord’s churches.  What a year!

 

My devotions for Wednesday, October 28, focused on Hebrews 4, and spoke loudly to me about the turmoil we are facing.  Would you personally like an end to the chaos we are experiencing?  Do you desire rest from these troubles?  Listen to these words of God.

 

^“9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, ¹⁰ for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. ¹² For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.  (Hebrews 4:9-13)

 

The church which received the letter to the Hebrews was experiencing persecution, confusion, and a tendency toward abandoning their faith.  In the midst of this turmoil the writer who was inspired to write this book assures these children of God, “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,”  Yes there is relief!  For those who seek the rest and peace offered by God, the writer points them first to God’s Word.  In the midst of the uncertainty caused by the trials of life, God’s word speaks truth which cuts through the confusion and gets to the heart of the matter.  The heart of the matter is that we are all sinners.  We should not be surprised when the world turns crazy.  We all need help. 

 

In fact, this chapter ultimately points to the deeper truth and deeper help which God offers weak people wearied by the sin which is in our lives and in our world.   ¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

 

For people in the time of the book to the Hebrews, and for people today, we have someone who speaks to God for us.  We have a “great high priest . . . Jesus the Son of God.”  For weak people who are wavering in their hope and in their commitment, we are called to “hold fast to our confession” because Jesus has done what we could not do.  He has faced every temptation, every attack, and Jesus has overcome them with His obedient, righteous, and loving life.  Jesus is the one “who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin!”    And, in grace, Jesus offers us the rest and peace of His victory through faith in Him.

 

God calls us in times of chaos, not to our own efforts, which always fall short.  God calls us to the truth of His Word, and to His gracious victory in Jesus.  ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  The righteousness and grace of Jesus are exactly what we need today. 

 

As we face the natural disaster of this pandemic, as we face the political unrest of our time, as we face disruptions and losses in our lives, God calls us not to fall away from our confession and faith.  God calls us to His divine help and rest found in Jesus.  This Scripture written to God’s troubled and weary people surely calls us to re-commit to reading God’s Word, to prayer, and to regular worship.  SO. . . What efforts are you making to “draw near to the throne of grace?”  How are you turning to Jesus for help and rest? 

 

A Child of God, Overwhelmed by the Turmoil of our World, Finding Confidence from God’s Grace in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Daylight Savings Time happens this weekend.  Clocks “fall” back 1 hour.

 

P.P.S.  Sunday evening, October 25, I participated in the installation of Pastor Andrew Carlson as Senior Pastor at Zion Lutheran, Fairbanks.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/q3ogXKXLoYBnwn2a9

 

P.P.P.S.  I see from my weather forecast that temperatures are now below freezing and not forecast to rise above that mark in the next week.  But, many, like myself, enjoy winter.  The beauty of God is evident in our land!  In fact, I have a friend in Chickaloon, Fred Deusing, who regularly takes pictures of God’s hand around us.  Here are pictures he took and sent on October 28.  (Fred and I went hiking together a couple of weeks ago.)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/KtRN86MoDTrTYkJQ8

 

P.P.P.P.S.  Fishing?  This Friday I hope to Fish in Homer in the morning, before an evening celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Faith Lutheran Church in Homer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*****

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SICK of Lies and Half-Truths, But PRAYING During this Election Cycle

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m SICK of it!  I listen to political advertisements I hear on the radio, and watch the campaign ads I see on the television. I even receive campaign calls on my home phone, calls which always seem to start with a long pause.  My mailbox is full of campaign flyers.  I am tired of the twisted facts.  I abhor the half-truths.  I am offended by the attacks on another person based on what is not the whole truth.  In Alaska we have our issues which are the subject of these attack ads, But, a couple of years ago Kathy and I were in Florida during the election cycle.  I was surprised that the attack ads seemed even more vicious there.

 

As a Christian man, raised in the church, I remember studying the 8^th Commandment as a child. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” (As we said in King James language in the old days. J)  I was taught from Luther’s Small Catchechism that this means, “We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, nor defame our neighbor.  But defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.”  I memorized those words as young as 7 years old in second grade Sunday School.  Today’s modern day language version puts it this way, “We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.”  So, do people today speak in the kindest way as a rule?

 

But, it is not just politicians who twist and stretch the truth, who gossip about others.  We all face the temptations of the sinful nature, which include misusing the gift of our tongue.  James writes to the church in his epistle, “5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”  (James 3:5-10)  Maybe slander and gossip “should not be,” but it is.  Unfortunately, we have all participated in harmful speech, even the Church.  Have you tamed your tongue?

 

Christians, however, are to be different from the rest of the world.  We are called to “let our lights shine,” and to live in the forgiveness and grace of God.  So, Jesus tells us that if we have a problem with someone we should not talk about them to others.  We should instead discuss our concern with the other person first, privately.  "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18: 15) Perhaps instead of making a situation worse we can make it better.

 

James instructs us that when we talk with others we should first listen, and then speak - slowly.  “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19)   Perhaps you have heard that people have 2 ears, but only one mouth. 

 

God’s word tells us in Proverbs that there is even a time when it is wise to be silent.  “27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”  (Proverbs 17:27-28)  I tried to teach that truth to my family.  But, example is the best teacher.

 

Peter tells us that in saving us, Jesus bit his tongue and did not speak evil.  “21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’”  (1 Peter 2:21-24)  God calls us to follow Jesus’ example of faithful and loving speech.

 

Paul encourages us to speak lovingly when we have to tell the truth.  In this way we grow together in the love and forgiveness of God.  “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” ( Ephesians 4:15)  This instruction from Paul is difficult wisdom.  Sometimes we can speak the truth, but in an unloving way.  Sometimes, out of concern for another, thinking we are acting in a kind manner, we hold back the truth.  But, instead, God’s people “speak the truth . . . in love.”

 

In fact, some of the best speaking Christians do happens when we speak to God.  Jesus tells us, “ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Don’t speak untruths about others.  Instead speak in humble faith with the Lord of the universe!

 

Paul encourages us to ”pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17)  And, during this political season when political advertisements assault our ears, we are encouraged toward another kind of speaking in regard to our leaders.  God inspired Paul to write to young pastor Timothy, “1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  Wouldn’t it be refreshing if during a debate one candidate, instead of attacking the other, would say, “I’ll pray for you.”?!

 

I am thankful that, under the leadership of Pastor Schultz, St. John has decided to proceed with this positive speech during this year’s election process.  On Saturday night and Sunday morning, October 31 and November 1, people will be praying for our country, for the elections, for our leaders, for justice and righteousness, and for freedom.  People are signing up for one hour time slots, many coming to church, to pray for God’s powerful and gracious hand in this year’s elections. 

 

How about you?  Are you SICK of the lies and half truths in another election process?   Does it seem worse this year than ever?  Yet, have you ever lied or participated in gossip yourself?  Instead of speaking against another, let’s encourage speaking “the truth in love.”  Instead of speaking against one another, let us pray for each other, that God may work His will in our lives and communities.

 

A Child of God, SICK of Lies and Half Truths, but PRAYING during this Election Cycle,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Gerry Zellar and I went fishing on the Kenai River with, Murray Fenton (Fenton Brothers Guide Service), the brother in law of St. John member, Harvey Kolberg.  We caught LOTS of silver salmon, but 3 people only kept 7 fish.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VnzTY8FShkTNSm5F9

 

P.P.S.  Our family went for an outing on ATV’s on Saturday, October 17.  We went out to the Knik River at the Jim Creek Public Recreational Area.  It was a beautiful day and good family time.   Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ST67SwQzMHcSgi1a9

 

P.P.P.S.  Here are some more Bible passages on proper use of the tongue by children of God.

 

·       Proverbs 10: 19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

 

·       Proverbs 11:12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

 

·       Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

 

·       Proverbs 17:4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.

 

·       Proverbs 21: 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

 

·       Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*****

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praying for the Church of Jesus, For the Relationships Between Pastor and People

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

A couple of months ago I received a phone call from a former member of St. John.  The lady told me, “I want you to do my funeral.”  Well, first of all, she is still alive.  Some may consider it odd that someone who is alive is nevertheless thinking about the service held at the time of their death.  Yet, I’ve also had other people who are currently living ask that favor from me.  In reality, preparing ahead of time for the details that surround our death is a gift and a blessing to loved ones.  Then our family or friends don’t have to make those difficult decisions in a time of emotional loss and turmoil.

 

But, the part of this conversation that was perhaps more interesting to me is that this lady was a former member of St. John.  She had left the congregation where I was pastor and joined another church, actually a number of other churches.  When I met with her to discuss the possibility and plans for her funeral, she even made a further statement that really surprised me.  “When we belonged to St. John we were the happiest we were in any congregation.”  I wanted to ask, “Then why did you leave?”  But, in truth I knew some of the circumstances around their search for a new faith home.  I didn’t think, and I am now sure, that it was nothing I personally did to make this family seek another church home.  But, I will be honest.  Disagreements with members are one of the biggest struggles for Christian pastors.  When I served as pastor and folks were upset with me, and when I knew of the disagreement, those bruised feelings would often keep me awake at night. 

 

I once read an article in one of our Lutheran magazines that talked about pastor-people conflict.  One assertion was that a large majority of pastors had even considered resigning, or changing professions, in the previous 6 months.  An article I read from Ministry Magazine in preparing for this devotion said, “Conflicts between churches and their pastors are becoming more frequent. Reasons are many and varied. Whatever the causes, pastor-parishioner conflicts are so frequent that they absorb too much time and energy and inhibit God's work at many levels.”

 

We should not be surprised that such conflict occurs.  Pastors, church leaders, and all Christians are in the church because we are sinful people who need a Savior, who need the grace and the forgiveness of Jesus.  In every one of the New Testament Epistles, or letters in the Bible, disagreements are addressed and dealt with.  So, even though we are often surprised to find disagreement in God’s church which preaches faith and love, it should not be a shock to find conflict in today’s churches.

 

I experienced the flip side of this coin with an e-mail this week from the people of Anchorage Lutheran Church.  The e-mail had a fall picture declaring, “October is Pastor Appreciation Month.”  1 Thessalonian 5:12-13 was referenced.  These verses from God’s word say, “12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”

 

In my personal devotions on Wednesday, October 14, I read through 1 Timothy 5, where Paul instructs Pastor Timothy and the church in Ephesus, 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."  19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.”  Paul is encouraging a healthy relationship between pastor and people.

 

The letter to the Hebrews instructs that congregation, “17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”  If you read this verse you can see that God’s church is made up of fallen people.  Both people and pastors may struggle.  But, the responsibility of a pastor is overwhelming: to give an account to God for the souls of those people whom he is called to shepherd!  It doesn’t help when this large responsibility becomes burdensome, rather than a joyful service of for Lord.

 

The word “pastor” comes from the Greek word which means “shepherd.”  A good pastor seeks to shepherd or care for the people of God.  A good pastor does not “lord it over” their people  (1 Peter 5:1-4), but serves God’s people with a life of Christian service.  Ultimately, the goal of a pastor is to help God’s people to grow in the one who THE Good Shepherd, Jesus.  As Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)  The pastor is not the savior.  Jesus is the savior of the Sheep of God’s flock.  The pastor is a fellow sinner who needs Jesus himself, and whose job is to point others to the Savior and the Good Shepherd.

 

I was surprised to hear from this former member that she was most happy in a church when attending St. John.  But how about you?  As a member of the family of God, have you ever caused issues of conflict for your pastor? (I can write this question now that I am in retirement.)  Have you thanked your pastor for taking on the enormous responsibility which God gives him?   How in your church can members and pastor best work together to further the Gospel of Jesus?  These are good questions for Pastor Appreciation Month.

 

A Child of God, Praying for the Church of Jesus, for the Relationships between Pastors and People,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Last Sunday, October 11, St. John celebrated 85 years of God’s blessings at St. John, and through St. John.  Here is the video presentation prepared for this celebration.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WM37dc8bEkfB58NR8

 

P.P.S.  Instead of fishing I went hiking with a friend up Castle Mountain on Monday, October 12.  (I go fishing this week on Thursday, October 15)  Here are some pictures of the hike.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/ctS235JjiugymP8L8

 

 

 

 

*****

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Encouraging One Another in Times of Deep Stress

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

At the St. John Saturday prayer breakfast on October 5, we discussed at length the effects of the coronavirus on our lives and on our community.  One of those attending the study works at the hospital.  He said that one of his physician friends was seeing lots of people because of increased stress in the work place caused by COVID-19.  Then, on Tuesday, October 6, my devotional readings included the reading of 1 Thessalonians 5.  The writer of the devotions, Jane Fryar, especially picked up on 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, “⁹ For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Fryar’s take away from these verses was that Christians are called to support and to encourage one another.  She wrote, “Find a brother or sister in the faith today and encourage him or her with the truth of 1 Thessalonians 5.  Share especially verse 11, and urge your friend to pass the encouragement on.”

 

So, how do Christians “encourage one another and build one another up?”  Often, the trials of life are such as we cannot make them go away.  For example, we can speak words of encouragement to those whose stress is increased because of our pandemic.  But, we cannot make the pandemic disappear.  All of us need to patiently deal with the realities presented us by this illness, even if patience is not our strong suit.  There are times that an illness is considered incurable.  A friend may struggle with an unreasonable boss.  The struggles faced by a family member, by a friend, or by a fellow Christian may just be one of the trials of life we face in a sinful world.  So, how do we encourage each other when many of life’s trials can’t be taken away in this world?

 

Paul indicates that such encouragement ultimately comes to us from Jesus.  For the people of Thessalonica, who were being persecuted for their faith, Paul tells them, “⁹ For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.  That is why Paul can then direct,  ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”  Life may be difficult.  But, God has heaven waiting for us.  The sure hope of eternal life gives us strength to face life in this world, even when it is tough.  This sure hope is something with which we can encourage others who are going through difficult times of stress.  Life may be difficult, even painful, but God’s love is eternal.  And, our Lord’s eternal love is with us even now.

 

With that present and eternal love of God in mind, Christians can simply be with, can simply walk beside, one other in times of difficulty.  St. John member Kirsten Nelson served as a social worker at Mat-Su Regional for over 25 years.  She helped many patients through difficult and painful decisions.  When I served as volunteer chaplain alongside Kirsten she often remarked to me, “That person needs to join a church.”  She would see individuals who had no family, no friends, and no support.  Sometimes these people lived off the grid.  But what would they do when illness or injury struck?  Kirsten had seen her congregation support others in time of need.  Her opinion was, “That person needs to join a church.”   In other words, we all need someone to walk with us through the trials of life.  God’s church is a family where we can “encourage one another and build one another up.” 

 

I recently had that truth about encouragement in the family of God reinforced through communication with former St. John member, David Grosz.  David worked for the Alaska Mission for Christ for a time.  He and his family were very active at St. John.  But, near the end of their family’s time in Alaska, David became extremely ill with lymphoma.  As David went through the treatment for this cancer, he often seemed near death.  Thankfully, David is now healed from his illness and working again as a missionary for the World Mission Prayer League.  David and I were communicating about the struggles of others we care about and pray for, and in a September e-mail, David shared this with me.  “. . . my treatment phase was much more severe (as you witnessed) but once I was finished my recovery was steady.  I'm now off any medication, and I'm able to run a couple of miles every other day or so.  I'm so convinced that my healing took place more within the community at St. John than it did in the hospital.  God has branded me with this truth.  ²⁶ If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.  ²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.   (1 Corinthians 12:26-28 ESV) The encouragement of fellow Christians gave David strength through his illness!

 

What can we do when someone we care about is going through a time of stress, or painful struggle?  How can we help?  Even if we cannot take away their tribulation, we can simply be there.  We can listen.  We can pray.  We can assure one another of the hope we have in Jesus.  Is there someone right now who needs you to ‘encourage them and build them up in Jesus?

A Child of God, Seeking to Give the Encouragement of Jesus in the Tribulations of Life,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  I have not fished in the last week.  However, on Tuesday I did get out in the Fall weather.  On Monday I golfed and on Tuesday I did take a hike in Hatcher Pass.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NfXp8yyHtE1hg4Kr7

 

P.P.S.  This Sunday in worship St. John will celebrate 85 years of God’s blessings at St. John, and through St. John.  Next week in this devotion I will share a video presentation prepared for this celebration.

 

 

 

*****

 

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